Life has many storms in it. Sometimes, the storm isn't just in the sky. It can be emotional, mental, or spiritual. The loss of a loved one, the loss of a home, financial loss, the loss of innocence, the healing of deep pain... these can all be storms one has to walk through. It's weathering these storms that makes us who we are. It's what etches the depths of our souls. Without storms, we would be shallow and unrefined. Some of the most beautiful people I know have weathered very difficult storms.

In the middle of a storm, it's difficult to see. The sky is black... the winds are strong... the sea is rough... the rain pours down relentlessly... the thunder crashes. At times, it is all we can do to hold on and not be destroyed by the ferocity of the storm. We don't have the energy to look for the rainbow. Then suddenly, it appears... perhaps for a fleeting moment, but it is there. Just enough of a glimpse to give us the hope to carry on and the courage to persevere. There are times when it lasts longer, and we are allowed to gaze upon it and dream of the future.

I've been through many storms. I know emotional pain so strong that I thought I would die. I've known physical pain that took me to the limits of what is humanly possible to bear. I am a child abuse survivor, and I have been on a journey toward healing. I lived through physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and ritual abuse. There was not a piece of me they didn't try to destroy.

Many survivors don't share what's happening in their lives because of fear. They fear the loss of acceptance, the criticism of others, or being alone. I've shared those fears. If you're a survivor, you are not alone. There is hope. Without hope, no one can make it. It's hope that gives us the courage and strength to hold on. Rainbows give hope. The hope that the storm won't last forever and the sun will come out. My prayer is that this page and the links on it will be rainbows of hope and encouragement. I pray you will be able to see a rainbow in the rain.

I have many friends who have encouraged me and supported me during my journey. I would like to thank a couple of them in particular... Sly, for it was his encouragement that gave me the courage to create this page. Darlene, who's walked with me tirelessly through it all. I want to thank my husband for being so patient and supportive through all of this. I know it's been really tough for him sometimes. I would especially like to thank my precious Jesus for the gifts and protection He has given me through my whole life.