122. Angela Williams: A Voice for Those Who Cannot Speak Warriors Unmasked

Trigger warning: In this episode, our guest shares her journey with abuse and suicide. Ifyou or someone you love has recently experienced the tragic loss to suicide, please feel freeto skip this episode during your healing process. We have 100+ other powerfulconversations to enjoy at www.warriorsunmasked.com
Welcome back to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today we go from the depths of despair to a beacon of hope, as we unpack the inspiring journey of Angela Williams. Angela's story commences with the challenges of being raised by a single mother after her biological father decided he didn't want children. The emotional scars left by such abandonment were only the beginning of the challenges Angela would face.
Angela recounts the feeling of not being wanted, which was instilled in her from a very young age when her father left her mother during her pregnancy. The pain deepened when she was told that her father, after holding her for a brief moment, decided he wanted nothing to do with her. Growing up in the 1960s, single motherhood was frowned upon, prompting her mother to quickly remarry a man she had met only two weeks prior. Little did they know, this man would bring unimaginable pain and trauma into their lives as Angela suffered rape and sexual abuse for years.
During her formative years, Angela often felt different from her peers. Despite her circumstances, she found solace in music, reading, and her vivid imagination. This coping mechanism allowed her to escape from her grim reality, if only for a moment. But as she grew older, the intensity of the abuse only worsened. The consistent trauma took a toll on Angela's mental well-being, culminating in a heart-wrenching suicide attempt. Yet, against all odds, she survived.
In the aftermath of that dark episode, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a high school friend. This friend's father was a powerful attorney, who recognized the gravity of her situation and helped emancipate her. With newfound freedom, Angela embarked on a mission to heal and subsequently to help others.
Angela, now a passionate crusader for change, has dedicated years to raising awareness, prevention, and healing through her advocacy work. Her impactful voice has reached national and international platforms, contributing to legislative reform and national policy work. Angela's Voice, her organization, continues to provide healing and prevention programs.
Angela's narrative is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. If this inspiring story resonates with you, hit play now to hear our full conversation!


GUEST LINKS:
Angela’s Voice: https://www.angelasvoice.com/ 
Angela’s Resources: http://www.angelasvoice.com/resources 
Social Media: @‌angelasvoice 
 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
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www.thecompassionateconnection.com
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Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + messages from our sponsors 
03:10 Welcome to special guest Angela Williams, mental health advocate and suicide survivor 
04:05 Angela shares her background and more about her story 
04:46 Angela’s father left when she was born and immediately was brought up feeling not wanted 
06:22 Angela opens up about living in extreme abuse from a young age through her step father 
10:08 The challenge Angela faced with having close relationships growing up 
11:02 Angela talks about finally snapping in highschool and attempting suicide to escape the pain 
13:32 After several attempts to take her life, Angela was met by the presence of God 
13:50 Angela’s turning point and emancipation 
18:05 The harsh reality of abused children in our world and how we can make an impact 
20:33 Angela encourages people to stand up and help those