Won By Decision: From Victim to Victorious

This is the story of Charlotte, a powerful woman, a fierce warrior, and a loving single parent. I met her over thirty years ago. At the time she was thirty-eight. After I heard her fantastic story, I realized that she had lived two lifetimes compared to my single one. Charlotte is a beautiful dark-skinned woman with dazzling hazel-colored eyes adorned with luminous deep brown lashes, a pert upturned nose, full lips that easily reflects her African heritage and an affectionate smile. Although she was only 5'4, 135 pounds her personality and proud upright stance made her appear much taller. As I looked at her for the first time I wondered if she'd ever had any trouble in her life. If Charlotte had been hurt, it sure didn't show up on her face. There were no obvious signs of strife in her demeanor. But nobody gets out of here unscathed so I knew there must be something, and there was much for her to overcome. Charlotte's struggles included childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, long term chemical dependence, life changing illnesses, parenting struggles, along with her personal demons.
After listening to her story for years God placed it in my heart to lift her up and present this formidable woman to the world. Her story of healing, hope, compassion, forgiveness, honor, dignity, and recovery will inspire you to move past your brokenness into wholeness. Perhaps, you will realize that all of life's struggles are character building lessons by which you become the person you deserve to be. In this book, Charlotte demonstrates that fact through stories of survival, courage, tenacity, determination, fearlessness, and victory. Like our fierce warrior, you too, can not only survive whatever punches life throws at you; You can also thrive because of them. It is your choice! Charlotte is a champion because she decided to be.