“THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE: Memoirs of a Child Abuse Victim"

Meet Sequoya. Sequoya has presented the entire world with a gift far greater than herself. I’m here to share with you guys the opportunity motivational speaker and author Sequoya Willis has shared with me. After reading her TRUE story “FIGHT OF MY LIFE: Memoirs of a Child Abuse Victim”, we agreed to perform an interview to share with everyone in connection with us with hopes of reaching, teaching and inspiring hearts and minds far and wide. There are some things I had wondered about and were very interested in as a reader, today I want to share them you. Here are answers honestly from New York native author, Sequoya Willis:

Besides wanting to encourage others to speak out about similar situations, what gave you the courage to go public with your story?

The purpose of me going public was to expose child abuse in its raw nature and to build awareness. Many people do not understand what child abuse is. There are more factors to child abuse than a mere spanking. There is mental abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. All of those types of abuses can break a person’s spirit into pieces. Many agencies over look the small things that make a big deal in the household. Many people are ashamed of what happened to them and their parents have put fear in them so that they will not reveal the truth. When social workers ask children questions privately, they do not give the truth because they are afraid. Agencies need to find another method of investigating these homes. Neighbors and family members need to speak up. I wanted to put my life in the forefront because this really happened and I needed organizations, individuals, and agencies to do more.

Another reason I went public is to show victims that there is life after child abuse. I have seen too many people give up on life. I understand though. You feel worthless because you were treated like dirt or even worse than dirt. You don’t understand why you were born or what you did to deserve this type of treatment. You live life the way you were taught to live it. I am here to show and tell the abused that you can overcome and live the life of your fantasies. Those images you imagined of how your life is supposed to be…..you can live them. The choice is yours now. Take your life back and own it. Do all you can to take the power back from your abuser. Even if it means seeking God, medical help, family support, support from positive friends, reading a lot of self help books, taking classes, or joining support groups. You cannot change your life until you change your thinking. Engage your mind in new things. Learn about new things. Unfortunately, a lot of deprogramming has to be done, and reprogramming has to begin.

Do you think about how others will perceive you after reading your story? If so, what would you say to them?

In the beginning, I thought a lot about how others would perceive me. I hoped they would perceive me as a strong person and would want to break the cycles themselves. When my readers expressed their gratitude, positive thoughts, and opinions, I was extremely comforted and worries of how people viewed me quickly vanished because this is bigger than me and my past. This book is for everyone. I also was concerned about how the message would be perceived. I wanted the message to come across clearly.

Miraculously, If you were given the opportunity to reunite with your parents to be on better terms, would you?

I am an adult now. If they would like to meet up and see how well I have turned out, I would not have an issue with meeting them. Like I have mentioned in the book, I have forgiven them both. This book is not about revenge. THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE: Memoirs of a Child Abuse Victim is about healing and awareness.

For those who aren’t able to relate to your story, what do you hope they gain after reading your memoir?

I hope they gain a sense of compassion for people who may have gone or are going through any type of abuse. I hope my story will open up their eyes. I hope they will see what not to do to their own children. Most of all, I hope people see my introduction to God. If you gain nothing else from this story, please understand that God loves even the lowly in life. He loves those who feel worthless and un-loved.

For all the “Little Sequoya’s” out there, if you could tell them anything right now, what would it be?

Speak up and speak out. Don’t be afraid to save your own life. I wish I spoke out sooner. Find someone you trust. The best people to tell would be school guidance counselors, police officers, a close teacher, principals, neighbors, anyone that will listen. If they do not hear you the first time, keep talking or tell someone else. It is going to be alright. I know what you are going through and I know you are hurting. This is not your fault and you have a purpose in this world. You are here for a reason. I love you!

If you could change the way you grew up, would you? If not, why?

I know this may sound crazy, but no. I feel I am who I am today because of what I went through. I would have never met or believed in God. I might not have been this driven to help someone else. God has sustained my mind so that I can tell this story for a reason. I thank my biological parents for making me who I am today. They may have been two negative forces in my life, but two negatives make a positive. I am a positive. (smiles)

…Now if you’re really anxious for part two of the interview, I want to reward you with an excerpt from the book. If the excerpt captured you, here is a personal invitation from Sequoya herself to PURCHASE your personal copy today! Also, enjoy a greeting and warm message from the author expressing genuine gratitude to all supporters! I'm a supporter and would like for everyone I know with genuine hearts to be as well! If I were you, I’d be getting my copy today for my own inspiration! See you guys tomorrow for part two of this exclusive interview!