It is my pleasure to share this guest blog by Jamesina “Jami” Greene, a fellow soldier in the battle against child abuse. I encourage you to check out her book: Help, I Don’t Like Myself. Information about where you may find it is included at the end of this article.
Thank you, Jami, for your courage and passion for this mission. Your ministry to serve others touches my heart, as I’m sure it has countless others. God bless you, Brinda
Child Abuse – The MISUSE of a Child
This is a topic that stirs up extreme emotions for me. Whenever I hear about or witness the abuse of a child, I notice an immediate tightening in my chest, my breathing becomes erratic and my eyes are filled with tears. I am mentally returned to the place where I was a victim. The place where my life changed.
Statistics show that a child is abused every 15 seconds. In addition, it has been proven that 80% of the perpetrators are family members. Every experience of abuse of a child is horrific. However, I personally believe that to be abused by a family member takes the experience to an all new level. In many cases, because this person is a family member, they are someone that the child sees on a consistent basis. Therefore, the child experiences the abuse consistently, even if only in their mind.
Being a survivor of child abuse, I know first-hand the physical, emotional and spiritual effects of this life changing assault. It is an assault and misuse that alters the course of a child’s dreams. It changes how you see others. When you are abused as a child, your innocence is stolen. Your belief that everyone loves you and wants what is best for you vanishes. From the moment of the first experience of abuse, there will be visible changes in the child’s personality and how they interact with others from this point on.
In my opinion, the worse effect of child abuse is how that child now sees themselves. In most cases, the victim begins to immediately internalize the reasons for this abuse. They will then “become the experience” rather than just “have the experience.” Unfortunately, too many children do not have people in their lives to help them understand how wrong this thinking is. Instead, because the child has limited ability to express themselves, those around them can’t truly understand what this experience has done to the child.
One of the most valuable things that I have learned as a survivor of child abuse, is that I MUST talk about it. I must share my experience with others so that they can see that there is hope. There is hope for a productive and peaceful life. There is hope for happy relationships. There is hope for you to love genuinely and to be loved genuinely. I have learned that suppressing the experience or not talking about it, does not make it go away. It did happen. It is a part of my life experience and it has helped to shape me into the woman that I am today. I often share with others that past “unhealed” experiences set the tone for present and future relationships. If you have not dealt with the abuse by acknowledging it and obtaining tools to be healed, it will control your life.
My first published literary work, “Help, I Don’t Like Myself”, was birthed out of the pain of being abused as a child. Today, I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor and I am thriving as I walk out the Journey that God has predestined for me. Every day I witness abuse and misuse of a child and I am called to action. Each child is my child. Their pain is my pain. I will not just stand by and do nothing. True love pushes me forward and I will carry a broken child with me to a place of divine healing and wholeness.
Jamesina “Jami” Greene
Jamesina “Jami” Greene is the daughter of the late Apostle James F. Greene and Rev. Dr. Essie C. Greene. She has one sister, one brother and a sister who recently went to be with the Lord. She is the mother of two sons, Byron and Tre’ and the grandmother of four boys. She has a background in Management and Business Administration.
Jami received Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the tender age of five. She was ordained into ministry at the age of 17 and has since served as Administrator, Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor and Pastor. She operates under a prophetic anointing that is life changing. Jami has a unique gift of Administration along with a tender heart and love for all people. One of her most endearing characteristics is her honesty.
Jami’s genuine love and concern for others pushed her to found, Jami Greene Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to aid in ministering healing and restoration to all people. In addition, she is the founder of Destne Enterprises, and A Mother’s Cry, organizations that focus on providing empowerment and support for Mothers, Women and the Youth.
In addition, Jami is a published author of the empowerment book, “Help, I Don’t Like Myself! She is also the author of numerous songs, a Gospel play and is currently working on several other book manuscripts which will enhance, empower and uplift all whose lives they touch.
For book signings and speaking engagements, please contact Jami Greene at: destne61@gmail.com
http://www.jamigreeneministries.wordpress.com
http://www.createspace.com/3848196
http://www.createspace.com/4079157
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