Changing The World with Tears of Hope
Sharing the 12-Year-Old Girl’s Message of Faith and Hope with Humanity
By: Dennis Pitocco
Guided by Divine Light: A Profound Journey of Faith, Hope, and Purpose
“Light instead of succumbing to the darkness. Without faith and hope, we risk being consumed by despair.”
–Dr. Aimmee Kodachian, h.c.
As CEO/ReImaginator for 360° Nation and Chief Encouragement Officer of our affiliated pro bono social impact enterprise, GoodWorks 360° Foundation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Dr. Aimmee Kodachian, h.c., Founder of the TEARS OF HOPE MOVEMENT, committed to bringing light to the darkest corners of humanity—advocating for children who endure the unspeakable hardships of war, as well as those facing abuse, bullying, and the silent pain of dyslexia. Learn more as you enjoy my recent interview with Aimmee.
We’d like to hear your story BEFORE launching the Tears of Hope Movement.
My father once told me, “We only see through the dark part of our eye. Sometimes, we must go through darkness to see the light.”
Before the Tears of Hope Movement came to life, I was a young girl navigating impossible odds. My journey was shaped by unshakable faith, and a divine encounter illuminated my path through life’s darkest moments. As I share my story, I hope it helps the readers connect with the light within them—a source of strength that guided me through immense challenges, including abuse, bullying, and severe dyslexia.
I grew up during the Lebanese Civil War, but my struggles began earlier. At age seven, I endured abuse from my brother Elie and suffered from severe dyslexia. Teachers called me lazy, classmates bullied me, and I was repeatedly held back, leaving me isolated.
At 12, the war began. One day, I was sitting with my brother Robert, sharing my struggles. He promised to help me become a teacher and support children like me. Moments later, a bomb struck, killing Robert before my eyes. My world shattered.
My father comforted me, pointing to the pupil of his eye and offering wisdom that became my anchor. We soon became homeless. I was alone with my six-year-old brother Roger in the mountains—no food, water, or safety. In total despair, I cried out to the only force I believed was stronger than the darkness—God. In surrender, a divine light enveloped me, filling me with calm and reminding me that hope exists, even in darkness.
That sacred experience revealed the difference between our daily and ” SOUL ” purposes. It became my guiding light through 13 years of war. I would not have survived without unwavering faith in God.
Eventually, I reunited with my family, but we had no home. We slept on cardboard until we found a small one-bedroom apartment. The day I lost Robert was also the day I lost my mother emotionally. At just 14, she urged me to marry for a better life. Three days after my birthday, I walked down the aisle, only to face rejection for my lack of education and financial hardship.
Faith sustained me. At 15, I gave birth to my daughter. At 16, I lost my newborn son due to a lack of care during pregnancy. I became a single mother, raising my daughter in a society that judged me harshly. I had survived war and loss and escaped death three times. Eventually, I came to the U.S. with less than $200, no English, and my 10-year-old daughter. Many said I’d never make it. But I followed God’s light and pressed forward.
Despite countless hardships, I was guided by the divine, taking one step at a time. I became an entrepreneur and wrote my book, “Tears of Hope: My Miraculous Journey of Faith, Courage, and Survival.” My testimony became the foundation of my message. Though painful to share, I felt called to speak for children who suffered as I did—through war, abuse, bullying, and learning challenges.
I also hope my journey helps adults understand the power of surrender. When we surrender to faith, we grow stronger. That inner healing helps us see children’s pain with deeper compassion.
Although I knew I couldn’t stop war or prevent the mistreatment of God’s precious and innocent children, I came to realize that I now live in one of the greatest countries in the world—a place where I’ve been allowed to make a difference.
With that awareness, I wrote my book, Tears Of Hope: My Miraculous Journey and Faith, Courage, and Survival, and I built a platform designed to raise global consciousness and promote peace through education, inspiration, and transformational programs. This platform includes a TV show, an online academy, and Empowering Humanity Magazine™, where some of the world’s top experts share their knowledge, wisdom, and life-changing insights to create a more peaceful and compassionate world.
God guided me to deliver the 12-year-old girl’s message to humanity from this mission. I produced and directed the Tears of Hope Anthem, performed by over 70 musicians, composed by Rey Fernandez Jr., sung by Stephanie Thompson, and accompanied by a beautiful children’s choir.
After completing that project, the Tears of Hope Movement was born—rooted in my journey, God’s guidance, and the strength of children whose voices must be heard.
To read Dennis’s full insightful article, click the link below to get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ now!
