An Optimistic Reminder

Last Monday evening, I had the honor of being the guest speaker at the Annual Meeting for the Kids Free To Grow Organization (also known as the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County). www.kidsfreetogrow.org Though I was to be the "featured speaker", I found myself in awe of those being honored that night for their time and efforts in making a difference in the lives of children and families. As each received recognition, each also spoke such heartfelt, uplifting words that sparked within me a renewed sense of hope that our society is filled with even more individuals "on the same page" that are doing genuine healing work behind the scenes. Though I hear a great deal of difficult stories from people who've opened up to me with their own incidences of abuse since the publication of You're Only As Sick As Your Secrets, the presentations at the annual meeting were a reminder of the important, often-overlooked truth...that though it isn't broadcasted via our daily news sources, it makes it no less of a reality that there are authentic sources of help, love, and healing out there for situations that at first glance appear beyond repair. And I have to believe due to a feeling deep within my core that regardless of the root of traumas being experienced by those in our society, there are many, many more individuals just waiting with outstretched arms to be reached out to by someone in need at the other end.