Warning: This is a tough topic to read about, especially if you have experienced unresolved sexual abuse in the past. I do not want you to experience any triggers or additional trauma. Angela In January, I started a series focused on the sexual exploitation of children. First I touched on protecting your children from "stranger … Continue reading The Monster Under the Bed
Losing her voice
She searches for words elusive as wisps of smoke scattered by a sudden gust of wind. Wincing, her brows furrowed, as if the very task of clutching at forgotten phrases causes pain. Such a strong voice once Now stilted by growing uncertainty of word's purpose Word's origin Word's meaning How can she share her fear … Continue reading Losing her voice
The Not-so Dead End
My great grand-father lived in a tiny little town called “Tunnel Springs, Alabama.” Nestled between Beatrice and Peterman, you couldn’t find it unless you were driving down Hwy 21 and really looking for it. If you turned at the Falkenberry General Store (owned by my Uncle Leo) on Tunnel Hill Road, you would find … Continue reading The Not-so Dead End
The Cost of Being Kind
My current job requires extensive travel. And by extensive, I mean a lot! For example, for the month of February , I traveled all but one week. I dont mind all the trips. I like visiting the different offices and building new relationships. Plus, I discover the soul of each town in which I spend … Continue reading The Cost of Being Kind
Stumbling on: They call me Grace!
For several months, after my cardiac by-pass surgery, I slept on a recliner rather than in my bed. Not that I enjoyed sleeping in a common room on a velvety chair. No, it was more of a necessity. You see, sleeping on my side caused residual pain from the surgery and I could not sleep … Continue reading Stumbling on: They call me Grace!
What’s Good for the Team?
As the middle child, I was sandwiched between my older brother (who was 2 years my elder) and my younger brother, also separated by two years. In theory, I wanted to be that lacy-dressed, Mary-Jane wearing Honey Bunch. I did want to be a princess (in my head). But seriously, there was no hope of … Continue reading What’s Good for the Team?
Find Your Joy
Why are People so Messy? Have you noticed that some people appear to be happiest when they are causing chaos? I see this often when I am interacting with a large group. Whether from their own feelings of inadequacies, a place of deep sadness or whether they just want to be hurtful, some people seem … Continue reading Find Your Joy
The Most Vulnerable Ones
January is Child Sex Trafficking Awareness month. Child Sex trafficking Let those words sink in for a moment. The very composition of those three words written together causes us to react in very different ways: disbelief, resignation or determination. The media portrays CST through the narrative of international intrigue. Innocent teenagers are abducted, flown to … Continue reading The Most Vulnerable Ones
Sweetie-Pie
Growing up in a rural Mississippi town, in the early 1960s, I had no concept of "stranger-danger". Kids played outside all day with their only parental admonition being, "you'd better be in this house when the street lights come on!" My brothers and I were part of a street pack of kids who spent each … Continue reading Sweetie-Pie
The Hypocrite
Here I am again: this is me...the Pot calling out the Kettle. Last week I wrote about loving yourself; accepting yourself; making time for the things that bring you joy. I write those things because self-care is such an important concept for those in the helping profession. Without it, we crash and burn. We leave … Continue reading The Hypocrite
Water for Camels 