What is your story?

There's something special about hearing someone's story.

It's probably the reason I spent several years as a journalist.

To me, it has been liberating to tell my story.

I don't feel like it is a blueprint for every survivor to follow. We all heal in different ways.

But I can say that if it had not been for Jesus, there is no way I'd be where I am today.

It is true that when I look back, I shudder at where I've been.

There are parts of my childhood that would not be fit to feature in a screen play, for example.

I imagine it's the same for some of you.

And why would we hide that painful part of our lives?

For years, I was ashamed of it. Not that I am proud of what happened to me .. but I do understand it has made me the person I am today.

And because of my story, I've been able to be a sounding board for others who want to tell their story.

A reporter once asked me, "Why the very public telling of your story?" to which I later responded, "Why not? Did I do something wrong?"

Victims of intimate abuse are faced with mammoth challenges as they grow up. Yes, we do. But the cool thing is that healing is possible. Nothing happens overnight .. honestly it is a lifelong journey.

Several years have passed since I authored The Brighter Side of A Darker Thing. (WestBow Press).

No, I have not made millions on it. I know how to market and yet the idea of marketing my story is tough for me to digest.

What's interesting, however, is that all marketing takes creativity and money. That is the dark side of writing books. Unless someone "makes it big," they are likely to see little "profit."

My hope is not to hit the big time, but to see lives changed because I shared my story.

It's an awesome moment when someone says, "Because of you, our marriage was saved," or "Your story helped me tell mine. Now I am reclaiming what I lost."

More on that another day.

May blessings continue to unfold for you on this your healing journey.