You are probably discerned by the title of this month’s article; October is a month with a mountain of moving parts. The entire month shines a spotlight on two serious and sensitive illnesses facing our Nation – Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer. Both have almost silently woven themselves into the fabric of our Nation. The statistics are alarming but regardless of how big the problem, we must not overlook, HOW BIG IS OUR GOD. In Him we have The Victory!
Tomieka R. Daniel, Managing Attorney, Macon Regional Office of Georgia Legal Services Program is acknowledged as an expert in the area of domestic violence. According to Attorney Daniel, “domestic violence is an epidemic and it is important that we share how it affects our community.” We often think that the violent acts upon our community are initiated by strangers who forced their way into our home – our domain. However, the definition of domestic violence indicates it is “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Key words FBBC Family, “relationship, partner, intimate partner.” The perpetrator and victim are not strangers and because domestic violence knows no gender, age, race, religion, or economic status; the victim/perpetrator could be my father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter … or me. Abuse of this type in our Nation is so personal until it often goes unreported. The Me Too movement has begun to replace victims’ unwarranted feelings of guilt and shame with power and courage. It has not and will not be easy, but We Have The Victory in Christ.
October also shines a light on Breast Cancer Awareness. I was fortunate enough to spend time with two cancer survivors (Theresa Thomas & Vivian Lewis) and caregiver, Eleanor Bullard. The information they shared with me is the information they wish everyone knew.
Being a cancer patient/survivor means your life and lifestyle is permanently altered. Which also means the lifestyle of those closest to you – your family – is also permanently altered.
I asked the ladies four very personal questions:
Written by Henry Hopson, Jr.