Survivors and Warriors

After a series of psychological attacks left me sick and beyond distraught, I had made a definite plan to kill myself for the first time. As the weather is turning warmer this week, I was going to go to Hormel Park in Fremont, Nebraska and walk down to the Platte River. I was going to bind my hands and feet with a large rock attached and throw myself into the still frigid Platte River as countless slaves have done in various bodies of water. It felt like the only escape from the ever present torture by members of our trafficking ring and their associates. God intervened in the most surprising and beautiful way though.

I had the distinct honor and privilege of meeting the most beautiful woman who’s strength, courage and resilience altered my plans completely, putting me back on my original path. We were introduced with little fanfare but surrounded by the love and understanding of community. As we spoke, the reason for this meeting became crystal clear.

She is a trafficking survivor like myself. We told each other our stories as we openly wept, hugged, supported, comforted and uplifted each other in front of our supporters. I have never felt so validated nor understood by anyone. While our experiences were far different, the crushing, crippling and devastating pain is similar.

I asked to play a speech for her. ( https://www.drsy.org/politics-with-miss-darcy/my-trafficking-our-nebraskan-strength-resilience-and-resolve ) We listened together while being supported by each other and those present. The tears and nods of understanding were ever present. She said that I had described what happened to us both perfectly and hoped that everyone might hear it. None of us present ever want that to happen to another person and for other survivors to feel as validated as we did in that moment.

Before we parted ways, I told her my plans and that she had saved my life. In Islam this act is counted as if one saved all of humanity. She saved humanity in the most beautiful and profound way possible.

May Allah keep her, our supporters and our fellow survivors and bless them in this life and the next. Amin.

We walk with God as His warriors in the fight against the greatest evil known to humanity, slavery. There is no more just jihad than this.

Because every life matters, especially yours.

God bless Nebraska and especially her people.