Annie’s Story: My birth in Mexico City was not without trauma. Within my mother’s womb, the devil began sowing lies in me that I was unwanted and worthless. Mama struggled with deep self-hatred; the last thing she wanted was to bring another version of herself...
Nikki’s Story: I can remember that day like it was yesterday. On a warm winter day in Austin, Texas, I walked out of church feeling strong and hopeful for the future. Out of nowhere, a handsome man walked up beside me and introduced himself. I’d never had a man...
Theresa’s Story: I was born with a very large hole in my heart, which wasn’t corrected until the technology was developed to repair it. At age 7, as I lay curled up in my hospital bed, I overheard the doctor and nurse talking outside my room about the...
Lauren’s Story: I lay in bed, my heart racing as the door creaked open. I clenched my teeth and shut my eyes, willing myself not to look into the dark, brooding corners of my room. Will I ever be free? I thought as despair clawed at me, dragging me down. Pulling...
Julie’s Story: For my fourth-grade school picture, I wore my favorite hair clip shaped like a pencil and a colorful, striped sweater. As I got dressed, I thought, Wow! I am beautiful! When I got to school, I saw a classmate whose perfect curls rested on...
