Raising Eyebrows To Raise Awareness

*This post contains  adult subject matter.

This weekend I stepped outside of my comfort zone, really more like a leap.  I posted the above picture as a  profile picture of myself on Facebook. My husband will be the first to say nothing is wrong with that picture, but it’s not something I would normally share.  It wasn’t profane, or ugly, or weird. Some would say it was beautiful, some would say it was immodest, and others would say it was a bit inappropriate for a Christian mother of 3.  But whatever people would say, it definitely got some eyebrows raising.  And THAT was my point. Actually, it was my hook. Because I wanted your attention:

• 1 out of 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
• Approximately 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States.
• And every day an average of 3 women will be killed in an act of domestic violence.

A few months ago 2 women in my town lost their lives due to domestic violence. I didn’t know them well, but I knew who they were. One was a friend and assistant of photographer Amber Wallace, who took the above photo. One was a woman that lived in my neighborhood. She walked down my street daily, her kids used to go to school with mine, we ran in the same circles.  I looked at their smiling faces and had no idea of the inner turmoil they must have been suffering. 

I’ve tried to put myself in their shoes. To feel the pain, embarrassment, and shame they must have suffered at their partners hands. To feel afraid and vulnerable.  But it is difficult.

My home is my haven, and my husband is my protector. I have never been afraid to be in my house.  Never feared for my safety or that of my children from the man I love. He cherishes us as gifts given to him by God, just as every woman deserves. Just as these women deserved.

I wish I could turn back the clocks of time and offer understanding and a place of safety for these women. I mourn for the children they have left behind.  I mourn for all the women that we, as a society, can so easily turn a blind eye upon, because it is none of our business.

So sharing my picture with the world makes me a little uncomfortable.  What if we all took one step out of our comfort zone and extended a hand to a woman who needs our support? Can we demand an end to domestic violence?  What do you say to Raising  Eyebrows so we can Raise Awareness?

For more information on domestic violence and what you can do to help check out these links:

Helpguide.org

USDA Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook

Domestic Violence Resource Center