September and Sexual Abuse Awareness
September! It’s been a good month. My youngest son turned 1 year old this month (precious) and I was able to speak out about sexual violence in some pretty cool places, meeting some amazing people (inspiring).
A few weeks ago I had the extraordinary privilege of speaking at the nation’s ONLY historically black (HBCU) all-women’s college, Spelman College, in Atlanta. An amazing time with some amazing ladies! I loved being a part of what they are all about and doing what I can to help empower these young black female leaders to make an impact on the world. Such a great trip! Never to be forgotten. And I am stoked at the invitation to return to speak again for Womens’ History Month on their campus. Whoop whoop!
In Mid-Sept I had a special opportunity to share a message for a Sunday morning church service, officially launching a unique ministry, ”Hush to Hope”. I am so proud of Grace Community Church in Washington Courthouse, Ohio—this church has been using my first book Hush along with the love of Jesus to reach out and care for survivors of abuse in their community. The response of the congregation was humbling. God’s power was evident and the timing was perfect, according to many stories I was privileged to hear after. Pray for this church—specifically for this new survivor support group that has begun—we are expectant for a great report!
Last week I did a radio interview for Chris Fabry LIVE on Moody Radio, discussing abuse & the Church, hope & healing. I always love talking with Chris and interacting with his listeners.
This week my family and I traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan where I had the honor of keynoting a special speaker series on sexuality. Nick Kristof, a “New York Times” columnist and author of Half The Sky spoke earlier in the week and I presented at Calvin College at the end of the week, where the focus was on sexual assault awareness and prevention.
Tomorrow I share informally in a classroom setting here at Calvin College and then it’s back home with the fam and prepping for next week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Good start to the fall semester!
May the silence be broken and may the healing begin. Thank you to all who support this work and message.
Nicole
