How Faith Helped Emily Overcome Adversity
Emily, an author and advocate, shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding purpose after experiencing SA and finding herself at her lowest point. She discusses the challenges of writing about her trauma and the importance of including the personal element in her books. Emily also talks about her faith and how it played a role in her healing process. She emphasizes the need for society to break the stigma around sexual assault and believe survivors. The conversation touches on the experiences of military spouses and the systemic issues they face when reporting domestic violence.
In our recent episode of Silenced Voices of MST, I had the privilege of speaking with Emily, a remarkable author, advocate, and public speaker who has transformed her personal challenges into a beacon of hope for others. Emily’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the role that faith can play in healing even the deepest wounds.
Click to watch the interview with Emily and Rachelle.
Emily’s Journey into Advocacy and Faith
Emily began her career with dreams of working in chemistry and business, but her life changed unexpectedly following a traumatic experience that left her grappling with trust, isolation, and self-worth. When she initially shared her story, she faced disbelief, blame, and rejection from those she turned to for support. This sense of betrayal not only intensified her pain but also led her to question her value and her place in the world.
In her journey to rebuild her life, Emily reconnected with her faith. She describes this as a turning point, where she began to find strength in her relationship with God. Although faith had been part of her childhood, it was only in her most challenging moments that Emily fully leaned into it, finding a new perspective and sense of purpose.
Finding a Community and Reclaiming Self-Worth
While navigating the aftermath of trauma, Emily discovered a women’s Bible study group on her college campus. This group gave her the support she needed to start viewing herself through a compassionate lens, and she eventually became a mentor herself, helping other women find strength through faith. Emily’s transformation from student to leader ignited a desire to help others who faced similar battles with self-worth and healing.
Writing as a Path to Healing
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Emily’s advocacy work didn’t stop with her small group. Her experiences inspired her to write, resulting in her book series, Broken Lenses. Through her writing, she challenges readers to see beyond societal labels and instead focus on self-compassion and spiritual growth. While her initial reluctance to share personal stories was strong, Emily’s writing coach encouraged her to be open, sharing that vulnerability would not only enhance her message but also resonate deeply with her readers.
The Power of Sharing and Forgiveness
Emily also discussed the importance of forgiveness in healing. For her, forgiveness wasn’t about excusing what happened but about reclaiming control over her life. By forgiving, Emily found that she could move beyond the pain and live without the shadow of resentment. This step was vital in her journey toward self-acceptance and inner peace, a message she now shares openly in her public speaking engagements.
Building a Legacy of Advocacy
Today, Emily works with Reveal to Heal International, a nonprofit focused on supporting sexual assault survivors within faith communities. She believes in creating safe spaces for survivors, encouraging them to reveal their pain as a step toward healing.
“We can’t heal what we don’t reveal,” she says, a mantra that underscores her work and her commitment to advocacy.
Embracing Vulnerability and Inspiring Change
Through her books and public speaking, Emily continues to challenge societal norms surrounding trauma and mental health, pushing for a culture where survivors feel supported and understood. She sees her role as an advocate not just as a calling but as a responsibility to empower others to find their voice. Her ultimate hope is to inspire a new generation to speak out and to foster a world where trauma survivors no longer have to navigate their journey alone.
Final Thoughts
Emily’s journey shows us the power of faith, community, and resilience in overcoming trauma. Her story serves as a reminder that, while pain may change us, it doesn’t have to define us. Through sharing her experiences and guiding others, Emily exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the peace that can come from embracing our own truths.
For more about Emily’s work or to connect with her, visit her website, Emily Bernath Author. Her books are available, and she welcomes anyone seeking support or inspiration to reach out. Her story has motivated me to continue to share our voices, inspire change, and support each other in the journey toward healing.
Remember, our voices are powerful in the fight against military sexual trauma. Share your story, connect with others, and join us in the mission to end MST once and for all.
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Finding Her Voice and Healing: A Journey of Courage
From enlisting in the army to confronting the shadows of military sexual trauma (MST) and domestic violence, Jeannette’s story is one of profound courage and healing. As we honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Jeanette reminds us of the importance of listening, believing, and supporting survivors. Through her book "Battle Scars," she empowers others to find strength in vulnerability. Her call for societal change echoes loudly, urging us to create safe spaces for survivors to come forward. In a culture often marked by adversity, her guidance for young women entering the military underscores the importance of self-care and vigilance.
In a environment veiled by silence, where the scars of trauma are worn like armor, Jeanette Garcia emerges as a testament to resilience, sharing her profound military journey with candid honesty. Jeanette's story is not just about enduring; it's about finding healing and empowering others to do the same.
The Call to Service and Shadows of Trauma
A sense of duty and a need for change was recognized as a call to serve her country that led her to enlist in the army. Through basic training and the challenges of deployment to Afghanistan, she forged unbreakable bonds with fellow soldiers and discovered depths of strength she never knew she possessed.
Yet, amidst the traumas encountered during her deployment, Jeanette confronted a darker reality: the specters of military sexual trauma (MST) and domestic violence. These insidious foes left wounds that ran deeper than any battlefield scar, testing her resolve and shaking the very foundations of her being.
Jeanette found solace in her faith and the unwavering support of her son and her loyal companion, her dog. Through their love, she discovered the power to heal and the courage to confront her demons. Jeanette's journey of personal growth and redemption didn't end with her own healing; it became a beacon of hope for others navigating similar trials.
Healing and Empowerment Through Storytelling
jeanette's healing journey found expression in the pages of her book, "Battle Scars." Through raw honesty and unflinching vulnerability, she bared her soul to the world, transforming her pain into a narrative of empowerment. In sharing her story, she not only found catharsis but also ignited a spark of awareness, shedding light on the pervasive issue of abuse within the military.
As Jeanette reflects on the ongoing cases of abuse within the military, she issues a clarion call for societal change and unwavering support for survivors. She advocates for the creation of safe spaces where survivors can come forward without fear of judgment, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.
Guidance for the Next Generation
For young women embarking on their own military journeys, Jeanette offers sage advice: prioritize self-care, watch for warning signs in relationships, and lean on the bonds forged with fellow service members. She underscores the importance of vigilance in a culture often marred by excessive alcohol consumption, urging individuals to protect themselves and their well-being.
Jeanette Garcia's journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a stirring saga of resilience and redemption in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through her unwavering courage and unyielding determination, she has not only found healing for herself but has also become a guiding light for others traversing the shadowed valleys of trauma. As we heed her call to action, may we find solace in the knowledge that even amidst the darkest of nights, the dawn of hope shines bright for those who dare to embrace it.
For more insights into Jeanette's journey and her ongoing projects, visit her website at WeSurvivedTrauma.com and explore her book, "Battle Scars," available on Amazon and her website.
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we at Silenced Voices | Stories of MST are committed to honoring it with each of our interviews. As we delve into Jeanette's narrative, we acknowledge the sensitive nature of the content presented. The content presented in this interview may contain sensitive material that could potentially trigger viewers. Silenced Voices | Stories of MST is committed to supporting survivors of all forms of sexual violence and discrimination. Our mission, encapsulated in our motto "Listen. Believe. Support.", guides our platform's values and actions. It's important to note that the views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or values of Silenced Voices. While we provide a platform for survivors to share their stories, we do not endorse or condone any opinions or statements made by our guests.
We strive to create a safe and inclusive space for survivors to speak out and be heard. We encourage our listeners to engage critically with the content presented and to prioritize their own well-being while listening.
Survivor Eileen Dong Takes on Human Trafficking
Get ready for an enlightening conversation on our upcoming podcast episode, premiering April 2, 2024. We're thrilled to introduce Eileen Dong, a passionate advocate against human trafficking. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding trafficking, its intersection with military sexual trauma, and the importance of support for survivors. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that promises to shed light on crucial issues and inspire positive change.
As we eagerly prepare for the debut of Season 2 of our podcast on April 2, 2024, we're thrilled to introduce you to our first guest, UN Ambassador Eileen Dong. In anticipation of this insightful conversation, we're shaking things up by not only bringing you our usual audio format but also introducing video podcasts on YouTube. It's an exciting time as we expand our reach and dive deeper into crucial topics.
So, let's take a moment to get acquainted with our remarkable guest and the important discussion ahead.
UN Ambassador Eileen Dong
Founder and Executive Director
Hope Pyx Global
Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
In our conversation, Eileen shares her journey, shedding light on the harrowing realities of human trafficking and its intersection with military sexual trauma (MST). It's a conversation that challenges misconceptions and emphasizes the urgent need for action and support.
Her story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She works tireless in advocacy against human trafficking and gender-based violence serves as a symbol of hope for survivors everywhere. During the interview, we're reminded of the importance of listening, supporting, and taking action to create a safer, more compassionate world for all.
Human trafficking is a global issue, far more prevalent and insidious than many realize. Eileen highlights the misconceptions surrounding trafficking, emphasizing that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or location. Through her work, she aims to debunk myths and raise awareness about the true scale of this crisis.
Finding Passion and Purpose
Eileen's journey to becoming an advocate against human trafficking is deeply personal. It stems from her own experiences as a survivor of polyvictimization and her unwavering commitment to preventing others from enduring similar horrors. Her passion and purpose drive every action, inspiring others to join the fight. Survivors of human trafficking often grapple with long-term effects that extend far beyond their immediate ordeal. Eileen emphasizes the importance of support systems and empathy in helping survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
Recognizing the signs of trafficking and offering support can be life-changing. Eileen provides valuable insights into how individuals can identify potential victims and take action to intervene and offer assistance.
Cultural sensitivity and ending victim blaming are essential components of addressing human trafficking effectively. Eileen emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding, urging society to see trafficked individuals as human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
Eileen’s Upcoming Book and Projects
Eileen's dedication to her cause knows no bounds. She shares details about her upcoming projects, including a book targeting law enforcement and a survivor-centered guide. Her relentless pursuit of justice and support for survivors is truly inspiring.
Eileen's upcoming book promises to be a valuable resource for survivors, law enforcement, and community members alike. It provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and combating human trafficking, offering practical insights and technical information.
Let's continue the conversation on April 2, and take meaningful action to support survivors and end human trafficking once and for all. Join us in listening to and thanking Eileen Dong for her tireless efforts and for being a voice for the voiceless. Together, we can build a future free from exploitation and violence.
Resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-Hope
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Stay connected with Eileen Dong
Website: Eileen Dong
Book: Thank Your Predator: A Guide to Trauma Recovery from Abuse
International Conference on Abuse: Hope Pyx Global
For upcoming events and resources: Hope Pyx Global
To make a tax-deductible donation: Hope Pyx Global
International Survivors Network: Facebook Group
The Ms Texas Show: YouTube
Social Media: LinkedIn - Eileen Dong, LinkedIn - Hope Pyx Global