By PAMELA ROBINSON
Register Staff Writer
It was high-time for tea Saturday at the “Afternoon Tea and Book Signing” hosted by “Amelia’s Attic” from 2-4 p.m. to benefit Abigail’s Arms.
Guest speaker Theresa Westbrook, author and founder of “Pearls Shalom Ministries,” said her book, “A Strand of Pearls,” is her personal story of how she was restored from her painful childhood experience of sexual abuse.
“The Lord has given me the confidence to speak about it openly, without shame,” said Westbrook.
Westbrook said her biological father sexually abused her continually from the age of four to the age of 14.
Westbrook said she named her book “A Strand of Pearls” because to create a pearl, the oyster must embrace that pain that eventually gives way to beauty.
“God has given the oyster the ability to protect itself,” said Westbrook, and in the process, that pain becomes a beautiful pearl.
“We can be restored, brought back to normal,” said Westbrook, “that is the pearl, that is the message.”
Westbrook said that “instead of depression, Christ has coated me with joy...instead of confusion, He has coated me with peace.”
Westbrook said she believes that counseling is good and necessary, but “only God can take you to restoration.”
Westbrook said “Christ can bring you to become a victor, to go beyond being a victim.”
“During my crisis there was no Abigail’s Arms.” said Westbrook. “I had no counseling.”
“But, now we have an Abigail’s Arms in this community,” said Westbrook. “It is a worthy cause.”
Abigail’s Arms has been busy raising money for the shelter for victims of abuse through their Capital Campaign which kicked off in April. Executive Director Aaron Davis said Abigail’s Arms has raised more that $300,000 since April.
Davis said recent benefits for Abigail’s Arms include the Gospel Concert hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ and Mary Fay Jackson, the Republican Women “Bricks for the Foundation” picnic, and today, the tea and book signing.
Abigail’s Arms Shelter Project Manager Betty Kay Schlesinger said there will be “lots more benefits and opportunities for everyone in the community to be involved in the building, in both small ways and big ways.”
Regarding the land where the shelter will be built, Davis said right now they are just keeping the land maintained.
“We can’t do anything else yet until the engineering surveys are finished,” said Schlesinger.
Davis said the surveys should be completed soon but there is not an exact date for completion.
At the end of her message, Westbrook said “if there is anyone here today I would be more than happy to speak with you, say a prayer for you. I want to make myself available to you.”
Westbrook said “if you know someone that has experienced abuse, this (”A Strand of Pearls”) is a wonderful ministry resource.
Donna Hertel, owner of “Amelia’s Attic” and “Sarah’s on the Square” hosted the benefit and provided the teas and finger foods for the benefit. Hertel’s menu included black olive and curry toast points, spicy pimento cheese on pita bread, miniature croissants with chicken salad, chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh blueberry garnish, lemon bars and fresh raspberries.
For more information about Westbrook go to her website at www.pearlsofshalom.com or E-mail her at theresa@pearlsofshalom.com.
To contact Abigail’s Arms call 940-665-2873.
Local News
Tea and Booksigning called a success
- Local News
-
-
Energetic fox trio settle in at zoo
A group of juvenile red foxes are in their new habitat and have apparently taken to their surroundings at the Frank Buck Zoo in Leonard Park.
-
Workers move ahead on interchange upgrade
Work continues on Interstate 35 frontage roads near West California Street, and officials said a closing of the nearby Star Street Bridge was expected to conclude late Tuesday.
-
Land owner fights Oncor to save centuries-old tree
A beloved Bois D’ Arc tree, estimated to be around 150 years old, has become the object of dispute between one Cooke County land owner and Oncor Corp., a regional electrical delivery company.
-
As deadline approaches, election day unclear
As the Texas primary election approaches, a muddle continues locally and statewide as to exactly when election day arrives.
-
Gainesville native fights for justice
IDABEL, Okla. — An Idabel, Okla. police officer — reeling from the death of his friend and fellow officer — is trying to beef up his state’s negligent homicide laws.
-
Gainesville woman hit by car
THACKERVILLE, OKLA. — A road collision early Sunday morning near Thackerville injured one female pedestrian, a Gainesville resident whose identification has not been released by officials.
-
GHS students take top place finishes at academic meet
Several Gainesville High School students had top place finishes at the Ryan High School academic meet on Saturday.
Sophomores Mark Clark and Alexander “Alex” Huerta lead the leap of GHS leopards competing. -
In Memory of Andy
Gainesville Middle School designated Monday as Andy’s Lakers Day, in honor of Andy Sandoval, a GMS seventh-grader, who recently died of a brain aneurysm.
-
Randy Travis arrested in Sanger
SANGER — Country singer Randy Travis was arrested Monday morning in Sanger on a charge of suspicion of public intoxication.
-
House District 68 candidates present platforms
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part report.
Texas House District 68 representative opponents stressed their intentions to mend local problems via “rural values” during Thursday’s candidate forum - More Local News Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
