Introduction to My Professional Journey as a CPA
First, I would like to introduce myself. I am a certified professional accountant. I have recently retired. Prior to my retirement, I worked in the accounting profession for forty-one years. At the age of 31 I left my job with an accounting firm and “hung out my own shingle” as a sole proprietor CPA.
Opportunities and Appointments in My Career
In my professional career I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to join corporate boards. My work on those boards gave me the opportunity to meet many influential people in Mississippi. One of those opportunities happened in 2008 when Governor Haley Barbour called me to ask if I would accept a ten-year appointment to the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning Board as a Trustee. This was a very prestigious appointment, although I didn’t realize it at that time. I had not been “plugged in” to the higher education world other than my four years attending college.
From Personal Experience to Public Speaking
It was that experience that led me to ultimately write my book “Courage”. Dr. Mark Keenum, the President of Mississippi State University, who became a friend and mentor, learned about my previous experience with an abusive husband. He began encouraging me to share my story with others. He also asked me if I would come to his University and give a speech on my experiences and the subject of abuse. Most CPAs, like myself, are not equipped to give public speeches. CPAs are generally more comfortable behind the scenes….not out front on a stage. Dr. Keenum, however, continued to encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and reconsider the idea of giving a speech at his University to share my story.
After some continued encouragement, I reluctantly agreed. I was so nervous when the night came for my first speech. My husband came backstage and told me that there was a little bigger crowd than we had expected. He, however, said a prayer with me and encouraged me by saying that he knew I could do this and he assured me that he would be in the front row supporting me the entire time. As nerve wracking as that experience was, it went better than expected and soon the other state universities were requesting the same experience.
After each speech there were many women (and some men) waiting in line to talk to me. I couldn’t spend much time with each one because I needed to talk to them all. This hurt my heart and I knew I needed to share more…much more with those who had, and were, suffering from abuse. Although I am not an author by profession, I knew that I needed to put my story on paper so that others could learn from my mistakes. I also knew that my “reach” could go much farther with a book.
Key Takeaways from My Book on Abuse
There are several things that I hope readers can learn from my book. First, I want them to understand the definition of abuse. I also want them to understand the types of abuse…..psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. I also want readers to know that there is a way out and that happiness can be found when they break free from an abusive relationship. The last page of the book lists resources for those who are dealing, or have dealt with abuse.
Commitment to Empowerment and Love
My goals for this book are simple. I purchase them 100 at a time on Amazon. For many years I attended meetings at the local shelter, shared my story with the women, gave them all a book and encouraged them to get healthy, happy and encouraged them to never go back to an abusive relationship.
My sweet husband and I have given away over 1,000 books and we will continue to do that as long as we live. I married my husband, Brent, in 2006. That story is Chapter 8…the love chapter. We have been married eighteen years and he is more precious to me every day. As a little girl I always wanted the “fairy tale” kind of love, and I finally got it…
My prayers always include that wish for everyone else. What a wonderful world it would be…..
You can grab a copy of the book “Courage” available on Amazon.
