Domestic Violence, My Friend Mrs. Shirley, and Going Somewhere in Life

I just finished reading Shirley Parram Sims’ book You Don’t Know My Story, an autobiography chronicling her childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, and rejection and how they later impacted her adult relationships and quest to be loved and accepted…
 
I first met Mrs. Shirley in 2009 in conjunction with my involvement with Creative Family Solutions. At the time, she was beginning “Alpha Daughters of Zion,” a nonprofit organization for victims of domestic violence (which includes the only emergency shelter in St. Charles Parish). For the past several years, the program has grown significantly, including continual support from the United Way of St. Charles and other local supporters...
 
While reflecting on her mother’s betrayal, Mrs. Shirley writes, “It is a hurting thing when the people whom you expect to protect you make you feel like you are at fault instead of the person who is causing the problem” (p. 46). She later says, “As a child, I remember I was never a part of anything, never felt wanted, never listened to, never being heard or seen. My life was nonexistent. It’s just like one day I opened my eyes and there I was. I came from nowhere and was going nowhere. Nowhere from nowhere equals nowhere” (p. 54)... 

I’m thankful, though, that Mrs. Shirley’s story doesn’t end there. Rather, she’s living proof that people who have come from “nowhere” can end up "somewhere" in life... 

To do so certainly requires faith in God and forgiveness of others... 
 
I recommend You Don’t Know My Story. More information can be found here: 
https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-68118-798-3...

​Also, if you or someone you know in St. Charles Parish (or surrounding area) is currently in a domestic violence situation with nowhere to turn, call Mrs. Shirley at 985-308-0819 or email her at alpha5747@yahoo.com. She’ll provide a safe place for you. And, she’ll listen to your story as well...

Finally, if I can be of help to you, please let me know. My life purpose is to connect people to Jesus and His church by providing a Christian example and by reaching out on spiritual, relational, academic, and community levels.