Amanda's Blog: Abuse

  • Jan 15, 2011

    Cinderella

     What can we learn from the story of Cinderella?

    Last night I was reading bedtime stories to my 3 year old granddaughter and she brought me, Cinderella. Needless to say,  I hadn't read the story in a very long time.  While reading it so many of the words popped off the page like, "difficult life", "mean", manipulation, "dreams", "Prince Charming", "jealous",  "love", "dance"...just to name a few.  

    Why did they strike such a chord in me?  As a little girl I think we all have dreams of marrying a Prince Charming and dancing the night away in glass slippers.  To many women the idea of a Prince Charming is just an illusion of the mind.  Like Cinderella we grow up with just the opposite life we "pretend played" with our little girlfriends.

    Soon we are conditioned to this life of emotional or physical abuse and our dreams of dancing the night away with Prince Charming go by the way side.  Actually, all dreams are devoured by our present circumstances.

    Through the manipulation of the mean stepsisters, friends came to Cinderella's rescue and helped make a way for her to get to the Ball.  They believed in her and in her future.  In the end, Cinderella knew that her circumstances could not define the woman she was created to be.

    So what can we learn from Cinderella?

    • We must not let our circumstances define who we are.  To be empowered we must feel  empowered.
    • We must surround ourselves with friends that believe in us and love us unconditionally.  Jaq & Gus, two mice, knew exactly what Cinderella needed and went to her rescue.
    • We must never give up on dreams. Cinderella knew that no one could stop her from dreaming.  They are our path to the future we are intended to live out.

     Remember, we all own a pair of glass slippers, we just have to pull them out of our apron pocket! 

    Love, Believe, Dream...and never stop Dancing!

    Amanda Graybill, Founder

     

     

     

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  • Jul 23, 2010

    100 Dollar Campaign Makes News!

    On the heels of launching our website and 100 Dollars, 100 Donors, 100 Days Campaign to raise money for a local women’s shelter in Kendall County, Kens5 San Antonio did a story!

    We are excited because both the LBD Society and the Kendall County Women’s Shelter received exposure! A number of LBD members wearing their little black dresses, some even daunting hats and pearls, gathered at Painting with a Twist where we recently painted LBD’s for this same cause.

    The 100 Dollar Campaign began with a challenge from my pastor to make a difference in my community. Given a 100 dollar bill and asked to make a difference, the Campaign came as an inspiration. I knew that I had to start this Campaign in my own city first then take it nationwide as Societies are being formed.

    How can you help? Click on the Campaign to make a donation. Become a Member of LBD Society. Start your own Society in your city.

    I recently read, "Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless." Great advice from a great advisor!

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  • Jul 15, 2010

    Emotional Abuse

    Emotional abuse: Psychological abuse, also referred to as emotional abuse or mental abuse, is a form of abuse characterized by a person subjecting or exposing another to behavior that is psychologically harmful. Such abuse is often associated with situations of power imbalance, such as abusive relationships, bullying, child abuse and in the workplace.

    When people think of domestic abuse, they often picture battered women who have been physically assaulted. But not all abusive relationships involve violence. Just because you’re not battered and bruised doesn’t mean you’re not being abused. Many women suffer from emotional abuse, which is no less destructive. In fact, it is harder for a woman to leave an emotionally abusive relationship because it isn't physical. Most women who are emotionally abused feel trapped and depend on their partner.

    I have spoken to a lot of women who have been emotionally abused. They feel beaten down, unworthy and have very poor self-esteem. The scars of emotional abuse are very real, and they run deep. In fact, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse—sometimes even more so.

    Emotional abuse strips away at the core of a woman's heart and soul!

    Regaining ones self-esteem is not an easy journey but it is possible. Seek out a pastor, counselor, support group or network of friends. Do something for yourself that makes you feel good about who you are. Volunteer. Find a way to express yourself. Don't surrender to isolation!

    The Little Black Dress Society is a service organization committed to ending the abuse of women. Our desire is to inspire women to LOVE, BELIEVE AND DREAM again.

    Amanda Graybill, Founder

    Find out more about Emotional Abuse and seek help.

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  • Jun 18, 2010

    Why the Little Black Dress is So Important to Me?

    I've been asked why the little black dress is so important to me on numerous occasions. It's a whole lot more than being in style or looking sexy! When I received my first LBD, I was just 4 years old. That dress is still with me hanging in a prominent place in my closet as a reminder of how the vision for LBD Society started. My birthday is coming up in just over a week and that dress will be 51 years old! Wow, I can't believe I just told you my age! Oh well, with age comes freedom!

    I had no idea why that dress was so important to me until my adult years when I was working through some things with a counselor. Given to me by a friend's mother, it became like a security blanket in many ways at a very tumultuous time in my life. My home life had changed when my father became disabled and lost his job, our home, and our social status. That is when the drinking started and my father's personality changed. I found myself hiding to stay out of the way and covered my ears so I didn't hear the outburst of anger toward my mother. The thing is, my father was a good man. He just reacted to a bad situation the wrong way which led him to become something he was not.

    I believe that many men who are abusive, whether physically or verbally, are angry men. Seeking help early on can save a marriage or relationship and save the children who are the recipients of the abuse as well. An important lesson I have learned is this,"It is not my fault".

    If you are reading this and you are in an abusive relationship, remember, it is not your fault! Seek help and encourage your spouse, partner, friend to seek help as well. Being healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically allows you to LOVE, BELIEVE, AND DREAM again! Go out and wear your LBD and live out your DREAM! Amanda, Founder Little Black Dress Society Stay tuned in through Facebook and watch for upcoming website launching in July!

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