On Monday I attended the Legislative Forum for the Chittenden County Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force and KidSafe Collaborative.  This was an opportunity for our local legislators to hear concerns about issues of child, individual, and family safety.  Last year I spoke as a survivor from my experience of assault and sexual violence.  This year I attended as a supporter and helped with the set-up and clean-up duties for the event.  I wore my 'clergy collar' as a witness to the faith community's interest in these issues.

I must admit that this year I found the event much more relaxing than last year.  Last year I was pleased to share my story, but very nervous.  It was the first time I shared my story with a room full of strangers.  It ended up being a healing experience, but one filled with trepidation.

This year I was able to sit back and take it all in with a feeling of gratitude.   While sitting in the audience, I prayed for those presenting.  I felt blessed to be in a room filled with people who care about issues of violence in our community.  In the wake of tragedies such as Sandy Hook, it is easy to get discouraged and think that violence will have the last word.   On Monday morning I was reminded that hope abounds, that light always overcomes darkness.   This was a God Moment for me!