I came home from working all day and simply asked my husband if he had fixed the engine of our boat. An unexpected flash of anger raged through my husband. Within seconds my head was being banged against the floor over and over. I remember seeing my two small boys watching in terror, I thought that this time I would die, and my sons would be haunted with memories of their father killing their mother.

I lived my life as a battered woman for many years. It was the terror in my sons eyes that was the final conviction to get out before I was killed. Today as I look back, I know it was the best choice for me and for my children. Each of our five children are doing great, and are well adjusted. The four oldest are now adults, and I am very very proud of them. Our life was never easy, but I do know that God was always there protecting and guiding us.

I work as an Advocate in a Family Shelter. As each woman tells her story I remember the feelings of pain, anger, fear, and loss of hope and Love. They are at the worst part of their life right now. I discovered that it was during these devastating times that I needed God the most and drew closer to Him, and realized God's unfailing Love for me. For more about me ... see Beacon of Light