Speak Your Silence

For my final project, my professor asked us to pick an organization and make it our own ministry. I picked SPEAK YOUR SILENCE. Why? “The stitch saved my life.”

This is the mock-up story (short version):

39,000,000: The estimated number of Americans who were sexually abused as kids.

It’s a mainstream tragedy and is at the root of so many of our society’s greatest problems. Yet, we don’t talk about it because it’s so weighted with guilt, fear, and shame. Until this change, the statistics will remain.

I want to this to became a ministry. The purpose of this ministry is to fight the stigma on child sexual abuse. We want individuals to speak their silence that lead them to healing. The story of the Samaritan women on the well is the embedded story of this ministry that there are times when we need to speak out. Jesus went to her and talked to her about her abusive past. Jesus told her about the living water, and therefore, the woman started talking about it. Speak Your Silence is a symbol to show victims and families that we love, appreciate, value, support, and serve them.

Our Verse: “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Our Purpose: To love, appreciate, support, values, and serve people

Our Mission: To conquer the stigma of child sexual abuse. We accomplish this via The Stitch.

About Us

We were founded in the 2012 by Matt Pipkin who was sexually abused at age 6, who kept it secret for twenty years, and whose life was changed a few years back when he shared his story, sought counseling, and realized his worth.

Matt’s counselor changed his life. Therefore, we make in-person, one-on-one counseling accessible for those personally affected by child sexual abuse anywhere in the US, regardless of financial means. To date, approximately 125 individuals in over thirty states have received counseling through our program.

My Final Words

Overall, we want to make sure that our vision is being met day by day. It is a sensitive issue to encounter. There are people that shun the topic of sexual abuse, it breaks our heart. However, there are people that are inspired because of our ministry for tackling such issues. It has supported many individuals seeking counseling and therapy. Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” We hope we are making a difference.

Personally, I was also a victim of child sexual abuse. I was three years old when my neighbor took my innocence away. Then, again, by an old teenager forced me to do traumatizing things. I carried this pain and trauma all my life until I was twenty-seven years old. When I was growing up, I acted out the trauma by being mean to others. I would spit on my classmates. When it rains, I would push them so they would get wet. I even tried to drown my neighbor. I would also streak in our classroom if my teacher is not around. However, the acting up stopped when I became a teenager. I became very emotional, attached, and clingy to people. I wanted attention, I wanted to be loved, I wanted to trust people but somehow I am scared that they will abandon me. I have lost so many friends because I pushed them away. I have broken so many relationships including close friends. I have burned so many bridges. Then, depression occurs at the age of seventeen. I tried to hide my depression until I could no longer bear the darkness, I wanted to end my life. I was twenty-seven years old, when I hit rock bottom. My soul felt so dark and empty, yet filled with hatred and sorrow. I was hopeless. I just want to end the suffering.

I found Speak Your Silence when I was searching online for an essay topic. Matt’s story gave me hope. I seek counsel, I went months into therapy to learn coping techniques. But, it wasn’t that easy. It took me three years to completely adjust back into normality. And even today, sometimes, some days, I still get that lingering feeling of darkness. Maybe, it will always be there. Not to eat me alive, but to remind myself what I have overcome. That is why, The STITCH is important to me. And yes, this maybe a mock-up ministry but I would love to make it into reality.

So, if you really want to support the real organization. Check The real SPEAK YOUR SILENCE. Like them on social media. Get a Stitch, wear it, and let me know.

Remember, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”