Join OPRAH'S Book Club
www2.oprah.com/obc_classic/open/obc_intro.jhtml
Red Cross
1-800-HELP-NOW www.redcross.org
This is the link to the United Way message by Julie Pistelli, and her counselor, Marla Willcox-Eddy, director of REACH. Julie was the victim of sexual assault. She is telling her story to show all victims of violent crimes, you can survive. Click on United Way life stories online, then click
'A Safe Place'
United Way of West Virginia www.uwaycentralwv.org
Protect Domestic Violence Victims Petition www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/323916747?ltl=1125166161
The Senate unanimously passed the Violence Against Women Act, thank you to everyone for your help and support.
Links:
National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
National Domestic Violence Website www.ndvh.org
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.ncadv.org
BIG & RICH, Holy Water www.loveeverybody.org
Violence Against Women www.vawnet.org
Lifetime TV, Stop Violence Against Women www.lifetimetv.com/community/olc/violence/
BellaOnline, The Voice of Women www.domesticviolence.bellaonline.com/Site.asp
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence www.nrcdv.org
Michael Bolton Charities www.michaelboltoncharities.com/index2.html
National Network to END Domestic Violence www.nnedv.org
By Michael Berardi 'Bricks From The Ashes' www.andiesisle.com/BricksFromTheAshes.html
Performed by:
Ronnie Kimball
OPRAH'S Book Club!!
Author of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel
(my personal review of Elie's book)
'Night' looks as though it would be a quick read. If some of the things Elie Wiesel talked about did not seem so cruel, unbelievable cruel, forcing you reread a sentence or a whole paragraph two or three times to try to get your mind around what this teenage boy was living, it would be. The horrific things he witnessed made me cry for him and the people involved. This man witnessed Evil, pure unadulterated Evil. How he lived, and survived with any mental stability, I will never know. Night is a great book dealing with a very ugly time in our history. Elie Wiesel is a great man. God bless him for surviving and sharing his story with us.
Author of 'A Million Little Pieces' James Frey
(my personal review of James book)
I am sorry to say James
Frey has admitted he embellished on his story. When you read it, you do feel like some of it is way out there. I think it was a good read. It was just much better when you thought it was 'his' story. What I hate the most about this is, will readers now doubt everything you read? I am leaving my review as I wrote it. I have spoke to people, I know people who have been in rehab and went through detox, they will tell you it is hell
I did not think anything James Frey could say after the first few pages of his book would make me feel more of his pain. Then he sees the dentist. I was gritting my teeth, gripping my mouth with one hand, and flipping the book with the other. I had to read his recount of the procedure in very small doses. And we still have detox to go through!
His style of writing is different. The use of capitalization and punctuation. He is repetitive. If you are OCD, hang in there. After reading a few pages, I understood his writing, and was able to stop fixing everything.
Mr. Frey's story is surreal. You will feel the need to tell yourself, 'this can not be true' so you can continue reading. It is true. He leaves nothing for the imagination. It is all out there. He takes you, not only through his recovery, but back to the beginning at the age of ten. He does not agree with the 12 step, Higher Power program. Instead he proves there is another way for him. When he test himself, you are terrified he will slip. You will find yourself saying, no no no
You will meet the other people in rehab and become involved in their recovery. The statistics will astound you. I was glad he wrapped up their lives for us, both tragic and triumphant. I do not believe you could talk to anyone who has been through rehab and they would say anything other then, truth truth truth.
Author of 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls
(my personal review of Jeannette's book)
The next time you hear someone blame their childhood for how they turned out, hand them Jeannette Walls book. She proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, you can rise above your raising.
As a child she grew up with two extremely irresponsible parents. Her Dad could not beat alcoholism, did not appear to care if he did. Her Mom, I think she could have been a poster person for mental illness. Neither of her parents cared if their children were hungry, properly clothed or sheltered. At a very young age, left to their own devises, Jeannette and her siblings faced many deadly situations. They were left unattended constantly, although there was an 'adult' present. The living conditions were unbelievable. Then you find out one of her parents could have provided food, clothes, and housed them adequately.
You would think that Grandparents would step in and take over. Her maternal Grandmother did care, but would not step in and take the children away. Her paternal Grandmother quickly gives you insight to her Fathers many problems.
She was fondled by an Uncle, and told by her Mother 'many woman make a big deal out of these things, but she (Jeannette) was stronger then that.' She was used by her father to make drinking and food money. He sat and watched as his daughter is manhandled. Then tries to convince her he would have saved her.
As the children leave home, they make their decisions about life. They are sure they want no part of the life they had, nor do they want to inflect that life on anyone else. Jeannette is brave beyond words. Not just for writing her unimaginable life story, but for surviving it. I was in shock at what she went through, and in awe of the person she has become. Bravo Jeannette!
Victor Rivers, Actor, Author, Advocate and Survivor.
Author of, A Private Family Matter
(my person review of Victor's book)
Victor Rivers is a handsome man. Movie star, college educated, Football player.
A big, strong, tough man who was reduced to weeping when taken back to his horrific childhood in countless nightmares. So terrifying, so brutal for his wife to endure, she could only cry as he fought the demons of domestic violence.
Countless women have told their stories. Hoping to save, 'just one person.' Reliving their own personal hell with each word. You will relive Mr. Rivers personal hell. He takes the reader from a little boy to a full grown man, still fighting the little guys fight. He tells his story to help others. I believe it will.
If you know nothing of domestic violence, you will have a better understanding after you read this book. You may find it hard to comprehend. You will ask yourself, 'How do people let this happen?' 'Why not just leave?' Read on.
If you're a victim or a survivor, it is graphic. Mr. Rivers does not soften his story. He shouldn't. You will ask yourself how every domestic violence story can be so similar. You will cry many times. You will laugh a few times. You will love him when his son is born.
No one looks at Victor Rivers, with all of his successes, and thinks of domestic violence. He was a victim, he is a survivor. For all of these reasons I thank him for telling his story. I respect him for wanting to help, 'just one person.'
www.victorrivers.com
People Helping People website www.wtv-zone.com/LadyMaggie/index.html
Remembering The True Victims www.g-s-j.org
TEAMcares www.teamcares.org
Hope for Healing www.hopeforhealing.org
United Angels Against Domestic Violence www.uaadv.org/index.html
Help for survivors of Childhood sexual abuse, and for the parents of child victims
www.soapsurvivors.bravehost.com
www.jennnawlins.proboards40.com
OPRAH, Dr. Phil and Ellen links:
OPRAH (c/o Ellen Rakieten)
www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml
Dr.Phil
www.drphil.com
Ellen
www.ellen.warnerbros.com
Family and Friends links:
Author of 'Does God Still Love Me?' by Gayle Crabtree
(my personal review of Gayle's book)
If you have been in an abusive relationship, you have probably ask yourself, Does God Still Love Me?
Gayle Crabtree answers this question many times over in her book. Best of all, she uses scripture to support her answers.
She not only answers the difficult question, does God still love me, she goes further to answer other questions I am sure you ask yourself then and possibly now.
What did I do to deserve this? Why me? I am praying, why will he not change? There was not a question I ask myself that was not answered in Ms. Crabtree's book.
I would strongly recommend it to anyone feeling 'let down' or 'left behind' by God. You will know he is, and always has been, there. You will be reminded of free will. You will hear Garth singing, 'Unanswered Prayers'
www.hopeforhealing.org
Author of 'Heart Aches and Rainy Days' Jacki Ortiz www.freewebs.com/jackijoortiz/index.htm
Author of 'I PROMISE NOT TO TELL' an Autobiography and
JOHN HORN-Legend of a Lumberjack by Brenda M Weber www.brendaweber.bravehost.com
Author of 'Meth=Sorcery' by Steve Box www.methequalssordery.com
Author of 'Journey to the Magical Places of the Heart' Hope Fields
(my personal review of Hope's book)
Hope takes us through 11 years in the life of Shenique. There were red flags in the beginning, the subtle actions of an abuser you easily overlook. You feel Shenique's yearning for the man she fell in love with. Her physical pain at his hand, and her mental anguish as he hurts her children. You then travel with Shenique and her children as they 'Journey to the Magical Places of the Heart' www.freewebs.com/hopefields/index.htm
Author of 'A Voice That Has Spoken From Within' Marie Waldrep
(my personal review of Marie's book)
You can feel Marie's pain and healing through her poetry. I think she has done a wonderful job of expressing herself. I believe others who read her book will find healing. I hope she can find comfort in knowing that sharing her poetry will help others.
www.avoicethathasspokenfromwithin.bravehost.com
To Order 'It Never Stops'
For information on writing, authors, and poetry visit www.aspiringwriters.net
I Am A Proud Member Of
Phenomenal Women Of The Web www.PhenomenalWomen.com
Website questions or comments? E-mail: barbiedurbin@sbcglobal.net
Dear
Date
Copy and paste this letter, send to the following links
We need your help. We know we can not rid this world of Pedophiles, but we believe the laws concerning them should be changed. Have you noticed the overwhelming number of repeat sex offenders? As I'm sure you have noticed, the sickening crimes committed by these people have reached epidemic proportions in our nation.
We need to have harsher punishments for these offenders, for example have the "Jessica Lunsford Act" and the "HR 3132" passed nation wide. The laws currently in place seem to have been written to protect the offender rather than the victims. While that won't have been the intent, it certainly is the outcome. That doesn't seem fair to me. The victims are the people who have to face a life sentence when most of these offenders are only receiving probation or very little time in jail - the proverbial slap on the wrist.
I propose that "The Jessica Lunsford Act" and "HR 3132" be passed so that sex offenders are not allowed to plead to a lesser charge to reduce their sentence time. We will take it out of the Judges hands. I also propose that sex offenders should not be allowed the option of parole. We need to set up the laws to protect the victims, not the sex offender. How many kids are going to die, or live in misery, before something is done? Why can't we apply these laws ahead of time instead of naming new laws after child victims?
Instead of asking the next president about taxes, maybe this nation needs to ask them WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO ABOUT CHILD MOLESTERS AND REPEAT SEX OFFENDERS? We must absolutely insist on firm answers and policies before they can expect to be voted into office.
Too many sex offenders are permitted to plead to a lesser violation under law and there is no meaningful requirement for minimum sentencing of sex offenders because the way the various relevant criminal statutes are worded. We as a nation need "The Jessica Lunsford Act and HR 3132" passed to PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.
I appreciate your time and understanding and I pray that you make a difference for the sake of our children.
Sincerely,
State Representatives: www.house.gov/writerep
State Senators: www.senate.gov
State Legislatures: www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
White House E-Mail: comments@whitehouse.gov
Copyright 2004 Barbie Durbin. All Rights Reserved.
www2.oprah.com/obc_classic/open/obc_intro.jhtml
1-800-HELP-NOW www.redcross.org
'A Safe Place'
Dear Copy and paste this letter, send to the following links
Ronnie Kimball
Author of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel
(my personal review of Elie's book)
(my personal review of James book)
I did not think anything James Frey could say after the first few pages of his book would make me feel more of his pain. Then he sees the dentist. I was gritting my teeth, gripping my mouth with one hand, and flipping the book with the other. I had to read his recount of the procedure in very small doses. And we still have detox to go through!
His style of writing is different. The use of capitalization and punctuation. He is repetitive. If you are OCD, hang in there. After reading a few pages, I understood his writing, and was able to stop fixing everything.
Mr. Frey's story is surreal. You will feel the need to tell yourself, 'this can not be true' so you can continue reading. It is true. He leaves nothing for the imagination. It is all out there. He takes you, not only through his recovery, but back to the beginning at the age of ten. He does not agree with the 12 step, Higher Power program. Instead he proves there is another way for him. When he test himself, you are terrified he will slip. You will find yourself saying, no no no
You will meet the other people in rehab and become involved in their recovery. The statistics will astound you. I was glad he wrapped up their lives for us, both tragic and triumphant. I do not believe you could talk to anyone who has been through rehab and they would say anything other then, truth truth truth.
(my personal review of Jeannette's book)
As a child she grew up with two extremely irresponsible parents. Her Dad could not beat alcoholism, did not appear to care if he did. Her Mom, I think she could have been a poster person for mental illness. Neither of her parents cared if their children were hungry, properly clothed or sheltered. At a very young age, left to their own devises, Jeannette and her siblings faced many deadly situations. They were left unattended constantly, although there was an 'adult' present. The living conditions were unbelievable. Then you find out one of her parents could have provided food, clothes, and housed them adequately.
You would think that Grandparents would step in and take over. Her maternal Grandmother did care, but would not step in and take the children away. Her paternal Grandmother quickly gives you insight to her Fathers many problems.
She was fondled by an Uncle, and told by her Mother 'many woman make a big deal out of these things, but she (Jeannette) was stronger then that.' She was used by her father to make drinking and food money. He sat and watched as his daughter is manhandled. Then tries to convince her he would have saved her.
As the children leave home, they make their decisions about life. They are sure they want no part of the life they had, nor do they want to inflect that life on anyone else. Jeannette is brave beyond words. Not just for writing her unimaginable life story, but for surviving it. I was in shock at what she went through, and in awe of the person she has become. Bravo Jeannette!
Author of, A Private Family Matter
(my person review of Victor's book)
A big, strong, tough man who was reduced to weeping when taken back to his horrific childhood in countless nightmares. So terrifying, so brutal for his wife to endure, she could only cry as he fought the demons of domestic violence.
Countless women have told their stories. Hoping to save, 'just one person.' Reliving their own personal hell with each word. You will relive Mr. Rivers personal hell. He takes the reader from a little boy to a full grown man, still fighting the little guys fight. He tells his story to help others. I believe it will.
If you know nothing of domestic violence, you will have a better understanding after you read this book. You may find it hard to comprehend. You will ask yourself, 'How do people let this happen?' 'Why not just leave?' Read on.
If you're a victim or a survivor, it is graphic. Mr. Rivers does not soften his story. He shouldn't. You will ask yourself how every domestic violence story can be so similar. You will cry many times. You will laugh a few times. You will love him when his son is born.
No one looks at Victor Rivers, with all of his successes, and thinks of domestic violence. He was a victim, he is a survivor. For all of these reasons I thank him for telling his story. I respect him for wanting to help, 'just one person.'
www.victorrivers.com
www.soapsurvivors.bravehost.com
www.jennnawlins.proboards40.com
www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml
www.drphil.com
www.ellen.warnerbros.com
(my personal review of Gayle's book)
Gayle Crabtree answers this question many times over in her book. Best of all, she uses scripture to support her answers.
She not only answers the difficult question, does God still love me, she goes further to answer other questions I am sure you ask yourself then and possibly now.
What did I do to deserve this? Why me? I am praying, why will he not change? There was not a question I ask myself that was not answered in Ms. Crabtree's book.
I would strongly recommend it to anyone feeling 'let down' or 'left behind' by God. You will know he is, and always has been, there. You will be reminded of free will. You will hear Garth singing, 'Unanswered Prayers'
www.hopeforhealing.org
JOHN HORN-Legend of a Lumberjack by Brenda M Weber www.brendaweber.bravehost.com
(my personal review of Hope's book)
(my personal review of Marie's book)
www.avoicethathasspokenfromwithin.bravehost.com
Date
We need your help. We know we can not rid this world of Pedophiles, but we believe the laws concerning them should be changed. Have you noticed the overwhelming number of repeat sex offenders? As I'm sure you have noticed, the sickening crimes committed by these people have reached epidemic proportions in our nation.
We need to have harsher punishments for these offenders, for example have the "Jessica Lunsford Act" and the "HR 3132" passed nation wide. The laws currently in place seem to have been written to protect the offender rather than the victims. While that won't have been the intent, it certainly is the outcome. That doesn't seem fair to me. The victims are the people who have to face a life sentence when most of these offenders are only receiving probation or very little time in jail - the proverbial slap on the wrist.
I propose that "The Jessica Lunsford Act" and "HR 3132" be passed so that sex offenders are not allowed to plead to a lesser charge to reduce their sentence time. We will take it out of the Judges hands. I also propose that sex offenders should not be allowed the option of parole. We need to set up the laws to protect the victims, not the sex offender. How many kids are going to die, or live in misery, before something is done? Why can't we apply these laws ahead of time instead of naming new laws after child victims?
Instead of asking the next president about taxes, maybe this nation needs to ask them WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO ABOUT CHILD MOLESTERS AND REPEAT SEX OFFENDERS? We must absolutely insist on firm answers and policies before they can expect to be voted into office.
Too many sex offenders are permitted to plead to a lesser violation under law and there is no meaningful requirement for minimum sentencing of sex offenders because the way the various relevant criminal statutes are worded. We as a nation need "The Jessica Lunsford Act and HR 3132" passed to PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.
I appreciate your time and understanding and I pray that you make a difference for the sake of our children.
Sincerely,
State Representatives: www.house.gov/writerep
State Senators: www.senate.gov
State Legislatures: www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
White House E-Mail: comments@whitehouse.gov
bravenet.com