https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/about daily 0.75 2020-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587007015014-QCMDT61NTSTR9EEKIZB7/Screen+Shot+2020-04-15+at+10.16.33+PM.png About Reclaim13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587006594427-PLFRY21J7Y66Q1I07A78/CH%252BGirls.jpg About Reclaim13 - Love>Fear People who exploit children use fear as fuel, as it is a powerful motivator. But love is even more powerful, and conquers fear every time. Reclaim13 creates a community where we can share love with those at risk or have been victimized. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-poem-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/home daily 1.0 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6ad42a4a-283f-4b68-8705-e344743d7b4c/Lioness+-+Clarissa.jpg Home - Lioness Clarissa The strength God has given me throughout my healing journey, it has pushed me through the most difficult moments. It will push you through your journey as well. Just believe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d2c50aa6-6119-45c4-8093-28b371cef2bf/IMG_9415.jpg Home - Captive Red Threads Collection Deborah Allen I survived a childhood riddled with abuses no one should endure. Domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, rape, and confinement are the broad strokes of the darker shades of my life- especially growing up. As an adult, I utilize my art and artistic expression to share, heal, and grow. I can truly say art has saved my life. More than once. I want to share the beauty that grows above and beyond the pain and speak for those who have yet to find their voices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f47117c5-92f2-4ed6-b152-be6cf7f56602/THE+ROARING+LION+OF+RAINBOWS-+E.C..jpg Home - THE ROARING LION OF RAINBOWS E.C. I made this piece because one day I got into prayer and heard something about a roaring lion. I know that I have the voice of the lion and this is a reminder of what God said to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/760782aa-89bc-4838-a11d-8269fe05feaf/Interactive+Clothing+pieces1-+J.S..jpg Home - Interactive Clothing Pieces Julianna Spatafora My sexual assault affected my life drastically. I was only 11, and it was a person I trusted with all my heart. I stayed strong through all of it and I will continue to for my whole life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/350fc3d9-f7ad-4dca-8577-b1eb2a178613/1+Timothy+4-12+J.H..jpg Home - 1 Timothy 4:12 J.H. People would say you are too young to go through things. This piece of art exemplifies how my voice matters and makes impact. I can be an example for someone in a great way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/140f52d7-c546-4a81-8b4c-2d7114b2239c/Reclaim+Blue.png Home - SPELEOLOGY Ashley Malik My memory of you is a lifetime worth of miles away. I walked into somewhere dark, grey, cold, and lonely. I was covered in an icy sweat. I couldn’t live in those caverns. I loved sunshine too much. My dreams wouldn’t let me waste away in the void, the damp stone against my back. You were already gone.… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4c064022-33cc-4298-b062-efca621641ae/Carry+Your+Candle-+Vicki+Dau.jpg Home - Carry Your Candle Vicki Dau I believe we can dispel the evil if we have the courage to light our candle and light the darkness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/288920d9-02fe-40fb-bc6a-c8afbfd62f47/Sunset+of+God-+A.C..jpg Home - Sunset of God A.C. This describes that God is on His way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/41d9cb04-06ec-4d0c-8519-ee701fbd5508/Fragmented+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Home - Fragmented Tara Retondo My trauma has left my memories completely fragmented. When I first learned of a suppressed teenage rape it was a decade later. My brain chose as an act of protection to shield this truth from me, however my body knew the story… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/047a7895-6f61-4178-8ea7-4338faba676e/Silent+Bloom+-+Erica+Reyes.jpg Home - Silent Bloom Erica Reyes Silent Bloom represents the hidden pain behind this kind of trauma that occurs. Embarrassment tends to make us hide our faces when recalling these stories… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/140f52d7-c546-4a81-8b4c-2d7114b2239c/Reclaim+Blue.png Home - G Ava I always wanted to tell her, to tell her what you did— how you groomed me from my childhood, but I thought of all your kids… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/eb722a4e-bb79-4edd-b382-59995f1bc022/IMG_9180.jpg Home - springing series J.R. I feel happier in the Spring when the flowers bloom. The light that brings flowers heals my soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0014eeca-da83-460f-8577-36086d644914/Diamond+in+the+Rough+-+Lauren+Clark.jpg Home - Diamond in the Rough Lauren Clark Unfortunately, the older I have grown as a woman and reflect on my life I realize how many of my core developmental memories are revolved around abuse… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f2522c1d-8b5f-46ba-824b-658b2370027a/THEY-THEMSELVES-ME+-+ASHLEY.jpg Home - THEY: THEMSELVES: ME Ashley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a0b4f3b2-f993-41fe-8c8e-a3a0fe0dff2e/Still+I+Bloom-+Hollyce+Mack.jpg Home - Still I Bloom Hollyce Mack I am an artist and gardener whose work celebrates memory, resilience, and the enduring legacy of women who cultivate beauty. Though my award-winning garden is no longer mine to tend, its flowers continue to bloom in my heart, a testament to the love and care sown through generations of Mack women. Through my art, I hope to honor the gardens of my past and show the strength that carries me forward, ensuring that beauty and hope will always flourish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/140f52d7-c546-4a81-8b4c-2d7114b2239c/Reclaim+Blue.png Home - Breaking Autumn Pearson As I fall to the floor with the weight of my cries, I can feel every cry breaking me, Fracturing me, Ripping me apart from the inside out. With every break, More life seeps from my heart… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e19ec0c8-92bb-4ebb-b798-3cc7c2b780ce/Road+to+Recovery+-+K.M..png Home - The Road to Recovery K.M. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1bdf933b-6eed-449d-83b8-d20263583ce1/Marks+Left+Behind-+Bea+Barzo.jpg Home - marks left behind Bea Barzo …I will never forgive or forget what happened and even though I am older and more mature I still want my justice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/54204249-96f1-40f2-8f90-223b0dd4ea96/Untitled...+Anonymous.jpg Home - Untitled Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0e6cf453-ab1d-4dab-a354-a06b5083d288/Ambulare+Super+Aquam.jpg Home - Ambulare Super Aquam Kelly Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0b4f3a61-6675-4e4d-adc0-95e948f3b806/Pinned+Silence-+Michelle+Spatafora-Blau.jpg Home - pinned silence Michelle Spatafora-Bau I spent a lot of time thinking about the way I would like to share my story. There are no words to accurately express the way I continue to feel about my situation. I never got to tell my story as a child and when I did share it as an adult I was silenced again. I hope that by sharing this piece my voice will finally be heard and seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2719ceae-f3d7-482c-9dca-2424903abc71/My+View+at+the+Beach-+K.N..jpg Home - My View at the Beach K.N. I believe art is therapeutic. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/cheyene-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-mixedmedia-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587062629009-PJHZVN4XYUKGQHE40KBT/IMG_0408.JPG Anonymous - Mixed Media - 2020 THE STRESS FREE ZONE Drawing The Stress Free Zone is a drawing of desire and hurt. It shows how society views marijuana negatively and not the positive perspectives. I breathed and exhaled this nature for pleasure. My anxiety, fears, and life frustrations disappeared. I have grown and moved forward. I’ve learned that marijuana is called a drug but it helps the helpless find a way, the lonely feel wanted and the weak find strength. Marijuana is not a drug, it’s my STRESS FREE ZONE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619322756356-E64LXLC8SV8C5UJER9TM/IMG_0322.jpg Anonymous - Mixed Media - 2020 The Grand poop Ceramics The Grand POOP is an art of 3D laughter! It shows how anyone can make something disgusting into something beautiful! Have a fiberous day! https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/michelle-2020 daily 0.75 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587067527753-GUCDL1OUPAPPY4NDP0MF/IMG_0396.jpg Michelle - 2020 - Beauty with flowers Us girls who were trafficked had messy lives and unstableness, but behind that mess, there was always beauty. Both inside and out. That’s something we should never forget; we’re beautiful in God’s eyes no matter what. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587067626727-V0W4UQOWTWPTD3T8KGEJ/IMG_0393.jpg Michelle - 2020 - 3 Flowers Purpose. I have a purpose, and no one can change or take away what God has planned for me. I might have been broken down, beaten, wounded but that doesn’t define me. Only God can judge me. I may have faced things, but I know that things happen for a reason… for a purpose that only God knows. God only gives us what we can handle. I might not know my purpose yet but ONE thing I do know is God has a plan for me. God is going to have great things planned for me and He’s going to be with me through my journey while I change the world… Create a difference, to remind those who have broken down that they are loved, that they’re cared for. A constant reminder that THEY ARE a child of God and that CANNOT be taken away from them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587067835969-6OHL938NYY6PAPT71ZPN/IMG_0394.jpg Michelle - 2020 - Elephants One day at Cherish House we did an elephant project with the mentors and while doing this we read an article. From the article, we learned that female elephants take care of each other when in need of help. That they don’t leave each other’s sides when in need. Cherish House and Reclaim13 is just like that, a sisterhood. When you come into this community you’re in it forever. I believe it 100%; when I’m having a rough day there’s always someone I can go to and talk to. I don’t ever feel like I’ll be left alone. Even the girls in the house have become my new sisters and I know they’ll always be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587067701137-4KWDJG195WDK1VPA7G3D/IMG_0397.jpg Michelle - 2020 - Umbrella with Waterfall Colors This painting symbolizes many things to me, it shows how many tears I cried at night for help and the tears I cried for joy when being found. When being trafficked it’s hard to believe that God is there… But when you witness a miracle you realize that HE WAS THERE. That He never left your side. I may have not noticed that God was there but when I did He would cry. Not only was I hurting, He was too hurting like me because His child was being taken advantage of. This umbrella represents God, how He sheltered and lifted me when I felt like breaking down and giving up. He stood by my side and gave me hope. I couldn’t have made it through what I did without God. He is my savior, my father, and I’m thankful for Him. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/karen-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587005297474-ZC65PUYOEP6EHODUJ7AP/IMG_9069.jpg Karen 2020 - From the darkness Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/marianne-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587016841710-L3CPXDOHOYEF7F9FBS84/IMG_9096.jpg Marianne 2020 - Voices Pastel and Charcoal Many victims in human trafficking disconnect or dissociate as we say in therapy from reality. Their pain is so great that it becomes easier to not be in reality at the time of their abuse. When our nervous system becomes so taxed we disconnect for our own survival. This piece of artwork reflects when a person disconnects because of the horror they have gone through in their reality. They may become parts of other people and hear different voices to survive. Parts of them cannot speak, parts of them are lifeless and so wounded. Their heart experiences brokenness time and time again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587070571803-KLE60Y0KFAFW1TVYQ5RA/Drowning.jpg Marianne 2020 - Drowning Chalk This piece of artwork reflects hopelessness and despair. Many in human trafficking feel that they are drowning in their own tears and there is no way out as they feel sucked in or stuck where they are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587016731401-F0ZR3RXICUEV73476N0V/IMG_9078.jpg Marianne 2020 - Abandoned and Alone Pastel and Charcoal This piece of artwork reflects human abandonment in shames too indescribable to mention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587016812359-M8O3PCERV7E6C7MAGTZ2/IMG_9083.jpg Marianne 2020 - Eye of the soul Pastel This piece of artwork reflects the brokenness and wounds that is carried within a soul; buried feelings are intense and are beyond words. It reflects hopelessness, one side of the eye is always looking to see what will happen, and the other side of the eye represents terror remembering the mental and emotional torture that did happen, waiting to see what comes next feeling terror in ways you and I may never feel or quite understand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587016867403-4RYY7UT6YMPCG1E0ZDSC/IMG_9085.jpg Marianne 2020 - Confusion Pastel This piece of artwork reflects a little girl’s vulnerability to those she trusted, she is so confused, she holds her head because she doesn’t know what to do, her face is sad and her eyes are lifeless. She has secrets but cannot tell. Who will believe her? https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/lizzy-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587057638947-44Y3XRTOIWOQWUE4KCJ4/Elizabeth_final1_left.jpg Lizzy 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586998203307-U19S1Q7TCYZ7JFV5RJWD/Elizabeth_final1+copy.jpg Lizzy 2020 - untitled Drawing Art reminds me that I am a survivor and I am not defined by my pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587058174999-8Q08AXNUPDEL0HZZRT80/Elizabeth_final2_bottom.jpg Lizzy 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587058088493-A4LA3VB7I6MHJZDZ80B3/Elizabeth_final2_top.jpg Lizzy 2020 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/virtual-show daily 0.75 2021-04-26 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/carolyn-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587060574893-ZL2ONKU10KJ7SPEVWEBS/Carolyn_final-cropped.jpg Carolyn 2020 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-photography-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587021829889-8NM1SUWXIR2TOQ68B5PQ/IMG_1828.jpg Anonymous-Photography-2020 - War within the trees The green, the brown, and the gray all seem to welcome each other onto the tree. But when you look closer they’re all looking for spot just to fit in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587021449207-MJ2Q6I59N7EB59YBY900/IMG_1821.jpg Anonymous-Photography-2020 - Frozen but still This leaf has little life in the winter. It’s brown and lonely, it’s also dying. The crystals of snow on the leaf take everything from it, but the little sun ray there helps the leaf live another day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587022702855-BFU2Q72VK8WZBL42DBZT/IMG_E3510.jpg Anonymous-Photography-2020 - Beauty within asphalt This is the pavement that helps us see what we want in the future. We see the trees, the grass, the sky, and so much more. We see the bottom to the top view is amazing, but the first thing that should come into mind is that “ My God is so good!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587022424018-AUCKL0I181RCHFYSX8FS/IMG_0319.JPG Anonymous-Photography-2020 - The girl behind the wall This is a representation of me, that also has meaning behind the picture. This camera helps me cope with the tragedy that has happened. Every inch of this picture has every inch of my life in it. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/olivia-2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586855130465-I7O7ANJQG55SULWTQHEI/%23metoo_Olivia+electronic.jpg Olivia 2020 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/hannah-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619283135524-BOG0XPRJ6NTN1NLC4X71/Walk+With+Chris.jpeg Hannah 2021 - Walk with Chris Acrylic Block Inspired by a springtime walk. My friend and I first came across a tree arrayed in glorious pink buds. It was magical and abundant. We stayed for a long time, taking pictures and videos, and just soaking in the goodness. As we continued on our walk, we came to a singular bush tree with absolutely no signs of new life. While in some ways the polar opposite to our previous near-heavenly experience, we found ourselves equally in awe of the beauty of these bare-naked branches. Again, pictures from many angles were taken. That night I created this piece, and it just keeps expanding in depth of meaning. For some of us, we are raised in tremendous abundance. Not only are we well-fed, clothed, and educated. But we know LOVE and steadiness of sweet home life, mixed with other beautiful ties to community and friends. The first tree. But others grow up in living nightmares. They may or may not have been well-fed, well-clothed, or secure. Their lives have been etched so deeply with atrocities in their homes and communities that for some, it is a miracle that they are still alive today. The bankruptcies of their childhood shadow and shatter them throughout the remainder of their adult lives. The second tree. What I have begun to understand is just how much we need each other. Some of what the first tree has to offer is obvious. Within them is a steadiness, a normalcy of healthy relationships. This may be something they take completely for granted, only becoming evident when they brush up against those whose environments have caused them to grow some prickly thorns. Most often, the second tree is seen as a burden, a ministry to those of the first tree. But this is far from the truth. You see, the second tree intimately knows what it is like to have pain rip through their hearts, all the way to the core of their beings. This pain, like a bile rising from within, often cannot be suppressed. And with no place to escape, many find themselves with rended hearts before the throne room of God. It is there that they are trained in the wonders of bankruptcy. And the salvation of Christ finds its way into the depths of their beings. The riches gained far surpass any earthly wealth. And thus, what they have to offer is so very priceless. But the lesson goes even further. In many ways, the truth of the two distinct trees is an illusion. Are we not all broken vessels living in a broken world, so far fallen from what God first intended? Does not the richest in humanity still have rivers of unending grief, hidden though they may be? I know from my own life how prone I am to desperately grasp at every small blossom to keep the barrenness at bay. You see, both trees live within me. Dancing through the forest, walking the coast, laughing with friends, and even kissing my cat’s most beautiful cheeks….what a bountiful existence! But I also deal with unending grief and obstacles facing the uglier side of humanity in others as well as myself. I have found that the riches gained from humbly, desperately, nakedly coming before my God yields a harvest of love and beauty and magic and wonderment, the likes of which are beyond our wildest imaginations. So I will continue to forge forward in this duel existence, rejoicing in the rays of the sun, the love of good friends, and the belly laughing that sometimes cannot be stopped. But on the cloudy days when my barren branches are exposed, I will wail, scream, and worship, knowing that a very faithful and loving God is molding me into a vessel to hold and behold more than I ever could have dreamt. www.hgalactic.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619282972176-MX9L5KC1AICDNMNJPSHH/The+Feminine+Mystique+Be+Your+Bad-Ass+Girly+Self.JPG Hannah 2021 - The Feminine Mystique Be Your Bad-Ass Girly Self Acrylic block Do not be afraid to explore all that makes you who you are. You are NOT too much! You are NOT too girly! At the same time, even the girliest of girls isn't all pink. God is both lion AND lamb...and so are we!!! Let the layers upon layers of who you are be added without shade, and trust that something beautiful and truly unique is being revealed in you! https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/2020 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586855130465-I7O7ANJQG55SULWTQHEI/%23metoo_Olivia+electronic.jpg 2020 - #METOO Olivia My story is quite long, so I will shorten it for this purpose. I was sexually assaulted at age 6, and I don't remember much about it, and it was unfortunately just the beginning. From age 12-17 my step-brother sexually assaulted me whenever I would go and visit my father. In 2018 I finally came forward about it on my half-sister's birthday, and it was terrifying, because I didn't want her to succumb to the same fate as I was. Present day, my Father has stopped talking to me because he doesn't believe me. He has cut off all communication I had with my sister, who is now 12 this year. It has been two years since I came forward, and I don't regret it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587003590138-0EDLS6VQRDCEWZQIVL6A/Canva%2B-%2BBlack%2BCurtain.jpg 2020 - BEHIND THE CURTAINS Cheyene Why didn’t you leave? You’re young, beautiful, and very smart You live in Chicago one of the biggest well-known cities in the U.S Why am I doing this to Myself? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587005052783-ZBJIX50CKEXUB8IG2GZ0/IMG_9078.jpg 2020 - Abandoned and Alone Marianne This piece of artwork reflects human abandonment in shames to indescribable to mention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587005297474-ZC65PUYOEP6EHODUJ7AP/IMG_9069.jpg 2020 - From the Darkness Karen There are so many chapters to my story. Some are painful and many are beautiful. Through artistic resources like painting, drawing, writing, and my love for music, I am able to navigate through the past while enjoying the present with a clearer vision for a bright future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586915452241-YYA56FKZ8CU9H0SJ4YRL/IMG_7982.JPG 2020 - The Girl Behind The Wall Anonymous This is a representation of me, that also has meaning behind the picture. This camera helps me cope with the tragedy that has happened. Every inch of this picture has every inch of my life in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587003099262-JTURGCO1VKI3Y5JVUE7M/Canva%2B-%2BBlack%2Babstract%2Bpainting%2Bbackground.jpg 2020 - I Wonder if You Knew Anonymous You think I chose this I chose to be with him so I must want to stay with him I chose not to leave him so I deserved the abuse I got I chose not to take your help so you stopped caring https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586998203307-U19S1Q7TCYZ7JFV5RJWD/Elizabeth_final1+copy.jpg 2020 Elizabeth I have always used art as a therapeutic release to relieve the pain and suffering of addiction and sexual trauma. Art is a visual expression of my journey and it reminds me that I am not defined by my past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587059098026-33FJTNMD6JPZER44ZSK7/Carolyn_final-edited.jpg 2020 - God’s plan Carolyn You have a plan I was born into an average family a working dad and a stay at home mom, They both followed you. You have a plan, At age 5 my neighbor altered that plan. He only thought of himself, HIS EVIL NEEDS. Shhh….Came the words, something bad will happen to your parents IF YOU TELL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586988891842-9Q0QFF6U0NP51SZRXB7Z/IMG_0322+%281%29.jpg 2020 - The Grand Poop Anynomous The Grand POOP is an art of 3D laughter! It shows how anyone can make something disgusting into something beautiful! Have a fiberous day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1586976842152-RGQM8HE0EEHEW5Y0V7TX/13+Hands 2020 - 13 Hands Anonymous A hand print symbolizes many things, but two important things that it represents is strength and protection. Reclaim13 doesn’t just provide us with love and nurture, they help give us our strength back. Reclaim13 helps us come back stronger than ever before. Cherish House protects us from the evil that tries to harm us. Those that try to cause us harm can’t because we are STRONG & PROTECTED. Reclaim13 reclaims what was lost and now is found again. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-i-am-poem-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/mary-anne-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619148890544-TWN89CMRX3BWGDAVELNI/Otter.jpeg Mary Anne - 2021 - MAMA OTTER: A PICTURE OF GOD’s EMBRACE Poem Mama Otter: A Picture of God’s Embrace https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619150079776-J222TWAF0PY0BCEKAYHL/Child+with+bubbles.jpg Mary Anne - 2021 - GOIN’ TA JESUS Short Story https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-mixed-media-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619148082277-Q07MV8FSCX3UZO0K2K57/Untitled.jpg Anonymous - Mixed Media - 2021 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vicki-2021 daily 0.75 2023-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619062603915-S3V4MKBWAJECFS2ZNRNB/You+are+a+Bad+Girl.jpg Vicki 2021 - You are a bad girl Mixed Media https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619062712654-YU5K1SWPPW6UTI0JHW1T/I+AM.jpg Vicki 2021 - I am Mixed Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-anxious-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619362276838-6PVEX69TD1I1WVXN4DLI/Anxious.jpg CH - Anxious - 2021 - Anxious Poetry, Acrylic The emotions represented here are: anxious, scared, nervous. This picture represents these feelings. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-trust-in-him-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363798441-Q70LSP1X643M6GXOT9R8/Trust+in+Him.jpg CH - Trust in Him - 2021 - trust in him Acrylic During the years of being trafficked, my faith in God quickly faded. I truly believed that He abandoned me when I was in need the most. Little did I know He was weeping on the side while I was being raped and beat multiple times. I'm always questioned why and how I can put my faith in a God that allowed me to endure this pain. That if God loved me so much why would he put his daughter in this place to begin with? I tell that in these various moments while being raped and beaten, He was truly protecting me from worse things that could've occurred. That my God was protecting me from being put into a body bag, found dead. Yes, many people say "Well, why did He allow it to happen in the first place?" I believe that being molested, beat, raped, and drugged wasn't for my purpose, but for another little girl or boy's purpose. That all I've endured is to help others who've experienced the same pain. To give children suffering faith and hope that things WILL get better. That I am living proof that God can heal the broken and show them that they were created for a purpose. Even through the ugliness, we're all a Queen/King/Princess/Prince in His eyes. All we need to do is TRUST HIS WILL. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-untitled2-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363610908-DU8MI7HTT9V4UWHGKH58/Untitled2.jpg CH - Untitled2 - 2021 - untitled Multi-Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-photomontage-2021 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324595628-VL0KEQ72C6I4Q1697AKD/Order+%235+gallery_export_1617739343_1617739517.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324746263-MSWEH5QC6PRVUSEXSQ08/Order+%2310+IMG_1386.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325260151-AGD8CK84DEW16WVISNG6/Order+%2317+mj+and+levi.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619323960703-8OZR59CJSUVZWJEHK5A7/Order+%231+CD+BarCode-1-13.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324894253-GPNCN5YLTJAHE9ACSY1J/Order+%2313+MJ+test+3-2.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324559934-I4IBPT1J6C1ZKK0JHE3D/Order+%234+IMG_2064.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324055753-H6UK03ITPP959JBC2IS6/Order+%232+Image+4-7-21+at+8-4.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325232736-F8LSF3NSM2R75EE5OULM/Order+%2316+IMG_6126.A.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324706728-5IFC5444TOXO3MZ2WY4Q/Order+%238+IMG_2072.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324646889-XB19PXRRBOZXG58O0WQ6/Order+%236+IMG_1493.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324675644-J3YPQV1OF48X8PSBEM0O/Order+%237+IMG_1424-11.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324390874-8SZ2LP0HOD6GJRCMNUU3/Order+%233+gallery_export_1617849317_1617850404.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324969541-XBPAGM6AFS08ZTDZW2PA/Order+%2314+IMG_6030-3.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324727099-BZCR4GEKAXP2ESMTTBM6/Order+%239+IMG_1492.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325399366-UU5JTMZQJ5Q2E28SR72P/Order+%2319+JUMPING4.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325342452-RLC1V0O1YRYWJJCF3QXE/Order+%2318+IMG_1856.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325420541-NX1LR4EW6KNOMWSML85P/Order+%2320+gallery_export_1617819745_1617819956-2.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324793832-0FSIOPEQCCHKV28YK0HA/Order+%2311+IMG_1907.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619324875802-OAWDIIAPPIYQBYRQ1IGG/Order+%2312+IMG_0759-2.jpg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325079960-SZF0Y2SO02TPWSKJ7DDE/Order+%2315+IMG_1989.jpeg CH - Photomontage - 2021 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/s-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280471946-C7N8JU46FA4FOQ5E0OM2/Untitled.jpg S - 2021 - Untitled Acrylic Pour This art represents moving freely and going with the flow in life. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/marianne-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619294988279-6L0DVNS1K3COAEIWFKPE/Untitled.jpg Marianne 2021 - untitled Pastel and Charcoal “Excellence is never an accident: it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities” Remember “YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE” “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me”. ~ Erma Bombeck The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice. Don’t be afraid of change, because it is leading you to a new beginning. ~ Joyce Meyer https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/zariah-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619323417651-QUUM5M0T4JGMGLGA3E6H/Silhouette+of+She.jpg Zariah-2021 - Silhouette of She Acrylic https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-untitled2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619362467195-INRB03PJ7UOVNSCD3Z1S/Untitled.jpg CH - Untitled - 2021 - untitled Multi-Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/gabriella-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619287405881-C66RCWSCC71DK79WXUK4/Love+Throughout+the+Seasons+photo.jpg Gabriella 2021 - Love throughout the seasons Devotional https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619287561558-42VYK7LWXY522FHRMJNA/God%27s+Amazing+Love.jpg Gabriella 2021 - God’s amazing love Devotional The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23: 1-6 With certainty we know that each winter, buds remain buried underground awaiting their entrance above soil in spring; that the sun will rise every morning and set each evening; that if we visit a valley, we will surely find lush vegetation and abundant development, just as we would witness a lack of flourishing growth at the mountain top. We can also be assured that no matter how many reside on earth God knows each and every one of us uniquely. How absolutely comforting, as the Psalmist David recites in this meditation prayer. Allow God to show you His amazing love. God restores us when we’ve had enough. He beckons us to take a break when the going gets tough. His omnipotence speaks to us as we face giants in our world. When we ask, He gives us what is appropriate. God’s goodness reveals to us that even in our darkest hour, He provides us with over and above what we ever imagined. We are grateful that in God’s almighty act of love, he sent His son Jesus Christ for us to receive His never ending grace and mercy. Does love take on a more powerful meaning when woven into your life as the foundation of your faith? Are you accepting grace through God’s love and the love you consequently sow into each moment? “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 From “Celebrate Your Seasons: Inspirational Devotions to Progress in Love and Grace” © 2011 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/olivia-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619322270732-QSIIYUHCG6FS0C0JI0RL/MeToo+2020.jpg Olivia 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619322229005-BVVVCCKKHS3700IIJCC3/MeToo+2021.jpg Olivia 2021 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-mountains-with-stars-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363699576-L3LDPXINK3KG1GZEJT5J/Mountains+with+Stars.jpg CH - Mountains with Stars - 2021 - Mountains with stars Acrylic Even in the midst of trauma and being taken to multiple states, I was able to see good. My safe place - the stars and the mountains https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ch-color-wheel-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363421309-1GNGPPTR34Q5Y16PMJ16/Color+Wheel.jpg CH - Color Wheel - 2021 - Color wheel Acrylic All the feelings mixed together - why it runs together; happy, sad, depression, anxiety, fear. The top of the canvas has paint drippings representing thoughts. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/v-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619279839575-US7O071PPEEZMWLKK48R/Guardian+Angels.jpg V - 2021 - Guardian Angels Acrylic and Metal Acrylic on Canvas This represents all the people who have loved and supported me on my journey at Refuge for Women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280052359-JVFG0QO6LY765VIR1GPI/Watercolor+of+Salvator+Dali.jpg V - 2021 - Watercolor of Salvador Dali Water Color I found Salvador Dali's face different and intriguing and thought he would be fun to paint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280146176-G0IOHS9SZ2G7P34G6OX0/Ode+to+Pollack.jpg V - 2021 - Ode to pollack Pastel and Charcoal Jackson Pollock is one of my favorite artists. I took this canvas outside and took out my aggression by slinging paint. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/a-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280788667-PBK77TS0WRIIN94S52QL/Beautiful+Disaster.jpg A - 2021 - Beautiful disaster Acrylic Pour This piece represents the intertwining of her past lifestyle and her son and daughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619365503650-8GNB3RS9BLW4X5K7VQD4/Woman+of+Integrity+Today+by+A+%28cropped%29.jpg A - 2021 - women of integrity Acrylic Pour What was once misunderstood is understood today. I am a woman of integrity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280698280-JJ0C2I6O11LOY75USV77/Misunderstanding.jpg A - 2021 - Misunderstanding Acrylic Pour This piece represents the artist's everyday life and the chaos she was involved in. She says "No one really understands the ins and outs of this lifestyle.” https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sioni-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619281471806-4GGZCMWS24HTLPGBSN22/Cover+Three+Times+Sold+2020+excerpt.jpg Sioni 2021 - Three Times Sold Book Excerpt https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/lizzy-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619291915272-F23LH3CIECCP0VZCNM8P/Lizzie+%232+%28cropped%29.jpg Lizzy 2021 - UntiTled Acrylic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587058088493-A4LA3VB7I6MHJZDZ80B3/Elizabeth_final2_top.jpg Lizzy 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619366358498-43EY50LFCDHWQN5VWDSI/Lizzie%2B%25231.jpg Lizzy 2021 - untitled Acrylic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1587058174999-8Q08AXNUPDEL0HZZRT80/Elizabeth_final2_bottom.jpg Lizzy 2021 - untitled Diptych Acrylic Painting The 1st painting uses dark colors on the outer perimeter to represent a dark place and seeing the brighter side but fearful to move forward. The second piece uses brighter and livelier colors representing the brighter side of life. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-oil-paintings-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619284558672-HKTD7165ZALJFXZUHWHO/Happiness.jpg Anonymous - Oil Paintings - 2021 - Happiness Oil Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619284096584-W3W9G3VQCSMQ173CJ9CA/Friends+in+Deep+Water.jpg Anonymous - Oil Paintings - 2021 - Friends in deep water Oil Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619283981755-S2CTLRGOPFYCKEGVG03E/America.jpg Anonymous - Oil Paintings - 2021 - America Oil Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/briana-2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619290369647-S1NTNAYG91LNEADS188Q/Briana+%237.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619290186926-IEQNBSY45V59SUS28HD0/Briana+%233.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619288888180-XW1HIUHJJKQPVMNZTV8Y/Briana+%232.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619290267153-TVZNE85LBQM64JZKVQU5/Order+%235.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619290215534-NTKK3V915S7NTCJ48097/Briana+%234.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619288816984-3TLQV8WE786SAO8RCAMR/Briana+%231.jpeg Briana 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619290314984-FDB77II0RV30BN2P1J89/Briana+%236.jpeg Briana 2021 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/2021 daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619364269887-ZTZWD0ISDPUONKPW2HZU/You+are+a+bad+girl.jpg 2021 - you are a bad girl Vicki At 5 1/2, I shared what happened to me to a trusted adult. I was told "You are a bad girl and don't you ever say anything like that ever again." So when others touched and abused me, I never said a word. (new line) Until 17 years into my marriage; the repressed memories began surfacing. (new line) Even in the darkness of abuse, God's stars of hope are shining. God's light and truth dispel the darkness of my abuses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619364515602-VQVSDDU9UQFI9102RXZJ/I+AM.png 2021 - i am Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619148082277-Q07MV8FSCX3UZO0K2K57/Mixed+media+Untitled+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Untitled Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619148890544-TWN89CMRX3BWGDAVELNI/Otter.jpeg 2021 - Mama otter Mary Anne As I settled down to pray in my room at a retreat center, I replayed in my mind the lyrics I had been singing along with the radio on my hour drive there. I felt frustrated and confused. Why were there so many songs describing the tenderness and comfort of being held by God? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619279839575-US7O071PPEEZMWLKK48R/Order+%231%3A++Guardian+Angels+%28cropped%29+by+V.jpg 2021 - Guardian Angel V This represents all the people who have loved and supported me on my journey at Refuge for Women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280471946-C7N8JU46FA4FOQ5E0OM2/Order+%234%3A++Untitled+by+S+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - untitled S This art represents moving freely and going with the flow in life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619280698280-JJ0C2I6O11LOY75USV77/Order+%235%3A++Misunderstanding+by+A+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Misunderstanding A This piece represents the artist's everyday life and the chaos she was involved in. She says "No one really understands the ins and outs of this lifestyle.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619281471806-4GGZCMWS24HTLPGBSN22/Cover+Three+Times+Sold+2020+excerpt.jpg 2021 - Three Times Sold Sioni I want you to know is that even when we think there's no way, it turns out that there is a way. When we think that we're alone, we're not, because God is with us. Sometimes we feel worthless and think that God must not care about people like us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619282972176-MX9L5KC1AICDNMNJPSHH/Order+%231%3A+The+Feminine+Mystique+Be+Your+Bad-Ass+Girly+Self+%28cropped-2%29.JPG 2021 - The Feminine Mystique Be Your Bad-Ass Girly Self Hannah Do not be afraid to explore all that makes you who you are. You are NOT too much! You are NOT too girly! At the same time, even the girliest of girls isn't all pink. God is both lion AND lamb...and so are we!!! Let the layers upon layers of who you are be added without shade, and trust that something beautiful and truly unique is being revealed in you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619283981755-S2CTLRGOPFYCKEGVG03E/Order+%231++America+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - America Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619287405881-C66RCWSCC71DK79WXUK4/Order+%231%3ALove+Throughout+the+Seasons+photo.jpg 2021 - LOVE THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS Gabriella Through each season we weather diverse conditions that test our character and refine our essence. We strive daily to rid ourselves of impurities and gravitate instead in the direction of traits that make us better. Hence, through each season there exists a time to lose and a time to gain, a time to hate and a time to love, a time to weep and a time to laugh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619288816984-3TLQV8WE786SAO8RCAMR/Order+%231.jpeg 2021 - untitled Briana This year, for the first time in nearly twenty-years in history, Sexual Assault Awareness Month was observed solely in online spaces. My friend and I decided to dedicated survivors of sexual violence with a photoshoot for those who have suffered through a traumatic phase. What hurts me more was that my sister was involved but she wanted to participate. We asked individuals (all genders) in our community who are survivors or who are going through it that have been holding on to it for so long, to share their stories. Their story will help many more. We wanted them to speak their truth out. What's said needs to be said. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619366358498-43EY50LFCDHWQN5VWDSI/Lizzie%2B%25231.jpg 2021 - untitled Lizzy I have always used art as a therapeutic release to relive the pain and suffering of addiction and sexual trauma. Art reminds me that I am a survivor and I am not defined by my pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619294988279-6L0DVNS1K3COAEIWFKPE/Cropped.jpg 2021 - untitled Marianne “Excellence is never an accident: it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619322229005-BVVVCCKKHS3700IIJCC3/Order+%231%3A+MeToo+.jpg 2021 - #METOO Olivia My story is quite long, so I will shorten it for this purpose. I was sexually assaulted at age 6, and I don't remember much about it, and it was unfortunately just the beginning. From age 12-17 my step-brother sexually assaulted me whenever I would go and visit my father. In 2018 I finally came forward about it on my half-sister's birthday, and it was terrifying, because I didn't want her to succumb to the same fate as I was. Present day, my Father has stopped talking to me because he doesn't believe me. He has cut off all communication I had with my sister, who is now 12 this year. It has been two ears since I came forward, and I don't regret it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619362276838-6PVEX69TD1I1WVXN4DLI/Order+%231++Anxious+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Anxious Cherish House Resident The emotions represented here are: anxious, scared, nervous. This picture represents these feelings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619362467195-INRB03PJ7UOVNSCD3Z1S/Order+%232++untitled+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Untitled Cherish House Resident https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363421309-1GNGPPTR34Q5Y16PMJ16/Order+%233+++Color+Wheel+%28Cropped%29.jpg 2021 - color wheel Cherish House Resident All the feelings mixed together - why it runs together; happy, sad, depression, anxiety, fear. The top of the canvas has paint drippings representing thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363610908-DU8MI7HTT9V4UWHGKH58/Order+%234++untitled+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Untitled Cherish House Resident https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363699576-L3LDPXINK3KG1GZEJT5J/Order+%235++Mountains+with+Stars+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Mountains with Starrs Cherish House Resident Even in the midst of trauma and being taken to multiple states, I was able to see good. My safe place - the stars and the mountains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619363798441-Q70LSP1X643M6GXOT9R8/Order+%236%3A+Trust+in+Him+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Trust in him Cherish House Resident During the years of being trafficked, my faith in God quickly faded. I truly believed that He abandoned me when I was in need the most. Little did I know He was weeping on the side while I was being raped and beat multiple times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619323417651-QUUM5M0T4JGMGLGA3E6H/Silhouette+of+She+%28cropped%29.jpg 2021 - Silhouette of She Zariah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1619325420541-NX1LR4EW6KNOMWSML85P/Order+%2320+gallery_export_1617819745_1617819956-2.jpeg 2021 - Photomontage Cherish House Resident This photomontage shows the pain and suffering that I'd endured while being trafficked. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/giorgia-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/34835b68-0bfc-4707-9906-fafc9e89d14a/Untitled+%284%29.jpeg Giorgia 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/590d00d6-4448-4d30-8326-64eb1a8914d6/Untitled+%281%29.jpeg Giorgia 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f5c25a30-6623-483b-aaf7-507534edd6f3/Untitled+%285%29.jpeg Giorgia 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/79658d76-059f-4a5e-a7fb-439e8d76da48/Untitled+%282%29.jpeg Giorgia 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/93cc9b9c-7a0d-4015-8494-3430135b8c5e/Untitled+%283%29.jpeg Giorgia 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-layersofhope-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2a206203-5bae-48ab-9557-7c27d7967810/Layers+of+Hope+-+Edited.jpg Anonymous - Layers of Hope - 2022 - Layers of hope Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-blossom-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0ffd1c76-1f34-4063-9397-cf7fd8f4d4aa/Blossom+%28Edited%29.jpg Anonymous - Blossom - 2022 - Blossom Mixed Media You deserve to be loved, you deserve to blossom, and you deserve to grow. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kendyl-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5b9ba4ed-a44c-45c9-a79a-862d906230ae/Beauty+From+Ashes+%28Canvases+in+Order%29+Edited.jpg Kendyl - 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/87043794-2e01-41f1-b534-7a40f33f2da5/Beauty+From+Ashes+%28Stand%29.jpg Kendyl - 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/936c37b0-3921-4e70-9eb9-11075d765080/Beauty+From+Ashes+%28Sculpture%29+Edited.png Kendyl - 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/elizabeth-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/359bbee2-bbe3-477f-b2bf-852326ddb69f/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg Elizabeth - 2022 - untitled Drawing https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/cherish-house-resident-ew-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3dfd9d45-6be0-42f3-9546-e78c6f48801e/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg Cherish House Resident - EW - 2022 - untitled Mixed Media I'm 17 and was trafficked for 8 months and a lot was stolen from me. I was trafficked for so long I lost my sense of self because of the mental abuse I suffered. Art is a great form of self-expression. I wanted this piece to show that you are more than what people tell you. Those who try to break your spirit by telling you that "you're nothing" couldn't be more wrong. You are going to be something amazing. Have patience in your journey. Own your status. Embrace being a work-in-progress. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/michelle-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b013b665-46a6-4e63-a895-bdd55595499b/Elephant+2+%28Edited%29.jpeg Michelle - 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/26f6ffd1-3410-4288-ae79-bf3a55570902/Elephant+Tribe+%28Edited%29.jpg Michelle - 2022 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sherri-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1abdc81f-c349-4e84-a914-85c4ad62b9be/Boundaries+%28Edited%29.jpg Sherri- 2022 - Boundaries Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/cherish-house-resident-lf-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/115f7562-a7ee-490d-a6e6-b38d25e9bb9e/Untitled+%28Edited%29+%281%29.jpg Cherish House Resident - LF - 2022 - untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0caea0d6-783e-4b3b-9009-5a8258dc5241/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg Cherish House Resident - LF - 2022 - Untitled https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/marie-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/dc275483-1341-4a48-83d7-482c4e9306e1/No+Means+No+%28Edited+2%29.jpeg Marie- 2022 - No means no Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/leamay-2022 daily 0.75 2023-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c9d39ee9-390a-44e0-98b7-d76c284fd7b6/Self+Embrace-+Healing+the+Wounded+Within+%28Edited%29.jpg Lea May - 2022 - Self Embrace: Healing the Wounded Within Painting My name is Lea May. I am an artist, a survivor and an advocate for inner healing. After a month of painting the image before you, what I have concluded to be the most essential take away from this experience, are invitations of two calls to action. It is my hope it can benefit those who resonate with my words and my art. These suggestions may seem simple at a surface level; however, in reality it can take months and years to heal... especially, when we have experienced traumatic events that alter the course of our lives. In this painting, you see themes of liberating the wounds of trauma and expressing it all into forms of beauty, redemption and empowerment through realism and impressionism. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/autumn-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anahi-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/982e5187-977d-4284-9919-109eaed2abaf/Divine+Soul_Anahi_Rodriguez.jpeg Anahi - 2022 - divine soul Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cc72ae70-f009-4844-a587-be7204d9153f/Acceptance_Anahi_Rodriguez.jpeg Anahi - 2022 - acceptance Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f59ace7f-1264-457e-b658-494dfb321925/Letting+Go_Anahi+Rodriguez.jpeg Anahi - 2022 - Letting go Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sara-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2caab7c6-b3c7-4ea8-9547-9ec1aa24e6bd/Untitled+%28Edited%29+%282%29.jpg Sara - 2022 - untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/549b1657-677c-4775-a5f3-827d3237a63f/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg Sara - 2022 - untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/68ced091-96fc-4536-b88e-73334c5645f8/Untitled+%28Edited%29+%281%29.jpg Sara - 2022 - Untitled https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vera-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c99e87cc-cccd-41dc-9954-df8bee9d6ff6/The+Singer+%28Edited%29.jpg Vera - 2022 - The Singer "The Singer" is meant to be an expression of my experience with PTSD, after being raped and physically abused for a period of time at age 14. 25 years later, I still battle the hyper-vigilance left behind, as portrayed by the crow; constantly assessing my surroundings even when I am unaware, or choosing to ignore the impulse. As much as I have struggled to let go as time passes, I am thankful to this watchful eye. The expression on my face in the self portrait reflects the excruciating pain of recovery, while remaining mute about my experience for many years after. I am a classical singer by trade, and I often feel that my passion for singing came from wanting so much to be heard. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/lena-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/dcfb96b3-3fdd-4804-9f61-c89a50de1c1d/Hope+%28Edited%29.jpg Lena - 2022 - hope I thought I was destined for a dark path. What could have ended in death brought me to the light and gave me hope. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/carmen-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f932cf63-f87f-4e7a-b53a-e81563fa36fb/What+I+Remember+Them+Saying+%28Edited%29.jpg Carmen - 2022 - What I Remember Them Saying This piece of art that I created, triggered/inspired by the #metoo movement, may make you uncomfortable. I stayed quiet for more than 20 years about my experiences because I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, because I felt embarrassed and ashamed, because I didn’t want to tarnish my reputation or my family’s - as if what others had done to me was somehow my fault and could reflect poorly on me or those I love. That is how messed up our culture is. We would rather just not talk about it and pretend the bad things didn’t happen. Or we do talk about it and we blame the victim - because if you can believe the victim “had it coming,” then you can rest easy that it will never happen to you, that you will always be in control of what happens to you. So I tried to “just get over it” without saying a word. But guess what? Covered wounds never heal. So this was me finally ripping off the Band-Aid. I decided I would no longer accept the responsibility for others’ actions. I decided I had nothing to hide. I decided to care about myself more than I cared about keeping everyone comfortable. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vicki-2022 daily 0.75 2023-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d52de122-a5be-4dc0-8df7-86152625c4aa/Change+of+Perspective+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Change of Perspective During my healing from past sexual abuse, I realized that I was often thinking only a certain, limited way about how good things can really be for me. By changing my point of view and letting the wounded little girl learn how to play, the outcome of my life can be different. Better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2d859ead-bfe2-4868-99fc-d1dd4302df15/Leaving+Behind+and+Moving+Forward+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Leaving Behind and Moving Forward This is a representation of what I leave behind (the white trail behind the butterfly) and what I am moving towards (the swirling sun). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e07a47ec-3d9d-440c-813b-ee30403c537d/What+Plays+in+My+Mind+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - what plays in my mind The things that people said that kept me silent or what they said when I told. It can be maddening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6b0589d4-a1a9-489d-b35b-2281ccb3c440/Hollow+Inside+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - HOllow I felt empty for a long time. Until I was able to remember and process my past sexual abuse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/441e932f-076f-42d2-94e1-b5cb00cc3011/Where%27s+the+Justice+2+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - where’s the justice How I feel that "they" all got away with it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/deff8488-1f23-41b9-8ac4-14d36e74951b/Grace+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Grace Who I was and who I am becoming are all a part of who I am. Not consciously intending to, the face in the piece actually reminds me of some of my ancestors. And I make it a habit to honor myself in my journey of what made me who I am and who I choose to become. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e53489c1-a117-43c9-ae3b-446da7017d2d/Disbelief+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Disbelief There has been a part of me that has not believed what happened to me. My memories were repressed until 18 years into my marriage. But every time I allow myself to say, "maybe it didn't really happen," I feel my body screaming "NO!!! It did happen." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8c9d4ad3-c012-4115-a6cc-26b43fe5c62d/Release+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Release My "word" for last year was "release". I wanted to let go of anything holding me back from living the life of my dreams. From enjoying the plan of sheer goodness that God has in store for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cfa196d6-c095-4ed5-b630-c8e7e6fa4f61/I+Am+a+Survivor+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - I Am a Survivor I may be alone. But I am alive. I will make it. I am brave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3d5f88d5-ec9f-4ca5-841e-6c6877c6ad64/Beauty+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Beauty In the “ick” of surviving sexual abuse, it is important to be able to see beauty somewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4ca32282-9368-470a-af0f-dfe8b2cae08c/I+Am+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - I Am I created mantras to retrain my brain to believe who I wanted to be. In the beginning it was a struggle to tell myself these things. Now they have become a part of me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1c2225e0-71d0-401d-bd28-2faf1d4d1dd1/Pete%27s+Dragon+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Pete’s Dragon Who comforts you in times of struggle? Whether others can see the entity or not, I have learned to find tangible ways that I feel supported. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c7f1892a-957a-4cf1-986f-5492eee48cde/New+Appreciation+of+Nature+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - New Appreciation of Nature In the beginning of my healing, I was angry with God for allowing the abuse to happen. As I worked through my feelings and shared them with him, I was able to understand His plan of sheer goodness for me. I have become very open to the beauty of Nature that He created. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7c7a5f9d-79c9-4fe2-aa97-112154f64a13/The+Damage+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - The Damage Becoming aware of my repressed past sexual abuse memories was very difficult. Accepting that the abuse happened and how much damage was done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/61f6eb81-ad2e-42cf-b2fe-fbd1dea61d16/Lost+and+Alone+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Lost and Alone As my repressed sexual abuse memories surfaced, I felt overwhelmed, lost and alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4a4fa2af-11c4-407e-9a7a-cdc7afbb268a/What+I+Choose+to+Tell+Myself+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - What I Choose To Tell Myself In my healing journey I am aware of the power of my thoughts and how I have the ability to choose what I think and believe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ee23e765-01a0-43bd-adcd-4ba29358550d/Masks+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Masks In high school after visiting a haunted house, I noticed a fear of masks. I felt like I could only see the creepy eyes and it scared me, like run-away scared. My family thought it was funny and would hide and jump out with a mask on and I would be startled and scream and run and another would be waiting to jump out and scare me again. They thought it was funny that I could be so easily startled. Turns out the when my repressed memories came back, one of my abusers was hiding in my closet with soot all over his face and he raped me. It was a mask of sorts. That’s also why drawing it with charcoal was significant. Just like the soot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1ecc7b80-4ac4-49f4-bb7c-8b7ee64b221a/Living+in+the+Moment+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Living In The Moment Having dissociated during some of the abuse, or waiting for it to be over created a habit of me not being present. I give myself reminders to be in the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/677baf64-6963-4627-9054-eed4361261e1/Emotion+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - Emotion I was never allowed to be angry. This is how it feels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/14f1d521-e05d-4a63-9bfd-f841a971863a/You+Matter+Edited.jpg Vicki - 2022 - You Matter I love that message as it helps me remember that no matter what, I matter. I have worth. No matter what anyone did to me or told me about the abuse. I have value. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/chelsea-2022 daily 0.75 2022-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e798368f-2646-4012-96ea-76ddd1e596e0/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg Chelsea - 2022 - Untitled I did this piece a few days before flying to LA for sentencing in 2021. I was 12 when I was sextorted. 10 years of anticipation, fear, anger, guilt, and no sign of hope. I took my paints and let it out. The red and black signify the hopelessness and depression that I had felt for so long. But, as a sign of hope, I added the shimmering golden paint - like the Japanese art practice of Kintsugi - putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. While I may feel broken, I can fill my life with light. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/debbie-2022 daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4027fe22-8b09-4b93-ac6f-49cb8303bdbf/Light+Shines+in+the+Darkness+%28Edited%29.jpg Debbie - 2022 - Light Shines in the Darkness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/32af5b6e-9c23-49ce-a1c3-e17b4003684f/Connecting+to+the+Inner+Child+%28Edited%29.jpg Debbie - 2022 - Connecting to the Inner Child https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/2022 daily 0.75 2023-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/53ebd79c-5260-421b-ac99-eddc28522dfb/What+Plays+in+My+Mind+Edited.jpg 2022 - What plays in my mind Vicki The things that people said that kept me silent or what they said when I told. It can be maddening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/afa25783-5c32-4ac5-b400-5c64be78019f/Boundaries+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - boundaries Sherri I release my emotions in my art. I want the viewer to feel their own emotions. I want you to look at art with your soul and see what you need to see. Which is what I love about abstract painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/508e626a-7b20-43f8-8988-75abf03fb348/Self+Embrace-+Healing+the+Wounded+Within+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - Self Embrace: Healing the Wounded Within Lea May My name is Lea May. I am an artist, a survivor and an advocate for inner healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/51c8f188-ee8c-4514-afdf-a1fd0aa35a1f/No+Means+No+%28Edited+2%29.jpeg 2022 - no means no Marie As a survivor, I use my artwork to raise awareness and have my voice heard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/755529e9-e893-48c0-a452-7449961e6c1f/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - untitled Elizabeth This image was drawn when I was 17 years old, just before I was trafficked for the first time, but after I had been raped, assaulted, and used by a multitude of men. Healing from that dark time has taken decades, and is still a process, but I am now a professor and director of a nonprofit which serves survivors of sex trafficking. We have all felt so small and unsafe and alone- but together, in a community of survivors, we can grow and heal and thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/edd8c9f4-f287-4c3b-b9c0-7c20fabca9f1/Blossom+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - blossom Anonymous You deserve to be loved, you deserve to blossom, and you deserve to grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bc32a881-237c-49f3-97f5-92e9a40a0ea0/Elephant+Tribe+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - Elephant Tribe Michelle While being at Cherish House I met Reclaim13 mentors and they introduced a discussion about elephants and how unique they are - when a mother elephant is giving birth the rest of the elephants surround the mother to protect the baby and the mother from danger. Reclaim13 was similar in that the unity, community, and sisterhood protect all within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e9392de2-a64d-45ca-b43b-60e9c51a4821/Connecting+to+the+Inner+Child+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - connecting to the inner child Debbie I want you to know is that even when we think there's no way, it turns out that there is a way. When we think that we're alone, we're not, because God is with us. Sometimes we feel worthless and think that God must not care about people like us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f050a51e-4aa9-4a26-ab2c-4950f9235ce1/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - Untitled Cherish House Resident I'm 17 and was trafficked for 8 months and a lot was stolen from me. I was trafficked for so long I lost my sense of self because of the mental abuse I suffered. Art is a great form of self-expression… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b7f1dd72-43b0-4daf-9dbc-27a4266c591b/Untitled+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - Untitled Chelsea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1b0b9d60-01c5-4e52-8967-8a3d907e6a97/Facade.png 2022 - Facade Autumn She feels like she can never be herself, She always has to force a smile on her lips, She feels like she is falling apart inside, with no one to reach out to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9619f0de-0336-45db-a3eb-f5b95daf0e71/Beauty+From+Ashes+Edited.png 2022 - Beauty From Ashes Kendyl Through my art, I specifically wanted to capture how even after abuse, healing and beauty can still be found, as this is the narrative I have seen in my own life… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a5887b5d-5167-4ea8-9808-b959aa04d90c/Untitled+%281%29.jpeg 2022 - untitled Giorgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5fec8d70-e945-467b-84a8-bd71616a642e/Layers+of+Hope+-+Edited.jpg 2022 - Layers of Hope Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/772585c6-63d5-4318-95f9-21c96d99d2c6/The+Singer+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - The Singer Vera "The Singer" is meant to be an expression of my experience with PTSD… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/dd5152b9-a924-4187-ad32-976dc89572a6/Divine+Soul_Anahi_Rodriguez.jpeg 2022 - Divine Soul Anahi …My work represents the three different phases that I created for myself to understand how to cope and break through from trauma. These are to let go, accept, and redefine my soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b4d4765a-f5e3-4d65-ac3a-2f9ba8eac3a8/Untitled+%28Edited%29+%282%29.jpg 2022 - Untitled Sara Sara Sadat is a visual artist strongly influenced by the community, especially scenes from her upbringing of the Arboretum Village in Lisle, Illinois… Her work now is motivated by the preservation of communal conversations, dialog and study of movement and through her painting she seeks to advocate for the counteraction of careless approaches and to draw attention to the isolation and solitude of her own healings as a domestic abuse survivor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/948eb572-bf51-4ed1-93d1-c16f16ae7668/What+I+Remember+Them+Saying+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - What I remember them Saying Carmen This piece of art that I created, triggered/inspired by the #metoo movement, may make you uncomfortable… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6f5b272f-5303-4674-a780-3b14f9850046/Hope+%28Edited%29.jpg 2022 - Hope Lena I thought I was destined for a dark path. What could have ended in death brought me to the light and gave me hope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ddb4d08d-dfda-4acc-b6b6-7b5deb620c05/Untitled+%28Edited%29+%281%29.jpg 2022 - Untitled Cherish House Resident My family and my little brother inspire me and also Jesus Christ inspires me to paint and express myself through art. It’s important to me to have a good heart and to be kind and love others because that’s what Jesus does and that is what my family does for me no matter what. Being aware of sex trafficking is very important to me because I have experienced it myself. By letting people know about it and learn about it they will know more about me and what I have been through. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sarah-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bfc94c02-1152-431d-a018-a6a811e5199f/Medusa.jpg Sarah 2023 - Medusa Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/dc2d714a-089e-4035-97ba-f56e45edb0f2/Survivor.jpg Sarah 2023 - Survivor Mixed Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-2023-1 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/434408ec-bd50-4431-8fcb-d04e0be735f9/Untitled-+TB.jpg Anonymous - T.B. - 2023 - UntitleD Mixed Media This painting represents being trapped in time and unable to feel; a representation of fading from your day to day life, yet masking it all because you're afraid to be vulnerable due to everything that has happened in your life. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/brianna-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/88adb123-f490-49d5-825d-e48a3d1513bf/Even+Pain+Can+Be+Repurposed.jpg Brianna 2023 - Even Pain Can Be Repurposed Mixed Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/juana-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5a580c0d-594b-4532-8546-7452eb7e8ff0/Soy+Mi+Poder.jpg Juana 2023 - Soy Mi Poder Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3af1eeb3-3205-4c1e-8759-e35585ecc89d/Amor+Propio.jpg Juana 2023 - Amor Propio Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-2023-2 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bab26a75-39ac-4291-91ae-dc7a8d349ae0/Untitled+-+LF.jpg Anonymous - L.F. - 2023 - Untitled Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/61213c14-14e3-4232-b89f-1772826e3e68/Where+is+my+wolf+pack.jpg Anonymous - L.F. - 2023 - Where Is My Wolf Pack Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/michelle-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c9a6c146-db75-485a-b10b-085dc2fdad13/Tree+of+Life.jpg Michelle - 2023 - Tree of Life Painting Expression of my growth and healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bf95e9de-ecee-4185-9696-48be63466e8f/Beauty+and+the+Beast+2.jpg Michelle - 2023 - Beauty & The Beast Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2966d904-bad7-4e90-8e52-68b4c169f190/Sisterhood.jpg Michelle - 2023 - Sisterhood Painting Friendships and bonds, created while I was in the program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6d048c7d-763f-490b-b65e-35b80b7d2cce/shattered+1.jpg Michelle - 2023 - Shattered Pottery All of the broken pieces of me. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kate-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d8f064d5-9119-4685-8f3f-502432e016cf/Victory+March.jpg Kate - 2023 - Victory March Mixed Media As we move forward through life, we must walk with a humble heart, but also with a crown of victory knowing we are loved and adored by God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/620e8831-b301-4538-99f0-4753c3a9e17f/Burst+of+Beauty.jpg Kate - 2023 - Burst of Beauty Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d28e87ef-ca61-4293-824e-3dc63c106235/Torn+to+Pieces.jpg Kate - 2023 - Torn to Pieces Mixed Media It takes years to untangle the wires that become crossed in the brain but with God's love and grace He makes a way. How easy it is to believe the whispers from the brother, step-father, mother, father, neighbor disguised as the devil himself "you are not worthy." I pray for all the survivors out there - that God's voice breaks through! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/43cc1618-2752-4c4f-894e-46e3209535d3/Hair+of+Gold.jpg Kate - 2023 - Hair of Gold Painting Expression of my growth and healing. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/mary-anne-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b229dc3f-f7b7-44ad-996c-c15a300e9636/Jesus+Was+Naked%2C+Too.jpeg Mary Anne - 2023 In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. (Psalm 25:1-3) Jesus Was Naked, Too is my personal testimony of the heart of Jesus towards every survivor of sexual exploitation, identifying with our shame on the Cross, so that in him we may learn to joyfully and victoriously despise our shame, not ourselves. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/jr-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/213c5965-69ef-48c6-9e86-6766d231a4c7/Scrape+People+JR.jpg J.R. - 2023 - Where Is My Wolf Pack Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/618159e0-dca6-42e5-98e6-0050efb7c354/Scrape+people.jpg J.R. - 2023 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kn-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4538038d-b81e-4d2c-8459-d3a68d9db519/Scrape+People-kn.jpg https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sara-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4a9e51d3-387b-4168-9354-2870f1ea1022/Inheritors+8.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8ec0082d-99c5-4dec-9304-c28252142f24/Inheritors+3.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6d1beaf0-d9b4-4508-83c4-97a9c9cf386b/Inheritors+6.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bc581e37-df18-4e6c-b9b9-ae0ab621993e/Inheritors+7.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1167b20d-98f7-4837-b7c8-5d9d21a68ef5/Inheritors+9.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/28848fdb-3492-475b-bef0-fff5eaaa7ad3/Inheritors+4.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b0e9b662-112a-49ce-a07b-7097b6ad0671/Inheritors+2.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/02bc02ba-d57d-4d4d-a62d-6fcbee155a08/Inheritors+5.jpg Sara - 2023 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f9ab0567-837b-44ba-8a7f-94e639d2fe48/Inheritors+1.jpg Sara - 2023 - Inheritors Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/debra-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5126fe63-011b-4a59-85dc-442e7f70892e/Fallen+Angel.jpg Debra - 2023 - Fallen Angel Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e856e6c9-9128-4bc1-9fd1-1d0dcfcd8523/Forgiveness.jpg Debra - 2023 - Forgiveness Painting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2e6e20aa-2d9a-4640-babc-6cabb5feb689/Let+Freedom+Ring.jpg Debra - 2023 - Let Freedom Ring Painting https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/angel-noel-2023 daily 0.75 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0fcdaf39-24bc-4d6d-9dd8-f6cefadb120b/Untitled+4-+AW.jpg Angel Noelle - 2023 - Untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cd0260ca-8e01-4a74-87ac-f5c72f87d4e1/Untitled-+AW.jpg Angel Noelle - 2023 - Untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5bca6f6e-8e0b-4078-ad14-f5dc7e2906cc/Untitled+3-+AW.jpg Angel Noelle - 2023 - Untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/00d19d61-3c65-4b9b-846a-f05dcabca625/Untitled+2-+AW.jpg Angel Noelle - 2023 - Untitled Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/maria-2023 daily 0.75 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/582e3619-784f-4425-bd1a-d865969db369/Chatterbrain.jpg Maria - 2023 - Chatter Brain Mixed Media https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vicki-2023 daily 0.75 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/dcb1245b-7c0a-44b0-9f23-f58e7564abc3/Luke+12-7+-+Bible+Verse+Series.jpg Vicki - 2023 - Luke 12:7 Bible Verse Series - Mixed Media Luke 12:7 - The hairs on your head are numbered. Sometimes I need a reminder how intimately God knows me. When times are tough and I feel overwhelmed with what has happened to me and what I need to work on, I remember He literally knows how many hairs are on my head. And He has a plan of sheer goodness for me. No matter what I have been through, He can bring good out of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/32ac1fd1-d93e-4ec2-ac0e-a37e5194b71b/Psalms+34-5-+Bible+Verse+Series.jpg Vicki - 2023 - Psalm 34:5 Bible Verse Series - Mixed Media "Psalm 34:5 tells us to look to Him and be radiant so your faces shall never be ashamed.” Shame is a very common feeling for sexual abuse survivors. Often when we are abused as children, our minds cannot comprehend that someone we love and trust would treat us that way so we place the blame of the abuse on ourselves that we must have done something to cause it to happen. Then we feel shame. That we don’t deserve anything good. That we should be punished for causing something so bad to happen. But His Word tells that we can look to God and be radiant- shining, happy, joyful and we have no need to feel shame anymore, ever again, never. Life has struggles and past abuse brings extra difficulties. But I have made the choice that no matter what comes, I will trust in the Lord and remain faithful to His promises that He has a plan of sheer goodness for me. I hold the vision of a hope and a future. A life of happiness, health and abundance. No matter what I see with my eyes, I believe with faith His promises. " https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cce299a1-a053-4497-b60d-3ea5f2453793/Psalms+62-6-+Bible+Verse+Series.jpg Vicki - 2023 - Psalm 62:6 Bible Verse Series - Mixed Media Many times a side effect of trauma is a fractured or non-existent relationship with God. During my times of Bible reading and reflection, I jotted down Bible verses that spoke to me and then painted what I imagined visually. Psalm 62:6 I will not be shaken, Life has struggles. Past Abuse brings extra difficulties. But I have made the choice that no matter what comes, I will trust in the Lord and remain faithful to His promises that He has a plan of sheer goodness for me. I hold the vision of a hope and a future. A life of happiness, health and abundance. No matter what I see with my eyes, I believe with faith His promises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0b5d32db-1c2b-49fc-9201-d76ad6860afb/1+Cor.+3-16+-+Bible+Verse+Series.jpg Vicki - 2023 - 1 Corinthians 3:16 Bible Verse Series - Mixed Media 1 Cor 3:16 reminds us that God’s Spirit dwells within us. Why would our Creator dwell within us if He didn’t care for us? What is God’s spirit? Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Tenderness, Self-Control, Knowledge, Wisdom, Courage, Strength, Understanding, Discernment, Respect. All those are in us! And if we allow those parts to shine, the possibilities of a life of sheer goodness are just a matter of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f8d29fc7-ddee-40c9-b0ed-5f7e584c9b56/My+Family.png Vicki - 2023 - My Family Mixed Media After my repressed sexual abuse memories came back 18 years into our marriage, I went through years of healing. It was not easy. Sometimes it was so tough, I wished my husband or I would die in our sleep. I just wanted to be alone. But did I really? Maybe I wouldn't have to explain my triggers or share my struggles if I was alone. BUT I also wouldn't have his grounding, his support, his love, his unwavering belief and support of me. I chose to look at the wonderful man he was and chose, time after time, to be uncomfortable and share when I didn't feel like it and thank him for his support. I chose to get him on the same page with me so we could walk side by side. This August we celebrated 35 years of marriage and I painted this for my best friend. I am so thankful for the choices I made and amazing life we enjoy every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1eacac9c-1acc-4512-88ba-3f195613dedd/This+is+Me.jpg Vicki - 2023 - This Is Me Retreat Growth Series - Pen Sketching Then when the last person was done, which happened to be my husband, we did a group hug and went inside. And I realized we had been out there over an hour. Maybe even 90 minutes. But here was the difference. Not once did I think, “Oh Christine lied to me.” And that was my proof that I was doing it! I was doing it! I was growing and learning and changing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/32fc0a7b-d242-4b4a-b3c4-c70bcb6da2fd/I+Am+Vulnerable.jpg Vicki - 2023 - I Am Vulnerable Retreat Growth Series - Pen Sketching The last day of the Winter Wonderland Retreat began with our in person “Campfire with Christine.” We were asked to pick a word to focus on. Immediately the word “vulnerable” came to my mind, but that didn’t feel safe to say. I mentioned to Jenn, who was right next to me that I have a word but I am afraid to write it down. She said, “Vicki, the same part of the brain lights up with excitement and fear. Do it. Write it.” So I did. And later as we reflected around another fire and walked down to a frozen lake and we walked on water, we were invited to own and yell at the top of our lungs the word we wrote down. I got a lump in my throat, silently cursed Jenn and thought, if I knew I was going to have to yell it, I wouldn’t have written it, but too late now. One by one, everyone yelled their word. And when it came to me, my voice broke as I exclaimed “I AM VULNERABLE!” I was proud of myself but tired. I pushed myself and trusted Maya and her team and was glad I went through what I did. But also glad I made it through on the other side. And I created more evidence that it is safe to be uncomfortable and there are certain people that I can trust and grow with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d317c190-62d6-44a1-8648-8863803d6384/Proof.jpg Vicki - 2023 - Proof Retreat Growth Series - Pen Sketching My husband and I decided to participate in the outdoor play activity that Christine shared that would take around 30 minutes. When others were throwing snowballs and rolling in the snow, I was enjoying the sound of the crunching snow as I stepped. Then Maya gathered us in a circle and we held hands. She wanted one person to go in the center and just stand and be seen. She was searching the group and when we made eye contact, I knew she was going to pick me. “Vicki, You first.” I walked into the center of the circle and stood. I silently rotated around to make eye contact with each person, but I felt so vulnerable and started to cry. I was being seen, just for being. Not doing anything, just being. It was powerful. And then each person did it. One at a time. Every single person. It was powerful. And cold. I didn’t have a hat but did have some gloves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1e751ffd-5de5-4a52-8650-901e1871da24/I-97.jpg Vicki - 2023 - I-97 Retreat Growth Series - Pen Sketching https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/333643b6-a1cf-41e7-abc1-7adbe030f7a2/Aspects+of+Healing.jpg Vicki - 2023 - ASPECTS OF HEALING SERIES Mixed Media Emotion: I was never allowed to be angry. This is how it feels. Anger: My mother always told me that I was such an angry girl. But I didn't feel angry, or when I got angry I was told to stop it. But when my repressed sexual abuse memories came back and I realized that I had shared with her what her father had done to me...and her response to that 5 year old girl was, "You are a bad girl. Don't you ever say anything like that ever again." Well no wonder I was mad at her. Releasing anger from the body is an important part of healing. Finally I've been able to let go. Purging The Toxicity: I always had this lingering feeling that I really didn't want to be here. As I worked through healing and chose healthier mindsets and beliefs, I literally was heaving and threw up, knowing I was physically releasing the belief "I don't want to live." It was intense, powerful and so freeing. By releasing that toxicity, I could make room for Peace and Joy. Peace: Once I released my anger and purged the belief that I no longer wanted to live, it made room for more peace and joy. And that is what I enjoy most in my life now. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/2023 daily 0.75 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4f6a5de8-4ae9-4ba2-a72e-8010400ea073/Amor+Propio.jpg 2023 - Amor Propio Juana Juana Duran Charicata is an undocumented/DACA artist, born in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico and currently teaches art and is a muralist in the city of Chicago. Her body of work ranges from collaborative murals with her students to large-scale sand and acrylic paintings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7fe130ea-8b7a-4d0a-bbec-bead1a9e0194/Luke+12-7.jpg 2023 - Luke 12:7 Vicki Luke 12:7 - The hairs on your head are numbered. Sometimes I need a reminder how intimately God knows me… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a2a39561-4132-4efb-a380-226daf43c627/Medusa.jpg 2023 - Medusa Sarah After my sexual assault in 2021, I began to relate heavily to the story of Medusa, and with this piece, I wanted to show how the experience can change you and make you feel like a monster… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/508e626a-7b20-43f8-8988-75abf03fb348/Self+Embrace-+Healing+the+Wounded+Within+%28Edited%29.jpg 2023 - Self Embrace Lea May My name is Lea May. I am an artist, a survivor and an advocate for inner healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/04c9bfc2-5f32-4188-9c84-a802b1e0eb68/Untitled-+TB.jpg 2023 - Untitled Anonymous This painting represents being trapped in time and unable to feel; a representation of fading from your day to day life, yet masking it all because you're afraid to be vulnerable due to everything that has happened in your life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9802956a-0b7a-4bee-823b-30461bc3dd6d/Even+Pain+Can+Be+Repurposed.jpg 2023 - Even Pain Can Be Repurposed Brianna I am not proud to be a survivor. I've spent years in silence, hoping that I wouldn't survive just so I didn't have to deal with the burden. However, I resolved in my heart that the reason I continue to wake up daily is because my life’s work must be exponentially greater than the pain… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/793cb1f4-dff0-4f23-a667-136f4a2c44b1/Where+is+my+wolf+pack.jpg 2023 - Where Is My Wolf Pack Anonymous Misunderstood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/53e35bc0-b3e6-4aa9-ad3f-7c465d1f870b/Beauty+and+the+Beast+2.jpg 2023 - Beauty & The BEast Michelle Beauty is found within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8a454d0f-90b1-4800-a64c-9205d3213cdc/Victory+March.jpg 2023 - Kate Victory March As we move forward through life, we must walk with a humble heart, but also with a crown of victory knowing we are loved and adored by God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5f7c80b0-91cc-4c07-a264-120afbd53485/Scrape+People+JR.jpg 2023 - Scrape People J.R. I imagine people of all colors, nationalities, and religions coming together in peace. I want life to be safe and peaceful for all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/21465296-295a-4b7d-a01e-b9913d491c83/Scrape+People-kn.jpg 2023 - Scrape People K.N. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d0752225-388e-4530-9328-96b0661e49c1/Untitled-+AW.jpg 2023 - Untitled Anonymous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9e1b8a5a-d377-458d-b392-d22457520cc1/Inheritors+1.jpg 2023 - Inheritors Sara Sara Sadat is a visual artist strongly influenced by the community, especially scenes from her upbringing of the Arboretum Village in Lisle, Illinois, creating abstract and expressionistic paintings, installations and photographic works… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/590c2e5b-5e5d-47f8-aac3-fa1d2035bdd0/Let+Freedom+Ring.jpg 2023 - Let Freedom Ring Debra Art has saved me from doubting myself, falling between the cracks, blending in, and giving up. I fell in love with the freedom it promised, and the overflow of possibilities… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5615de49-8019-4e6c-85a6-96e343ea717c/Chatterbrain.jpg 2023 - Chatter Brain Maria Rising out of the chaos- is my theme of my life. Be the change you want to see… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b229dc3f-f7b7-44ad-996c-c15a300e9636/Jesus+Was+Naked%2C+Too.jpeg 2023 - Jesus Was Naked, Too Mary Anne Jesus Was Naked, Too is my personal testimony of the heart of Jesus towards every survivor of sexual exploitation, idenitfying with our shame on the Cross, so that in him we may learn to joyfully and victoriously despise our shame, not ourselves. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vicki-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b639573b-6fbe-45fb-b86b-7c10b4637bb2/Masterpiece.jpeg Vicki - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d9db1c7a-cb46-49bf-b01a-a72c7e3acbea/Blessing.jpeg Vicki - 2024 - Blessing There are so many blessings that I am thankful for. Layers of blessings. People and our environment. Layers and Layers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9e74192d-ac0a-484b-8fb1-a49f714accb0/Inner+Wounds.jpg Vicki - 2024 - Make it stand out Inner Wounds For a long time i felt like I was bleeding inside. No one could see how much wounding I felt. Thankfully, most of those have healed. I still have a little bit here and there but nothing like this anymore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ad1bd141-e120-49f0-a076-d4ba74c67fba/If+you+tend+to+a+flower.jpeg Vicki - 2024 - If You Tend To A Flower The quote from Matshona Dhliwayo is "If you tend to a flower, it will bloom no matter how many weeds surround it." When we work on our healing after trauma, we can create a life we love. Even if we have "weeds" around, we can still bloom. And the best healing comes when we get transplanted to a healthier soil/environment so we can utilize the resources that a healthier environment provides us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/501e229e-8fe7-4f92-9a79-0bf0eb6fbf37/WHERE+THE+FLOWERS+BLOOM+THERE+IS+HOPE.jpeg Vicki - 2024 - Make it stand out Where The Flowers Bloom There IS Hope Lady Bird Johnson said that "where flowers bloom so does hope." As sexual abuse survivors, we have to choose to have hope when we are healing. Our habitual thoughts may be those of hopelessness and despair but we can CHOOSE not to make agreement with those thoughts and see all the flowers and choose hope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/37e6658a-6f39-4988-bca4-edcf04fad2f0/THERE+ARE+ALWAYS+FLOWERS+FOR+THOSE+WHO+WANT+TO+SEE+THEM.jpg Vicki - 2024 - Make it stand out There Are Always Flowers For Those Who Want To see Them There are always flowers for those who want to see them. Even when we have trauma, we can still look for beauty in our life. Beauty in the world around us. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/angel-noel-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0a253f47-0b5c-44b7-8091-b41db43eedcc/Vulnerability.jpeg Angel Noelle - 2024 Vulnerability I wanted to create a sense of peace and freedom in this piece. Being vulnerable, means being open, honest, and authentic, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. It involves being willing to take risks, share your thoughts and feelings, and be susceptible to hurt or criticism. Vulnerability requires courage, trust, and a willingness to be yourself, imperfections and all. Remember, vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness! This was featured in the African American History Museum for black history month in the Underground Artist: History in The Making exhibit, where I was given a prompt to create what black history means to me. So, I created a few art pieces to reflect my healing journey and embrace my brown skin. Hopefully this are will help others see their own beauty as inspiration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a5ac6a13-b1c6-4578-9587-0f509616a8ad/Truth+Within.jpg Angel Noelle - 2024 Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/debra-2023-1 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a4693820-e020-4470-91a5-c6758e366ab1/Innocence.jpeg Debra - 2024 - Make it stand out Innocence Her innocence rises with the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e856e6c9-9128-4bc1-9fd1-1d0dcfcd8523/Forgiveness.jpg Debra - 2024 - Make it stand out Forgiveness Forgiving my past by loving my daughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5126fe63-011b-4a59-85dc-442e7f70892e/Fallen+Angel.jpg Debra - 2024 - Make it stand out Fallen Angel Even a falling angel looks up. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/juana-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b9b39a77-d48d-4433-b474-d65df4956f36/Anhelo+%28Yearn%29.jpeg Juana - 2024 Amhelo (Yearn) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/500927a5-98d4-4aeb-8fa4-959a3c6547d7/Amor+Del+Bueno+%28Good+Love%29.jpeg Juana - 2024 Amore Del Bueno (Good Love) https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ac-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3e226769-6fdb-4daf-8a2f-75c72e9133e2/Sunshine+2.jpg A.C. - 2024 - Make it stand out Sunshine I made this at my aunt's house. I painted it with gold, blue, pink, green, and yellow. I like those colors. It's a garden with clouds and grass and butterflies and confetti. I like gardens. Sometimes when I go past gardens I see butterflies. They make me feel happy because they're colorful. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-painting-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cc5005e4-9520-4ce0-b1b1-7191a3820dba/Cyclone+of+Color.jpeg Anonymous - Painting - 2024 - Cyclone Of Color It was a comparison. It started out "how I was seen & felt as a child". That was very invisible - life did not contain much color. Later I covered the invisible child with loved colors - "how I feel about life today". Now - Life is filled with so much more potential. Growth has caused there to be a cyclone of color. Mystery in the future - willingness to dance with the unknown!! https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/arina-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ashley2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3aced783-2637-4c3a-8427-72fd2505c868/Untitled.jpeg Ashley - 2024 - Make it stand out Untitled Anxiety, fears, composure… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f6b416b6-17d2-4fa4-9993-885724db099b/Is+It+Pretty%3F.jpeg Ashley - 2024 - Is It Pretty? Why do the wicked prevail? But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolation. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? What evils mock? Is it evil mockery ? My face burned from forced upon blame Blame to self Is that a game ? Their hatred "Have you no shame?!" They definitely forced blame Safety they claim Love they say I'm finding that is non-existent Deafening scrounging self-defeat Love is what they lay Safety they kick Dangling Yourself Further they pull the string away What unravels in such decay ? How do you gather the bundle? Can you wonder Do the frayed ends make mend ? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/17b0b2bf-d519-4434-bda8-d670b5a7aacc/Speak.jpeg Ashley - 2024 - Speak Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/justice-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7dcccb1a-5ceb-4d81-8ea7-43d340ebf365/Hollow+Figure.jpeg Justice - 2024 Hollow Figure Art is a proverbial wisdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/67583d06-763a-4f7b-9d31-1f1e13410f59/Woman+on+the+Wall.jpg Justice - 2024 Woman On The Wall I am the woman on the wall, we encompass each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bebacb2a-306f-46d7-8f27-ca6ecaf88abd/Prudence.jpg Justice - 2024 Prudence https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kn-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ba6af015-070f-496b-a5e6-8753d093d9d7/Find+Me+2.jpg K.N. - 2024 Beauty & The Beast Mixed Media Beauty is found within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d7eec277-cd8a-4875-a833-0adfe05ca5cb/Find+Me.jpg K.N. - 2024 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/la-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/70a796f1-aeea-4c1a-9008-d0ecf86fce9e/Tears+of+an+Angel.jpg L.A. - 2024 - Make it stand out Tears of An ANGEL “Whatever you feel whatever you see is what it should be” just a girl who loves to create… https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/eugenia-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8c7b2dbf-65e7-4163-8a8b-a291f4f46f99/Drowning+in+Blues.jpeg Eugenia - 2024 - Make it stand out Drowning In Blues Created in 2020 as an expression of being lost in the depths of depression and the struggle to rise above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2cb2b6f2-e176-4ed8-8f99-79ce41aef4e3/On+Angel%27s+Wings.jpeg Eugenia - 2024 - Make it stand out On Angel’s Wings In memory of Melissa Bar One. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/guadelupe-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ca10bf73-d8fe-4c8c-9829-91e408e44ca0/ROMPIENDO+CADENAS+%28BREAKING+CHAINS%29.jpeg Guadelupe - 2024 Rompiendo Cadena (Breaking Chains) This piece was done in graphite. It's the hands of Christ setting a dove free from chains. Freedom is a word I thought I would never know. This piece has been years in the making, but before it came the heartache, the suffering, and the breaking of my spirit. Through out my life, all I knew was trauma and grief. I went from being sexually abused at 14 in a church to being trafficked at 22 and all the ugly things in between. Although there has been a lot that I have survived, Art has always been something that has allowed me to take pain and turn it into something beautiful. Up to this point in my journey I have not been alone. God has been with me every step of the way. Now I am on my healing journey and he continues to be a powerful presence in my life and I thank him for the gift he has given me. With his love, he continues to set me free. "You where in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains." Psalm 107: 13-14 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/jr-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f08c0787-6c84-4547-ab77-db72c83ef52c/file.png J.R. - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/afd02f37-5b40-4a1f-af0b-e1a46cd3d414/Reflection+2.jpeg J.R. - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/js-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/538cc515-79a8-435b-9a96-48d822503206/Words+Unspoken.jpeg J.S. - 2024 Words Unspoken https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/msb-2024 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/95ed74fa-e6cc-4624-9a23-b66a8faa3b2c/Hidden.jpg Michelle S-B - 2024 - Make it stand out Hidden I have realized that there are a lot of things that people do not know about me. These are the things that I keep hidden. I want to work on my authentic self. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/leamay-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ca41d1c6-0de7-4888-bd4c-9965eed055a0/Held.jpeg Lea May - 2024 - Held My name is Lea May. I am an artist, survivor and an advocate for inner healing. I am pleased to present to you my second piece titled, "Held". In this art piece, I explore the healing themes of the wounded inner child in a fetal position, through the figure of a young woman, a survivor of abuse, held the presence of an angel. Often, people who have been impacted by violation and trauma, struggle with fully owning, loving and accepting their bodies, making it a challenge to move forward in life. I paint with the essence of dignity, honor, compassion and respect for those needing to be held and fully supported in their suffering. In my own personal journey, I was impacted with child violation by a familiar presence, which I was silenced to speak out. It affected my level of discernment in making proper life choices, and I struggled with self worth. I have exhibited with Reclaim13 since 2022 to share my story through my art, which began the healing of my sexual traumatic wounds into 2023 and 2024. Late 2023, I felt myself spiraling down, fighting against depression, which prompted me to further heal. I had the opportunity of an awakening, experiencing months of further therapy and self healing by the power of group compassion, empathy and support. Therefore, it is my honor to help advocate in co-collaboration of my art, Reclaim13's mission to further educate, nurture and support wounded survivors in changing their lives for the better. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/david-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/31675ea5-946d-49c4-a552-21e6044d1089/Untitled.jpg David - 2024 Untitled I was sexually abused by my family doctor when I was 14. My Dad had just passed away and I was seeing him for anxiety. I like to quote a couple of lines from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's poem "The Stone": "Stones that clog the stream of my delight, Hidden beneath the surface out of sight". https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/lori-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d5a63c34-f274-4ffe-a9ed-46f98a57e835/The+Breaker.jpg Lori - 2024 The Breaker I am a survivor of many forms of abuse, including being trafficked. God has brought amazing healing to my heart and mind. Recently, I experienced a breakthrough in my heart. I realized that I had a barrier, reinforced by the pain of years of trauma, that I didn't need anymore. By His Spirit, He began to break through the concrete in my soul. This breakthrough will allow all of the beauty and strength that I possess to be released. All of the gifts and treasures that I was created with can be expressed and shared with others. My hope is to share hope while acknowledging the affects that trauma has had. I would never want to minimize the effects of suffering on the human soul. If we do that, we risk losing sight of the truth about the evils that are being perpetrated on people like myself. If we forget that evil is evil, we may become tolerant at some level. My desire is to clearly offer a visual representation of the hope that I have come to have - survivors of multiple atrocities can heal. Below the pain and trauma, behind the barriers that we've created to preserve ourselves, is a wellspring of life and beauty... Never ever give up. And if you ever feel the breaking happening inside, don't fear, it could be God making a way for you to be able to be free to be your true self. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/mb-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/74106cc9-bc9c-494e-b5ef-3c0eda93b685/Untitled.jpeg M.B. - 2024 Untitled https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4680dc8a-fffe-403f-928a-a44d52feb2bb/Nobody.jpeg M.B. - 2024 Nobody “Nobody” was inspired by wanting to show color in life. There are many different colors that we can show people. It can be a representation of us as individuals. The white lines represent our imperfections. We can change colors throughout life, but will never be perfect. I am a teenager that is passionate about art and music. These things inspire me everyday and that creates more art within my life. I love to be outside because it is the most inspiring place for me. I am able to touch, feel, hear and discover more. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/maria-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7beafb0d-041c-416c-92bf-8e999c68e93e/Transformation.jpeg Maria - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a0d61629-0ffa-40e7-b96f-cb96065bc094/Transformation+2.jpeg Maria - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/mary-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ae7a04a9-7809-4835-9502-3fd18fab46e2/Dissassociation.jpeg Mary - 2024 Dissociation I wanted to document what it was like to disassociate and the price I paid - To leave my body and go into a blank space, to float up to the safe place. Art and painting have always been a healing force in my life. I started painting as a teenager, a long time before the flashbacks started. Then all through the process of remembering and reliving the horror of being abused as a child, it has been there for me. When I was overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and depression I could draw or paint and it helped me to understand what was happening or just to cope and to get away for a time. I was painting what I didn’t have the words for - the painful secret world inside that needed to see the light of day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/138bdbb4-447c-4068-82df-346edfd45aca/What%27s+to+come.jpeg Mary - 2024 What’s to Come I used an old black and white photo fo me as a reference. At the time of the photo I had no memory of the abuse. The flashbacks started a year and a half later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/58769d4f-9b08-4e77-8121-309ad47e795a/Hope+Burst.jpeg Mary - 2024 HOpe Bursts God's grace always shines through the storm if I look for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/620d02a6-e2f3-4ae3-9af4-5e0c6d6a15d3/What+Was+It+LIke.jpeg Mary - 2024 What It was Like The silent scream that was stuck inside had to be heard. I had to see what it looked like. End the silence. It's my experience of feeling separate, not a part of and continuing the journey no matter how painful it got, knowing I could find safety outside of myself with God. Art and painting have always been a healing force in my life. I started painting as a teenager, a long time before I the flashbacks started. Then all through the process of remembering and reliving the horror of being abused as a child, it has been there for me. When I was overwhelmed with fear, anxiety and depression I could draw or paint and it helped me to understand what was happening or just to cope and to get away for a time. I was painting what I didn’t have the words for - the painful secret world inside that needed to see the light of day. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/nicole-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e4c2bfb9-6ad5-469e-8190-9c4f67fd2e7c/Links+of+My+Life+3+-+Collage.jpg Nicole - 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a2f0fac3-c618-430c-8496-601e42f6961b/Links+of+My+Life+2+-+Writing.jpeg Nicole - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/33c29c58-8a0d-4bc9-84f7-7b9c6b1151ab/Links+of+My+Life+3+-+Writing.jpeg Nicole - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/094f56c6-b6ec-443f-992d-4cee7b0cb8fb/Feeling+Blue.jpeg Nicole - 2024 Feeling Blue This is a piece that I created on a computer years ago and represents mixed emotions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e5b10ceb-130c-4248-acf5-7920d9b25a37/Unknown+Vibes.jpeg Nicole - 2024 Unknown Vibes This is a piece that I created on a computer years ago and represents mixed emotions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3ede748a-73b9-40e1-b00b-069bc779f5e9/Links+of+My+Life+2+-+Drawing.jpeg Nicole - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1916cc0a-c76b-4243-a9d3-5f3129eea4b0/Links+of+My+Life+1+-+Drawing.jpg Nicole - 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9a50f5da-8035-4551-841f-9870b0034b47/Links+of+My+Life+1+-+Writing.jpeg Nicole - 2024 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/rachel-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/regina-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c20822ce-35a4-4b9a-a4a4-db68ac80ca9c/I+See+You.jpeg Regina - 2024 I See You I See You is all about the eyes. It's about wanting to hide, taking cover from being abused again, dealing with the struggles of life, the daily fight, the rage and anger... we want you to know we see you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b81c8a2f-e860-41ae-9f4b-d70f8ddaaba6/River+of+Gold.jpeg Regina - 2024 The River Of Gold This is for me to always remember but for women as a whole that have been sexually hurt, abused and scarred to understand God can heal you and make you whole again to love and be loved. You no long need to hide. River of Gold is made of Black canvas with sheep skin leather from Turkey (the country) and 24 karat gold paint with resin. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/sparkle-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6f442d2e-e0a1-47bc-9ea8-3b18eec06a7a/Sparkle.jpg Sparkle - 2024 Sparkle "Sparkle" is a reflection of courage in the mist of bondage and darkness. Even though "Sparkle" was subject to the depths of evil in human form, it was "Sparkle's faith" that kept her alive literally and in the spirit. Her faith prompted her to see the goodness of God thru a series of heartbreaking events throughout her life. "Sparkle" pushed thru flame quenching encounters with abuse of all kinds, and a wolf in sheep's clothing with a depraved mind. However, the sorrow, the pain, and the heaviness in her soul after experiencing flame quenching events didn't consume that beacon of Light within her. "Sparkle" is now a survivor and an overcomer. Even back then... on those dark days of bondage, she had already overcome so much! Torture, abuse, and the battle in her mind telling her to give up; but "Sparkle" didn't...she didn't give up! "Sparkle" chose life and by doing so the door to freedom that she hoped for materialized! "Sparkle" was able to cross that door to freedom and safety like a warrior! And to God's glory she is now shinning a beacon of Light into this world far greater that she could have every imagined! Her purpose on this side of Heaven is to help others be set free! https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/2024 daily 0.75 2025-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8e95f867-c203-4f96-8f3e-3867a09cb7d5/I+See+You.jpeg 2024 - I See You Regina Williams I See You is all about the eyes. It's about wanting to hide, taking cover from being abused again, dealing with the struggles of life, the daily fight, the rage and anger... we want you to know we see you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4680dc8a-fffe-403f-928a-a44d52feb2bb/Nobody.jpeg 2024 - Nobody M.B. “Nobody” was inspired by wanting to show color in life. There are many different colors that we can show people. It can be a representation of us as individuals. The white lines represent our imperfections. We can change colors throughout life, but will never be perfect. I am a teenager that is passionate about art and music. These things inspire me everyday and that creates more art within my life. I love to be outside because it is the most inspiring place for me. I am able to touch, feel, hear and discover more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f08c0787-6c84-4547-ab77-db72c83ef52c/file.png 2024 - Reflection J.R. Seeing myself more positively, surrounded by beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ca10bf73-d8fe-4c8c-9829-91e408e44ca0/ROMPIENDO+CADENAS+%28BREAKING+CHAINS%29.jpeg 2024 - Rompiendo Cadena (Breaking Chains) Guadelupe Sosa This piece was done in graphite. It's the hands of Christ setting a dove free from chains. Freedom is a word I thought I would never know. This piece has been years in the making, but before it came the heartache, the suffering, and the breaking of my spirit… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3ee67238-48c7-4efa-a4ef-1cfb2b3a02a5/Sparkle.jpeg 2024 - Sparkle Sparkle "Sparkle" is a reflection of courage in the mist of bondage and darkness. Even though "Sparkle" was subject to the depths of evil in human form, it was "Sparkle's faith" that kept her alive literally and in the spirit… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/138bdbb4-447c-4068-82df-346edfd45aca/What%27s+to+come.jpeg 2024 - What’s To Come? Mary Melka I used an old black and white photo of me as a reference. At the time of the photo I had no memory of the abuse. The flashbacks started a year and a half later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1916cc0a-c76b-4243-a9d3-5f3129eea4b0/Links+of+My+Life+1+-+Drawing.jpg 2024 - Links of My Life Nicole R. The poem is me questioning my mom about my life. The puzzle pieces in the background represent the different parts of my life. This piece is an image of me when I was a toddler and an image of me when I was in my 20s. The plant on the little girl represents a seed, the drops represent the adult tears that helps grow the little Nicole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7beafb0d-041c-416c-92bf-8e999c68e93e/Transformation.jpeg 2024 - Transformation Maria Zucchero-Denkov The swirling motion of the art piece exudes a vibrant and dynamic energy, akin to the graceful dance of dervishes. It embodies a sense of movement, fluidity, and transformation, evoking a feeling of constant motion and change. The swirling motion symbolizes the ever-changing nature of life, inviting viewers to embrace the flow of energy and embrace the beauty of impermanence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a5ac6a13-b1c6-4578-9587-0f509616a8ad/Truth+Within.jpg 2024 - Truth Within Angel Noelle With this piece I wanted to inspire what embracing my truth felt like to me. Accepting parts of myself that were true knowing that certain parts of me I don’t have to hide, and loving the genuine freedom that comes with that… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d5a63c34-f274-4ffe-a9ed-46f98a57e835/The+Breaker.jpg 2024 - The Breaker Lori Crowell I am a survivor of many forms of abuse, including being trafficked. God has brought amazing healing to my heart and mind. Recently, I experienced a breakthrough in my heart. I realized that I had a barrier, reinforced by the pain of years of trauma, that I didn't need anymore. By His Spirit, He began to break through the concrete in my soul… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/31675ea5-946d-49c4-a552-21e6044d1089/Untitled.jpg 2024 - Untitled David Carey I was sexually abused by my family doctor when I was 14. My Dad had just passed away and I was seeing him for anxiety. I like to quote a couple of lines from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's poem "The Stone": "Stones that clog the stream of my delight, Hidden beneath the surface out of sight". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a4693820-e020-4470-91a5-c6758e366ab1/Innocence.jpeg 2024 - Innocence Debra Stewart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b9b39a77-d48d-4433-b474-d65df4956f36/Anhelo+%28Yearn%29.jpeg 2024 - Anhelo (Yearn) Juana Duran Charicata Juana Duran Charicata is an undocumented/DACA artist, born in Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico and currently teaches art and is a muralist in the city of Chicago. Her body of work ranges from collaborative murals with her students to large-scale sand and acrylic paintings. Since 1995, the year Ms. Duran Charicata immigrated to the US, she and her family picked fruits and vegetables for a living. While migrating two to three times per year from state to state alongside with family members and others people, she maintained the spirit of her cultural and indigenous Purépecha traditions… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/70a796f1-aeea-4c1a-9008-d0ecf86fce9e/Tears+of+an+Angel.jpg 2024 - Tears of An Angel L.A. “Whatever you feel whatever you see is what it should be” just a girl who loves to create… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b8dd6f72-3b33-45e6-9790-fcdf8ba36df4/Prudence.jpg 2024 - Prudence Justice Art is a proverbial wisdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/95ed74fa-e6cc-4624-9a23-b66a8faa3b2c/Hidden.jpg 2024 - Hidden Michelle Spatafora-Bau I have realized that there are a lot of things that people do not know about me. These are the things that I keep hidden. I want to work on my authentic self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/ca41d1c6-0de7-4888-bd4c-9965eed055a0/Held.jpeg 2024 - Held Lea May I am pleased to present to you my second piece titled, "Held". In this art piece, I explore the healing themes of the wounded inner child in a fetal position, through the figure of a young woman, a survivor of abuse, held the presence of an angel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/140f52d7-c546-4a81-8b4c-2d7114b2239c/Reclaim+Blue.png 2024 - Rachel’s Story Rachel Lewis At the age of 57, I have finally learned two terms that name some of my childhood experiences. One term is non-state torture, and the other is child trafficking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/538cc515-79a8-435b-9a96-48d822503206/Words+Unspoken.jpeg 2024 - Words Unspoken J.S. My art and my words have been a journey since I was a little girl. Trauma has been embedded in my life not just as a child but has affected me everyday as an adult. These pieces are allowing that child to heal and let go. Trauma has put me into survival mode for most of my life, and I refuse to continue on this difficult journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d7eec277-cd8a-4875-a833-0adfe05ca5cb/Find+Me.jpg 2024 - Find Me K.N. Life is challenging, and sometimes I can't see myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8c7b2dbf-65e7-4163-8a8b-a291f4f46f99/Drowning+in+Blues.jpeg 2024 - Drowning In Blues Eugenia Cane Created in 2020 as an expression of being lost in the depths of depression and the struggle to rise above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b639573b-6fbe-45fb-b86b-7c10b4637bb2/Masterpiece.jpeg 2024 - MasterPiece Vicki Dau What if you could look at your life circumstances and no matter what happened to you, you could see how God can bring beauty out of it? In my journey of self love and self acceptance, I have learned that if I shift my perspective, I can see the beauty within art, and more importantly, within me. I wish the same for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cc5005e4-9520-4ce0-b1b1-7191a3820dba/Cyclone+of+Color.jpeg 2024 - Cyclone of Color Anonymous It was a comparison. It started out "how I was seen & felt as a child". That was very invisible - life did not contain much color. Later I covered the invisible child with loved colors - "how I feel about life today". Now - Life is filled with so much more potential. Growth has caused there to be a cyclone of color. Mystery in the future - willingness to dance with the unknown!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3aced783-2637-4c3a-8427-72fd2505c868/Untitled.jpeg 2024 - Untitled Ashley Anxiety, fears, composure… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5fc90246-0266-4648-98ae-554fb4c65492/Sunshine+2.jpg 2024 - Sunshine A.C. I made this at my aunt's house. I painted it with gold, blue, pink, green, and yellow. I like those colors. It's a garden with clouds and grass and butterflies and confetti. I like gardens. Sometimes when I go past gardens I see butterflies. They make me feel happy because they're colorful. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/jh-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/350fc3d9-f7ad-4dca-8577-b1eb2a178613/1+Timothy+4-12+J.H..jpg J.H. - 2025 1 Timothy 4:12 People would say you are too young to go through things. This piece of art exemplifies how my voice matters and makes impact. I can be an example for someone in a great way. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/deborah-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f0478dc5-bfed-4ac6-903a-3a4c642e2b33/IMG_9419.jpg Deborah - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c00b2b71-5e74-4c81-a7e1-f5bfc06d5c1c/IMG_9423.jpg Deborah - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/d2c50aa6-6119-45c4-8093-28b371cef2bf/IMG_9415.jpg Deborah - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/47627bd4-e6e6-4fe7-b30a-bb247cc1f4b9/IMG_9421.jpg Deborah - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/98e50645-4fc0-4ff1-8c95-2da7702fb942/IMG_9427.jpg Deborah - 2025 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/vicki-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4c064022-33cc-4298-b062-efca621641ae/Carry+Your+Candle-+Vicki+Dau.jpg Vicki - 2025 - Make it stand out Carry Your Candle I believe we can dispel the evil if we have the courage to light our candle and light the darkness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3016b53c-6ea5-4e0d-b41f-c9e27ede555b/What+She+Said+-+Vicki+Dau.jpg Vicki - 2025 - Make it stand out What she said When I first shared what happened to me by a family member, I was told that "You're a bad girl and don't you ever say anything like that every again." So even as a 59 year old woman, sometimes I still think that I should stay silent, that it was my fault. Until I look at my children and vow that the secret ends with me. I will stop the cycle. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/tara-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/61608342-9957-4db4-9976-2f66d015bd1c/Haunted+Woods+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 Haunted Woods In the sounds of silence you can hear the screams of a child's cry, haunting memories of her past stretched out like trees in a creepy forest as they leave her lost asking but what question "why"? This is a page I drew in my art therapy journal right after my mind finally shared through flashbacks of a suppressed trauma that happened to me at four. Up until last year I was only aware of a bullying and a rape I experienced in my teen years. It wasn't until these images appeared and my body reacted so intently to them that I unfortunately found out there was far more to my story. I am now a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. The level of horror my four year old self endured is something I cannot fully describe in words honestly, but through metaphors of imagery I try to tell her story. These internal screams I now carry within show up somatically through my Complex PTSD. Immense amounts of tension and paralysis floods my nervous system as I am forced to remember. Every sensation I hold is that little girl's internal screams that she wished she could've expressed, and it can only be heard in the sounds of silence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/804ba301-c4c8-406c-a60a-02251e9a0abd/Shattered+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 Shattered I often say that my traumas left me shattered, like a delicate, fragile, piece of glass that breaks into millions of shards once it hits the ground. This page out of my art therapy journal depicts the very specific moment I physically and mentally, felt myself shatter from the sexual abuse. A mirror across from me held a reflection of the horror that was upon my face. The mirror didn't break right there, but I can't say the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/41d9cb04-06ec-4d0c-8519-ee701fbd5508/Fragmented+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 - Fragmented My trauma has left my memories completely fragmented. When I first learned of a suppressed teenage rape it was a decade later. My brain chose as an act of protection to shield this truth from me, however my body knew the story. Through processing the painful details of what happened I have found my memories to be spliced in pieces. Together they make a full image but they are only revealed to me in parts. When I tried EMDR therapy I saw these memories one by one randomly flashing in my mind. My life played back like a silent horror film. I have learned as a survivor of sexual abuse that memories of the event hurt. While it isn't reliving it, sometimes I feel it might as well be because the wounds still can feel the fresh. My mind knows what happened is over but my nervous system with complex PTSD is convinced I'm frozen in time, shattering all over again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/7c826f8e-39c4-47df-83b6-a4917d2ef3b0/A+Child%27s+Moonlit+Dreamscape+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 - A Child's Moonlit Dreamscape Childhood trauma can leave us trapped longing for an escape. This painting is of a little girl who dreams of escaping her entrapment, finally able to be free, and fly like a butterfly is meant to. I not only see this little girl becoming free one day, but she also grows up to the woman who learns to spread her own wings. Just like the moon she now shines bright in the darkest of nights. She sits among the stars as a symbol of light for those that need it. She flies as far as her dreams and her wings will take her. This very much describes a touching and beautiful metaphor for my own healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5f6f1ef4-ee59-47c3-a107-16f1741cb604/The+Crime+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 - The Crime The words on this painting are lyrics from a song called "The Crime" by an artist named Taylor Bickett. "The crime of being alive" has struck such a cord with me, being a rape and child/teen sexual abuse survivor, I have never found words to be more true. Survivors are forever punished by just simply being alive, existing in a world that can be brutally cruel. There is nothing we did to deserve what happened to us but even with knowing that we still hold such deep rooted shame, especially when we were children when the trauma occurred. How does a child comprehend such heinous acts? I still find it hard to wrap my head around the cruel reality of this world sometimes. I try to make sense of the senseless. The song "The Crime" captures the confusion and endless questioning survivors have about why we had endure the abuse that we did. Nevertheless the real truth of the matter is, what happened to us was wrong, and should simply never happen but the brutal reality is that it does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/c90781ef-3902-4951-8b0e-26f0e4f00335/Another%27s+Twisted+Imagination+-+Tara+Retondo.jpg Tara - 2025 - Another’s Twisted Imagination When someone has an idea implanted into their head, you suddenly become the victim without any warning. Their twisted imagination becomes your greatest living nightmare. As a survivor of rape and childhood sexual abuse, I wanted to capture some of my story using the concept of telling the story from words originally not mine. Each word of this poem is from magazine clippings. These words all originally created different meanings from each magazine page but then became mine when I had pieced them together. Trauma is similar in this way, the narrative of the perpetrator's minds are drastically different than the truth every survivor must bear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/3906c2b8-d5f6-4d85-87e0-91e08c0a15a1/Inner+Healing Tara - 2025 - inner healing For this art work I wanted to capture the inner workings of my trauma healing. As a trauma survivor, I have come to know many different wounded younger traumatized parts within myself that are paralyzed with fear, suffering in pain, desperately searching to be found. All they need is for someone to see and hear them and what better person to do that than myself. Through the psychotherapy approach known as "Internal Family Systems" created by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz I have come to know these parts of me. I am able to show compassion towards them and by doing so I have strengthened the relationship I have with myself. We all have survived and mustered the strength to survive at all costs. Through the power of imagery we tell our story. Wether it's learning to swim through the waters of grief, find a path through the haunting, eerie memories of our past, just like one would find their way in a dark and spooky forest, or withstand the brutal coldness and isolation of living alone in a dark cave; I take every part of me hand and hand on my journey of healing now. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/lauren-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0014eeca-da83-460f-8577-36086d644914/Diamond+in+the+Rough+-+Lauren+Clark.jpg Lauren - 2025 Diamond in the Rough Unfortunately, the older I have grown as a woman and reflect on my life I realize how many of my core developmental memories are revolved around abuse. The moment that left one of its largest marks on me was an incident I was only aware of by finding my own underwear in my purse the next day. Unaware how I got home and who dropped me off. A feeling of total loss of self. Worthlessness. That was the first time I felt like a piece of meat. As I grew older, I think I let that feeling carry over into the way I viewed my own sexuality. I felt unworthy. Not good enough. Used and discarded. I had settled for partners that did not always show me the kindness and adoration I deserved because I felt less than always and was made to feel part of the background for a long time. This piece is about breaking free, about rising above the feeling of being a lifeless piece of meat and regaining my sparkle. My zest for life, my love for myself and its unfinished nature is a reminder that I am a work in progress myself. That I am always worthy of all that glitters and gold. I chose a bright color pallet and glitter because I am a child of the late 80s/early 90s and I wanted to use colors that reminded me of a time childhood freedom before ever being tainted by another's touch or feeling discarded. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/hollyce-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/56f868e1-998a-40e1-a30a-048d22ca88f8/IMG_9439 Hollyce - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/9fbe62e5-ee03-4ab8-96e4-a74aaf8a4c24/IMG_9439 Hollyce - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/bc9937ac-39cc-491e-bff7-67704548107a/F80C1649-2FCE-4E0A-A702-1FECBB01F868_1_201_a.jpeg Hollyce - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/00c8087d-4460-4db3-82e4-d37fb001ee05/13CA3F77-5AE6-40DB-845C-05928E61D017_1_201_a.jpeg Hollyce - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5b6b67c2-615a-45cc-ad09-39587dc92cb2/The+Mirror+Remembers-+Hollyce+Mack.jpg Hollyce - 2025 The Mirror Remembers A garden bathed in twilight hues of blue and violet stretches beyond the glass, its vines twisting into an arbor that frames a silent observer—a cat, its back turned to us, lost in the dance of butterflies above. The air hums with the language of wings, a conversation of weightlessness and wonder. Symbols without meaning drift across the surface, like echoes of a forgotten script, remnants of something once known but now only felt. The cat does not chase, does not stir. It simply watches, caught between presence and memory, between what was and what remains. This mirror holds more than reflection. It holds a garden that time cannot erase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/4c734e30-b9c3-4013-aa38-d3cbcbccfbb0/The+Weight+-+Hollyce+Mack.jpg Hollyce - 2025 The Weight Two black birds exist in an uncertain space—are they perched on a branch or standing in water? One gazes toward the other, while the second bows its head, looking downward. The muted pink and beige background wraps around them, soft yet suffocating. This piece is a reflection of an abusive relationship—the unspoken tension, the imbalance of power, the weight of silence. It captures the quiet heaviness that lingers, pressing down like an unseen force. Yet, even in stillness, there is recognition. A moment held in pastel, where pain is acknowledged and given form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a0b4f3b2-f993-41fe-8c8e-a3a0fe0dff2e/Still+I+Bloom+-+Hollyce+Mack.jpg Hollyce - 2025 Still I Bloom I am an artist and gardener whose work celebrates memory, resilience, and the enduring legacy of women who cultivate beauty. Though my award-winning garden is no longer mine to tend, its flowers continue to bloom in my heart, a testament to the love and care sown through generations of Mack women. Through my art, I hope to honor the gardens of my past and show the strength that carries me forward, ensuring that beauty and hope will always flourish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/fc4bb145-c558-4f23-a2a1-f4f2f835a937/Wheezy%27s+Golden+Gaze+-+Hollyce+Mack.jpg Hollyce - 2025 Wheezy's Golden Gaze Wheezy’s golden eyes held the weight of 31 years—years of survival, love, and quiet knowing. As the first senior cat saved in Kitties Garden Paradise, she was more than just a pet; she was the heart of a sanctuary, a symbol of second chances and the enduring power of kindness. Though the shelter was lost when I left my abuser, Wheezy’s gaze remains—watching, remembering, and reminding that the love we give is never truly taken away. It lingers in the lives we touch, in the souls we save, and in the eyes of those who once felt forgotten but were, at last, seen. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/clarissa-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f5b289b1-e163-4c30-b221-9a2d75419202/Untitled+Mask+-+Clarissa.jpg Clarissa - 2025 - Untitled Mask https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/44dae421-0255-4bd9-904f-604e41e0c84d/Galaxy+of+My+Soul+-+Clarissa.jpg Clarissa - 2025 - Galaxy of My Soul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/6ad42a4a-283f-4b68-8705-e344743d7b4c/Lioness+-+Clarissa.jpg Clarissa - 2025 - Lioness The strength God has given me throughout my healing journey, it has pushed me through the most difficult moments. It will push you through your journey as well. Just believe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5a4d2391-f3a1-4fb8-9487-0547a5b5c0ad/Garden+of+Eden+-+Clarissa.jpg Clarissa - 2025 - Garden of Eden In the past I've let temptation deceive me into thinking it was good for me. When in reality it was all an illusion disguising itself as good. Don't let temptation ruin what you've worked hard for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0af855c7-7f53-4648-bfb4-89beb99ff3f7/Spiritual+Awakening+-+Clarissa.jpg Clarissa - 2025 - Spiritual Awakening Spiritual Imprisonment vs. Spiritual Awakening https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/km-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/41a3feae-ab6a-437c-a37e-84f4d8b14cb5/Jesus+-+K.M..jpg K.M. - 2025 - jesus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/e19ec0c8-92bb-4ebb-b798-3cc7c2b780ce/Road+to+Recovery+-+K.M..png K.M. - 2025 - The Road to Recovery https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/bea-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/1bdf933b-6eed-449d-83b8-d20263583ce1/Marks+Left+Behind-+Bea+Barzo.jpg Bea - 2025 marks left behind I got sexually assaulted by 3 different people between the ages of 2 - 6. One of which was my own mother and another by one of her close friends. My own mother and her friend would sexually assault me together and get pleasure out of it. They would drug me and then steal my innocence and my right to pursue happiness. They would constantly do things like that to me and still to this day will not admit or apologize for anything they have done to me. The other incident happened by a teenage boy that went on my bus. I remember falling asleep in my apartment hallway and next thing you know I woke up to him touching me in ways I did not want. I will never forgive or forget what happened and even though I am older and more mature I still want my justice. My painting goes along with this because even though I was young I will never forget what they did and will always have that memory stocked away in my mind. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/msb-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0b4f3a61-6675-4e4d-adc0-95e948f3b806/Pinned+Silence-+Michelle+Spatafora-Blau.jpg Michelle S-B - 2025 pinned silence https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kelly-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/5a6d0c7a-b5e6-46ae-b2c2-c0ac6ddc4070/Milagro+Heart+with+Crystals.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Milagro Heart with Crystals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/8c047eec-a20c-497a-a513-e3dc69bb4153/Daily+Battle+II.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Daily Battle II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/32c5a225-fedd-4505-a130-94208d35cdf8/Phillipians+4-13.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Phillipians 4:13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/525f7d5f-34dd-4d7a-a0c8-aa9f9fa6444a/Angel+numbers+11-11.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Angel numbers 11:11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/a1f84fc5-7909-4573-8918-152d42ba5010/Angel+number+222.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Angel numbers 222 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/0e6cf453-ab1d-4dab-a354-a06b5083d288/Ambulare+Super+Aquam.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Ambulare Super Aquam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b34dbd1a-d8fe-41b0-b64d-4b4bf3495642/Crystal+Cross+in+Arch.jpg Kelly - 2025 - Crystal Cross in Arch https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/julianna-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/760782aa-89bc-4838-a11d-8269fe05feaf/Interactive+Clothing+pieces1-+J.S..jpg Julianna - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/34ae2c37-3fa5-4470-8d45-40ab8181d838/Interactive+Clothing+pieces+2-+J.S%2C.jpg Julianna - 2025 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/kn-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/b57c3bb2-d08e-4b46-a54c-04c9310e0db9/Who+Am+I...-K.N..jpg K.N. - 2025 Who Am I… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/2719ceae-f3d7-482c-9dca-2424903abc71/My+View+at+the+Beach-+K.N..jpg K.N. - 2025 My View at the Beach https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ashley-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/38dc05db-e4dd-4d0f-9b4b-d29c23e3cefb/Parts+Repurposed+-+Ashley.jpg Ashley - 2025 Parts Repurposed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f2522c1d-8b5f-46ba-824b-658b2370027a/THEY-THEMSELVES-ME+-+ASHLEY.jpg Ashley - 2025 THEY:THEMSELVES:ME https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/erica-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/047a7895-6f61-4178-8ea7-4338faba676e/Silent+Bloom+-+Erica+Reyes.jpg Erica - 2025 Silent Bloom Silent Bloom represents the hidden pain behind this kind of trauma that occurs. Embarrassment tends to make us hide our faces when recalling these stories. How do you tell someone it is your own significant other hurting you in this way? Questions arise that you cannot answer. Why did you stay? Why didn't you say anything? How could you let that happen? How is it assault if you are together? Red roses typically symbolize love, passion and romance, however that part tends to feel dead when the one who is supposed to love you is the one causing so much pain. Silent Bloom represents the potential growth that is possible when we finally get the courage to leave. Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love views dried red roses as a symbol of deep passion and commitment. This type of love and commitment we question if we deserve. However, through that growth, we can learn to find that love for ourselves within ourselves. We learn to heal, gather up each petal, and learn to love ourselves one petal at a time. No means no regardless of status. Healthy love shouldn't hurt. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/jr-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/45b8fd9a-1090-4777-8417-9e2ea080cc5f/IMG_9209.jpg J.R. - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/eb722a4e-bb79-4edd-b382-59995f1bc022/IMG_9180.jpg J.R. - 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/cb9e426e-32d1-44db-b19e-8f971d70f9e0/IMG_9211.jpg J.R. - 2025 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ac-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/288920d9-02fe-40fb-bc6a-c8afbfd62f47/Sunset+of+God+-+A.C..jpg A.C.- 2025 Sunset of God This describes that God is on His way. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ec-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/f47117c5-92f2-4ed6-b152-be6cf7f56602/THE+ROARING+LION+OF+RAINBOWS-+E.C..jpg E.C.- 2025 THE ROARING LION OF RAINBOWS I made this piece because one day I got into prayer and heard something about a roaring lion. I know that I have the voice of the lion and this is a reminder of what God said to me. https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/anonymous-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7520c2b44fff7ebfd97620/54204249-96f1-40f2-8f90-223b0dd4ea96/Untitled...+Anonymous.jpg Anonymous - 2025 Untitled https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/autumn-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ava-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://www.reclaimingvoices.org/ashley-m-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28