THE JOURNAL OF STEFFANIE RIVERS: A Family's Love

      *Almost every month it seems that another celebrity has come forth to confess their personal experience with childhood sexual or physical abuse. There was Michael Jackson who a decade ago revealed that his father, Joseph, beat him and his siblings; Oprah Winfrey alleged sexual abuse at the hands of an uncle and most recently Tyler Perry and Monique’ Parker have come forth with their versions of abuse by a family member or trusted friend.

      Parker has said her personal experience as a child victim is what led her to deliver what some say is an Oscar-worthy performance of Mary Jones, the mother of the abused teen in the movie "Precious" who allowed her daughter to be victimized and took part in the abuse.

      Children are easy targets because they are defenseless and at the mercy of their caregivers. So it’s no wonder that some adults who have trouble coping with their own issues take out their frustrations on the children around them. It’s wrong, inexcusable and oftentimes the damage is irrevocable because that most impressionable time of a child’s life was spent void of the love and support that creates positive self-esteem.

      According to statistics, almost five children die everyday due to abuse or neglect. Ninety percent of abused children know their abuser and 68 percent of the abusers are family members. Some former victims go on to abuse their own children. And that’s partly why there are millions of children in the foster care system nationwide.

      As the daughter of a single mother I have plenty of stories to share about my childhood. There was the time I got suspended from school for fighting and my mother had to leave work to pick me; There was the time I stole money from my mother’s purse to repay a school yard bet; and my teenage years were filled with so many challenges I thought I never would reach 18. Now more than twenty years later I honestly can say abuse or neglect was never apart of my childhood. Sure, I got my ass whipped when I needed an ass whipping, because when you spare the rod you spoil the child. The tag team known as my mother, grandmother and grandfather saw to that. Of course now I realize their discipline, support and direction were expressions of love. It’s love that so many other people didn’t get. Reading their stories let’s me know how much I appreciate my childhood and family’s love.

Steffanie Rivers is a free-lance journalist living in the Dallas, Texas metroplex. For speaking requests, questions or comments email her at teamtcbadvertising@hotmail.com. Or see the broadcast version of her journal at youtube.com/steffanierivers.