Greetings Everyone,

October is the month in which the masses are brought into the awareness and prevention of Domestic Violence/Family Violence.

Family Violence defined: The National Criminal Justice Reference Services https://www.ncjrs.gov/family-violence/

Family violence covers a broad range of acts that can include emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. Family violence not only harms the victim, but it also poses dangers for and impacts immediate family members as well.

Violence has a heart and mind. Violence creates a reason(s) to live and to breathe. Violence’s intent is to live as well as to kill and destroy anyone it comes in contact with.

Given the slightest edge and opportunity, violence will change the look of men and women until they become unrecognizable. And it looks as if nothing can be salvaged from their hearts. This is what violence is capable of when it grips the heart.

Violence doesn’t care.

Remember, violence is not prejudiced. Violence does not care about the neighborhood you live in or how influential you are. Violence doesn’t care about the amount of money you have or your social position in society. Violence only cares about a place to live, incubate, and grow. Violence wants to dwell in safety, yet spread like an infectious disease, and guess what? The heart is the chosen dwelling place.

A few men and women come out of family violence with only a few scars. But other men and women aren’t so fortunate. Their scars are deep, scary, and tender because the infection injected into the heart goes deep and lives. The tragedy is men and women give birth to other souls. Thus, the cycle of violence begins, and violence speaks, “ah they won’t get help, I am safe.”

Violence, at its best, is wild and believed to be untamable in the perpetrator’s heart and acted in the cycle of violence. Violence doesn’t want you to believe in HOPE. Violence doesn’t want you to think a Little HOPE may exist and might help!

Broken Hope Like Broken Crayons Still Work

Broken Hope like Broken Crayons Still Work is the theme for 2019 And He Restoreth My Soul October Project. Throughout October, contributors will share their stories where broken HOPE gave through to its fullness in their lives.

The goal

Throughout October, the information shared is meant to educate, elevate, and encourage. As readers and followers of And He Restoreth My Soul October Project, you will be challenged with a decision; to remain in a bystander mode or become a force directed toward helping someone exposed to violence. What will your choice be?

WARNING: If at any time you are triggered by any of the information, please contact 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 Domestic Violence Hotline or your counselor.

Remember  –  Broken Hope Like Broken Crayons Still Work

Darlene J. Harris

Serving at the Pleasure of God