LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was a childhood no one should have to endure — and for one man, the journey to overcome that trauma is nothing short of miraculous.
Now an author and motivational speaker, Gehle stood before an audience of mental health professionals to share his story of resilience and recovery.
Seth Gehle, a Lima native, returned to his hometown this week to speak at a mental health awareness symposium. Gehle grew up in a single-parent home with an abusive mother and was sexually abused by an adult male outside the home.
Now an author and motivational speaker, Gehle stood before an audience of mental health professionals to share his story of resilience and recovery. His message to those in attendance was clear: help people understand the importance of taking ownership of their lives in order to find a path to hope, healing and forgiveness.
“I eventually reported him and moved on,” Gehle said. “Joined the military. Since then — since my childhood — I've gone on to become an ultramarathon runner, jiu-jitsu athlete, combat veteran, husband, father, motivational speaker and author. So it’s been a long journey.”
Gehle has chronicled his experiences in his book, Strength Beyond the Shadows, which he shared with the symposium audience.
