Celebrating Life, Standing Against Abuse

My heart is still overflowing with gratitude for everyone who showed up for All Dressed in White, bringing together my birthday celebration and the ACTS16: STOP THE ABUSE OF MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN Campaign.

Thank you for your presence, your encouragement, and your willingness to give attention to a cause that matters deeply. Sharing this occasion with you made it especially meaningful.

The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. Bringing these occasions together created space to celebrate life while affirming that every person deserves to live with dignity and safety.

Every breath is a gift

Genesis 2:7 describes God forming the man from the dust of the ground and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life.

What a powerful reminder of the sacredness of life.

Each birthday gives us an opportunity to pause and give thanks for another year of God-breathed life. We remember the people who have walked beside us, the lessons we have learned, and the grace that has sustained us.

Some years hold joyful milestones. Others carry losses, difficult decisions, and quiet battles that few people see. We can honour all that a year has held without pretending every part was easy.

Being here is worth acknowledging. Growth is worth celebrating. And sometimes, simply finding the courage to begin again is a milestone of its own.

Celebrating life calls us to value people

As we celebrated together, I was reminded that the value we place on life must also shape how we treat one another.

Every man, woman, and child has worth. No one should have to earn the right to be safe, respected, and heard.

Through ACTS16, Women of Substance SA continues to encourage conversations about abuse, support, accountability, and healing. Behind every conversation is a person whose story deserves care.

For those who have experienced abuse: what happened to you matters. You deserve to be heard and supported. Reaching out to a safe person or an appropriate support service can be an important step towards protection and healing.

For anyone causing harm: take responsibility and seek help to change your behaviour. Lasting change requires action, accountability, and a commitment to stop the harm.

Let the care continue

The campaign’s closing date gives us a moment to reflect, but our responsibility continues throughout the year.

We can listen without blaming. We can challenge harmful words and behaviour. We can help someone find support and build homes, churches, workplaces, and communities where dignity is protected.

Thank you again to everyone who shared this special occasion with me. You helped make it a celebration filled with love and purpose.

May we celebrate the gift of life by caring faithfully for the lives around us.

Father, thank You for the breath of life and for every person who shared this occasion. Bring protection to those experiencing abuse, compassionate support to those seeking help, and accountability to those causing harm. Give us wisdom and courage to respond with love and practical care. In Jesus’ name, amen.

With Love,
Terri Hannie💎

Did you know that Happy Birthday to You” was first published in 1893 in a book titled Song Stories for the Kindergarten? The song was then titled “Good Morning to All,” with the same melody we all know today—the song written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Smith Hill.