Faith

By Teresita Sparrow

Gripping, engaging and moving, Faith traces the life story of author Teresita Sparrow as she relives the horrors of her grueling past in order to stir public awareness. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a childs life, growth and development In this book, readers will be walked through the shocking and painful encounters of a woman who lived up to this psychosocial notion, carrying her traumatic experiences with her all the way to her adult life.

Living in a violent home, the young Teresita Sparrow began life with an early disadvantage. Having witnessed the constant verbal and physical abuse at such a tender and immature stage,
she subconsciously brought the torments of her youth to several areas of her life, including her experiences of betrayal, mistrust and lack of support from the people whom she expected to be there for her. Living in fear did not exactly help her situation. She constantly turned inward, afraid to speak out because of anxiety and shame. From sexual to physical abuse, her experiences had slowly eaten away her capacity to view the world as a safe place.

To top it all, she was infl icted by a disability, as if her situation was not painful enough. She lived through her sufferings day by day and held on to writing as her form of healing. Nonetheless, a huge part of her was not willing to give up. Her faith in God, perseverance, determination and sense of optimism emerged in the midst of chaos and adversity. Readers will be inspired by this one-of-a-kind story that illustrates the strength of the unwavering human spirit despite the tumultuous tides that come ones way. A literary symbol of hope, Faith is a remarkably insightful book that sends a powerful message to society.

Teresita Sparrow was born in the mainland then moved to the island at the age of 5 years old.Due to her parents separation. It was hard trying to adjust coming from a total different culture and larger place. Then moving to a island and living on a family compound away from society. Eventually she overcame these obstacles and challenges by embracing the islands culture-language.
She learned the language and conforming to the island way of living. She became a Teacher. Until this day she still has Faith, but continues to put her Trust and Love in our Blessed Mother Mary and God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477131015

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Teresita Sparrow.

Library of Congress Control Number:               2012911006

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

Preface

CONSECRATION LIFE OFFERING

References

This book was written to help anyone who is a victim of violence or has experienced a change in life due to an illness. May the Lord and Our Blessed Mother Mary keep you safe at all times and grant you peace.

I am sharing my life with you because I am a victim of violence and abuse. I hope this book will encourage and empower you with the ability to leave the abuser or identify an abuser prior to having a relationship. Encourage you to stand up to anyone who has violated you personally. I hope to inspire you not to give up despite all the trials, sufferings, and pain this life gives you. I would like to thank Our Savior Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother Mary, Santa Teresita Catholic Church, Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church, Ms. Lil for her inspiration; Mr.Bry for our long hours of phone conversations filled with both laughter and tears, Marie Johnson for taking interest. Foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to ‘Judy Abella, Sam Daniels, and Xlibris Team of Experts; my loving mother and family, friends, pets. God bless you all.

Preface

I am sharing my childhood to mid-adulthood experiences of trauma, abuse, afflictions, and my life horrifying episodes with you by writing this book. Although my past is still vivid to this present day, there are times I can still recall the painful memories. As the tears fill my eyes and roll down my cheek. One could only imagine the depth to reach within my soul and pull out memories that eventually became embedded. My silence became oppressive. Did I write to prevent myself from going insane? It’s as though I blocked it all out of my life for forty-six years. Afraid and embarrassed to share my life with anyone, I could only question how I was able to survive in this jungle. Uncertainly but knowingly, it took perseverance, prayers, strength, confession, repentance, devotion, meditation, faith, and suffering as I carried my cross. Sometimes it was unbearable and at times in isolation. I am a stronger person by examining and reflecting my overall my inner being. These words can only convey you are the real importance of survival in this world. There was no one that I can reach out to. A close friend of mine once said, Teresita face it you have a disability, face it! As for my family they were not worried or interested in the crisis I was going through. I was at my lowest point in life. If they were concerned I wouldn’t feel outcasted, left alone, belittled, told you’re crazy, retarded, etc. Put your trust and love in our Lord, Jesus Christ. That’s what got me by from day to day. There is no one that will look after you.

At times, I was weak, afraid; confused to the point of almost pretending and convincing myself it’s not true. It couldn’t be—no, it didn’t happen. It must be an illusion? Why me, Lord? It was like being in a jungle for years not having the proper nourishment—alone, lacking the presence of another human being, the presence of having some kind of security. But there was faith. The only security is our Lord and our Blessed Mother Mary. Could it be a miracle? I don’t want to assume, but in most cases, I will call it one. How else would a woman during the most critical stage of her life manage to stay sane? Having to survive in this jungle and coming out alive to share my ordeals with someone like you is a healing process. I do not know what I would achieve by putting my words in testimony; it would have been more difficult to precede with my life—to leave the jungle, my comfort zone, and come out to civilization.

As a woman, I believe it is my obligation to prevent the perpetrator from enjoying one last moment in our lives while ensuring his crimes are erased from my soul. For now, I will continue to pray and ask the Lord to intercede and take control over my life. My spiritual being brings me only closer to salvation and a life more enjoyable for my mother, siblings, and I. Hopefully, one day, our lives will be better, away from this family compound so we can live a normal life, without worrying if Adam and his family will hurt us. Constantly looking over our shoulders, making sure the coast is clear. For any day, he will eventually explode like an atomic bomb or have the urge to hurt someone—if not another animal. He might have one of his family friends attack. I have to continue being cautious living here in Amanda’s family compound, not being too comfortable as I come and go. When I am alone, I must ensure my alarm and camera are turned on to put my mind at ease. One might assume paranoia—I call it protection and safety measures for my family and I. You will never really know what I have to endure—unless you experienced it too. No one can tell me how I must feel. They are not I. Prayers, repentance, confession, and faith is the only things that keep me going. It soothes my soul. I did my best to keep everything as real as possible to the best of my knowledge and recollection. Places and names have been changed due to privacy and protection.

CONSECRATION LIFE OFFERING

(Janice T. Connell