The next “Soul of a Woman” retreat has been announced, and set for August 29-30 at the beautiful Diplomat Resort in Florida!

Check out the exciting list of speakers and details by going to the “RETREAT” page (link above), or CLICK HERE!

We find ourselves created out of love or for love, slipping though the chambers or our mothers’ womb….into the birth canal…. And all of a sudden, we arrive. We don’t know exactly where we are or where we are going but certainly we need affection and love to survive. Love becomes just as important to us as our first breath of life. Love helps us to discover who we are and what our purpose is or shall be. Love gives of itself and is not puffed up. Love covers and carries us through pain and disappointments in our life. Love is an emotion imparted unto us the moment we become a living soul. Rather good, bad or ugly we long for it, we seek after it. It is a passion like no other. Love causes us to make commitments like, I will, I do, I shall. Because of this emotion called love we find ourselves being put into situations and circumstances that will hurt or even destroy us. Love affects our present, past and future. Love is an emotion; a gift given to us from God and it should never ever hurt.

The question has been asked time and time again – “Why is it that some people would rather stay in unpleasant situations rather than welcome change”? Perhaps their inability to see beyond their own situation or circumstances keeps them from seeking or striving for more. Believing that they are powerless to change their condition, they settle in their own personal hell and continue their daily routine as if all is well. They continue walking down a road which leads to more pain and hurts. From the Soul of a Woman, Love Shouldn’t Hurt is a story about a mother’s unflinching faith that there had to be a better life for her and her children. It’s a story about strength and determination and a soul yearning to be free.  

Valorie Parker is not the first woman to leave an abusive situation. Millions of women live silently for years being physically, emotionally and mentally abused, creatively hiding their bruises and scars from family members and friends. She represents thousands of women, some of which have been killed, maimed, and mentally scarred for the rest of their lives. Valorie, felt immune from the domestic violence that so many women had reported, because she felt safe being married to a minister. She was devastated the first time she was slapped by her husband, in the face in front of a couple from the church. She struggled and prayed for years, hoping that God would change his heart and restore him to be the man she felt he could be. As a preacher’s wife and a mother, Valorie was expected to handle all of life’s trials and tribulations with a smiling face, strong faith in God, and hope that someday a change would come, freeing her. 

After 19 years, she grabbed up her children and decided to start a new life. There was no guarantee that the decision she made was for the better. Moving into the garage of a friend, there was no assurance that she and her children would be able to survive without the stress and strain of a single mother making it on her own with four children, to feed, clothe and protect them. But she knew, “going back” was not an option.  

This story is about how you too can make a way, when the way out, is frightening, and unpredictable. This story is your story, it’s my story. It’s a story that demonstrates that all of us are far more resilient and resourceful than we give ourselves credit to be. 

L.C. Robinson said “Things may happen to you and things may happen around you, but the only things that matter are the things that happen in you.” Deep down in the soul of Valorie, there was a made-up mind — she said to herself, “I’ve had it, something has got to change.” We’ve all been there. When there appears to be no clear answer, Valorie says, it’s up to us to look quietly within, pray and commune with God, have faith and start taking action. The doubts, the fear, the pain of non-believers will tell us, “hang in there, things are going to get better. But we must learn to listen to the still small voice within that says “love shouldn’t hurt.” It’s time to move on.

Love affects our present, past and future. Love is an emotion; a gift given to us from God and it should never hurt.  

From the Soul of a Woman, Love Shouldn’t Hurt is a book about a minister’s wife who raises her four children in the midst of a nineteen year abusive marriage. Re-live her heartache and triumphs and experience her marvelous breakthroughs as she becomes a successful business woman. This book will empower and inspire you to go forward in spite of the many obstacles life presents.

Valorie Nelson Parker is the President and CEO of Arise By VNP and Associates, a public relations company and speakers’ bureau. She represents some of the top professional speakers in the country.  Valorie is driven to touch and impact the lives of millions of people, and has a passion and purpose to uplift their wounded hearts. Valorie the oldest girl of her parents, was born in South Carolina, raised in New York and settled in

Florida. She is the mother of four lovely children.  Valorie knows, from her personal experience, that despite the situation God is always in the midst working it out for her good. Now, she shares her compelling message with audiences across the world.
 COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK“Here is a heartbreaking tale of abuse with a remarkable recovery and twist of victory; this is a must read for all that think life is over! Love Ya Valorie.” Julia E.Brown - JEBA Media Group, Inc. “This book is unique to all of those who will read it.  Even though this is Valorie’s story, it can be multiplied around the world and identified with by many women who still suffer in silence.  I recommend that you not only obtain a copy of this book for yourself, but for other women and men, you know, who are taking this same journey.  It is not only good writing, but it is therapeutic.  Your life will only be better after you experience the reading of this book. “ Dr. Charles Phillips, Pastor and Author

This story had to be told to inspire those individuals who think that there is no end to an abusive relationship. Valorie, you have proven that there is an end, and life can be wonderful. Love Ya, Pamelia Evans, Entrepreneur and Business Woman