Monday, January 15, 2018 Monrovia, Libera
On this memorable day celebrating the greatest civil rights hero in the world, my early morning reminder:
WORD FOR THE DAY
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
And then a day, unlike any other…
On this memorable day celebrating the greatest civil rights hero in the world, my early morning reminder:
WORD FOR THE DAY
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
And then a day, unlike any other…
After my committed morning spiritual practice and exercise time, I went to the FFW office to reconnect with Gladys. I have known her for years as she is featured in a special documentary about Liberia I love and support, produced by my dear friend in the US. And she is a FFW family borrower. I am sharing nothing more here to protect Gladys.
As I heard from her today, she has had to move many times since we last connected. The warlord who devastated her family is still after her – to kill her. As I recall the story, this warlord came to Gladys’ village in the war here in Liberia. Gladys’ mother said the children with her were not her own in an attempt to protect them; she was only caring for them. The warlord said that if any of them made a sound while he killed her, he would kill all of them, proving she was lying. Gladys and her siblings watched as the rebel massacred their mom – without uttering a sound, so to survive. Beyond gruesome details.
The children survived and Gladys was kept as a sex-slave for years before escaping. She is now free and in college studying with a dream of becoming a lawyer. How in heaven’s name does she find the strength to continue I wonder?? She has support from her dear friend in the US who documented her story – she stays in touch with the head of the TRC (Truth & Reconciliation Commission) who documented her story and had to flee this country years ago, running for his life; and coming back soon! – and all of us at the Foundation for Women who will forever stand next to her.
Gladys is in hiding until after the Inauguration of a new government here on Monday next. The rebel continues to stalk her, saying he will kill her for giving testimony to the TRC. He is a paid government employee of President Ellen’s security detail.
A true and unbelievable story from Liberia… please pray for Gladys and all the Gladys’ stories of the world – and all who will march this next weekend in support of her and so many women whose voices are not heard…
As I did last year, Foundation for Women is organizing a women’s march here in Liberia this next weekend to once again join all those globally… Please join us wherever you are and hold hands with your sisters here and around the globe! No more!
With love and gratitude from Liberia,
As I heard from her today, she has had to move many times since we last connected. The warlord who devastated her family is still after her – to kill her. As I recall the story, this warlord came to Gladys’ village in the war here in Liberia. Gladys’ mother said the children with her were not her own in an attempt to protect them; she was only caring for them. The warlord said that if any of them made a sound while he killed her, he would kill all of them, proving she was lying. Gladys and her siblings watched as the rebel massacred their mom – without uttering a sound, so to survive. Beyond gruesome details.
The children survived and Gladys was kept as a sex-slave for years before escaping. She is now free and in college studying with a dream of becoming a lawyer. How in heaven’s name does she find the strength to continue I wonder?? She has support from her dear friend in the US who documented her story – she stays in touch with the head of the TRC (Truth & Reconciliation Commission) who documented her story and had to flee this country years ago, running for his life; and coming back soon! – and all of us at the Foundation for Women who will forever stand next to her.
Gladys is in hiding until after the Inauguration of a new government here on Monday next. The rebel continues to stalk her, saying he will kill her for giving testimony to the TRC. He is a paid government employee of President Ellen’s security detail.
A true and unbelievable story from Liberia… please pray for Gladys and all the Gladys’ stories of the world – and all who will march this next weekend in support of her and so many women whose voices are not heard…
As I did last year, Foundation for Women is organizing a women’s march here in Liberia this next weekend to once again join all those globally… Please join us wherever you are and hold hands with your sisters here and around the globe! No more!
With love and gratitude from Liberia,
Deborah Lindholm
“Faith is our assurance that there is a Divine plan of infinite love at work even in the most challenging moments, and that we are a part of that plan. Faith gives us the confidence to move ahead with vast visions in the face of enormous odds; it is an invitation to work in active partnership with the Divine in service of a better world.” - Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership
“Faith is our assurance that there is a Divine plan of infinite love at work even in the most challenging moments, and that we are a part of that plan. Faith gives us the confidence to move ahead with vast visions in the face of enormous odds; it is an invitation to work in active partnership with the Divine in service of a better world.” - Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership
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