Jeanette J. Pizarro-Harpe On Her Book Camouflaged Shame
TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN is proud to celebrate and promote authors who are impacting the lives of others both on and off the paper. We highlight and chat with remarkable authors about their books in our series, Powerhouse Authors.
We recently spoke with Jeanette J. Pizarro-Harpe a freelance multimedia artist and an award-winning author. She retired from service to her country via combined years in the US Marine Corps during Desert Storm( 1991 -1997), the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of the Interior, US Fish & Wildlife Service.
When Jeanette was 19 years old, she joined the US Marine Corps, hoping to learn to be strong, but she shares that she learned that she was stronger than she thought. In her book, Camouflaged Shame (Uncensored), Jeanette chronicles the effects of trauma on mental health, physical health, and those around her . It shares her fight to overcome trauma, break generational curses, and how she eventually found the right path to her healing.
Below is our conversation with Jeanette about her book and why she feels it is an essential read.
What do you want readers to know about Camouflaged Shame ?
My book is informational, inspirational, and is my testimony of triumph. I wanted it to provide information regarding the epidemic of sexual assault in the military. I wanted it to be inspirational because I learned to use my shame in a positive way and regained my strength, overcoming trauma and finding my peace. It definitely is a testimony to my faith in God. Once I came to the realization that He was always by my side, I was able to take back my power and grow in ways I never imagined.
What inspired you to share your story?
For many years, I suffered in silence because of the shame I felt over what I went through. I thought I was the cause of everything that happened, so I had to keep it to myself. I sought therapy and implemented prayer into my life and received clarity and a strong sense that I needed to share my story so that others would not feel alone as I did. I wanted the conversation to continue in order for there to be a light shined on the ugly truth regarding sexual assault and harassment in the military. Perhaps my telling my story will prevent at least one woman from having to experience what I did because she will be aware.
Why do you feel this book is essential, especially now?
Sadly, there have been far too many news reports about women being assaulted and even murdered because they reported being sexually assaulted or harassed in the military. As a woman who has been there, I believe God brought me through to be the strength and voice for those who cannot. Perhaps my story can be the catalyst for change and the beginning of the end of this horrible epidemic.
Who did you write this book for, and what do you want them to take away from reading it?
I wrote this book for my fellow female veterans, especially those who have experienced and camouflaged the shame of military sexual trauma (MST) but continue to fight the battle in their heads every day while manipulating the world around them. I pray they find peace, joy, and love so they will thrive in ways they never imagined. May they find their path to healing and learn to love themselves again.
This book is also for those who could not fight any longer and lost their lives because of the pain they could not bear. To all the families left behind with no understanding of their struggles, I pray you find peace. My ultimate wish is for anyone who has been affected by the nightmare of MST to find healing.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to add that it is important for any woman who has suffered any form of sexual assault or trauma in the military to know they can find healing. For me, it was important to stay firm in my faith and belief in God. Finding a therapist that was aligned with my beliefs and could provide the guidance that worked best for me, not just a cookie cutter approach, was most beneficial. Ultimately, if you are suffering or you know someone who is, take the time to pray with them, be compassionate and empathetic, and seek professional help. There is help out there, and there are amazing organizations that will provide access to your local resources and assistance. Please don’t give up. Remember, we are daughters of the Almighty, and He will be there for us. All we have to do is ask and believe.
Camouflaged Shame can be purchased on Amazon, B&N or directly from Balboa Press. Her author website is: www.jeanettepizarroharpe.com
