“Do not let your past determine your future.”
This was the main message shared with a group of women at a Women’s Day event held on Friday 15 August at the Lighthouse Christian Centre in Voortrekker Road, Parow, by keynote speaker Rachel Marcus from Radio Tygerberg 104FM.
Marcus shared her life-story with the women and where she came from. She encouraged women to put their past behind them, to not be defined by their past or their mistakes, but to move forward.
She explained how she became a young single mother at 19 years, the loss of her husband in 2011 and her relationship with a drug addict. Marcus further encouraged women not to wear a mask, reminded them that God can see right through it, and emphasised that they should not let people define who they are.
Kim Appollis from the non-profit organisation John 617, another guest speaker, also encouraged women to put their past behind them and said that no matter what you have been through or are facing today, as a woman you have the power to rise above it.
“As women, we are often expected to be caregivers, nurturers and selfless. But I want to remind you that self-care is not selfish, it is essential. Take care of yourself, prioritise your well-being and invest in your own being.
“Let us rise up, lets shatter the chains of oppression, break the cycles of pain and forge our own paths. Let us celebrate our wins, support each other’s journeys and uplift one another’s voices,” she said.
To those struggling with addiction, she said, you are not alone.
“You are not defined by your struggles. Addiction may have taken control, but you have the power to take it back. You have the strength to rise above, to seek help and to heal. You are not your addiction, you are a warrior, a survivor. You have a story to tell, a voice to be heard and a life to live.
“Do not give up, even if it gets tough. Keep pushing forward one step at a time.
“Remember, recovery is possible and healing is real.”
Abuse
Appollis also spoke to those women who are trapped in abusive relationships, and reminded them again that they are not alone and that they are also not to blame.
“Abuse can take many forms, physical, emotional or verbal. But no matter what, you have the strength to break free, you have the power to reclaim your voice, your autonomy and your life.
“Remember, abuse is never your fault. You may feel trapped, but there is help. There are people who care, who support and who believe in you.
“Reach out, ask for help and take the first step towards freedom. You deserve a life, free from abuse. You have the power to create a better future for yourself,” says Appollis.
To the females maybe carrying guilt and shame she also reminded that they are not defined by their past, that they are not bound by their mistakes, that they are free to rise above, to forgive themselves and to start anew.
“Guilt and shame may weigh you down, but they do not dictate your worth. You are worthy of love, forgiveness and redemption. You are worthy of a life unencumbered of the weight of other’s expectations or your own self criticism.
“Remember you are a human, you are perfect and you are deserving of compassion, kindness and understanding, from yourself most of all. Let go of the guilt, release the shame and step into the light of self-love and acceptance. You are enough, you are strong, and worthy of every ounce of love and forgiveness you can offer yourself. Your pain may be real, but it does not define you,” says Appollis.
Past. Derick Schroeder of the Lighthouse Christian Centre welcomed everyone and opened the service with prayer. He also applauded the three different partners, Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District, Parow police and Radio Tygerberg, for all coming together to arrange the event.
You must be logged in to post a comment.