How The Ruby Started
Hello Friends,
I get a lot of questions about the name behind The Ruby Project and my why?
In 2016 I lost my mother suddenly. My mother (like many) I too had a tragic past and as a result, a deep level of brokenness we did not recognize. Mother spent forty-two years in a physically and mentally dysfunctional and very abusive relationship.
Like myself, mom was a survivor of sexual abuse, it was unnatural to discuss these private things that went on in our home (airing our dirty laundry they would say). As a result, the abuse was minimized as "the norm".
My mother was a physically gorgeous, culturally mixed fireball. Sadly, not having "a safe home life" of her own, she repeated the learned behaviors. If you reading this now. This may sound like a familiar story? Does it?
When I left home at the age of 17, I would find that I was on a path of struggling and not understanding my brokenness, let alone recalling what happened. Odd. What brought things back?
Initially, a job in Milpitas, CA, and after I dedicated my life to Christ, love. The volatile relationship between mother I ended when my mother accepted Christ in (2006.) During that time we developed a healthier version of a mother and daughter relationship. It was at that point that I fully understood that the Word of God could transform anyone, at any time. I forgave.
When my mother passed away, my life went into a tailspin and I hit a brick wall.
After, getting the help I needed, working on my own challenges, recalling the late-night talks with my mother, learning more about her sharing her life, her walk, her story. My heart hurt for her. Mom never got help for her abuse, she was never truly free. No one came to her rescue. She just gave up and had an undefined image of love.
What could have helped her have a "better life" I wondered? I made a list.
1. She did not have the resources or knowledge of how to move forward, to elevate her position.
2. I recognized a pattern.
3. The resources, and system for economic disadvances are broken.
4. The system and resources for aging are broken.
5. The system and ministries within the modern church are broken
6. Awareness and resources in both systems are broken.
The repeatable parallels noted (and a growing list note noted above) have made it challenging and near impossible to change their narrative.
Mom pleaded that she loved this man, a man she waited for the marriage of promises, a man she had to fill the position of a father (but, as a secret abuser and pedophile) a man the groomed and used with promises of love to provide and protect her, love her and when he passed away in February 2016, he left her empty in so many ways. And a man and men I will share their names and abuse as I prayerfully move forward and advocate for changes and justice with my voice and this platform and your support.
Mother passed away on March 25, 2016, as I continue to pick up the pieces, ignite a new torch to carry forward vowing to take on the fight of my life, and to help others alike (just as mother wanted) in her last moments. Memories were unlocked with suppressed trauma (I will in no way call triggers)!
A rebirth would follow and the warrior within me would emerge to help and intercede to help a growing number of silent survivors that are coming forward. And, prevent byways of sharing Christ and the hope and joy I am finding after a long journey of pain, disappointment, and failing worldly workflows, a system and agency this is broken. Yes, in our brokenness and rejection of faith God rescued me, gave hope to my mother and can do it for you>
I dedicate this ministry,
The Ruby Project (those who were close to her called her Ruby) in loving memory of my mother Noreen (Ruby) Elizabeth Rodriguez (Robinson-Myer). A woman I grew to love again, sadly her life ended too soon.
I also dedicate this ministry to the rubies in this world, survivors of childhood abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and those in need of direction, love, and a voice to intercede for them.
"God gives us beauty from ashes."
(Isaiah 61:3)
"She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
(Proverbs 3:15 - 18)
