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“I ask all Americans to do their part to end domestic violence in this country…”—President Barack Obama, A Proclamation to commemorate October as “National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
What seemed to be love almost killed her.
More than 25 years ago, Linda Foster managed to survive the throes of domestic violence and is now determined to help others escape before it’s too late.
In her first novel, “Struggling for Love and Life,” published by universe, Foster describes a relationship that “was never meant to be.” Although the names and places are changed in the fictional account, the horrifying details are not.
Her triumph through God’s grace was the topic of discussion at an inaugural book signing Oct. 10 at the McKeesport Heritage Center. The event coincided with “National Domestic Violence Awareness Month “ observed each October, to recognize the victims, survivors and social service workers who know all too well the devastation and despair associated with sexual, psychological and physical abuse between intimate partners.
According to a recent national survey, nearly 1.3 million women are victimized each year from such abuse.
In October 1987, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence initiated the first monthly observance. In the same year, the national domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) was established. Two years later, in 1989, Congress enacted legislation designating national recognition of this month.
“It was a hard story to tell, yet I believe that God has directed me to share my testimony to help others.”
Foster is a licensed missionary of Trinity Church of God in Christ, McKeesport. Her ministry touches the lives of many, including her monthly soup kitchen that provides food for the body, soul and spirit, along with her youth outreach. Foster is the mother of three and grandmother of six.
(“Struggling for Love and Life” is available online from Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Iuniverse—www.iuniverse.com.)
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Dear Linda;
From my perspective, your book "Struggling for love and life" is very interesting and flows with Frightening, Fearful and emotional moments of events a young person should never ever have to experience in a man and woman relationship, especially during early adult stages. In all your situations of frightening concerns, you handled yourself with remarkable degrees of skills and courage rarely experienced by adults of any age. Your calculated bravery stood up in each instant of personal danger. At the end, your fears gracefully lit your life’s candles so brightly; the candle light successfully blinded and destroyed the wicket. Finally, you handled yourself very well while unknowingly displaying skills that were clear examples of my father's prayers, as he placed us beneath the umbrella we know as a ‘family of GOD’. Your father James Foster, my sister Margaret Greene and brother Van Sr. can explain this phenomenon, only better.
Love U;
Uncle John W. Jones