Join us in this powerful episode as we speak with Sean Wheeler, a survivor of sex trafficking who has transformed his harrowing experiences into a mission to help others. Sean shares his journey from being a victim to founding Starfish Ministries, an organization dedicated to fighting child sex trafficking and providing a voice for boys. Discover how Sean overcame unimaginable trauma, found forgiveness, and worked tirelessly to prevent others from experiencing the same fate. His story is about resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Tune in to learn the importance of facing our fears, asking for help, and using our past experiences to fuel positive change.
Five Badass Q&As
Q1: What is one thing you always tell people about forgiveness?
A1: Don't spend your life waiting for an apology that will probably never come. Holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
Q2: How did your organization, Starfish Ministries, come to be?
A2: I realized I had a story to tell and wasn't making much headway with existing organizations. So, I decided to start my foundation to fight child sex trafficking and provide a voice for boys.
Q3: What was a turning point for you in your healing journey?
A3: A counselor helped me understand that what happened to me was not my fault and that forgiveness was a way to free myself from the past.
Q4: How do you handle public speaking about such a personal and emotional topic?
A4: I often tear up when telling my story, but I see it as showing transparency. Sharing my story helps in my healing process and offers hope to others.
Q5: What is your longterm goal for Starfish Ministries?
A5: My goal is to build a facility in Colorado for people coming out of prison, offering them a comprehensive rehabilitation process to reintegrate into society.
Five Badass Quotes
1. Holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
2. A child can never consent; they can only comply.
3. You can't wait till you get past something to begin. You begin, and in the doing, the healing happens.
4. I build my foundation using the bricks that others throw at me.
5. Forgiveness doesn't let them off the hook; it lets you off the hook.
Five Badass Takeaways
1. Forgiveness is crucial for personal healing.
2. Asking for help is a decisive step towards recovery.
3. Sharing personal stories can foster connection and support.
4. Transforming trauma into a mission can bring about positive change.
5. Perseverance and resilience are vital to overcoming life's challenges.
Contact Info
Sean Wheeler's organization: http://starfishcolorado.org
Text STARFISH to 213.409.8366 to contribute
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Sean Wheeler and his story
00:01:00 Early life and initial trafficking experiences
00:09:00 Teenage years and deciding to stop being a victim
00:18:00 The process of healing and seeking help
00:29:00 Founding Starfish Ministries and its impact
00:42:00 Challenges and successes in the fight against trafficking
00:54:00 Conclusion and call to action
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