Ivy Christian is a wife, mother, and author. But more importantly, she is a Christ-follower and a survivor. Born in an era where children were to be seen and never heard, Ivy learned early on that she was viewed as unlovable and unwanted, except as a punching bag and a scapegoat for all things wrong real or imagined in her family. Ivys life did not begin in an environment where one might encounter abuse. Although born to an unwed, teenage mother, the first three years of her life were filled with love and laughter, patent leather shoes and frilly dresses, giggles with grandpa, time with grandma, carefree walks in the neighborhood and a feeling of joy. However, when Ivy was but three years old, life as she knew it ended. Ivys young mother decided that being saddled with a child was not for her. She brought Ivy to her brothers home where she instantly became the middle child of five. But having siblings is not all that changed. Instead of being loved and cosseted, Ivy became the brunt of cruel comments, abused in every way and made to feel inferior and inept. This abuse affected every aspect of her life not just throughout childhood but into adulthood. The emotional scars caused her to question her value, her intelligence, and her abilities. Ivys family moved multiple times throughout her life. For many people the frequent moves would have had an adverse effect, but those many moves taught her to adapt. This skill would become beneficial as an adult where moves, new job situations, and eventually travel outside the U.S. would occur. Yet, Ivy was never truly alone. In the midst of chaos, she found solace in the church services she could attend. Through singing hymns, she discovered One who loved her for who she was a bitter and broken person who believed she was unlovable and unworthy. At church, she found people who met her where she was and who began to teach her that she had value and was lovable. Yet, it was not until her adult years that she truly accepted the love of God and all that it encompassed. This love enabled her to forgive those who had caused her so much pain. Ivy is a survivor. Her journey through life has not be an easy one. Rather, she has faced being falsely accused, being taken advantage of in business transactions, and encountered significant struggles with both professional and personal relationships. But, despite the hardships there were times of joy and laughter, where others reached out to Ivy and showed her what real love and kindness meant. And, in time, Ivy learned the most powerful message of all the power of forgiveness. For, in learning to forgive those who had hurt her, she learned how to let go of the bitterness and began to heal. Today, Ivy shares the story of journey of healing. She has used her hardships and pains to help others who have been abused to heal. Like Joseph of the Old Testament, Ivy can say, You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. (Gen. 50:20 NLT)
