Hunger, hope, in their eyes

I was at the WV Book Festival this weekend at the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program booth, and I met so many wonderful people, and heard many, many stories.
What stands out the most, though, is a charming group of young ladies who wanted me to sign the bookmarks I was giving away. I have never been more flattered! As I spoke to these girls, I discovered that each and every one of them had experienced domestic violence in some way, as I heard echoes of "me, too," "that happened to my mom, too," and immediately I knew why I was there that day.
Our young women need to see us stand up and say "this happened to me, it wasn't right, but now I'm okay." These girls were so surprised to see someone who had similar experiences to them who had actually gone on to thrive in life. I saw an immediate hunger, a hope, in their eyes. They wanted that success, too. They wanted to overcome the struggles in their young lives and know they could grow up to be strong, resilient, empowered women. But they're not sure what that looks like.
Survivors, we have to give them hope. We have to show them what overcoming oppression and achieving empowerment looks like. We have to tell them that they don't deserve it, but we also have to show them what they can make of themselves, by example. Please share your stories of success. Tell me how you have gone on to survive and thrive.
Remember, if you want me to make your story available for viewing, you must let me know.