Journey Pink

08/20/2026

It was truly a joy to speak at the Roxboro Christian Women's Club today. There’s no way I could ever share my story without mentioning “Betty.” She pursued me, called me by the wrong name “Melissa!” and she never gave up on me (even when I was difficult). Betty was the hands and feet of Jesus to me and she pointed me to His light and hope, always. 🩷
Thank you, Betty. I love you so much!

Thank you to every “Betty” out there making a difference. Keep going. It’s so worth it. 🩷

08/18/2026

You are invited! I’ll be speaking this Thursday at the Roxboro Christian Women's Club. Hope you can join us for a wonderful time of fellowship this Thursday, August 20th at noon at The Homestead Steakhouse & Restaurant in Timberlake.

08/16/2026

As a survivor, putting these pieces together in my mind this morning brought me comfort.

Jesus understands our bodies and our minds. He understands our trauma responses. He created our bodies with all of the rich complexities and differences. He knows us inside and out, just like he knew Peter.

He knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our head. (Luke 12:7 NIV)

As a survivor, reading about Peter made me see my own circumstances in a new light. As a woman, I can take self-defense classes to prepare myself to respond to an attack. But when the crisis or trauma happens, I may forget everything I learned and just freeze. I may think I am prepared or strong, but I never know how I will react in the moment.

I have to give myself grace.

There is grace for you!💕

there is grace for you.

08/15/2026

Hope you can join us!
Thursday, August 20th at noon at The Homestead Steakhouse & Restaurant.🩷

08/09/2026

I am finding new spots to feel safe and comfortable. The introvert in me longs to lay low and tip toe around in the quiet.

This Substack is my new virtual table, a safe place to gather and say, “I get it.”

Pull up a chair. Let’s talk about it.

There’s a place for you here.

*new post* on Substack: Gather at the Table

07/27/2026

💗Life is lifing and more!💗

07/19/2026

I was 18.
Grown. On my own. An adult.
And vulnerable.

Today, predators have 24/7 access to young adults through social media and cell phones.

We need to talk about it.

Who are your safe people?

I wrote about it in my latest post: On Turning 18: You Are Vulnerable. Perhaps Even More So.

you are vulnerable, perhaps even more so.

07/12/2026

My heart carries a burden for the church to talk about abuse and to get it right. I want churches to recognize that survivors are sitting in their pews every single Sunday. They need to know they are seen, believed, valued, and that healing is possible through Jesus Christ.

So whenever it feels like the conversation shifts toward silencing voices, shunning survivors, or diminishing the value of women, something deep inside me responds.

My body responds.

Because those are the lies I've spent years unlearning.

When trauma speaks through the body, healing still finds a way.

05/26/2026

Save the date! This is a wonderful retreat.🩷

Save the Date 🤍

The Called to Peace Ministries 2027 Women’s Retreat is coming.

After a powerful weekend of healing, worship, connection, and restoration in 2026, we are already looking ahead with anticipation for what God will do next year.

If you are walking through the aftermath of abuse and are longing for a safe place to breathe, process, and be reminded that you are not alone — this retreat is for you. This retreat is also for counselors and people helpers who walk alongside those impacted by abuse.

🗓 April 15-18, 2027
📍 Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

Start making plans now to join us for a life-changing weekend of hope, healing, and community.

More details to come.

05/24/2026

I started seeing a counselor in the Fall of 2012. I drove thirty minutes away because I didn’t want to see anyone I knew. The shame was heavy and real.
I remember how hard it was to dial the number.

I remember how scared I was to walk into her office.
I remember how afraid I was to say the words out loud.

And you know what, it was worth it. Every penny, every appointment, every tear.

One of the main reasons I share my story of healing is so others will know that healing is possible and worth it. Even when it is hard and scary.

I wrote two of the scenes for Judgement House: At the Foot of the Cross. The first scene was “Summer Camp,” and it was about my summers at Fort Caswell, NC, with the youth group - the best memories. This scene is “The Counseling Session,” and how my counselor and that safe and sacred space helped me find my voice and pointed me to Jesus.

Read the post @ journeypink.substack.com

P. S. Seeing a counselor is worth it! You matter, and your story matters. I am so thankful for Deanna. She encouraged me and faithfully pointed me to Jesus, and I am forever grateful.