Today we’d like to introduce you to Fire-Brown Gadsden.
Fire-Brown, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I spent most of my childhood and adolescence coping with the disturbing impact it had on my life. Although there was a sense of a loss of innocence, freedom to be, my power and self-expression, I was not at the maturity to voice this. Yet, I knew something was not right (or “I was not right”).
Like most survivors, I lived a regular outwardly productive life; college, career on Wall St, A happy marriage, kids and many close friends.
In 2006, I had an experience that “triggered”, memories, nightmare and flashbacks of my molestation and abuse. I spent the next 3 1/2 years with depression, agoraphobia, anxiety, afraid of living and drunk n the couch.
In 2009, at my lowest brokest point, I finally sought outside help in the form of in-patient hospitalization, a wonderful therapist and I blogged. I also kept a journal that I later titled, “Journal of a Suicide Failed”.
In February 2010, I became the Founding Facilitator of “ASCA-Atlanta”, a weekly self-help support group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse. I have worked through the 21-Steps and various impact relevant topics with more than 343+ Adult Survivors, to success and thriving healed.
Now I travel around doing Public Speaking; including a TEDxGreenvlle TedTalk, and a StoryCorps Atlanta, audio interview.
I got here because of my passion to spread the awareness. The awareness to survivors everywhere that Healing & Thriving in life IS possible. I have lost family members because I am telling and sharing My Truth. It’s a sacrifice I am willing to take.
I am embraced, loved and supported by my compassionate tribe of friends, my wife & children.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Repressing my emotional memories was not a conscious effort on my part. The brain chooses the appropriate time for memories to come forward; it’s when you’re prepared and ready. Yet, I was aware that I was masquerading and living in hiding. It was a sense of guilt and shame. And I had shared my story when I was young, 13. And I was immediately told, “Girl, Don’t you go ‘round telling folks stuff like this.
You keep that to yourself”.
That’s the history and cycle. We sweep childhood abuse – especially sexual abuse, hidden under the carpet.
The hardest part of healing is feeling isolated and alone AND the not being believed.
My advice, if I may, is to let all people; especially women, to own and share your truth. Healing happens when the story is told and the conversations start.
If you are a survivor or have had trauma or pain in your young life, Know this: A victim or a child is never at fault, to be blamed, nor is guilty. You did nothing wrong. Courage is being unstoppable in the Face of Fear.
What should we know about ASCA-Atlanta (a weekly self-help support group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At the ASCA-Atlanta support group we have six other “handpicked by me” Facilitators that lead a supportive format 90-minute meeting every Sunday. It’s a rewarding sacrifice. We are all Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and very trained, compassionate and dedicated to healing & thriving. Often we’re acknowledged for our meetings being “Zen-like” , comfortable (must be the huge overstuffed couches and pillows), and welcoming. Most survivors begin to feel like we are family and become close friends. That’s pretty cool since I have joined groups that were not as inclusive and bonding.
The work lasts throughout the week; as we have a weekly “telephone support list’ whereas we can call each other for support or to offer each other support. We have a policy of “No Cross-Talk is Allowed”, during the meetings. SO some Survivors arrive early or stay after the meetings to chat. But some like to call.
Every Survivor that I speak with on the phone always feel well cared for. I think I am best known for my space for clarity, listening well, being present, no judgment and finding the freedom & power of Survivors. My intention is to comfort, yet empower.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Outreach programs, Missions, Retreats, Symposiums and Support Groups have some things in common. Somebody, YOU, started off with just a notion and a passion to get something done and get it out there.
When I first started ASCA-Atlanta, I was agoraphobic; a fear of leaving my home or to go outside and around others. It took me four tries to travel from Forsyth County to Midtown Atlanta to find a centralized location for the support group’s meetings. I did it, though.
The first six meetings had the following participants: 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, then 2.
It was not what I expected. But all I did so far, was set-up a MeetUp Page and the group.
Then I contacted AA/NA meetings, Psychologist, Mental Health Clinics, and DFCS Social Workers and Churches. I started posting about it on my social media —- and the meetings grew in size.
We have been having these meetings for 10 Years in February 2020.
It took getting Organized, Resourceful, Focused & Passionate; most of all, asking for help. Some solutions come from the least likely persons and places. Once I was just talking to the Cashier at a market, and the person behind me in line — became my biggest advocate and resource. A “closed mouth, never gets fed”.
Pricing:
- ASCA-Atlanta weekly meetings are always FREE.
- We accept contributions to pay for space, media websites, and printing.
- Contact Me Via email or phone to find other ways to support us: 678-780-8745 ; MsFireBrown@Gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MEETup.com/ASCA-Atlanta
- Phone: 678-780-8745
- Email: MsFireBrown@Gmail.com
- Other: www.ComeFromFire.Me
Image Credit:
Yellow Blouse – Ach’sah Taziwa
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