Blessings

Life has been hard but life has also been good. I have gone through things I never thought I could handle. I’m still standing. I think besides the greatest thing I’ve come to know-the love of God and Spirit, the second greatest thing I have learned is that hardship can work for good if you just have faith.

For those of you who know my story, please humor me over the next paragraph. For those of you who aren’t familiar with my story, I will suffice to say that life has been rough. I’ve gone through abuse of numerous kinds, substance abuse, the death of two children and suicidal tendencies as a result of the pain that has rocked my life even up until recently. I am happy to say, though, that I have made the decision to move forward in the honor of my children’s memories and most of all, in the honor of my heavenly Father who so graciously saved them from the fate of death. It’s been a long, trying, at times desperate road, but I choose to walk the rest of the way in as much peace and love as I can muster. The perspective of being a help to others keeps me motivated too. Which brings me to the topic of this blog post: my extreme gratefulness for the awards I’ve won for my books.

My books are written about the pain that I’ve been through. I was hesitant to start writing about my life but I have found that in the three books I have penned thus far, the lessons I’ve learned and shared in my poetry and prose have blessed other people. I had no idea they would be so well received. It is a bittersweet yet beautiful opportunity that I’ve had to experience the effect my writing has had on others. To date, I have won 30 awards for my three published books. I can’t even describe how that makes me feel. So much pain has gone into the pages of these books, including the memory of my most recent child’s death. Before she passed, she convinced me to write Breaking The Silence. Because of her that book is published. I also penned Poetry and Ponderings while she was still with me and we were waiting expectantly to see how that book would help others as well. Unfortunately, she left me before Poetry and Ponderings was published.

To all of you who have gone through trauma and grief, know that you are not alone. Also know that there is a possibility for a brighter day on the horizon. It is with great respect to you and hope that you can find strength to move on that I accept these awards. Because it has not only changed my life but also those of you who have contacted me or left reviews regarding my words that you have read. I will never take these things for granted because I believe that we are all here for a reason, together for a purpose and destined to do something wonderful that will help each other and the world around us to thrive. I pray we will all grow in Spirit and fulfill our destinies. Because that is the end result which will change everything for the better.

God bless!

Grief Is A Life Changer

When my daughter passed a few years ago, I was beside myself with grief. I felt like the bottom of my life had dropped out and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to believe and I began to question everything that I thought I knew up to that point. It is amazing what the effects of grief can do to you, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually.

I had been a Christian for almost twenty years before my daughter passed. I talked about spirituality every day with my kids. Spirituality was the backbone of my life. But when my daughter left me, I not only felt betrayed but I was so devastated that I begged for answers to questions that only God could provide. I went on a spiritual quest. I even left my home for months in search of answers. And I received many-positive and negative.

While I was on my quest I wrote my book entitled Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief. I studied spiritual concepts and immersed myself in spiritual literature and theories. I sought understanding and wisdom. I begged for enlightenment. And I received a lot. But the more that I learned the more questions were raised. God is an amazing, powerful, loving entity that holds so many facets of information and wisdom that it is mind boggling. So I came to a point where I decided that having the faith of a child is a very valuable trait.

Yes it is important to continue learning and seeking. But it is also important to believe without doubt. To know that spirit is powerful, all encompassing and infinite. To understand that human capacity can never fully comprehend all that God is. I came to the conclusion that I could seek for all eternity and still have questions. That is a beautiful thing when you have the faith of a child.

I am one of those people who wants to learn and understand as much as I can. I want to seek and find. I want to grow in spiritual stature. The beauty of a belief system like that is the fact that I can learn forever and never grow tired of finding new concepts to embrace, new facets of understanding to harvest in my life. The concepts of reaping and sowing, speaking and receiving, blessing and being blessed are just beginnings to amazing information that is yet for me to discover.

I was stretched to capacity. I didn’t feel like I could be stretched any farther. But then….spirit stretched me almost to a point I couldn’t handle. It never ceases to amaze me how our limits are tested when we beg to know more.

I have a new book coming out soon. I wrote it for my daughter after she passed. It is a dedication to her life and her love; the legacy she left behind. However, God in His great mercy, has allowed me to continue a oneness with her from beyond heaven’s veil. She and I are tied up in spiritual love and understanding. It has been hard but beautiful at the same time. Some of the concepts I write about in my new book have been alluded to in Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief. It has been an interesting journey. One that I will continue until I am able to hug my daughter again in heaven-and through eternity. Spirit holds us together in love and light so that darkness will not prevail.

If you have lost a child or close loved one, it is my hope that the books I write will give you peace. I believe it is true that grief is love with nowhere to go. Fortunately, when we are held together in spirit’s compassionate love and light, our love does have somewhere to go. It goes to our creator and our loved ones that wait for us. I believe that is a key for handling loss well. Continue to feel your love for those who have graduated and moved on. Because in spiritual love and light, our care and concern are received. Our sorrow is understood. We need not fear. Love is a living energy that not only transforms sorrow but also pain. Our love is received and translated to those who wait in heaven for us to join them. They are only a heartbeat away. Love is the transmitter that holds us close, that keeps our departed ones near and dear!

A Fun Christmas Video!

Hello! Today I’m sharing a video that I created for my award winning books. It’s a Christmas video (hint, hint!) that features each of my books published so far.

Breaking The Silence, my first book, is a memoir about my life. Though it is listed as fiction, the story is true except for the fact that names and places have been changed to protect the identities of loved ones. If you or someone you know loves to curl up with a good book, take a peek at the video.

Poetry and Ponderings is also about my life. It’s a book of poetry and prose regarding healing and moving on from rough patches we all find ourselves in from time to time. Rated at 4.71 overall, this book is a great one for poetry lovers!

Also included is Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief, my most recent book about the tragedy that befell our family several years ago when my youngest daughter died. Finding Hope is a book of poetry, prose and art. I included a few pieces of my paintings, digital art, mixed media, photography and pencil drawings. The ratings have been wonderful on this book as well.

About a month ago I was approached by an editor of The New York Review Of Books who suggested that I have my work featured in their paper. I happily obliged and now all three books are being advertised there as well. I am humbled and grateful that my work is being recognized and well received. So much pain and hard lessons learned went into this work that it really means a lot to have such a favorable response.

If you have a chance to watch the video, I’d love to receive feedback! Feel free to message me on my contact form. Merry Christmas!

What Is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a concept that many times is widely misunderstood. When people think of forgiveness, they often think of having been wronged and perceive forgiveness as having to completely disregard the perpetrators who’ve harmed them and the pain they’ve inflicted. I don’t view forgiveness this way.

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When I think of forgiveness, I think of letting go of all the angst, fear and anger that a victim holds against perpetrators who have wronged them. I don’t view forgiveness as forgetting. I view it as having empathy towards oneself.

When we hold grudges we aren’t hurting anyone but ourselves. Those who have wronged us aren’t affected by our emotions unless we take it upon ourselves to harm them back. (Which obviously is not a good idea).

The only person who is affected negatively by unforgiveness is the person who is not willing to forgive. Why? Because unforgiveness allows bitterness to become a large part of a person’s life and views. Also because unforgiveness causes disease within the victim. Stress is a factor in cancer, heart problems and a myriad of other health issues. Not to mention the negative effects of stress on attitude and daily habits. Many stressed out people have depression, anxiety and OCD just to name a few issues. I know this first hand because I held unforgiveness inside of me far too long regarding things that happened in my childhood.

When we live in anger, we perpetrate more hardship on ourselves because of bitter attitudes and aggressive tendencies. It’s not a fun way to live. It’s more like surviving under threat than living in peace and happiness. Nobody deserves to have a life like that. We all deserve to be happy. And in order to be happy many times we must change our mindsets. And that includes being willing to let go of anger and angst towards those who’ve wronged us. We can remember and not allow ourselves to be around those people any longer but it is definitely in our best interest to forgive and move on.

Sometimes it seems crazy to forgive. Like me trying to come to the conclusion that I was going to forgive my perpetrators who molested me. Did I want to forgive? No. Because I thought that it meant I had to be okay with what happened and even be willing to go around those people again. When I realized that forgiveness was remembering from a peaceful standpoint and not allowing myself or my children to be around those people I was much more willing to give it a try. Forgiveness is a process. It may take years to completely let go and move forward but it is possible even in extreme situations.

This is a topic that I talk about in my books. I’ve had a lot of forgiving to do and I’m getting better at it with practice. Once I realized I was only hurting myself I knew I had to let go and move on. Because I knew I deserved better. So do you. Everyone deserves happiness and peace. It takes a mindset of wisdom and understanding but it is so worthwhile that even if it takes years it’s a journey that you should deeply consider.

Once you value yourself enough to seek love and good out of life you’ll attract more love and good to yourself because you know you deserve it. What a great way to move forward, don’t you think?

Why Abuse Is So Hard To Heal From

In my books I speak about abuse I suffered as a child. I don't go into detail but I do explain how much abuse hurts. And how wonderful it is to heal and be able to move on. One of the reasons why I wrote these books, which are entitled Breaking The Silence and Poetry and Ponderings, is because abuse is such a difficult thing to recover from. Why? Because it is a taboo subject. Back when I was victimized, people just didn't talk about it. Especially sexual abuse. Victims of abuse feel as though they can't tell anyone. Not only because the perpetrators threaten them but also because it's not a topic you can just talk to anybody about. That's why I'm grateful that in recent years it has been looked upon in a more open way. Victims are beginning to share more about these types of things, which is a powerful step not only for them but for society as a whole.

Another reason that I wrote my books is because victims feel alone and helpless. When somebody invades your personal space, you are threatened on a level that can't be described in any way but terrorizing and dehumanizing. When I was victimized, I was terrified of those who had their way with me. I was a child and I felt like I had nowhere to turn. It is extremely difficult to have someone not only invade your space and body but also your mind. All of those factors go into many forms of abuse. Victims are victimized on such deep, personal levels that they feel 'boxed in' and unable to defend themselves. Particularly when those victims are children.

Victims also have a reaction that is defined as 'learned helplessness'. They feel like they've been ostracised so they continue operating and living in vicious cycles instead of hoping to break free. That is why victims need a voice. Especially children. It is so difficult to make a child understand that what is going on is not their fault. They take on the blame and shame and hold it inside themselves, growing up with a warped mindset that they're lesser people because of what happened to them.

I am so grateful for places like RAINN. It is becoming more accepted to talk about abuse and victimization. This is what we need for people to heal and understand that not only is what happened NOT their fault but also that they have the right to seek happiness and have hope to be able to heal from the trauma. It is only with a societal mindset of understanding and openness that abused people will be able to adopt the fact that they are worthwhile and what happened to them does not define them. Before anyone can heal, they must first accept what they've experienced and realize they have the right just the same as anyone else to find peace and freedom.

Life Is A Pandora's Box (Excerpt From Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief)

In my most recent book, Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief, I wrote a statement in the foreword section of the book that I will be elaborating on. Following is what I wrote. This three dimensional plane offers much for us to learn: happiness, wisdom, understanding, pain, loss, heartbreak, wonder and enlightenment. It is a Pandora's box of emotions, situations, opportunities, and failures, all wrapped into a package we call life. Nobody is immune.

Why did I write Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief?  

I decided to write Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief to help my readers come to terms with hardships they've faced in life. Life has a way of creating a roller coaster effect for us. Some days we're high on life, laughing, content, fulfilled. Then come the days when we're angry, hurt and bitter. The hard days will always come because that's how we learn.

We each have a purpose. 

Each of us was created to leave a footprint on this planet that will remain long after we're gone. The only way we can leave that footprint is by finding out who we are and what we do best in the most positive sense possible. Our experiences in life are the ways in which we learn. When we realize what our talents are, we can lean on Spirit to help us make our destinies come to pass.

Living your purpose is a beautiful thing.  

Have you ever felt the amazing beauty of beholding something only you could do? Whether it be a child you've had, something you've created, a way in which you've helped someone else or a tribute or talent you've shared with the world, something you-and only you-could do? The feeling is monumental. Awesome. Fulfilling. A reason why you have been set upon this planet for such a time as this!

We are so diverse as a species.  

The human race is so talented and abundant  that the possibilities of destiny cover a huge range of ideas, circumstances and situations. Some of us are born to help the environment, others to bake, still others to sing and dance and create beautiful things. The sky is the limit where human potential is concerned. And what you've been set here to do is what you love. What you gravitate to. Life has a way of honing your skills until they're ready to be unleashed upon society and the planet.

We each have been called to learn.  

Without the valleys of heartbreak and the mountains of happiness those talents aren't defined. We all need the wisdom, understanding, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness and awareness that refines our capabilities so that we contribute our absolute best.  That means experiencing the good, and bad, in life.

Spiritual insights are valuable ways in which to grow. 

I share spiritual insights in my book that I've learned through living. Things that have spurred me on to bigger and better aspects of life. Sharing the bliss of your best is a momentous occasion in which to prosper. Spiritual truths guide and heal. Spirit's love improves and expounds upon that which you have been born to complete. With the help and vision of clarity from these insights, I have found that I am able to contribute on a larger and larger scale. It is my hope that you will be too. We need you! We are all important parts of the whole!

Why I Wrote Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief

Some of you may be familiar with my story by now.  But many  of you aren't.  It's my hope that the books I write will help my readers emerge from hardship and trauma with valiant trust that things will get better again.  That life will even out and be okay.  That is the core reason why I write.

Over the course of fifty plus years of living, I have experienced quite a bit.  My life has been difficult.  For the first thirty years I felt like I had been pummelled by the hands of fate.  I was disconcerted, angry, heartbroken and depressed.  I had been molested from the age of two to twelve.  From there I became an alcoholic and drug addict.  During those years I got pregnant, not realizing it, and drank and did drugs up until I realized I was pregnant.  My doctor counselled me to have an abortion.  I did.  Now I deeply regret my actions.  Then I quit doing so many drugs but continued in alcoholism.  I found myself pregnant again.  I went into preterm labor and my baby girl died.  That nearly decimated me.  But somehow I walked out of the rubble, though I was stunned and ashamed.  For twenty years I mourned my actions.  It was during those twenty years that I got married and had two more children.  My youngest was born with a rare syndrome.  I lived in fear for the first ten years of her life.  Her doctors told me that she would be fine.  They said she'd lead a full, healthy life.  I finally began to feel as though everything would work out.  Eight years later (nearly two years ago now), she died.  At the tender age of eighteen.  That was the icing on the cake.  I literally threw myself to the winds of fate and felt I knew nothing about life.   After digging myself out of the ashes once again I wrote Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief.

I wish I could say life was easy but I know it isn't.  Every day I watch the news with one eye closed (I really dislike negativity now-I strive to stay very positive) as my husband watches TV.  So much trauma.   So much pain.  I realize I'm not the only one suffering.  Everyone suffers at least some time in their lives.  That is why I wrote Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief.  And my other two books:  Breaking The Silence and Poetry and Ponderings.  I wanted to help others by letting them know they're not alone.  I wanted to pass on the things that I've learned so that my work could be a place of refuge to my readers.

It's been rough.  "The hard way" is a statement I can attest to.  Over the years I've developed a deep faith in God (Spirit).  My books are packed with spiritual insight and wisdom that I have gleaned over the past fifty plus years.  Without my faith I would have sunk under the pressure that I've been confronted with time and time again.

If you're suffering, or know someone who is, please take a look at my work.  I truly wish to be of help.  I'd love to hear stories from my readers that attest to what my writing meant to them.  Feel free to contact me.  I'm all over the internet-facebook, twitter, instagram and google plus is where I hang out the most.  But you can also find me on pinterest and linkedin.

Now that you know my motives for writing, I'd love to hear from you!

Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief Is A Double Award Winner!

I am excited and pleased to say that Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief just won another award from the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards!

This book of art, poetry and prose was written to give readers faith and hope that it is possible to have a life after a consuming loss. Death, divorce, illness and tragedy all threaten to stop us in our tracks. And for a while it does. But in my book, I embrace the concepts of spirituality and strength to bring hope and renewal into the heart and soul.

When we are weak and feel that we can't recover from the blows life throws at us, that is the time to find strength in our weakness and regeneration in our spirits.

Art and writing can help so much to garner much needed strength in our lives. And empathy and compassion gird us up with the understanding that we're not alone.

If you or someone you know needs encouragement, please consider this book as a help.

Mom's Choice Awards

I recently won a gold medal for Poetry and Ponderings from Mom's Choice Awards and a silver medal for Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief. I am deeply honored to be part of the Mom's Choice Awards family which is recognized in fifty five countries for excellence in products. Both of my books join my book Breaking The Silence in the Mom's Choice family, which also won a gold medal.Please find links below to all three award winning books:

Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief:  https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Hope-Darkness-Grief-Spiritual/dp/1982205687/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533615942&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+hope+in+the+darkness+of+grief

Poetry and Ponderings:  https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Ponderings-Journey-Healing-Through/dp/0998167398/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533617824&sr=8-1&keywords=poetry+and+ponderings+diamante+lavendar

Breaking The Silence:  https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Silence-Diamante-Lavendar/dp/1502381257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533617913&sr=8-1&keywords=breaking+the+silence+diamante+lavendar

A Beautiful Review For Finding Hope In The Darkness Of Grief, My Most Recently Published Book!

Finding Hope in the Darkness of Grief gathers Diamante Lavendar's own insights on how she charted a path through grief, and pairs free verse poems that double as uplifting admonitions ("There is so much more/To every instance/Than we can comprehend.") with prose and the author's lovely color art images.

From illusions of darkness and separation to the realities of harboring false beliefs and following the road to healing, Lavendar's verse and insights follow the process of not only recovery; but finding the kind of empathy and understanding from the healing process that strengthens other connections in life.

The juxtaposition of nature-oriented images and art with these admonitions lends a visual touch to the written word that enhances both with a structure and reinforcement that either alone could not have achieved.

Those who will benefit most from Lavendar's approach are readers who are seeking their own paths to healing and greater enlightenment, who can accept her candid assessments of what the process of grieving leads to ("Death is not an ending but a beginning to a different reality, not only/for the bereaved but also for those who have passed into eternity.").

This audience will relish the message of Lavendar's art and words and will discover not just a quiet comfort offered within the pages of Finding Hope in the Darkness of Grief, but a broader message that holds clues to finding strength from weakness and ultimately transforming grief into a growth experience.

Readers interested in finding opportunities from the great of adversities will keep Finding Hope in the Darkness of Grief close at hand for reflection, inspiration, and ultimately transformation. -Diane Donovan, Donovan's Literary Services, Editor Midwest Book Review.

To purchase a copy, please visit:

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Hope-Darkness-Grief-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B07F3113C3/ref=la_B00HZDSGU6_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530436320&sr=1-3

Breaking The Silence Book Trailer

https://youtu.be/I_yOs6aT5i4

Here is the book trailer for my book entitled Breaking The Silence. Breaking The Silence is a story about my life and a dedication to those who have suffered abuse, loss and addiction. Breaking The Silence has won six awards for Inspirational Fiction and was written to help others overcome hurtful issues as I have had to do during my lifetime. It is my hope that my story will help many people to find hope, peace and healing.

If you feel that my story may help you, please follow the links below to where you can purchase it.

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Silence-Diamante-Lavendar/dp/1502381257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522187447&sr=8-1&keywords=breaking+the+silence+diamante+lavendar

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-the-silence-diamante-lavendar/1120390395?ean=9781502381255

Breaking The Silence Won Another Award!

I am deeply honored to say that now my book Breaking The Silence is a winner of six awards! All for Inspirational Fiction! This most recent award is the Gold Medal for Inspirational Fiction from Reader's Favorite!

I am so grateful especially since this book is one of the pain regarding the things I've dealt with in life.  It hasn't been easy to say the least.  But it gives me great joy to know that I can help others recover from tragedy and trauma with this award winning book.  And a gift of meaning in life to know that even crushing pain can bring gain not only to myself but also to others-the reason why I wrote this book in the first place.

If you know anyone who's been in hardship and agony, please tell them about Breaking The Silence.  If they need help in finding hope and recovery, this book will definitely be what they need!

Here's The Press Release For Poetry and Ponderings!

The new press release from Online PR Media!

Online PR News – 18-June-2017 – Green Bay – In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault. Knowing herself the very difficult journey of being a victim, Diamante was abused as a child, and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Many years later, she started to heal under God's watchful eyes and was able to find love in her life again. She shares these truly inspiring, religious poems in the hopes that it may help other victims heal their hurts, as she did while writing the poetry collection.

"Poetry and Ponderings is the most loving and beautiful dedication to Diamante Lavendar's daughter. Anybody who has gone through a grieving time needs to read this classic expression of love and devotion. I tip my hat to the author for this marvelous collection of wisdom, insight, and truth."—Mel Novak, Actor, Best known for his role in Bruce Lee's Game of Death.

“Poetry and Ponderings is the most loving and beautiful dedication to Diamante Lavendar’s daughter. Anybody who has gone through a grieving time needs to read this classic expression of love and devotion. I tip my hat to the author for this marvelous collection of wisdom, insight, and truth.”—Mel Novak, Actor, Best known for his role in Bruce Lee’s Game of Death.”

"Tragedy turned triumph. Poetry and Ponderings beautifully leads the reader from gut-wrenching pain to glorious freedom and healing. A must read for survivors and those who love them."—Sarah Boes, Founder of More Precious Than Rubies, reaching victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

"Ms. Lavendar takes the reader through her powerful, unfiltered emotions on each page with every poem. The personal nature of her poetry opens a window into her life, into her being."—IE Castellano, Author of The World In-between Series.

"Diamante's Poetry and Ponderings are an affirmation, and flow to the close of her book with the summation of her awakening. She has in each poem walked us through to her understanding, and acceptance; we are the creation of God's breath, as souls to live life to the fullest, and with forgiveness… ‘Writing is her way of leaving her mark; one poem, one story at a time.’ This book achieves this endeavor."—Sam Eastwood, International Poet.

"A really nice collection of poetry. The poems flow well, as well as vary in structure and length…I enjoyed the positivity that took over the majority of the work and the enlightened affirmations that punctuated every few pages. I really enjoyed the branch graphic on every page; it’s neat how the branch reflected healing."—Maddy Drake, Dreaming Big Publications.

About the Author: Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark on the world, and to make it a better place for all. Writing is her way of leaving her mark-one story at a time. She began writing in college and has published poetry in anthologies over the years. Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences, and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories. Her book, Breaking the Silence has been nominated for and won many awards. To learn more about Diamante Lavendar and her books, please visit her website at: www.diamantelavendar.com.

- See more at: https://www.onlineprnews.com/news/912410-1497614270-poetry-and-ponderings-a-new-chapbook-of-hope-and-healing-by-award-winning-author-diamante-lavendar.html#sthash.zXJ59Vmb.dpuf

Breaking The Silence Video Clip!

My book Breaking The Silence is now a double award winner in the genre of Inspirational Fiction! I am so grateful to Mom's Choice Awards for their gold medal and to Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards for their award! It is humbling, to say the least, since Breaking The Silence is written about my life (though places and names have been changed). It has been a surreal experience to have such good come from such pain and turmoil.

Here is a video clip I created about Breaking The Silence with excerpts from my book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp2U7gOhjao

If you are a victim of abuse or know a victim of abuse, please pass this information along.  It is my desire to help those who feel trapped by their pain.  I want them to know it is possible to heal.  Breaking The Silence is my story of agony and abuse to hope and healing.

God Bless!

Learning How To Heal

When I was afflicted by the pain and torment of my past, it seemed like I would never be able to heal. For years I wondered if healing was even possible. It seemed like a mountain that I couldn't climb...as if my pain was too great to even fathom the ability to overcome it.

Had I known that healing truly was possible, I would have had more hope.  My faith was low, my hope even lower.  I asked numerous people who knew of my circumstance if I could ever come out victorious from my situation.  The most hopeful response I received was  "maybe."

When you're in the depths of despair for years, surrounded by very few people who are supportive, "maybe" isn't a good answer.  The word "maybe" caused my despair to deepen.  But by the magic of God's healing, I eventually overcame my situation.

This is a video I created about what I learned regarding healing.  It's not as elusive as it seems. In fact, it is possible to heal from the type of trauma I endured.  If you're in a period of suffering, please take a moment to watch my video.  And know that you, too, can achieve happiness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSTodkF-c0o

Interview With Joan, From Breaking The Silence

Interviewer: Hi, Joan. Thanks for agreeing to do an interview. Why don't you give me a background of your story?Joan: Breaking The Silence is my personal story. It is the story of my life and what happened to me. I agreed to have Diamante write Breaking The Silence in an attempt to help others who have gone through the same abuse and problems that I have.

Interviewer: How are you hoping that telling your story will help others? Joan: Well, people that have been molested and sexually abused usually feel alone, like no one else can understand their situation. I wanted my story to help them realize that they aren't alone. And to help them know that they can heal no matter how severe their abuse was.

Interviewer: Is it possible for someone to heal completely if they have been sexually abused? Joan: Yes, healing is possible. It is a long process. it definitely takes time. And it takes understanding. That is why people need to hear my story. To know someone understands and has felt the pain they are feeling. It will give them hope that they can and will get better.

Interviewer: Have you completely healed? Joan: When you say completely, do you mean to ask if I never think of what happened to me any more?

Interviewer: I mean have you been able to move on successfully without your past haunting you any more? Joan: What happened to me will always haunt me. I'll never forget it. But I have come to terms with it and I realize there are good days and bad days, but the bad days don't last forever. I have hope that better days will come again.

Interviewer: So people who have been sexually abused will never forget? What can you tell them that will give them hope? Joan: I can tell them that the pain will lessen year by year as they deal with their abuse and the issues it has caused in their lives. I can also tell them that the days will get better more frequently as time goes on....they will reach a point where they may not think of what happened to them for six months before they have a flashback. And then when they do, it won't last long at all. It is possible to be happy. I mean, nobody's life is perfect.

Interviewer: How have you healed over the years? Joan: By my belief in God, by going to counseling for years, by believing in myself more and by believing in the possibility of my dreams coming true.

Interviewer: In closing, what advice would you give to someone who has experienced sexual abuse? Joan: I would tell them to read my book, to get in touch with a good counselor and to find a group they could join to meet others who have been through what they've been through. It is critical to have hope and to know that others have made it through that type of trauma. And I would tell them they are never alone. And they aren't damaged. They can absolutely heal and have a wonderful life if they are willing to face their demons. As I call it, they can become mighty overcomers!

Interviewer: Thank you, Joan, for sharing your story and for being willing to help others. I wish you great luck with all of your endeavors and I hope your book helps many people to become 'mighty overcomers'!

Excerpt from The Secrets Of Yashire: Emerging From The Shadows

"What is it like, anyway, to be sent by The Spirit of Truth on a mission?" Abiba asked.

"Well, when I first got here I was really confused because I can't remember who I was before or where I came from. But now I'm just accepting the fact that I'm here to fulfill this mission and I'm not thinking much past that," Brianna responded.

"You'll probably get your memory back soon," Abiba warbled.

"I sure hope so. I'm hoping that completing this journey will bring it back."

During their conversation, Angelos had wandered off to munch on some grass. He followed at a distance while they talked, wandering in and out of the trees.

"I would hate to lose my memory," Abiba stated. "I am so curious. I need to know what is going on at all times. And I would hate the feeling of looking at something and having no idea what it is."

"That's the strange thing about it. I know what everything is. I just don't know who I am or where I came from."

"Hmmmm..." Abiba was deep in thought. "That is very interesting. I wonder what the reasoning of that might be."

Just as Brianna opened her mouth to reply, a horrendous thundering roar came towards them from the woods on their left. Moments later, Angelos fled madly out of the underbrush and ran to Brianna, singing frantically and wildly thrusting his tail back and forth. She looked down and spotted some large, round seeds stuck to his tail. She and Abiba both began to laugh hysterically as she bent down to pick them out of Angelos' fur.

"You need to be more careful, Angelos! These things are really sticky!"

He sang in agreement, gratefully waiting for Brianna to pick them all out of his tail.

After she had pulled out the last seed, Abiba said they were headed to a grassy glen not far ahead. He told her that she would receive her first virtue there.

(My first virtue! I get to use the magic words!)

They meandered through the trees, which got fewer and farther apart the more they walked.

"We're getting closer," Abiba affirmed as they continued weaving in and out of the trees. "It's not much farther ahead."

The landscape seemed to open up and expand as they pushed forward. The area where the glen lay was quite large and only dotted with a few trees.

As they walked into the open area, moonlight fell around them like a soft blanket.

"This place is called the Whispering Meadows. It is a magical land," Abiba chirped, gesturing with one of his wings.

"I can't wait to see this! This is going to be awesome! I get to use the magic words!" Brianna said excitedly.

Brianna walked further into the field of moonlit grass.

"Say the magic words," Abiba persuaded.

Brianna cleared her throat..........................

******************************************************************

If you're curious about what happened, check out The Secrets Of Yashire: Emerging From The Shadows on Amazon! You will explore a whole new world with Brianna! Blessings!

Interview With A Purple Fairy About Brianna And Yashire

  Interviewer:  Today we will be interviewing a fairy from Yashire, who helped Brianna on her journey.  May I ask you your name?

Fairy:  My name is Purple.

Interviewer:  Just like your color?

Fairy:  Yes.  Our names are our color!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  That's cute!  Would you like to sit for the interview?

Fairy:  No.  I prefer to fly!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  Could you at least hover in front of me?  It's hard for me to concentrate when you're flying all around my head!

Fairy:  Yes!  Hee hee!  Forgive me, sir!

Interviewer:  Very well, then.  Tell me a bit about Brianna.

Fairy:  Well, when she came to Yashire, she was kind of a mess, hee hee!  And she was worried about her journey, too.  But when she met us, we gave her the gift of laughter and then she felt better!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  What do you mean, she was a mess?

Fairy:  Well, she had a lot to learn, hee hee!  I guess you could say she had a lot of problems.  But we helped her by giving her the gift of laughter to make her problems a little better, hee hee!

Interviewer:  What do you mean, 'the gift of laughter'?

Fairy:  We gave her laughter so that she would enjoy, hee hee, her soulmate more!  And focus on her problems less!  After all, humor is, hee hee, very important!

Interviewer:  Yes, I agree that it is indeed.

Fairy:  Oh yes!  Especially when you are on a dangerous journey!  Very important!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  So Brianna's journey is dangerous?

Fairy:  Well, of course it is!  She is rescuing the land of evil!  It really couldn't get any more dangerous!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  Was Brianna worried about her journey?

Fairy:  Oh yes!  Quite worried!  But after she met us, she learned to focus more on happiness!  Hee hee!  To make it a bit easier!

Interviewer:  It sounds to me like you gave her a very important gift, then!  Perhaps it will help her be able to finish her journey successfully!

Fairy:  We certainly hope so!  We are all rooting for her!  We need her to make Yashire better again!  Hee hee!  And for her to do that, hee hee, she must find her soulmate!

Interviewer:  How is she doing as far as finding her soulmate?

Fairy:  She's trying!  She's getting gifts to help her have a good relationship with him!  But she hasn't found him yet!

Interviewer:  Do you anticipate that it will take her a while?

Fairy:  I don't know!  We shall see!  Every step she takes is a step closer to her goal, hee hee!

Interviewer:  Well, I will be waiting to hear how Brianna is doing.  Is there anything you'd like to tell our audience today?

Fairy:  Yes!  Remember to laugh!  Often!  Hee hee!  It will help you to accomplish your goals because you will be able to focus on the positivity of laughter!  Hee hee!

Interviewer:  Great advice!  Thank you, Purple!  Say hi to all the other fairies for me!

Fairy:  I will!  And thank you!  Hee hee!  Everyone needs to know of Brianna's journey!  It may just help them with their own journeys to know what she has been through!

Interviewer:  Thank you again, Purple!  More great advice!  We appreciate everyone tuning in.  We will be checking in with Brianna's progress again soon!  Until then, remember to add a little humor into your day!

Interview With Brianna (Part One)

 

Interviewer:  We are joining Brianna, from Yashire, for a brief interview.  Tell us a little about yourself, Brianna.

Brianna:  Well, I'm a teenage girl who just found herself in Yashire. I'm travelling here with some friends.  Abiba and Angelos are with me.

Interviewer:  For those who aren't familiar with your story, could you elaborate a bit?

Brianna:  Well, Yashire is a land that I'm travelling through.  I'm travelling with a bird named Abiba and a tiger named Angelos. Unfortunately, I have amnesia and I can't remember where I was before this.  That is one reason why I am travelling in Yashire.  I am hoping that when I complete my journey here, I will remember who I was before and where I came from.

Interviewer:  So you have no idea where you were before, who you lived with or anything?

Brianna:  No.

Interviewer:  What exactly are you doing in Yashire?

Brianna:  Well, I woke up here.  I was near Libban's castle.  Libban is the keeper of Yashire.  After I was here for a night, I found out that I was the chosen one who was supposed to rid evil from Yashire.  I don't know why I was chosen, but I guess I was.

Interviewer:  How are you expected to rid evil from Yashire?

Brianna:  I am supposed to find my soulmate.  Somehow that will rid evil from the land.

Interviewer:  Do you have any idea who your soulmate is?

Brianna:  No idea.  At all.  I am travelling through Yashire and receiving virtues in order to have a lasting relationship with him.

Interviewer:  And how are the travels coming along?

Brianna:  Okay, I guess.  I've had some pretty scary moments and some pretty awesome moments.  A lot has happened.

Interviewer:  Tell me about some of those moments.  What was the scariest moment you encountered?

Brianna:  Hmmm.  I think the moment I slayed the serpent was probably the scariest moment so far.

Interviewer:  Wow!  You slayed a serpent?

Brianna:  Yes.  I got training on how to use a dagger and several other weapons.  One of Libban's helpers trained me.  It gets quite dangerous in Yashire at times.

Interviewer:  Fascinating!  And what was one of your happiest moments?

Brianna:  I think the moment I first heard Angelos sing.  His voice has a way of melting into your heart and making you feel peaceful and happy beyond words.  Every time he sings, it affects me like that.

Interviewer:  What do you mean, Angelos sings?

Brianna:  Angelos sings the purest sounds of love.  Zolan-that's the evil wizard in the land-can't stand the sound of his singing.  Neither can Zolan's workers.  Angelos saves me every time with his beautiful voice!

Interviewer:  Describe Angelos' voice to me.

Brianna:  It sounds like a choir of thousands of angels.  It's awesome. It gives me goosebumps.  Every time I hear him sing, it's like I'm hearing him for the first time.

Interviewer:  Wow!  Angelos sounds awesome!  I'd like to hear him sing sometime!

Brianna:  Yes, it is a sound you'd never forget.  He is amazing!

Interviewer:  Does Angelos talk too?

Brianna:  No.  He only sings.

Interviewer:  So you aren't able to have a conversation with Angelos. He sings instead of talking?

Brianna:  Yes, but he is very expressive.  He gets his point across without even having to say anything!

Interviewer:  So Angelos is like a singing bodyguard!  Imagine that!

Brianna:  Yes, he is!  I know I'm safe with Angelos at my side!

Interviewer:  How does Abiba help you on your journey?

Brianna:  Abiba knows Yashire very well and he helps me navigate my way through it.  Plus he has a lot of friends that help us out.

Interviewer:  Have you encountered a lot of evil so far?

Brianna:  Yes, I've had my fair share of it.  As I get deeper into Yashire and receive more virtues, it seems that the evil gets more intense.

Interviewer:  Have you met Zolan in person?

Brianna:  I haven't actually talked to him.  But I've encountered his evil workers like the serpent that attacked me and the shadow people that hunted me.

Interviewer:  Whew!  Sounds scary!  Serpents and shadow people?

Brianna:  Yes, they are fearsome.  The serpent was huge but I slayed it!  I'm quite proud of myself for that one!  The shadow people are fearsome too, but I did get away from them with Angelos' help.  They don't enjoy being stabbed!  When they outnumbered me, Angelos sang and scared them away!

Interviewer:  Well, thank you, Brianna!  It has been a fascinating interview!  I understand that soon you'll be embarking on the next segment of your journey.  We'll keep in touch.  I can't wait to hear what you have to say the next time we meet!

Stay tuned for part two of Brianna's interview!

The Secrets Of Yashire: Emerging From The Shadows

A new adventure awaits fantasy readers!  Come and travel through the realm of Yashire with Brianna, the  main character who finds herself in.... The Secrets of Yashire: Emerging from the Shadows.

TheSecretsofYashireatAmazon

 The Secrets of Yashire: Emerging From the Shadows is a young adult fantasy adventure that occurs within the framework of a young girl’s subconscious mind. The main character, Brianna, finds herself thrown into a world called Yashire where she is forced to deal with circumstances that are threatening Yashire’s existence. Against her will, she is sent on a journey to restore unconditional love back to the land while also contending with the evil force in the land, Zolan.

Brianna is sent on her mission by Libban, Keeper of the Land. Along the way, Brianna travels with the mystical tiger, Angelos; a huge, whitish-tan tiger with thick black stripes who sings only the purest songs of love, and the wondrous little one-eyed bird named Abiba. During the journey, Brianna is also preparing to meet her soulmate—the one she longs to be with and the one who will bring complete healing back into her life.

Together they travel through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures that could only exist in the wildest of imaginations. Through her treacherous brushes with danger and heartwarming experiences of love and acceptance, Brianna discovers many things. It is here, amidst the powers and phantasms of the mind that Brianna receives life lessons and virtues to help her. Will one of her greatest triumphs be achieved as she learns to believe in herself? For only then can she truly see all of the wondrous things that life has to offer.

Review by Kristi's Book Readery (as seen on Goodreads) :

4 out of 5 stars

"I was gifted this book for an honest review. I'm thankful to Diamanté for the opportunity to read this book. It's an easy read; it flows perfectly, great plot and story line. She has created such a unique and magical world and yet it is far different from most magical stories I have read. There are so many creatures and characters, it is easy to build the scenes inside your mind. Unlike a lot of other fantasy stories that have much sadness, destruction, and chaos this story is built on morals and values. In Brianna's journey she is learning not only to become a better person for herself but for others as well. It's very heart warming and enlightening. My only complaint would be that there's not more to read! I want the next part of the story NOW!   I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would recommend it for many readers. It has good and evil, sadness and happiness, an entirely new world to discover, as well as many lessons that we can ALL learn from!"

Pick up your copy today!

Thank you to Kristi's Book Readery for a great review!