Finding Angela Shelton
We’ve talked about people who share the the same name and this reminded me of a book about a woman who takes on a journey to find other women with the same name. The book, Finding Angela Shelton, is about Angela Shelton who describes how she changed her last name to Shelton (not because of marriage but because of her own choice) and through this process became intrigued by other women with the same name. What were they like? What experiences had they had? Angela looked them up and found several of them scattered across the country. And she called them. There was a common bond among these women with the same name, and she wanted to learn more. The book is about her journey to find these women, and how along the way she discovers something more.
At least 70% of women she talked to had been victims of rape, childhood sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Angela Shelton had herself suffered molestation and it is apparent that her journey to find other Angela Sheltons and learning that many of them had endured similar abuses was one of healing. Angela says that her journey taught her “about the power of the human spirit, no matter what your name is.”
However, I believe there is power behind the name. In The Secret Universe of Names author Roy Feinson credits people with the name Angela as having personalities that can be linked to those of angels, “mysterious and ethereal, but also slightly dangerous.” I imagine it was this dangerous side of Angela Shelton that sought to find resolution to her past in the manner that she did. In fact, for most of her life Angela kept quiet about the abuse she suffered as a child. This book and movie (she filmed her nation-wide trek) provided her the opportunity to break that silence. During the years of silence she handled the pain with self-abuse and addictions. The book shares how she got “off the trauma train and onto the Joy Jet!”
Her connection with these women who shared her name was life transforming. She states on her site, “I am so proud to be an Angela Shelton.”
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Wow, how interesting to connect with people who share your same name! And it’s so startling that she discovered the majority of Angela Sheltons had suffered abuse. I can imagine that was a very defining moment for her to know that she now had an unbreakable bond with the other Angela’s, one steeped in shared history. Very interesting! =)
Mindy
http://www.thesuburbanlife.com
I think her goal in sharing about other women with the same name was to point out how many women have been abused at some point in their lives. It truly is a moving book. I highly recommend it.
Marly
That is such a unique and life-affirming adventure to take. Also a sad commentary on a sisterhood of abuse. Angela’s journey is only beginning as she builds her Army Of Angels to expand awareness and fight for change. She has paved a road for others to follow and I hope her message can reach every victim who needs to hear they are not alone and they do not have to be silent. This is a major cause that needs more Angela Sheltons to find their voices.
I agree. It’s very concerning to realize how many females are subjected to abuse and violence. Not just in this country, but around the world. I think Angela was very brave to find her voice and talk about what happened to her. I hope it paves the way for others to do the same. Thanks for coming to the site and sharing!
Marly
I just watched the documentary and read the book this weekend. Amazing story!
I like to go by the name of Dancing B*a*g (believe act go) Lady these days. Yes is sets you down an amazing journey when you connect with who you were born to be and attached the name to go with it.
Hello Dancing B*a*g* Lady! I love the name! Can I call you DBL for short? Or Bag? I went to your site and found it inspiring! I agree with you – connecting with your authentic purpose and the name that goes with it is a wonderful combination! My best to you, Marly
[...] described some of these in previous posts: Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver, Elvis Costello, Angela Shelton, and Liv Tyler to name a few. Most of these name changes have resulted in the individuals living [...]