I hear various reasons all the time from those who have not gone through abuse and even from other survivors sadly enough on how I should just get over my past and everything I have been through. Some tell me my story is too depressing and that I seem to just be stuck in the past. But I know as a survivor, writing and speaking out is a way of healing. These people who always tell us to be positive must not understand that life is not always beautiful and everyone has those tough days. Sometimes we have to let our emotions out and cry and get angry, but after all we have been through, it is normal to feel these emotions. People who discourage us from telling our stories are basically telling us to stay silent. Why should we stay silent though when we were trapped in silence for years? We're all in different healing stages of our lives and some of us are ready to take that step forward and share our stories. Other people should not be discouraging us from doing something that will help us heal. Our voices along with our stories are very powerful. They leave an impact on other people's lives, touching hearts and souls, and making a difference.


I lived my life in darkness even when I did escape from my abusive situation. I found myself going back to self infliction and drinking to try to rid myself of the memories. The more I tried to deny what happened, the more I tried to run and hide, and the more I tried to just ignore it and block it out, the more it all came back to me and caught up with me. The truth is I cannot deny who I really am. Sure, my past is part of my history and sure it isn't all beautiful and glamorous, but it is a part of who I am. However, I am not using my story to get others to feel sorry for me. I use my voice and my story to show others how strong survivors can be and how hard we fight to overcome obstacles we face every single day. So continue to speak out and share your story because others out there need to see how strong we survivors really are and how far we have come in our lives. The more we speak out the more we can encourage others to do the same thing. Someone has to set the way so we might as well step up and take the lead. We faced darkness in our lives, but we found the light because we chose to keep on living and surviving, knowing that if we kept on fighting, we would break the chains of our past and find a new life for ourselves because we know life holds so much more for us. Don't let others discourage you from speaking out. Continue to be a light for other survivors and victims out there trapped in darkness for they need hope in their lives that they too can survive.




From Darkness To Light by Jenna Kandyce Linch



"Get over it" the most common phrase I always hear

After all I endured, people expect my life to be full of cheer.

They tell me my story is depressing and I should be positive

That the abuse is over and done with is the reason they give.


The truth they don't attempt to find out

They just assume they know what everything is about.

Having selective hearing, they aren't listening to each part

Only seeing the outward appearance, they fail to see straight to the heart.


The heart tells the story that is true and real

Showing hidden emotions we survivors feel.

In our personal battles, we were left alone

For a long time we struggled on our own.


Memories could never fully be erased

With no one there for us, challenges we faced.

Imprinted on our hearts, the emotional scars burned

Every day reminders of the lessons we learned.


As a survivor, I know life isn't always beautiful

Although not our fault, for our abusers' actions we were held responsible.

How much they hurt us they don't really see

Someone else they wanted us to be.


The only way to protect ourselves was if we lied

We covered for them as the truth about hurting us they denied.

Living in silence, we felt we were trapped in a cage

Choosing to take their anger out on us, we became the subject of their rage.


No one came to our rescue

Because what went on behind closed doors they never knew.

The darkness held us prisoner for awhile

Somehow we forced ourselves to wear a fake smile.


Once we escaped, different outlets for our pain we tried to find

Hoping the haunting memories we could forever leave behind.

Some of the outlets turned to habits and addictions that hurt us more

For some of us it deepened the pain we felt from before.


A new prison we found ourselves in

One in which we fell prey to our past again.

With our lives spiraling out of control, we began to backslide

Trying to deny what happened to us, we attempted to run and hide.


In running away we didn't get very far

The truth is we cannot deny who we really are.

Our past makes up part of our history

But shining through the not so pretty parts is so much beauty.


We're not using our stories to get people to feel sorry

Our stories show others how strong survivors can be.

Within us a battle we fight

Not giving into evil we stand strong for what is right.


Our lives we chose not to destroy

This new beginning we have we want to enjoy.

We're so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for

Despite the hard times, we believe life holds more.


This journey as a survivor may not always be pleasant

After overcoming obstacles, we know for what our lives are meant.

Even when we faced difficult times, victory we gained

Walking away from the negative, to the past we refused to be chained.


We've been called to help those in need of assistance

Having broken our silence, in their lives we can make a difference.

At one time we found ourselves in their place

Standing beside them, their fears we'll help them face.


Our lives didn't end for we made it out alive

That provides hope for others that they too can survive.

Saving broken hearts, we'll be there for them when day turns to night

As we pave the way, we'll guide them from darkness to light.




'From Darkness To Light' Copyright © Jenna Kandyce Linch