Life. Changing. Day.

What an incredible, emotional day. Met and talked to a young man who I will never forget. Cried with him, hugged him and listened to him. I shared my belief that we have within us strengths we are not even aware of. He held my hand and told me something I will NEVER forget... He said; "I am just beginning to find my voice. Today you said words I couldn't speak. Thank you for being my voice when I had none."

Holy Cow... If I ever doubted what it is I am to do with this life of mine, today cemented my resolve to raise my voice & help those who are not able to do the same.

Life. Changing. Day.

I wrote this and then thought maybe I needed to explain a bit.  I decided last minute to attend a viewing at UVU of the amazing documentary: Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth. 

I spent the first half crying and the second half wanting to do anything at all to help in any way I could.  I definitely didn't plan on saying anything but of course, I couldn't help myself.  I ended up sharing a bit of my story with an entire theater as well as a panel of amazing people helping make a difference here in Utah.  I actually ended up apologizing for sort of raising my voice at a Utah State Attorney.  Thank heavens the people that filled this room could feel that I was sincere in my desire to know what we have to do to make a change in the laws. 

I could go on and on but I will just say that today's events will stay with me forever.  I ended up being asked to talk to a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune and shared a bit of my story with her.  So I guess I might as well just keep on raising my voice because my name, my words and  the name of this blog will be in black and white for all to see.  And that's the point right?  It only takes one voice, speaking one time, to be heard by one person, who needed to hear that they are not alone.  One voice may inspire another to raise their voice as well.  Who knows what that one moment can lead to.  Now, imagine if that one person decides to raise their voice again and they share their story with still another.  Just imagine.... How can I not speak up? How can I not use the voice I have been given. I refuse to let the negative experiences of my life define who I am as anything less than a survivor who turned something bad into something that can help others.  I refuse...It will not happen.  I have a voice and by God I will use it every chance I get.  What a day.

What an incredible, emotional day. Met and talked to a young man who I will never forget. Cried with him, hugged him and listened to him. I shared my belief that we have within us strengths we are not even aware of. He held my hand and told me something I will NEVER forget... He said; "I am just beginning to find my voice. Today you said words I couldn't speak. Thank you for being my voice when I had none."

Holy Cow... If I ever doubted what it is I am to do with this life of mine, today cemented my resolve to raise my voice & help those who are not able to do the same.

Life. Changing. Day.

I wrote this and then thought maybe I needed to explain a bit.  I decided last minute to attend a viewing at UVU of the amazing documentary: Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth. 

I spent the first half crying and the second half wanting to do anything at all to help in any way I could.  I definitely didn't plan on saying anything but of course, I couldn't help myself.  I ended up sharing a bit of my story with an entire theater as well as a panel of amazing people helping make a difference here in Utah.  I actually ended up apologizing for sort of raising my voice at a Utah State Attorney.  Thank heavens the people that filled this room could feel that I was sincere in my desire to know what we have to do to make a change in the laws. 

I could go on and on but I will just say that today's events will stay with me forever.  I ended up being asked to talk to a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune and shared a bit of my story with her.  So I guess I might as well just keep on raising my voice because my name, my words and  the name of this blog will be in black and white for all to see.  And that's the point right?  It only takes one voice, speaking one time, to be heard by one person, who needed to hear that they are not alone.  One voice may inspire another to raise their voice as well.  Who knows what that one moment can lead to.  Now, imagine if that one person decides to raise their voice again and they share their story with still another.  Just imagine.... How can I not speak up? How can I not use the voice I have been given. I refuse to let the negative experiences of my life define who I am as anything less than a survivor who turned something bad into something that can help others.  I refuse...It will not happen.  I have a voice and by God I will use it every chance I get.  What a day.