The Unedited Life of a Sex Trafficking Survivor

I come alive when I share my life story. I feel like I am living within the purpose I was created for, I am free. I get to see lives change before my eyes, the audience understands the lows and rejoices in the victories.

I don’t think that most survivors share my experience. I have talked to many survivors that have done presentations and interviews and most say that it is painful to share and hear the feedback about their lives. I want survivors to heal and be able to share their stories, when they are ready and they have a community of support around them. So when the media writes a bad article they have people to support and encourage them. The articles and questions can be gut-wrenching, but with support, sharing can be healing.

I have gained experience in public speaking and I am very comfortable in front of small and large audiences. I have also never charged for speaking, sometimes I would get an honorarium and I felt so honored for being able to share and being seen as a person of value rather than just another horror story. Lately it has felt different, I have felt that all I was good for was my story. I am only needed to “put a face” on the issue or to make it relatable. I don’t want anyone to think that I am pointing fingers or that I am hurt by any one person, these feelings have been acquired over the last many months. I am still going to follow through with all my current commitments to speak without pay. But from here on out, I am going to start charging for my time.

With the anti-trafficking movement being so new and only learning that I was trafficked 18 months ago, I am learning to value myself, my time, and my experiences.

I run my own business and my husband is a stay at home father to our five children. I have a family to support. We are not independently wealthy. The economy has affected our lives too. I love to share my experiences but I also have knowledge beyond my story, I have done presentations for; hope and healing, overcoming abuse, freedom in Christ, parenting in a sexualized culture, parenting in a world of technology, how to keep your family safe, healing marriages, couponing, internet marketing, and so much more. I am a teacher. I love to use my experiences to shape the culture and affect the lives of everyone around me. Reid and I have chosen to live our lives publicly, our desire is for the world to see that healing and hope is possible for all people and that marriage can be beautiful, loving, and grace-filled.

My pimp asked me 15 years ago, “If I was already giving it away for free, then why wouldn’t I want to get paid?” While I was not able to keep the money, I did feel as though I had some value, even if it cost my freedom. Today this rings true in a different light. Once again I am giving something away that only I can give, my time and my experiences. Today, I will start modeling for others what it means to be valued as a person and as a survivor. I know my purpose in life is to share my story and I love connecting with an audience. Thank you for joining me on my journey through life.