Greetings, beautiful people!
October is commemorated as National Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of this special month, today’s blog post celebrates those who have lost their lives to this violence or disease, those who have endured or are enduring their suffering, and those who have overcome or are overcoming the odds with triumphant, courageous, and resourceful lifestyles.
In fact, the statistics related to domestic violence and breast cancer are astonishing. (Sources: National Domestic Violence Hotline and CNN)
1 in 3 women will be a victim of domestic violence.
1 in 7 men has suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with cancer.
More than 250,000 US women and 2,000 men will likely be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
However, there are many among us who are overcoming these odds. One such person is on the blog today: MaCara and her inspiring story of triumph over domestic violence!
💜 ABOUT MACARA
In addition to being gorgeous, MaCara is a caring mother of two beautiful children and has such a warm spirit. She is an absolutely amazing person, and I have so much admiration for her!
With courage, strength, and willingness, she shared her story with me regarding her experience with domestic violence:
“I am a survivor of domestic violence. Every morning, I wake up and see the physical scars that remind me constantly of that day. I used to be ashamed that I allowed myself to be in that situation. I completely shut myself out from the outside world and succumbed myself in complete darkness. While he was sent to prison, so was I - mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually locked. One day, my son came to me and said how much he loved me and will protect me forever. I knew then I couldn’t allow this person to imprison me any longer. One day I woke up, looked at myself, and said, ‘Thank you, Jesus. I’m ready to start this new life and be free!!!!!’ I have to live my life. I have a business to start. I wanted the old me back. So I’ve been getting myself together mentally, emotionally, and spiritually now - growing closer to God.“
MaCara is also Founder & CEO of her professional organizing business called Re-D3sign Divas, which redecorates, reorganizes, and renews productive spaces such as homes and offices in a stress-free and aesthetically pleasing manner. Her business donates 10% of its proceeds to the Genesis Women’s Shelter (GWS). GWS provides women and children in abusive situations with a path to lead an independent and safe life.
In her free time and especially during the holidays, MaCara volunteers at GWS. She also recently donated her birthday on Facebook and campaigned for donations to this shelter. In addition, she participates with the domestic violence ministry “Voices that Shout” at Friendship West Baptist Church.
💜 WAYS TO SEEK HELP AND COPE
Through overcoming struggles from her abusive situation with a positive, nonviolent lifestyle, MaCara shared several ways to seek help and cope with domestic violence:
📌 How can a person in an abusive situation seek help?
Genesis Women’s Shelter (GWS) is a great organization for those who are experiencing domestic violence or survivors of domestic violence and can be contacted via phone at 214-946-4357. GWS offers free and confidential services, including counseling, emergency shelter, and long term housing. The shelter will also help with developing an escape plan that will allow one to act fast when his/her life is in immediate danger from abuse.
Parkland Hospital offers a 24/7 Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center, which can be contacted via phone at 214-590-0430. Parkland has a wealth of additional helpful resources. For example, Parkland connected MaCara with a plastic surgeon that helped diminish some of her physical scars from the act of domestic violence that she experienced.
📌 What advice should be followed by those that have experienced domestic violence?
Please get help.
Do not stay in a relationship with anyone who is abusing you in any way, shape, form, or fashion.
There are places you can go and get help. You can’t change a person.
It’s important to heal. Seek a support system with counseling.
Please don’t blame yourself or be embarrassed. It’s not your fault.
📌 How does a person cope with and overcome an abusive situation in positive ways? Here’s what MaCara had to say about how she coped and what helped her overcome domestic violence:
“Actually as a survivor, you’re always trying to cope. Dating is the hardest. However, I found out that opening up about my situation allowed me release the pain I’ve held in and not allowing the person who committed this act of violence to have this hold on my life. Sharing my story also allowed other women who have been in the same situation to come to me and tell me how much they appreciate me opening up because they’ve been scared to open up. I know how hard it was for me to share because you feel like it was your fault, or you allowed for it to happened, and just fear being judged. But once I opened up and attended counseling and support groups, I was able to overcome some of the pain. And just time itself helps you to cope.”
If you or someone you know is currently in or has experienced an abusive situation, please seek help or encourage and support him/her with seeking help.
In the words of MaCara: “You are beautiful and deserve so much more. You are loved and cherished.”
💜 THE AMAZING PORTRAITS
Given MaCara’s experience with domestic violence and the astounding odds she has overcome, I designed a photo session to showcase and celebrate her beauty, courage, and strength.
MaCara, you are a beautiful person inside and out, and thank you for being such a great inspiration to us all! It has been an honor getting to know you, photographing you, and sharing your inspiring story with others.
The resulting photos? STUNNING!!! MaCara completely blew me away!!! Here are my remaining favorites from her unforgettable session:
Need to capture keepsake moments reflecting your unique lifestyle and personality?
Are you ready to take your brand, career, or project to the next level?
Haven’t seen how beautiful and fabulous you are yet?
Shoot me an email today to schedule your session! Currently booking: November and December dates.
Stay blessed and keep looking up,
Kimberly 😘
📷 Metro Atlanta Based Lifestyle Content Creator | Wellness. Tech. Business. Leisure.
Makeup: Nijia Britt at Nijia Britt | nijiabritt.com | @nijiabritt
Retouching: Nicole N. and Kimberly Simon of KSimon Photography
Photography & Creative Direction: KSimon Photography | ksimonphotography.com | @ksimonphotog
