Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday!

MELISSA

Melissa Holmes is a woman who survived domestic violence as a result of being in abusive relationships twice in her life. After experiencing a close call with death during an encounter with her abuser (while in the second abusive relationship), Melissa, being grateful that her life was spared, chose to use her experiences to not only bring healing to herself but also to others.

Melissa, rather than hide in a state of melancholy, sink into an abyss of negativity by allowing herself and/or others to hold her hostage to her abusive past, chose to grab hold of hope for a better tomorrow. She realized that her life’s mission wasn’t just about her and for her, instead it was for others who would need to hear her life’s experience as a testament of how to overcome the snare and stronghold of domestic violence. Thus, Melissa, who was once a victim of domestic violence is now operating as a Victor as she advocates by creating a platform for other victims of domestic abuse and survivors of domestic violence to be heard.

It's been six years since she survived her last relationship that almost claimed her life. Who would have thought that after being ‘choked within seconds of dying’ that her Facebook group in 2010 called: ‘Love Shouldn't Hurt NY Inc.,’ would evolve into a non-profit organization for domestic violence survivors and victims? The same strength and courage which enabled Melissa to leave her domestic violence situation were the same feelings that birthed her passion for creating a safe forum for others who needed help to leave their abusive situation(s); or, who just needed comfort in knowing that they were not alone. 

Since 2010 she has been strongly campaigning against domestic violence by paying it forward in the community to try to assist with building healthy relationships with those who were victims of domestic abuse, survivors of domestic violence and their families. Melissa continues to seize opportunities to create platforms to share her knowledge of domestic violence and abuse by welcoming interviews through the use of various vehicles of communication such as in-person interviews, on television, magazines, radio, social media as well as through motivational speaking. She continues to encourage and inspire victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse who feel misunderstood or are afraid to speak out. She guides them in a way that makes them understand that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. That it is not their fault. That there is nothing they did or said to cause someone to abuse them.

Melissa’s advocacy efforts have opened doors for many opportunities. She recently launched "From Pain to Purpose, My New Chapter” - a domestic violence seminar/workshop Oct. 24th, 2015 which expanded to a tour which included, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, and Maryland to name a few.

Melissa’s latest project is called ‘Invisible Scars of Domestic Violence’ - a documentary that deeply explores domestic violence – an evil which plagues many homes. This documentary will highlight each person and their interview in segments and will be filmed in New York. This documentary goes beneath the surface of the lives of six (6) women of diverse backgrounds, who suffered domestic abuse within the walls of SILENCE. This documentary explores the cries for help that ring aloud in so many homes yet are not always heard. It also provides first-hand accounts which will enable us to see through the lenses of the victims and survivors, while also visiting the deeply ingrained beliefs and misconceptions of society regarding domestic violence, while continually raising awareness and allowing others to heal as they learn the importance of Loving Thyself First.

For you are a true testament of how the Lord will turn tragedy into triumph, a test into a testimony, and upgrade us from being a victim to a Victor. Melissa affirms, “I'm NO longer a victim, I'm a VICTORY! Anyone can leave an abusive relationship, it takes courage and strength; help is available.”

If you would like to contact Melissa to book her for an interview or a speaking engagement, you can reach her via email at melissaholmes67.mh@gmail.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/loveshouldnthurtdomesticviolence/. Check out Melissa Holmes YouTube video: 'From Pain to Purpose/ My New Chapter- Featuring Melissa Holmes- CEO/ Founder of Love Shouldn't Hurt.'

Remember if you're not part of the solution, you are a part of the problem. If you want to see a change, then be an agent of change.