Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

autism awareness

Elmo with Julia

In April of 2017, the children’s television show, Sesame Street, introduced Julia, a muppet with autism. The show’s autism awareness initiative carried the theme: See Amazing in All Children.

Thank you, Sesame Street, for continuing to

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6 Responses to Autism Awareness Month

  • Both of these young women are extraordinary! Thank you for shedding some light on ASD and how it affects different people, well… differently. It is so true the saying “if you’ve met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” It is a broad spectrum indeed. Bless you!

  • Way to go Hannah

  • Powerful stories – thank you for speaking out and advocating!! Powerful to see the journey- thank you for sharing

  • A wonderful article about a great family! Denise is a great mom with awesome kids!

  • Denise Bains ❤️❤️ We love you so much and Kai Kai is especially blessed to have you as her Mother. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • Great stories. My son was diagnosed at age 36 with Asperger’s which is no longer a stand alone diagnosis. It now falls under the spectrum of Autism, although the higher functioning end of the spectrum. In retrospect, I can now see that some of the traits I thought were shyness were likely indicators of his condition. Back in the 80’s, there was not a lot of information about Asperger’s. Even today, it is hard to find info about adult Asperger’s.

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The Voice in My Head

The Voice in My Head

Nicole as a young girl

“For many years, the voice in my head convinced me the sexual molestation happening to me was my fault,” Nicole* shared.

Her perpetrator, a family member, began abusing her when she was five years old.

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8 Responses to The Voice in My Head

  • Nicole, you have a beautiful testimony!! Your life has been an amazing journey and I am surprised the enemy fought you so hard. The devil never wants us to come into full circle of our life with the Christ. Continue to share your testimony and overcome life’s obstacles, be strong in Christ my sista!!

  • This will bring much healing to so many. I am so proud of Nicole, and we love her. Keep believing that God has even greater than what you can imagine.

  • Nicole has more strength and determination than I can even imagine. May God continue to be with her and give her everything she needs to have a happy life.

  • Wow! What a powerful testimony!! You are a courageous warrior woman!!! I am so proud of how you didn’t succumb to the traps of the enemy. It takes true strength to rise up and turn away! I love how God’s voice took over the other voices! What an amazing woman you are!!! And to think God’s not even finished yet!

  • Thank you for sharing your overcomer story. He has redeemed you for His glory! Blessings!

  • Thank you ladies for your responses and your kind words. Some days are super smooth, and others…not so much. But such is life, right? Ups and downs are a sign of life. So, I will keep living, keep pressing, and keep testifying. My goal is to empower others to healing and wholeness. It’s hard work, but we are equipped for it!
    Blessing,
    Nicole

  • Hi Nicole, I read your overcomer story about two weeks ago and was very touched by it. We have so much in common, you could be my twin. Suicidality has been my go to for years. I totally get you there. I am so grateful you allowed Melony to bring your story out in the open. You are so brave. I would love to meet someday, maybe at one of Melony’s events. I like you. ?. I promise I’m not creepy…just goofy!

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Redemption

Redemption

In July of 2017, Atlanta Redemption Ink was launched so the redemption Jessica* found when she covered her trafficker’s logo with a new tattoo could be shared with countless others.

* Her real name is used with permission.

Over 160

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13 Responses to Redemption

  • Jessica, so glad you got your tattoo covered. I had my property tattoo removed a couple years ago. It was a long process, but so worth it. It was freeing! So glad you were set free by God’s overcoming love! Blessings to you!

  • Maureen, thank you for sharing your experiences. So glad you were able to be free and experience freedom through the removal. Praying blessings over you!!

  • This is something that I never thought about. I can’t imagine the nightmare this brings to everyone. I hope more attention will be brought to this to stop it.

  • Jessica,

    I’ve read your story a few times now and each time it hits me harder— you are such a brave and inspiring woman! Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your story. I wish you and your family the best!

    Kit

  • Wow. As the mother of two young girls this story scared the hell out of me. To think they could innocently go on a job interview and end up essentially kidnapped is terrifying. And they say Atlanta is a major hub for human trafficking. Terrifying. This story should be given to everyone who escapes so they can see the redemption and hope. Amazing.

  • Jessica ,

    Unbelievable! Your story is powerful! Surviving your nightmare is definite proof that God has great plans for you. I admire your courage in allowing your story to be told. I’m personally familiar with some of your struggles and know others who have faced similar life threatening situations. I hate hate hate that you have seen such darkness but am encouraged to know that your overcomer story is going to impact lives for Jesus.

    Diane

  • Jessica, I am so proud of you. You have found how to take some of the most challenging times in your life into something so beautiful. I appreciate you sharing your story for others who may need to hear it. You are a blessing in so many ways. Overcomes United is an amazing group and you have made it even better. Welcome!!!

  • Wow! Your story is so timely. My radio station is supporting this very cause right now. I’m so glad you were able to overcome this horrific event and put your talent into God’s hands. I know He is going to bless you for the work you do. You are amazing! God bless.

  • Jessica, what a strong young woman you are to be able to overcome all of this! I know you could not have gotten out of the abuse without God’s help. I’m so glad you knew that’s who you had to turn to. He was just waiting for you to ask. God is so good and I am sure he will continue to bless you in your work.

  • Thank you everyone for your kind words, support and love.

  • Wow. I cannot believe all that you endured by the time you were 23. Thank you for bravely sharing your testimony. You have opened up my eyes more to sex trafficking. It’s so sad how common it is. I bet by sharing your story you are saving lives. So happy of where you are now. You are a true overcomer.

  • Princess Jessica. I’m so proud of you! More importantly, Jesus is proud of you!! May you always walk in the knowledge of your royalty.

  • I never would have thought or considered. Thank you Jessica for being willing to share your heart!!!

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A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

H-O-M-E. Four powerful letters knit together.

Most of us take home for granted. Not Addlia*.

She truly understands what the other 553,742 homeless people in the United States in 2017 faced when they didn’t have a place to call home.

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34 Responses to A Place to Call Home: The Flip Side of Homelessness

  • Addlia, I knew a little about your journey, but I had no idea of the long-term intense struggle you have weathered! What strength and grace! Thankful you never let go of God! I am so very proud of you! I claim God’s favor over you and that your speaking career will grow to the point you never have to think about money. Many blessings on you and your sweet boy! Keep Shining, Love!

  • You are a pillar of strength to your son and most importantly to yourself. Grace and gratefulness can move mountains. I’ve worked with high school youth in the past as a volunteer, and one of the key tenets taught was gratefulness, because it’s impossible to feel bad if you’re grateful for something. You take that conviction to a whole new level, and I am amazed by your strength and tenacity to repeatedly claw your way to a more stable life for you and your son. He is a fortunate young man. God bless and I hope the future holds great things for you.

  • Thank you Diane! I love you! I promise to keep shining!!!

  • Thank you Brooke!! I am truly grateful! I have the choice to give up or keep going and I am no quitter!!!! I appreciate you!

  • Love you hunny!! The Lord is on your side and I look forward to what He has on store for you. ??. You are consistently an encouragement to me and many others.

  • I’m so proud of your strength,growth,tenacity and strength!!!!!God is going to make it good for you This I know!….Total Recovery!!!!❤️

  • I am so grateful to have meet you the season of when I did … God used you to minister to me in my brokenness!!! Your story is amazing, healing , and most of all it shows the love of Christ!!! Keep this momentum up sis !!! You ROCK‼️?✅?❤️

    • Awwww you absolutely rock!!! I thank God for using me to touch people like you! So grateful to have you ?

  • From the time we met I knew there was a jewel inside you-it’s your vibrant spirit. Satan has and may continue to throw his darts your way but you keep showing him that your God has an even greater game plan for you and your life. You are such an inspiration to others to keep fighting! You help others to sparkle too. Your story is only beginning.

  • Addlia!! I’m so blessed by your transparency, trust and faith in God. You didn’t give up when you could have. Your resiliency will bless and lift others facing the same or similar situations. I see you writing a book to tell your story that will empower, bless and encourage others to keep going when they want to give up! Love you to life! Love, Nedra

  • Addlia you are one of the strongest women I know. Not just because of the struggles you’ve been through, but because of the faith you’ve kept in the mist of where you’ve been. I agree with you, I believe God is using you to reach those who are homeless, hopeless, sick, and depressed. And though the enemy tries to knock you down, I know that you WILL prosper because God IS on your side! I look forward to everything that God will bring forth through you!! Thank you for sharing your testimony

  • Addlia – You have an awesome story! Keep strong!!!!

  • You have always had a larger than life personality and faith in God! I’ve heard your testimony but didn’t realize just how intense and hard your life has really been. You are so strong and beautiful and a great mom and friend! Always thank God for little blessings and never give up hope for a better day! Love you!!!

  • Addlia, I’m so very proud of you and Jaiden! It takes courage to share a testimony such as yours. Keep pushing, keep fighting and keep persevering. But most importantly, always be aware of your feelings as to understand when a “no” is needed. You and your son are always the top priority! Love you!

  • We see people we “know” only to find out we never really “know” people unless we take the time to care! All I can ever remember is that smiling face and kind spirit! I think the last time I bumped into you it was at Target. I wish I would’ve known all the hardships you were going through?! Through it all you’ve persevered AND that speaks volumes to who you are as a person! I applaud the fact that you never gave up on GOD because so many times we do. We question, we deny and we lean on our own understanding instead of trusting in him and the process! It takes courage to be transparent but we never know who we help heal through our own stories of trial and tribulation! I happy to see things working in your favor! Never forget your Dancing Diva big sis is a call away! I might not have much but I’m willing to share what I can??

    • Thank you Shunte!!! Trust me there were times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel!!! It’s all a part of the process!!! appreciate you!!! I’m so glad to still be connected to you after all these years!!! Love you so much my Dancing Diva Big Sister!!!! ?

  • What a powerful testimony that testifies to the goodness of God and the strength, courage and hope you found in Him through your journey! I’m so grateful that you had your son, Jaiden, that kept you going during those times of deep darkness and mental anguish! I’ve been suicidal and know that dark place of despair and hopelessness! That’s why I’m so glad you had God and your son to keep you going until you were able to see a glimmer of light and hope for your life! I’m so glad you didn’t give up on YOU! I love that you decided to change your perspective! Sounds like you started seeing things from your heavenly position in Christ Jesus…as victorious instead of defeated! So GREAT! I also love what you said…“It’s one thing to be overlooked, devalued, or underestimated by others, but don’t overlook, devalue, or underestimate yourself. Don’t give up on yourself….” That really stuck out to me! I know you sharing your story will inspire others to realize they have value and not to give up on themselves and life! Your story offers people a life-line attached to hope! You are one tough lady and I think you are priceless in the kingdom of God! I know God is and will continue doing GREAT things through you!!! Woohoo ..What a testimony!

    • Wow!!! I appreciate you Diane!!! Thank you for taking the time to read my story and imparting amazing encouragement in me!!!

  • Congratulations Addlia! The Lord will use your story to encourage many! I love how you chose to be grateful. May Jesus continue to bless you and your son!

  • Addlia! I am so happy to have gotten to meet you! I love you sweet girl!!!!

  • God shall use you in a great way. He already is. I’m so very proud of you. Thank you for being transparent. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! Keep smiling, keep sharing your story., keep moving forward with your hand in Gods hand. He has you wrapped safety in His arms. Love you lady!!!!

    • I appreciate you for your encouragement and love towards me. Thank you for taking a glimpse into my story!

  • You have a huge amount of strength. I know that God worked in your life and I’m so happy he did. You have beat all kinds of odds and have been blessed for it. Keep up your strength and live a happy and full life with your son.

  • I love the fact that you have the resilience to bounce back. Always standing on the promises of our God is what your story reminds me of.

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Party of One

Party of One

Phobias. Fears. We all have them. Mine is snakes. Coming eyeball to eyeball with a shiny green one as a kid during an innocent game of hide-and-seek sealed it for me. My phobia – called opidiophobia – is mostly avoidable.

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7 Responses to Party of One

  • I remember Niki well! I always find it strange how people view themselves, compared to how other view them. when I read this, I think to myself “I never would have really guessed.” Anyway, its good to see you blogging and writing again!!!

  • I fear being lonely. This doesn’t happen all of the time, but often enough to impact my self-esteem. I find myself able to talk with others, but I am often unsure immediately of what I have said and how it will be perceived. Though I can work, travel, and go places well enough on my own, when others are searched out by friends to do things and i am not one of them, I start wondering what is wrong with me that they wouldn’t invite me or come to check to see how i am doing as well. This even happens in my family. If you aren’t outgoing and talking with everyone, you are left behind. I don’t think people even realize this about me…and until I read this blog, I hadn’t really thought of it myself. Thanks for opening my eyes.

    • Deb,

      Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m always amazed at how sharing our struggles can touch another’s life. Maybe checking out the book that helped Niki would help you, as well. Take care! Melony

  • I totally agree she’s an overcomer. She is brave and smart and has taken steps to face her fear. To really understand herself and what makes her tick. It requires self-evaluation and work that is often uncomfortable but she took action. Way to go Niki. And thanks Mel for connecting all of us to each other. Your blogs help spread understanding and encouragement.

  • My best friend is amazing and in all the years I’ve known Nik I’ve never been more proud. She inspires me.

  • Glad she has found comfort in the scriptures!!

  • Many struggle with anxiety. Luckily there is hope in being better.

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