The Lamplighters

We promise…

1.  To tell our story.

You can choose who you tell it to, preferably in the safety and privacy of a Lamplighter Chapter.

2. To uncover and validate the truth of family secrets.

This may take awhile but you can do it at your own speed, when you’re ready and feel comfortable. You may never be able to get at the truth of everything but just working towards finding out what you can, helps.

3. To understand and accept what has happened.

This too will take time. Working a REPAIR program will help.

4. To learn to forgive both ourselves and our perpetrators.

Most of us have adopted behavior patterns as the result of our abuse. Over the years, some have caused our guilt pile to increase. We need to let it go and realize the source that caused it. It was not our fault! Forgiving our perpetrators does not mean we approve of what they did or even understand it. They are still responsible and accountable for what they did to you. Webster says forgiveness means, “To give up resentment of or claim to requital for, to cease to feel resentment against.” Holding on to resentment and anger is bad not only for your mental health but for your spiritual, physical and emotional health as well. All this means is that you become willing to let it go and start a new life.

5. To reach out with love and support to other victims of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.

This should be easy for you to do, as once you are part of a chapter and/or working the REPAIR program, you will find yourself wanting to do it.

6. To be there for one another.

The same could be said for this one.

7. To share wisdom we have learned through REPAIR and any other resources.

The more we move forward in our healing mode, the more we will want to share with others what we are learning. Remember the old adage: “A Joy shared is a joy doubled and a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved.” In becoming a Lamplighter. we will be able to do both.

8. To appreciate and savor the joys of life on a daily basis.

Once you begin healing, you will find a new life opening up for you. You will notice things you never did before, good things. You will find that waking up to a joyful world instead of a despairing one will automatically cause you to want to savor the joys of life. This one will not only be easy, but it will be joyful as well.

9. To be a Lamplighter, an inspiration and a guiding light for all who were abused, for the rest of our lives.

That which we receive we must give back. You will find great joy in being able to help others come out of the dark and into the light.

10. To strive to be all that we ever hoped to be, regardless of what happened when we were children.

Once we begin to heal, we will find a new life, one where everything we ever wanted or wanted to be will now be, not only a possibility but a vision that we can create and then step into.