Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary Transform Pain to Peace with Rosie Rivera (ep. 368)
Rosie Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. As the bestselling author of God is Your Defender, an international speaker and co-host of marriage podcast The Power of Us, Rosie uses her voice to give hope to fellow survivors of sexual abuse.
Today, Rosie shares her painful journey and how she found serenity including:
- the tragic loss of her beloved sister, internationally acclaimed singer Jenni Rivera
- the trauma of being sexually abused as a child
- finding peace in surrendering pain
This conversation will empower you to face life’s minor or most hurtful situations with courage, compassion + perseverance.
SHOW NOTES:
- As a family of eight living in a two-bed one-bath home, Rosie didn’t recognize how poverty-stricken until she was blessed later in life.
- Jenni Rivera is known as the most important female figure and top selling female artist in Regional Mexican music, and the first to sell out Los Angeles’ Staple Center.
- Robbed of her voice: At nine, and overcome with anger, Rosie confronted the family member that was being sexually abusive. At 16, Rosie refused to remain silent and took action.
- “For 18 years I battled a trauma and depression because of that sexual abuse. Once I was healed I was also set free and I wanted to share that hope with all survivors so I began speaking to anyone that would listen.”
- “One of the biggest weapons an abuser can have is our silence.” Rosie empowers her three children to know the value + beauty of their bodies and fosters strong avenues of communication.
- Healing is your responsibility: After 18 years of seeking revenge, Rosie found herself living in anger. Before surrendering the pain, Rosie stresses the importance of validating the emotions.
- After Jenni’s tragic death and the difficult aftermath, Rosie had to vulnerably share her brokenness with her new husband Abel which strengthened their respect for each other.
- When faced with adversity, Rosie has trust that God works in his own time.
- “Dream little girl dreams.”
- Get a copy of Rosie Rivera’s God is Your Defender here.
Life after trauma: Whether divorce, bankruptcy, natural disaster or anything in between — we’ve all faced trauma. Expert psychologist Dr. Laurie Nadel shares proven techniques to find healing on ep. 91.
ROSIE RIVERA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- What is the best book you’ve ever read? Other than the Bible, East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
- What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My ability to forgive quickly.
- Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A folder with all our birth certificates, pictures, drawings, USBs with everything.
- You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? I’d love to have one more conversation with my sister Jenni Rivera and ask her what emotions she had about my sexual abuse. She took care of me so well that I never realized how much it could have affected her.
- What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “You could sit there and pity yourself. Or you can get off your butt and we can do something about it.”
- What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It gets better, there is truly a lot of people that love you but begin loving yourself first.
- It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She was a bold woman of faith who loved well.
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