The month of June is a very special one for both Cristal and myself. We wanted to cover not only a new series at Herstory, but also share a special message with all of our visitors!
Around this time, two years ago, the Herstory blog was launched; also making today our 100th blog post! DevinMarie: It’s shocking even as I figure out the right words to convey my gratitude for this journey. Herstory was created with the intent of assisting survivors of sexual assault and abuse while also educating our communities on the prevalence of gendered violence. This intention has gracefully transitioned into a service healing initiative founded by two survivors who once met on the premise business in the fashion industry. Although, we understand solutions revolving the prevalence of rape culture require a change in legal/political backing; we also believe that communities need a space to better understand its affect on the women and men who survive these traumatic experiences. There are many milestones we still have left to make to fulfill this vision. We know we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the healing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit connecting us with the countless survivors we have encountered since starting this blog. Back in November 2017, cofounder DevinMarie was honored as Central Coast’s Philanthropist of the Year for her contributions to Herstory, and this week we wanted to share the open letter she read upon accepting that award. Hello. Thank you National Philanthropy Committee for honoring me with this humbling award. I'm here today to offer my sincerest gratitude to the countless people without whom this experience wouldn't have been possible. "I'd like to thank my alma mater, Santa Catalina School, for the nomination, for the opportunity I had to receive an inspiring education, and for the invitation to be with you all today. With me today is my mother, Olivia, as well as cofounder of Herstory and my best friend Cristal, two women to whom I am truly indebted for graciously guiding me to bravely live out my life as a survivor of sexual assault. As grateful as I am, I cannot help but feel such recognition is a bit premature considering all that we aspire to do over the next two years to fully launch HerStory. I cannot help but feel the need to do more, especially at this pivotal point in time, when echoes of survivors grow louder each day in the media, through currently trending #metoo hashtags, and all around us. I cannot help but feel for the countless other stories that have yet to be told of survivors, not only in Hollywood but from our work spaces, within academia, and other areas deemed progressive by society. It is evident that the door has been opened: sadly but bravely. As much as I appreciate this award and as grateful as I am for it, the greatest reward I’ve ever been given is discovering my purpose, which I've found through Jesus Christ; perhaps the greatest philanthropist I know! One who saw a need, and met it without hesitation, even at the expense of his own life. I would like to leave you with this last thought, inspired by Luke 12:48 which simply states: “To whom much has been given, much will be required." For years I asked God "why was I given this burden to bear?” But through faith, love, and through the voice of a brave young woman who shared her story of survival with me 7 years ago, I found my answer. I have NOW realized what is required of us all is simply genuine and intentional action when we see a need that needs to be met, and I have every intention to continue to pursue that need one story at a time. Thank you. _______________________________________________________ Our greatest prayer is that one person is changed and encouraged to heal from wounds we know run deep. To those who have suffered in silence and have watched the one’s they love suffer in their unexplainable pain—this space has and always will be for you! We love you and support you in your journey—thank you for supporting us in ours! With Love and Solidarity💕, DevinMarie and Cristal Lowe
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