VALDOSTA — “When Purpose Seems Like Punishment: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph” is a story of child molestation and teen pregnancy. 

Author Sabrina Smith wrote “When Purpose Seems Like Punishment” as a testament that it’s possible to overcome trials and become successful.

She was sexually molested when she was 15 years old by a church leader; an act she said her parents didn’t believe happened.

“My parents took his side over mine,” Smith said. “Come to find out later that I was not the only victim.”

The pastor faced no charges, and Smith said the Department of Family and Children Services was never contacted.

She had her first son at the age of 16. She felt she had to make a choice between furthering her education or raising her son.

She said the molestation shook her trust in the church community, and she was against her husband, James Smith, becoming a pastor.

She told him she was unable to marry him because of his call to become a pastor; however, they  were eventually married.

“I realized he wasn’t the one that sexually assaulted me … and I should not have had that stereotype at the time,” Smith said.

The couple has been married for 25 years and now has a second son.

Smith has since become a pastor and is a sergeant in the Valdosta Police Department.

She has also started a nonprofit organization, It’s All About HER which stands for healing, empowerment and restoration.

To girls who have suffered sexual assault, she tells them trustworthy people exist that will help sustain them through difficult times.

“It’s a very traumatic experience, and it takes a village to be able to help people overcome it; and you can do it so much faster when you have support (rather) than trying to do it on your own.

“Just because you go through tough times in your life, don’t let it define you. Let it ignite a passion within you for whatever your purpose is in life and go for it,” she said.

Smith holds a book signing and release 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority administration building, 1901 N. Forrest St. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.