12
Do They Know Its Christmas?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: alone, christmas, cny (6), domestic violence (7), Grief (3), Healing (11), holidays, hope (2), isolation (3), light (5), loneliness (3), loss, love (9), memory, peace (8), Rape (12), Relationships (4), sexual assault (2), survivors, tears, unity | December 12th, 2010
Feed The World
I remember when this song came out by Band Aid in 1984, I ran to the store to buy it. I had just turned 22 and I listened to it for hours … over and over again, and then, over and over again some more. Music has always been a passion of mine and this was the one song that totally spoke to my heart and soul directly. I loved the unique collection of artists and the groovy beats, but the lyrics – rocked my world!
Hearing that song again this season made me think about who I was at 22 – three years after being raped. What was my thought process back then? Why did I love that song so much? My guess is it resonated so deeply because of the famine inside of me. There was a real hunger and thirst at the core of my soul. I did everything in my power to eliminate the memory of being raped and never told anyone – that was the only way I could have survived – to block it all out and act as if it never happened. I see now in doing so, I denied myself the healing I desperately needed.
I’m confident the reason I am so passionate about volunteer and service work now is because I don’t want anyone in need to be forgotten or isolated like I was all those years ago. I find it incredibly healing to give of myself and serve others. Professionally, I work for Camp Good Days & Special Times, a residential camp facility for children, adults & families with cancer, brain tumors and HIV/AIDS. I truly believe the values in my personal life and the responsibilities of my professional career are now in balance – they completely align with who I am at my core and that feels really good.
As I prepare for a special event in April 2011 to honor survivors of Rape, Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence, this song reminds me I’m on the right path. These crimes are terribly isolating. You feel no one can understand or will think of you the same way if you admit what happened. Believe me when I say, this thought process couldn’t be further from the truth.
For anyone who may be isolated in fear, shame or for whatever reason you’re lonely this Christmas, just read the first verse of this song. And if you are like me – read it over and over again till it sinks in…
“It’s Christmas time
There’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
We let in light and we banish shade”
With much Love & Peace,
~ Renee
