Personal Narrative: Mental And Physical Childhood Abuse

Several of my earliest childhood memories were not that of fun birthday parties, warm family gatherings, memorable vacations and trips, or even a single, sit-down dinner with my family at a dining room table. The memories forever engrained in my mind are those that affect millions of children worldwide and continue to haunt me this day – Mental and Physical Childhood Abuse.
I started witnessing physical abuse towards my mother, by my father, at the early age of five. At the age of eight, I became a victim of sexual abuse through a series of acts, by my maternal grandfather.
I became the product of my own mental prison: I sheltered myself, always made excuses, felt out of place, wasn’t good enough; I felt blemished, I felt contaminated. The

As the years went by, I have battled with drug addiction and relationships. I have been in and out of institutions, sought therapy, completed counseling sessions, and finally, whole-heartedly, came to
Christ and asked him for redemption and forgiveness. From that moment forward, I became a new person in him. I conquered some of my fears and weaknesses and began a journey of healing. As the years progressed, I have answered my calling to advocate for neglected and abused children tied up in the delinquency and dependency court systems. I was able to channel my childhood experiences in a positive way, by paying it forward and helping children who have had, and continue to suffer similar traumatic abuses.
Without a doubt, I know God has called me to explore work in child advocacy. In early 2015, I was on my way to a court hearing for one of the children I advocate for, and I was talking to God and praying that he uses me to make a difference. I was listening to the K-Love radio station, and there was a

contest to win a CCU scholarship. At that moment, I realized God has opened the door for me to make my “leap of faith” and pursue a degree in Social Work or Juvenile Justice. I entered the contest, and