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Elizabeth Smart went to social media to celebrate 19 years of freedom. Kidnapped for nine months, Smart went through a horrific ordeal that gripped the nation. She shared an adorable photo of her family. In addition, she gave thanks. Moreover, she gave hope.
Here is what Elizabeth Smart said.
Elizabeth Smart Celebrates Biggest Miracle She Ever Experienced
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Elizabeth Smart shared a message of thanks, of hope, and personal happiness, on a very important anniversary.
I have always believed in Miracles but today marks the 19 year anniversary of the biggest miracle I ever experienced. I just wanted to briefly say thank you to everyone who helped rescue me. Thank you to those of you who prayed for me, searched for me, and supported me all those years ago through today. I will forever be grateful. I am happy today, and feel so lucky to have found my husband and best friend, and to be the mother to my three babies.
In addition, Elizabeth wrote about others still held in captivity.
For a while this dream felt far out of reach in fact completely unreachable. So today I want to say to those still searching you will always remain in my prayers and I refuse to lose hope that your loved ones will be found, and to those still missing don’t give up miracles happen, you deserve to be found, rescued, and to have happiness, and finally to those who are struggling along the way; no matter what point you find yourself, don’t give up. You never deserved to be hurt. You deserve to be believed, supported, loved, and happy. Everyone has a story and challenges, you are not alone. God bless all of you. 🤍
What happened to Elizabeth nearly two decades ago?
Elizabeth Smart’s Kidnapping Story
Back in June 2002, a kidnapper took Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home. Elizabeth shared a room with her younger sister, Mary Katherine, who was sleeping at the time. According to Biography, the 14-year-old was kidnapped just hours after winning school awards for both academics and physical fitness.
That night, about midnight, she heard a noise and “cold metal against her cheek.” A man was holding a knife to her neck and threatening her life if she said a word. Smart was taken by “street preacher” and polygamist, Brian David Mitchell. He took Smart to a campsite, where she was captive by Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee.
Elizabeth Smart suffered unthinkable violence. He repeatedly raped her, starved her, made her drink alcohol, take drugs, and even watch pornography.
Calling himself “Immanuel,” he had even married her in a non-traditional ceremony. Immanuel even decreed Elizabeth a “prophet,” as he tried converting her to his religious teachings. The trio traveled around Utah, as well as into California. Sometime in February 2003, Elizabeth says she had a “belief” from God that they needed to return to Salt Lake City, and they did so.
Meanwhile, a few months after the abduction, Mary Katherine had a breakthrough. It turns out she only pretended to sleep. Moreover, she recognized “Immanuel!” Her family had hired him to do some roofing work.
Back in November 2001, Elizabeth and her mother met “Immanuel” begging. They gave him a few dollars, and he asked to work for more money. This was the connection.
Finally equipped with a lead, the police discovered Immanuel’s real name. In February 2003, the story, and Brian David Mitchell’s photo was on the show, America’s Most Wanted.
In March 2003, someone recognized Elizabeth from the show, despite being veiled and in sunglasses. This was in Sandy, Utah, not far from Salt Lake City. This observant person called the police. She was rescued! March 12, 2003, is the 19-year anniversary that Elizabeth celebrated on her Instagram.
From Kidnapping Victim To Advocate
Once Elizabeth Smart returned home, she also returned to normal life. Elizabeth went to school. Afterward, she went to Brigham Young University, with a major in music. However, she remained in the public eye.
She went on Oprah, and Katie Couric interviewed her. Moreover, she became an activist. In addition, she started the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to help other victims.
In 2008, she was a co-author of the United States Department of Justice’s book, You Are Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction To Empowerment. This is the government handbook for kidnapping victims.
In addition, she is the narrator of her own Lifetime movie, I am Elizabeth Smart. She has continued producing other movies. For example, just a few weeks ago, Lifetime premiered the movie Stolen By Their Father starring Sarah Drew.
This movie tells the real-life story of Lizbeth Meredith. Her ex-husband took their two daughters to Greece. The movie depicts the two-year journey to find her daughters. In addition, Lizbeth was also a kidnapping victim when she was a young girl.
In 2009, Elizabeth met Scottish native Matthew Gilmour in Paris. The couple married in Hawaii in 2012. In addition, the couple is parents of three children. On social media, she shares very personal stories of strength, as well as photos of her beautiful family.
Do you remember the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart?