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  Eric Dishongh, PhD (504-606-1267)
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    Eric Dishongh, PhD

    Connecting others to Jesus and His church as a husband, dad, minister, counselor, professor and friend

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

11/2/2015

 
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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 [email protected]. 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.
8 Comments
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John Bailey
11/2/2015 05:01:25 pm

Eric, I always read your blogs even when I don't comment. I appreciate your ministry. God bless.

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Lynnette Dillon
11/3/2015 06:11:51 am

Thank you enjoyed this FYI

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Little grandma
11/3/2015 08:20:30 am

Eric are you sure that's not me she is talking about I thank God every day that I have lived to be so blessed

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Jeannette Prater
11/3/2015 11:19:25 am

I'm very interested in reading Shirley Parram's autobiography. It's inspiring to know that she was able to overcome her abuse and is now doing something positive with her life. I strongly believe that God has a plan for all of us and obviously Shirley is living proof that we can overcome adversity. Eric, thank you for your blog and for all the good work that you do.

Reply
Eugene
11/3/2015 01:36:50 pm

A testimony. And the solution is faith in God, and forgiveness. Thanks Bro Dishong for sharing Ms. Shirley's story.

Reply
Shirley Parram-Sims
11/5/2015 11:18:29 am

Eric,
Thank you for being a friend to me and thank you for reading my book and sharing in my past, present and future. It is so good to know that through everything that I went through, that God was always there protecting and providing for me. Thanks for sharing my story. This book's purpose is to help others get deliverance, uncover abuse and expose the devil and show that God can change any situation for His purpose. Thanks Shirley

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5/24/2025 08:59:03 pm

This book sounds inspiring.

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