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MELANIE Breaking Chains is in memory of my daughter Melanie. Melanie blessed my life on April 14, 1969. Her life was full of ups and downs. From the age of 10 she had been afflicted with deep, dark suicidal depression and multiple addictions. Her struggle with eating disorders brought her to drugs. She had a huge heart and was very intelligent. She never complained about not knowing how to do something. She just went out and taught herself whatever it is she needed to know. Several years ago she was led to Jesus Christ. She was a born again Christian and was more than happy to teach the gospel of the Lord to others. She led her younger sister Riva and me to salvation, as well as her grandfather Samuel before he died. I watched Melanie fall hard, multiple times, and each time she brought more people to the Lord before and after her destructive behavior. Her bondage was other people's freedom. I knew she had a strong calling to do His work, and many Christians had confirmed her strong gifts of evangelism, her music ministry, a missionary for God, a pastor to save souls. During the last two years I have come to realize that not only had Melanie been chosen, but also our entire family has been anointed to do God's work. Melanie was so special and had so much to give. She also had so much turmoil in her life. But even with all her problems, she always managed to help others. On March 28, 2002 Melanie became a victim. Two days later on March 30th she became a statistic. New laws need to be passed. Her death was an indescribable loss to all who loved her, and even a greater loss for those who would have known her, had she lived to achieve her goals in the fields of Science and Medicine. A deep lover of God, Music, and Nature , she was beautiful brilliant, and irreplaceable. Melanie had a heart for everyone no matter who they were, or where they had been in their life. Because of her unconditional love for people and impartial judgement, she was vulnerable to every walking predator. Melanie's short life was a constant battle and struggle of multiple addictions, violence, physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, rape and endless deep depression. Her cries for help and safety revealed health systems that had too many if's, few call backs, and no time or insurance to assist. Melanie dreamed of a place where she could break the chains of those who had suffered as she had. A place where there would be no qualifications that would turn them away. Breaking Chains is that dream. Her dream will come true. As she watches down from Heaven I know she will be smiling. She has made such a difference in so many people's lives. Even up in heaven with the Lord, she is still making a difference and helping people. Her dream has become a reality and people will get the help they need and will not be turned away. Melanie loved music and wrote beautiful songs, she loved horses and was an avid fitness expert. She always wore a baseball hat, loved popcorn and roses. Her favorite book was "The Pokey little Puppy" when she was a child and she has always loved Winnie the Pooh. Her favorite colors were pink, purple and red. These things remind me of her. She is not just a statistic, she was a person full of heart and soul and should not be forgotten. Breaking Chains will not only make her dream come true, it will allow her memory to live on. |