Compassion
Kelita's Story of Hope
Some of you may find my life to be not much unlike your own. Some of you are carrying hurts and emotional scars that are cut deep. My story is one of hope; hope that could be yours. I have been through heartache, loss, pain and abuse; however I've also experienced miracles, peace of mind, joy, forgiveness and enormous healing. For years I hid behind the masks that veiled the deep dark secrets of my life, riddled by shame, guilt, fear and self doubt.
As far back as I can remember the desire to sing and perform was there. Deeply wounded after my father??s suicide I wrote my first song when I was 11, instinctively acknowledging this very special gift from God. Then at age 14, shortly before my mother??s death from cancer I solidified my commitment to my faith. Two years later my half brother, the perpetrator of my childhood sexual abuse, died from a heroin overdose. At 18, escaping the clutches of my wicked stepfather and dysfunctional family I moved 2,200 miles away.
Music and acting were a positive escape for me. They fed my soul and I took pleasure in the attention, applause, and laughter. My self worth completely hinged on pleasing others, including my first husband, who was even more insecure than me. Never living up to those expectations, for years, I ran from others, myself and God. Deceit, drugs, alcohol and sex numbed my misery and filled the emptiness; all the while diligently continuing the climb to music success.
Emotionally, mentally and spiritually bankrupt, hauling myself out of a ditch at 4 am one morning after a near fatal automobile accident, I had an epiphany. Inner strength and courage overcame me in the following days as I finally faced my own truth. I knew I had been saved by a greater power and that my new path and journey of healing and recovery would be directed by God. My marriage of 10 years ended, as did my dream of a US recording contract, however, I was, for the first time in my life in the best place possible. I found that facing the truth was the hardest thing I had ever had to do but the freedom that followed was nothing short of life changing and life giving.
While pulling my messy life together I remarried, had a child and began a new career directed towards encouraging and inspiring people through my music and story. Betrayal was the next card dealt to me, as early in the marriage, while still a new mother, I faced the despair of an unfaithful spouse and good friend. Even when my whole existence was challenged like never before, my determination and faith gave me the strength and belief to overcome a heart wrenching experience. We both fought to find a deeper love, one of forgiveness and renewed commitment. Happily married today, I am so grateful for the miracle that took place in my marriage.
All the songs hidden away in my heart are being released. With each note played and each word sung I have experienced over and over again all the joy and all the pain that has allowed me to heal. The expression of our deepest needs, longings and hurts can sometimes only be felt in a line of music or a word in a song. All these experiences and those that spring forth today continue to write the music of my life, of your life and others just like us. I am truly amazed at heartfelt comments from people who feel that my music has contributed to their healing and recovery. They say the songs resonate with their soul, have given them hope through adversity and gradually have helped heal the emotional scars. It is a wonderful gift that I feel privileged to share.
I hope that you will discover the music that you need to hear and then share it with those that desire to hear it as well. You will find CD??s in my store. The words to the songs and stories behind the songs are in the Music section.
Heavenly Night
There are more than 27 million slaves in the world today. Millions of those are children sold for sex!
Child abuse is devastating on so many levels. More than ever efforts are starting to bring awareness and healing to many who have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. Good therapy, even private websites have people reaching out to others to share their pain and look for ways to improve the lives of others. Imagine that you are an eight year old girl in Cambodia and your parents want to buy a new TV, so they sell you into the sex slave trade? What are your choices
Heavenly Night is the advocacy and fundraising initiative that began in 2006 from a number of concerned individuals including myself that wanted to make a difference and rescue some of the precious souls from this injustice. Through our fundraising efforts by way of a Christmas CD and Christmas concerts we have assisted in giving young Cambodian girls restorative healing and the hope of a new life.
We have seen that when our compassion, vision and determination are focused on those less fortunate we in turn are expectant of our own healing and restoration. Undeniably we are responsible for helping to change the lives of those who are waiting to be rescued from this atrocity. Why not experience personally the effects of helping a young girl trapped in a mind numbing abusive situation. Get involved, join our fight and find out how fulfilling it can be to help a child in need.
To learn more and to make a donation please visit Ratanak International. Please educate yourself about this multi billion dollar business that is fast becoming only second to the global illegal drug trade. Learn how we can help make a difference one child at a time.
Releasing the Deep Dark Secret
Stories of Impact
Do you have a story that is inspiring? Please me know. I would love to hear from you.