Silence perpetrates the abuse

Silence perpetrates the abuse.  Whether it comes in the form of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or sexual assault, most women have experienced it in one form or another.  The statistics I learned long ago in my sexual assault crisis counselor training are that one in every three women are a victim of sexual abuse.  Those numbers only represent those who have spoken, been heard, and tallied.  Everyone reacts in their own unique way.   Not everyone speaks.  We cannot presume to know how each woman feels. 

I was thinking it was time for me to find my voice. #metoo  I happened to run into a female friend at the post office this morning who echoed my very thoughts,  that abuse of women is normal.  It has become a way of life.

For me, it started in childhood with my family and then it was reinforced in school and work.  It mattered not what type of job I had whether a waitress in a pizza parlor or a prosecuting attorney.  It is pervasive everywhere.  “Normal”.  Surely, it is not a good normal.  I, like many, have been hoping it would change. 

What I know from my own personal experience as well as working with other women, is that sexual misconduct whatever its form, affects us intricately.  It is insidious, a thread that winds itself through so much of who we are.  It can affect everything from our body image, our self-esteem, our judgment, our confidence, job performance, our relationships and so much more.  Each woman must choose for herself her own unique healing journey, hopefully, back to wellness and wholeness. 

We have learned to be silent because it has never really been safe to speak up.  We are often blamed and not taken seriously.  Sometimes speaking up can even cause further abuse. 

I am speaking only to the abuse of women because it is my perspective from who I am.

No matter what form the abuse has taken it is a violation to a woman.  It is additional abuse to minimize it.  It is additional abuse to discount it.  It is additional abuse to silence her.  It is additional abuse to do nothing.

The day that Donald Trump became president despite allegations of sexual abuse was a very dark day for me.  It indicated how far we have yet to travel in the fair and just treatment of women.  I personally felt violated and unsafe once again.  If this conduct was not a bar to service in the highest office in the country how can there be any hope at all.

What has been in the news lately about women coming forward and being heard is surprising.  Not that there are so many of them.  Not that it is present in all walks of life.  But, that something is finally being done about it.   

It has occurred to me that perhaps we (as a people) really did need to go about this the hard way.  Perhaps it had to get so bad and patently obvious that there was no denying it any longer.

All through my life when I heard a report of a woman being harmed and not being honored it felt like a personal affront.  I felt each time it happened that it proved how much I deserved all I had experienced at the hands of men who had the power and authority to hurt me.

Over the years of my own healing journey, I have come to understand that the opposite is true.  When a known abuser was acquitted, or transferred rather than fired, or elected to high office, it did not reflect upon me at all. 

I know now with absolute certainty that I matter.  My thoughts and feelings, my body and my choice, all matter.  I deserve honor and respect.  All beings do. 

Ellen simplifies the sentiment so profoundly when she reminds us to be kind to one another.  It is not hard to do.  All spiritual practices and religions encompass some form of the creed to do unto others.  It is a good place to start. 

Breaking the silence is a wonderful beginning.  We must never underestimate the power of the woman. 

Mother Earth Channel for the New Year

"There is more to hope for now than ever before

So do not despair even for one moment in time

Our Mothers and Daughters and Sisters all know

The way forward through the darkness and into the light

We have all done this before

Time and time again

There is nothing new here

It is all an integral part of our herstory

We have always been lighting our own and each other’s candles

In the midst of the strong winds of change

We are gaining momentum now unlike any other time before

It has all been coming to this

Understanding, strength, wisdom & connection are our calling cards

Never underestimate the power and guiding light of the Woman

We are joining across the span of time and space

Across the oceans far and wide

We are carrying the voices of all generations

Those before us and those yet to come forth

There is only one path forward

Bringing the certainty of peace, light and divine love as only we can

For we are the Creators as we have always been

Bringing forth new life in all of its many forms

The prophesy holds true

There is only one way

The return of the Divine Feminine in all its glory

Shining brightly through everyone once again

The return is coming.

No matter what.

And it is so

Blessed be to all"

Channeled by Laura Rose from Mother Earth 

Web of Creation, Web of Light

The following is a channeled message by Laura Rose from GrandMother Spider.  GrandMother Spider is an important Creation figure in some Native American cultures.

GrandMother Spider is reminding all of us that:

"We are creating along the Web of Creation, the Web of Light that connects us all.  We use our experiences and transmute the poisons to create anew.  GrandMother Spider connects all of us on her Grid of Light.  She connects All through the light within everything.  It is only light.  That which reflects as a shadow is not real....it is an illusion, a reflection that is easily extinguished by the reminder, the shining of light.  Creation is female.  It is the the women who create.  Everyone has been birthed through the women of all time.  The umbilical cord is the piece of the silken Web temporarily severed so Earth's children can find their own way, find their own light.  Find their own way home, to wholeness, the wholeness of Creation.  The spider has its fangs and it has poison to show us that it is all in how we use our energy, our words and our actions.  We carry its strength.  Do we take the venom of our experiences and spew it forth or do we transmute it into beautiful creative works of art, whatever their form.  It is ultimately our choice along our chosen path."

Message from Mary Magdalene

The following is a channeled message from Mary Magdalene by Laura Rose:

"Others call us names, whores and such to cover up their own insecurities.  Sometimes with our bodies we are doing what we have been taught.  It is not real or authentic for us.  It is casting ourselves in the role others see for us.  Now it is time to explore the role we see for ourselves.  How can we let go of the shame imposed on us that we are now imposing upon ourselves?  The sigma.  How can we be a reminder for each other's true light instead?  Every aspect of you is sacred.  Release the judgments of others.  Let go of the pattern of judging yourself.  It is like unraveling something that has been crocheted and now doing the stitches all over again.  Our accepting of the shame felt shameful, too.  And so there are many patterns and layers of stitches to unwind.  It was all imposed upon us especially women/the feminine aspect to keep us down; but we are rising now."

Message to Lightworkers

The following message was channeled by Laura Rose from the All:

Message for Lightworkers:

"Dreaming yourself awake, that is what it is all about now.  It is not about doing it the hard way anymore.  You are watching people squirm and scream through the pain of resistance.  It is getting them nowhere.  The Earth is fighting back and it is through the voice of the women that she will be heard.  The Earth knows the history of mankind and the web of creation from the beginning.  She understands all that is meant to be.  Those working in harmony with her and the old ways will succeed.  Others who refuse will be left behind.  Your job is to wait for someone to reach out their hand for help and guidance.  It is extra difficult because you really cannot possibly save everyone.  The idea now is to save yourself and help those worth fighting for along the way.  It is a time of tremendous change and transition.  Like never before.  We have not seen it.  It is a great awakening for some and they will experience euphoria--heaven on earth.  For others they will not fare so well.  The change must be embraced as the old ways return.  It is a ride on the feminine energy and voice.  Stay true to Her-Story.  Sing her songs.  Dance to her rhythms.  And all will be well as it should be.  It is painful to leave so many behind.  But this must be done.  Each soul has a right to choose...to access his or her freedom.    There will be great controversy ahead.  Stand strong in who you are.  Fight the good fight.  You must do it Her way!"