me too

I remember the first time I whispered those words "me too". I was reading a book about a little girl, all grown up who had been abused. To know that I wasn't alone was a gift. I packed up and hid it away with all of my shame. Just to know that what happened to me wasn't unique took away some of it's power.

I remember walking into a room. Women who had stories to tell. Tears were shed and burdens were lightened. I spoke my truth and somebody listened. But not just to hear but to relate. To know that my thoughts and my feelings weren't wrong. I was not broken. It was not my fault. I did nothing to deserve it. Healing began with those two words. "Me too."

I stood on the stage and proclaimed my truth. This is my story, maybe it is yours too. I kept saying the words and the tears kept falling. Washing away years of feeling so dirty and used. At last I felt clean and worthy, so loved. As one truth spilled out, another came up. I faced my demons and I fought them all one by one. I heard those words from others "Me too".

I am clean, worthy and forgiven. What happened was done to me and I am not to blame. I was innocent and trusting and that was not wrong. I will lay the blame at the feet of the one to whom it belongs. I will walk away and forgive them but I can not forget. My life has purpose, my mess is now my message. I will keep telling my story as long as I hear "Me too".

Every "me too" is a light. At first just a spark but once it's lit it cannot be stopped. Darkness cannot hide where light shines and shame cannot stay where forgiveness lives. Love has conquered and Fear has to go. I was a victim but now I proclaim victory. I am free from my chains.