"The World As It Should Be"

We settle for the world as it is...

...is what Michelle Obama said tonight, reflecting on what our future President once told her.

And that is exactly what many victims of domestic violence do...we just settle. We settle because we are tired of fighting.

How long must the fight go on? When do we get to move forward? We can't continue to devote our energy toward the fight, so we stop fighting so that we can "live."

I am speaking for those still in violent relationships. They see no end to the abuse, or they can't tell that the grass is greener on the other side, so they just stay...to keep the "peace."

And I speak for those who have gotten out and have found out that the abuse continues on this other side of the fence. You feel powerless against the system--because, who represents you? Who is for you? Who fights for your cause and for your best interests?

We know what "the world as it should be" looks like. We dream about it. And we keep fighting for it for our children. If we can't live in it, we drag ourselves on, based on the thought that it may be different for our children, or for other women and children.

Michelle Obama's speech was very powerful and empowering. I am overwhelmed by my emotions but it has come at the right time.