by Raegan Smith | Jul 24, 2024 | Hearts Restored, Pregnancy, Restoration
Clarity’s Hearts Restored team had the opportunity this spring to partner with Haley Potter, a local 2024 senior, for her senior project! Haley had been personally impacted by the way her aunt grieved her own miscarriage. She wanted to honor her aunt’s loss, which led her to Hearts Restored. She decided to craft memory boxes for women who have experienced reproductive loss. Since Haley is a member of a Clarity partner church, she appealed to her church’s mission team to underwrite the costs for the project goal of 30 boxes.
Each special keepsake box contained a teddy bear, pink and blue beaded bracelets with a foot charm, a journal, pen, chapstick, tissues, and a copy of “I’ll Hold You in Heaven” by Jack Hayford. The boxes also included a hand painted rock by Haley and her family, a personal letter from Haley, and information about the Hope After Reproductive Loss care group. During Haley’s project presentation, one of the panelists praised Haley and stated she so appreciated the thought and care behind the boxes. Openly weeping, she shared that she had herself experienced 5 miscarriages. At that moment, Haley and Hearts Restored Assistant Director, Karen Riley, had the opportunity to minister to the panelist and present her with one of the boxes. She was so moved and appreciative that she had to excuse herself to regain composure.
Since Haley’s presentation, they have given 12 boxes to two different funeral homes. One of the funeral homes asked how they could get more of these boxes! They also have a meeting scheduled with the CRH Bereavement team to share the memorial boxes. Realizing the opportunity for connection and healing that these boxes have opened, Karen spoke to one of the Senior Project coordinators about future seniors helping with this new Legacy Project. An upcoming senior may utilize the project but put their own creativity into it. That way, a community need is still being met and affords the student their individuality and creativity. Our Hearts Restored team looks forward to mentoring more seniors with this project. If you have an interest in helping with this project, please reach out to Karen Riley at 812-341-5114 or karen.riley@claritycares.org.
by Clarity Cares | May 9, 2018 | Restoration
Me, too. We hear it often in the media today. At its core, those courageous words are filled with fear and shame. If it is the first time you have vaguely referenced some form of personal sexual violation, molestation, or rape, then you may be terrified of the reaction from those that heard you. But is there hope after sexual abuse?
For years, you may have resolved to remain silent, to downplay or ignore the impact on your emotions and behaviors, and never to dare hope for healing. You may wear shame, as if you were to blame in some way. You may carry feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, fear, depression, and uncontrollable anger. These are all very common reactions of survivors.
But you are not alone! 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of every 6 men have been sexually abused before the age of 18. Sexual abuse isn’t about sex. It’s about power and control.
Overcoming the wounds of sexual abuse is possible. We have seen it happen in small support groups, where participants walk through a healing study together. Heads nod constantly in agreement, meaning, “I feel that same way” or “I cope in that way, too”. Glimpses of hope for a changed heart shine into the ugly darkness, as women listen to other survivors who have completed the healing journey.
Dan Allender, a prominent therapist, author, professor, and speaker focusing on sexual abuse and trauma recovery, says this about the shame survivors carry: “The only antidote to shame is the word and touch of someone who delights in us. We need an alliance of love, one that knows our shame and suffering and refuses to look away, and offers the kindness of God, instead of pity or mere sympathy.”
So, bring your tattered and broken heart, and trust that this is a safe and confidential place to heal. We have walked in your shoes. We understand you. We want you to find the freedom to live with joy!
Hearts Restored: Overcoming Sexual Abuse is a recovery study and support group for women. Make a confidential call or text to Sue at 812.567.3150 or email her. New groups will begin in June and September – during daytime and evening hours. Please contact Sue for confidential details.
by Clarity Cares | Jan 22, 2017 | Relationships, Restoration
Did you know January is Human Trafficking awareness month? Do you know some of the red-flag behaviors you should watch for regarding this illegal trade? Here are some things to look for to identify possible victims of sex trafficking:
- excess cash, but no job
- has expensive grooming habits with no job (hair professionally done, nails professionally done, expensive clothing, shoes, technology)
- lack of stable housing
- controlling dating partner
- displays fear, depression, anxiety
- change in normal behavior
- substance abuse
- low self-esteem, dating a very confident partner
It is not only strangers who solicit/recruit people into the sex-trafficking trade. Only 9% of sex traffickers are strangers to their victim. Immediate family members account for 36% sex traffickers and 27% sex traffickers are in a romantic relationship with the victim.
Some sex traffickers build relationship with, flatter and ask for explicit photos of their victims and then use those photos to blackmail the victim into acts of sex trafficking. This is just one of the many reasons why you should NEVER send explicit photos to anyone.
If you feel vulnerable to becoming a victim, or know someone who is, text BeFree (233733) or visit Polaris Project.
