I am Karen Denise Alston. I was born and raised in the beautiful city by the sea known as Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. I am the daughter of the late Lucille E. Tanksley and was raised by her sister, whom they referred to each other as best friends, the late Cornelia Burke. I graduated from high school in 1976 and continued my education completing my degree in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts. I am a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. I am so blessed to be united with my soulmate and prayer partner, Michael Craig Alston. After much pain and suffering, and becoming whole again, I birthed a non-profit organization to encourage and empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. As a Certified National Advocate it was just natural to speak up even the more to encourage others and provide the necessary resources on how to live a life free from violence. Thus, the creation of Voice2Voice: The Survivors’ Heart Podcast and the I Shall Speak 4 Her Movement.
Say to self, “Self, I deserve to be loved unconditionally”
My biggest challenge in life, I believed was losing my Big Momma Cornelia in 2010. But I found myself virtually spending out of control when my little momma Lucille past in February 2021, and in the midst of a pandemic. Why? They were my greatest supporters and they literally “got me”. I mean they really understood me and the battles I faced while living a life trapped under the demonic spirit called domestic violence. When I made so many mistakes (turning away from God) or wrong decisions out of the pain and anger they grew within from the violence I had experienced, they comforted me without ridicule or judgment. They encouraged me too no longer be silent.
Be strong and courageous while seeking professional help
My advice to women facing similar challenges of letting go and deserving of a life free from domestic violence is to look at themselves in the mirror. This action helped me to take the first step towards being healed. Say to self, “Self, I deserve to be loved unconditionally”. “Self, I am beautiful and wonderfully made”, Self, I am a Jewel”. You may not leave that moment or the next week or month. But be strong and courageous while seeking professional help. Do not be afraid of the person you see in the mirror; it is only a reflection of how someone else wants you to see you.
It is not too late to travel down the road which leads to peace and tranquility, while empowering others to take the same path.
Empowering other women comes with transparency, being true to oneself, and not afraid to let others know the road to having a total life transformation requires honesty. Being honest with yourself, by first finding out your true identity and your purpose in life. Empowering Women helps each other to examine ourselves daily, so we truly understand and know our worth and value to other women. It is not too late to travel down the road which leads to peace and tranquility, while empowering others to take the same path.
Connect with Karen on Facebook @voice2voicesurvivors
Thank you for sharing with us Karen. We appreciate you.
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