RebeccaMania.com

I just got back from NYC! I can tell you it was a lot colder up there than in Florida! The last time I was in New York City “In Living Color” was still on-air (literally). I had gotten to go up with my High School Chorus and see “Cats” at that time…. a lot has changed since then. Some things remained the same though; there seems to always be construction on some street somewhere in New York and traffic was bumper-to-bumper going into the city.

My Attorney, Bill Graham and I arrived and security let us in. Vespa scooter was there and had carried the large scooter up the stairs (somehow) since they were donating it for the event. I went back down stairs (brrrr) to get my picture taken on the red carpet with Rose from 1-800-CHARITYCARS and talk to the media.

If you have a chance, please visit Rose on-line and help support her organization donating cars to victims of domestic violence at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&=97951445.

Everyone was very receptive and friendly. It was especially wonderful to see such support for the Coalition. After Rose was done speaking, Rita, the Director for the NCADV, introduced me. Within my speech I noted that as a survivor of domestic violence, one of the biggest things I regret is the time and energy I spent feeling misplaced shame, guilt and anger at myself over what had happened. I also feel that implementing classes available at public schools teaching others of the signs and symptoms of abuse would be extremely useful.

My message was that had I harbored and held onto all of the misplaced shame, guilt and anger at myself I would not have been able to accomplish all I have. I also thanked the NCADV for using my song “I Will Be” http://rebeccalindsey.net/media/ to help inspire victims of domestic violence. I really feel that after-care is especially important. If someone is or has been abused, what dream could they follow once they stop blaming themselves and start living?

I truly hope my message helped and inspired others to make a difference in someone’s life. You help one person – you help the world.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus played after my speech. Virgin Records was also there. It was a closed set and a lot of media had been there all night. I think I was blind by the time I got done with my speech! I was very impressed with how young they looked, yet they played like they had been playing from birth (literally). It was also nice to see a male roll-model against domestic violence speaking out. I believe it will take time to end domestic violence. But I also believe that if we don’t give up reaching and helping others that have been affected by domestic violence that there will always be a chance of ending domestic violence for good.

Help break the cycle of abuse today by supporting your local shelters. Please visit: http://www.ncadv.org/

Thank you for reading my blog about my trip and may all of you have a great week!

God bless,

Rebecca