Marcia? Marcia! Marcia! It is true . . . to acknowledge that the perceptions of you formed by others are prejudicial, incorrect, part truth, misshapen, fractured . . . not you!! You have allowed yourself to be shaped by the expectations of others, views of others, negative prophecies of others. But no more!

My dearest, sweet Leah: Yes, you! How are you this minute? I hope you realize that however you feel and wherever you are, you are never out of reach of God’s hands, love, and heart. He loves you unconditionally and is always available to you. He listens, watches and is ever present—completely attentive to your very heartbeat.

Hello Rachel: How are you Sis? It has been a long time since I heard that beautiful voice from my ears. I have missed you so much. I wish we could be together.

Dear Mariam: I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. I don’t tell you often enough but please forgive me for that. However, I hope you accept these heartfelt words with love.

To Rosemary: Beautiful, adorable, loving Rosemary. I appreciate your uniqueness. I appreciate the way you encourage your daughters and support them when they are in need. I appreciate how hardworking you are and how, despite challenges, you continue to meet them.

Lovely Joan: I took a few minutes to think about you today and want to let you know that God loves you. You are beautiful inside and out. Life has thrown a few challenges at you but you invited God to walk with you through each one of them and He is helping you to grow, and grow closer to Him.

I believe that there is a devil, and here’s Satan’s agenda. First, he doesn’t want anyone having kids. Secondly, if they do conceive, he wants them killed. If they’re not killed through abortion, he wants them neglected or abused physically, emotionally, sexually (and spiritually). One way or another, the legions of hell want to destroy children because children become the future adults and leaders. If they (legions) can warp or wound a child, he or she becomes a warped or wounded adult who passes on this affliction to the next generation. -Terry Randall in TIME Magazine, October 21, 1991.

She sat in front of me, a beautiful, blue-eye brunette. She said that she was being verbally abused by her husband of ten years, who was a successful psychiatrist. He called her names, and told her that he was so stupid she did not have enough sense to form an opinion about anything. For many years she took the verbal abuse because she thought she deserved it, after all she had only finished high school and he was a doctor.

Pam worked in a Christian institution for almost 30 years. During most of those years she was battered by her Christian husband. She sought help from the church members, but they would not believe her "stories." She eventually confided in her pastor.

Traditionally, a man (father) was considered the “bread winner” for his family. He was the financial manager for the home as well as in business affairs. His role was to make sure that his family received the best he could offer with his income. However, today a working woman can have responsibility for her financial affairs and enjoy a comfortable or affluent lifestyle whether or not she is married or single. In some instances she is able to earn more than her husband or partner.

He took away my innocence. / It has been many years. / But the pain remains. / The memory remains. / The shame remains. /I am angry and bitter.

I have come to the conclusion that God made me just the way He intended for me to be. My personality, my gifts, my imagination, and my character all are unique. Yet, because I am human and living in a world of sin, there are things in my life that need healing and restoration to bring me back to the fullness of what God wants for me.