Those are some powerful kick-in-the-pants kind of words from any mom. But to know what Elizabeth Smart went through, and to know the extent of trauma she endured, not only does it take a strong teenage girl to hear something like that, but it takes one STRONG mama to speak that kind of truth into your hurting child’s life.
Finding TRUE Freedom
When the final day of trial for her captors came along, Smart realized she had, in fact, taken her mom’s advice when the sheer sight of Brian Mitchell did not make her fearful, or anxious.
“He had no power over me anymore,” Smart says. “And I remember how empowering that felt to me.”
That empowerment radiated the courtroom that morning, as one of her captors was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Smart says she’s realized that forgiveness is not for the other person, but for yourself.
“Bad things do happen, but that doesn’t mean they need to define us or destroy our life.” She continues, “what defines you is how you react, and the decisions you make.”
In choosing joy, and finding happiness after trauma, Smart has gone on to get married, to have a family, and to be a powerful advocate for all victims.
Her voice has not been silenced by the evil that was done to her. And even in the wake of trial and discomfort, Smart chooses happiness and advocacy over shame and self-deprecation.
