March Madness: 25-Years-In-The-Making

Dearest Friends and Freedom Fighters,

Happy almost spring! The official day is Wednesday, March 20, 2019, which is also known as Spring Equinox.. Keep an eye out for a Full Worm Moon (supermoon).. The clocks are changed back, the days are becoming longer. March madness is in full swing! Keep reading . . .this post goes deep.

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Word 
of 
the 
Month 

courage noun cour·​age | \ ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rijmental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Courage originally meant "to speak one's mind by telling all one's heart"  -- Brené Brown

When you inspire or ignite a change that is healing for more than just yourself, inspired by your wounds - that - is an act of courage! 

Going Way Back . . .

25 years ago I was arrested for my violent act which resulted in the death of George Howard. George Howard imposed various levels of sexual abuse upon me since the age of e-l-e-v-e-n.

25 years ago today, I was unable to know my truth. Unable to speak my truth or share my truth. I was out of touch and had been exposed to too much!

However, here we are March 14, 2019. Today I stand in a soul march forward in healing, connection and awareness with others who have had sexual violence imposed upon them.

When we are brave, we face hardships, obstacles and difficulties with courage and an intention to continue to move. In the midst of ours falls while brave we do our best to fall forward and if we have not the capacity to do so we can surrender to the fall and breathe. Breathe and get back up and simply move.

With each step there is an accomplishment. When I rose and stood within my bravery, my intentional march forward towards an inner freedom was filled with meaningful steps.  Steps taken leaving a trail of kindness and compassion. 
​
25 years later I deeply thank each and every one of you who were brave alongside of me. Who stood when I had fallen and who stands now with others who have been dehumanized.
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Sexual assault and abuse leaves deep wounds. It's not the wounds which defines our ability to live , but what one does with those wounds which crafts compelling connections with one another and offers a space to heal.

25 years later I rise along others to change policy to protect young persons from a criminal justice system designed to inflict harm and oppression.
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25 years later today, March 14, 2019...there will be policy to protect the human rights of children!

​Please read my personal thank you letter to you below:

March 14, 2019


A deeply rooted Thank You!  

On this day March 14, 1994, I was 16 and under arrest for the murder of George Howard who sexually assaulted and trafficked me since the age of e-l-e-v-e-n.

Now, today, March 14, 2019 -- 25 years later -- I am able to send a thank you letter to you for supporting a policy change to offer healing as opposed to harm to young persons who have experienced unthinkable trauma and horrors.

Initiating policy for the protection of children is very meaningful to me because 25 years ago I was an invisible victim of child sex trafficking, arrested without any legal protections or victim advocacy on my behalf in place anywhere.

25 years later on this very day, there still are no legal protections or victim advocacy on behalf of child sex trafficking victims in place anywhere. in the country to defend and protect abused and exploited children when they commit acts of violence against those who have abused or exploited them. Are not our children a reflection of the adults in their life? Are not our children due their birth right of being protected? 
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We as a community and a Nation have the ability to change this act of human rights violation against our children!

The message resonates--as positive news coverage and awe-inspiring support from Nevada lawmakers continues to roll in. And while we still have a long way to go, we have started a conversation that has never happened before, and I thank you for your support with A.B. 158.

Nevada would be the very first state to enact protections for child sex trafficking survivors who have inflicted an act of violence upon their abuser.

This is about more than just one bill. This is about the soul of America and what kind of country we want to be and what type of messaging are we sending to our children!

In collaboration with Human Rights for Kids we intend to make sure that we are the kind of country that protects sexually assaulted, abused, and trafficked children when they commit crimes against their abusers. Because if we as adults continue to fail anymore children in these situations, then may we carry the humiliation, embarrassment, discomfort and indignity of this human rights violation!

This is a human rights violation we MUST win! Sara’s Law is a public apology in the form of public policy!

That is why today I am saying Thank you not only for myself, but for our children within our nation!

It's been 25 years...hasn't enough been taken away? Let us now restore, heal and offer restorative justice for all involved.

Simply,
Sara J. Kruzan
Co-founder of Iamsjk.org

Back to the Lightness of Life 

Did you know the
​Daffodil is the floral emblem for March?

Daffodils represent:
Hope, Prosperity and Renewal

Did you know the
​Aquamarine gemstones
are the birthstone for March?

These gemstones represent: Courage

March song of inspiration:

Pocketful of Sunshine
​by Natasha Bedingfield ​

Courageous Thoughts To Think About 

1. Being courageous to me is _________.
​2. If I were courageous, I would _______.
3. When folks are being courageous they don't _________.
4. I was super courageous in the past when I _________.  
5. I want to have more courage with __________ in my life.

With
​So Much
​Courage & Light,
​Sara, Carrie &
​   The SJK Team