My life at home was hell on earth when I was growing up. My father ruled through fear, intimidation and violence. My mother participated, too. Yet, much good came from it. I doubt that was their plan.

Parents are a child’s first teachers. There are many good parents out there who raise their children well. Their kids are prepared for adulthood. They will go on to raise successful families.

But there are others who continue the generational malady of abuse. Someone has to stop it. That someone was me. As a child, I knew in my heart that what my parents were doing was wrong. After having children, I decided to go a different route.

My life story is prevalent across more families than you realize. No one talks about it. People carry their pain in dark places to hide it.

Never waste your pain. God allowed it so He could use it for good…