Faith Through the Fire: Overcoming Trauma with Resilience and Forgiveness

Some stories transcend tragedy to become powerful testaments of faith, resilience, and the human spirit. Sharon’s experience is one of these. In Part 2 of her incredible life story, Sharon Beach shares her journey through an unimaginable ordeal—her abduction in 1989—and the unwavering faith and strength that helped her survive, heal, and thrive. Her story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering valuable lessons on forgiveness, mental strength, and living fully despite the scars of the past.

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You can listen to this conversation with Sharon on our podcast, Work, Love, Pray! Listen below or click here to find your preferred listening platform.

Sharon, can you share the part of your story that arguably was your biggest lesson in resilience?

Sharon:
Absolutely, Jordan. My story isn’t something I share for sympathy or attention; I tell it to help others. In October of 1989, I was kidnapped by two men, one of whom I knew. I was held hostage for four days, during which I endured physical and sexual assault. The trauma was severe—so severe that the injuries left me battling life-threatening complications for months.

After escaping on the fourth night, I experienced severe nausea and dysentery for weeks. Doctors initially dismissed it as psychological, but by January 1990, my condition had worsened to the point that I required emergency surgery. My body was riddled with peritonitis from the injuries. The surgeon gave me a 50-50 chance of surviving, but through faith and determination, I pulled through.

What gave you the strength to endure such an unimaginable ordeal?

Sharon:
When I woke up on that first morning as a hostage, I knew it was just God and me. Back then, we didn’t have cell phones—nobody knew where I was. I began praying, asking God to guide me and, if I were to die, to make it quick and painless. I prayed for my loved ones, hoping they would find me and find peace.

But I also decided something important: while they had control over my physical body, they didn’t have my mind. I began planning my escape that very morning. I played a mental game of survival for four days. When the moment came, I seized it and escaped. I credit my faith for giving me the clarity and courage to act.

How did your recovery process unfold after escaping?

Sharon:
Recovering physically and emotionally was a long and grueling process. After the surgery that saved my life, I spent five months in the hospital. I had to take it one moment at a time—celebrating small victories like making it through the hour or day.

I was incredibly blessed with support. My sister, a teacher, had her colleagues donate their vacation days so she could be by my side 24/7. The medical team also played a critical role. My surgeon told my family my survival depended on my will to live—and I fought with everything I had.

Even as I healed, the journey was anything but easy. I faced nightmares, health setbacks, and the constant challenge of rebuilding my life. But every morning, I reminded myself that each day brought me one step closer to healing.

How did your faith help you during and after your recovery?

Sharon:
My faith was my anchor. From the moment I woke up in captivity to the years of recovery, I put everything in God’s hands. When I couldn’t walk, I prayed for the strength to take the next step. When I faced setbacks, I trusted that God had a plan.

Forgiveness was a huge turning point. About eight years after the kidnapping, I woke up one day and realized I had forgiven my perpetrators. It wasn’t something I forced—it was God working on my heart. Forgiveness didn’t mean forgetting, but it released the burden of anger and resentment, allowing me to fully heal.

What lessons have you learned from your journey?

Sharon:
One of the biggest lessons is the importance of resilience. I refused to let my perpetrators control my life. Living well became my way of reclaiming my power. Despite the physical scars and the years lost to health struggles, I’ve committed to living life to the fullest.

Another lesson is the power of community. The kindness of friends, family, and even strangers lifted me during my darkest days. I received countless cards of encouragement while in the hospital, and one of my best friends would visit daily just to bring a little joy.

Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of finding light even in the darkest times. Humor became a coping mechanism for me. When I woke up from surgery covered in drainage bags, I joked about being the real “bag lady.” Finding moments to laugh helped me and those around me keep going.

How has this experience shaped your perspective on life?

Sharon:
I’m no longer afraid of death. Coming so close to it taught me to value every moment. Today, I embrace life with enthusiasm. What I couldn’t do in my 30s and 40s due to health challenges, I’m making up for now. I’m living my best life, with gratitude for every day.

Importantly, I’ve turned my pain into purpose. Even while I was in the hospital, I found ways to encourage others. One nurse told me she came to my room for relief from the stress of her other patients. It’s incredible how even in the midst of suffering, we can bring light to others.

What message do you want to share with others who may be struggling?

Sharon:
Never underestimate the power of faith and resilience. Whatever you’re facing, trust that God has a plan for your life. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Healing is a journey, and every small victory matters.

Also, don’t be afraid to lean on others. The support of my sister, friends, and community was instrumental in my recovery. And finally, don’t let your pain define you. Instead, use it to inspire and uplift others. Turning ashes into beauty has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Sharon’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. Her journey from trauma to triumph inspires us to hold onto hope, even in the darkest times, and to find purpose in our pain. Let her story be a reminder that no matter what we face, there is light on the other side of the darkness.

Sharon Beach has a diverse background ranging from a 25-year pharmaceutical career, animal & human health, to being a founder and partner of a private equity investment company.  During her 25 years with Merck & Co, she annually received leadership awards, served on national task force committees while focusing on sales and managerial roles.  From 2018 – 2021 her business partner with McAlister Assets and she raised $165M for their private equity investment funds from an investor base consisting of institutional, family office, international investors, foundation, endowment, high net worth individuals and scholarship investment funds.  

In 2024, Sharon stepped away from McAlister Assets to focus on a couple of special projects. 

Sharon’s true love is agriculture and on her small ranch in Parker County, Texas she produces hay and raises horses.  She actively competes with her horses across the country in the National Cutting Horse Association events and is active with the governance of the association serving as a Director for 10 years and chairing the Long Range Planning and Governance Committees for 9.  She is native Texan and a proud Texas A&M Aggie.

Sharon’s hobbies include travel, hunting, snow skiing and reading.