A TIME TO OVERCOME

​Earlier today I was part of a panel discussion at an event called SAVE MY SISTER PART 2 sponsored by PATHWAY TO GREATNESS, a mentoring program for youth in Philadelphia founded and directed by Lavon Howard.

Women from all walks of life were invited to share with middle and high school girls on the topic "I OVERCAME."

Equipped with the diary from my teenage years and my memoirs on overcoming both domestic and dating violence, I headed out to the event. I focused on the difference between surviving something and overcoming it. Below is a summary of what was presented:

​I remember it like it was yesterday. Being threatened in private and slapped in public. Being punched repeatedly because I said "No."  The night I tried to fight back but gave up and ran all the way home (over a mile) - from 21st & Van Pelt to 32nd & Euclid Street. The time he came to my job at the phone center store, threatened me in front of my coworkers, and how the elderly security guard, Mr. Smitty, came to my defense. Being threatened with a knife when I tried to break up with him and being stalked and harassed when I finally did.  It took my uncles and my father to make him finally leave me alone. 

Thankfully my horror story ends there. But if not for God's grace and mercy, it would have been different. Though my heart was far from Him,  God was watching over me, and protecting me even when I rejected Him. Is it any wonder I love Him so?

Years later, I realized that although I had survived dating violence, I had not overcome it. There were things I was still suffering as a result of that relationship. Inspired by God to write about my experiences, I published  The Writing Was On The Wall (Recognizing The Warning Signs of Dating Violence). My mission is to spread awareness about dating violence by sharing resource & referral information, as well as my own story of survival through poetry readings, workshops, lectures, and one-on-ones. 

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If you are experiencing dating abuse text “loveis” to 77054,
or call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at (866) 331-9474
​or (866) 331-8453 (TTY).

Don't forget about these organizations: 
Women Against Abuse
loveisrespect 
Break the Cycle 
Stop Abuse For Everyone ​

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​*I DIDN’T KNOW THE SIGNS
 
He was big and dark like a teddy bear
I fell for all his lines
I thought he really loved me
I didn’t know the signs.  
 
He showered me with affection
I was wined and I was dined
Jewelry, trips and all types of gifts
I didn’t know the signs.  
 
He was jealous of all my friends
He checked up on me all the time
I just thought he was a little possessive
I didn’t know the signs.  
 
The first time that he hit me
He quickly apologized
He even cried and his tears were real
I didn’t know the signs.  
 
When I finally tried to break up with him
He threatened me with a knife
I really didn’t think he’d use it
I didn’t know the signs.  

Next time around I’ll be careful
I’ll be patient and I’ll be wise
I’ll think with my head and not my heart
Because now I know the signs.  
  
Poetricia Publishing © 20​18

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