Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Guest Blogger: Yvette Allen-Tatum, Author of I Didn't Know


I Didn't Know is for more than just an audience of one. If you look to your left, look to your right, or directly in the mirror, you will see or know someone who has been sexually abused... even if you look in the mirror, and the person is YOU! More than the tragedy of sexual abuse is the tragedy of the silence of sexual abuse. It must be talked about. Our stories have to be shared; someone's life is literally depending upon YOU to BREAK THE IGNORANCE OF SILENCE! I Didn't Know brings to the forefront the many hidden faces of child sexual abuse. The author, Yvette L. Allen-Tatum, shares not only her story, but the compelling testimonies of others--everyone from the actual victim, to the offender, to those who standby by in disbelief and allow these heinous crimes against our children to continue. Our voices have to be heard, our children must be free or freed to tell the TRUTH: that someone touched them. Who can they run to? Will it be you?


What advice can you offer someone who is dealing with sexual abuse?
           
The best advice I can give someone who is dealing or struggling with sexual abuse is to FORGIVE yourself!!!  It is not your fault.  No one has the right to violate you and take (steal) your most prized possession.  From there I would encourage the person to talk to someone.  Now, I realize this could be very challenging in and of itself, but it is necessary. 

Please know I understand the process of sharing some of the most intimate details of your life with another person is no easy task.  Let’s face it, finding a person to confide in that you trust is harder than some may think.  I mean, nine times out of ten it was a trusted person (a family member, close friend of the family, a neighbor, teacher, coach, etc.) who violated your trust to begin with.  Statistics show that 90% of child victims know their offenders.  As such, the first person or persons you may confide in or consult with are yourself and God.  And that’s ok.  I cannot think of a better person (even though God is not a human being you get my point) to entrust this information with.  Besides, it is not as if He doesn’t already know.

I truly believe God can and will heal you from everything that ails you or causes you to have dis-ease.  You simply have to come unto Him.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, (KJV).  The Amplified version of that same passage of Scripture puts it this way, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.”


From here, trust God to instruct you with your next steps.  He will never steer you wrong!
    Paperback: 110 pages
    Publisher: Kingdom Publishing Group, Inc. (March 15, 2013)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 0988312670
    ISBN-13: 978-0988312678


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    Author, Teacher, Conference Host, Public Speaker, Encourager, Motivator, Ordained & licensed Minister of The Gospel, Radical for Christ, undercover Comedian and the list goes on...

    Yvette is a graduate of Grace Christian College where she earned her Masters of Divinity and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. She is also a graduate of University of Richmond, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and a Minor in Leadership Studies. In addition, she has 30 plus years of experience in income tax preparation and bookkeeping.

    As the Founder of Surrounded by Faith Ministries, Yvette has had the opportunity to touch and transform the lives of many women with the Word of God. This mighty Woman of God has a prophetic teaching anointing which has enabled her to cross many boundaries. As such, the Call of God on her life has broadened from transforming the lives of women to transforming LIVES with the Word of God. While she still holds a passion to train and equip women in the life study and application of the Bible, her ultimate goal is to strengthen families. To do so her platform is geared to men, women and children.


    Connect with the Author
    Email Address: Loosed03@gmail.com
    Website http://www.yvetteallentatum.com
    Twitter: Twitter.com/loosed03
    Facebook: Facebook.com/Yvette.tatum






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