What began as a deeply personal story of trauma and survival became a powerful message of hope when Reverend June Dolley-Major launched her book, Butterfly Defiled: Reclaiming My Life. Pain to Power, to Purpose, at Pinelands Library on Sunday, August 9.
The afternoon brought together words, music, inspiration and connection as she reflected on the painful journey behind her book and the purpose she has found in helping others heal.
Reclaiming her voice
“This book was never written simply to tell my story,” Major said.
“It was written because there are countless people still carrying their pain in silence, believing they are alone, that no one will understand, or that healing is impossible.”
For years, she said, her life was controlled by fear, shame, silence and injustice. Writing Butterfly Defiled became part of reclaiming what trauma had taken from her.
“Every chapter was written with honesty because I wanted readers to understand not only what happened to me, but what trauma does to a person, and yet how healing is still possible.”
Her greatest hope is that survivors will understand that what happened to them does not define them.
“Healing is not easy, it is not quick, and it is certainly not a straight road, but it is possible,” she said.
“But GOD”
Dolly describes herself as resilient, but admits there were many days when she felt anything but strong.
“Some mornings simply getting out of bed was an achievement. I learned that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is choosing to take the next step while your knees are still shaking.”
At the centre of her survival is her faith.
“But GOD. Those two words have become my testimony,” she said. “Time and time again, when I had nothing left to give, God carried me.”
She believes her experiences ultimately prepared her to help others.
“Instead of allowing bitterness to consume me, I chose to let my experiences shape the way I love, advocate and serve others.”
Walking with survivors
As a trauma-informed counsellor and motivational speaker, Major believes survivors do not need to be rescued.
“They need someone who is willing to walk alongside them. They need to be believed.”
She said her role is to create a safe space where survivors can breathe, find their voices and make their own choices.
“When someone shares their story with me, I never see them as broken. I see someone who has survived something they should never have had to endure.”
Her message to those still suffering in silence is simple: “First of all, I want you to know that I believe you.”
She reminds survivors that shame belongs to the perpetrator, never the victim, and that healing cannot be forced or placed on a timeline.
A purpose beyond pain
Major wants communities, churches and support services to become more trauma-informed and compassionate.
“Too often survivors are questioned as though they are the ones on trial,” she said, calling for greater understanding of how trauma affects memory, emotions and behaviour.
Looking ahead, she intends to continue counselling, advocacy and speaking out for those whose voices have been silenced.
“I will continue helping others reclaim their lives and discover that, with God, it is possible to move from Pain to Power, to Purpose.”
For Major, her story is no longer simply about what happened to her.
“It is about what God has done through me despite everything that happened to me.”
And her final message is one she hopes people will remember: “But GOD.”
“Those two words are the reason I am still here. They are the reason I continue to rise.”
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