Sarah Freed has captured within her poetry the essence of a damaged soul on its journey to repair and transformation. The corrosive impact of abuse and the regeneration of the soul through the development of self-compassion and healing is depicted beautifully and simply. This is a book for anyone struggling to come to terms with their own abuse or for loved ones, friends or those working with survivors of abuse. It offers hope and a way forward for a more fulfilling, enriched life.
For teenagers who have experienced any kind of abuse or abandonment, it can often feel like hope is lost and they’re doomed to stay stuck in unhealthy habits and patterns. This teenage edition of Mending the Soul was written to show teens that by following a path of restoration and allowing God’s grace to touch their heart’s deepest wounds, they will find hope and healing as they work through their pain. It will help them navigate the emotional trauma of abuse and abandonment, as well as recognize signs of unhealthy families and dating relationships. Armed with a better understanding of their past and how the effects of abuse can lead to risky behaviors, shame, trauma and isolation—teens will be encouraged to face their brokenness, to heal and forgive and to look toward their hope-filled future.A practical resource for teens, Mending the Soul, Student Edition also offers insight into the struggles parents and ministry leaders face when working with teenage victims of abuse.
This book provides a well-researched biblical and scientific overview of abuse. A broad overview, it deals with the various types of abuse, the various effects of abuse, and the means of healing. Abuse can be sexual, physical, neglect, spiritual, and verbal. The chief arguments pursued throughout the book are: (1) abuse is far more rampant than most Christians realize, but due to human depravity and satanic influence, widespread abuse is predicable. (2) All types of abuse create profound, long-term soul damage due to the way abuse perverts various aspects of the image of God. (3) God is the healing redeemer. Human salvation came through horrible physical abuse. (4) Healing must take place in the context of relationships. Humans are deeply impacted by others due to being made in the image of God. Just as surely as abusive relationships have tremendous power to wound the soul, so healthy relationships have tremendous power to nurture and heal the soul. Questions answered in the book include: - How can a genuine believer abuse a child? - Why would someone abuse a child? - How can parents and childrens’ workers identify abusers? - How can abuse victims heal? - What does genuine healing look like? - Is anger appropriate or hurtful for abuse victims? - Where does forgiveness fit in? Helpful sample child protection policy, application, screening interview, and warning signs of potential abusers equip ministry leaders. Illustrations, case studies, and art therapy drawings.
This book provides a well-researched biblical and scientific overview of abuse. A broad overview, it deals with the various types of abuse, the various effects of abuse, and the means of healing. Abuse can be sexual, physical, neglect, spiritual, and verbal. The chief arguments pursued throughout the book are: (1) abuse is far more rampant than most Christians realize, but due to human depravity and satanic influence, widespread abuse is predicable. (2) All types of abuse create profound, long-term soul damage due to the way abuse perverts various aspects of the image of God. (3) God is the healing redeemer. Human salvation came through horrible physical abuse. (4) Healing must take place in the context of relationships. Humans are deeply impacted by others due to being made in the image of God. Just as surely as abusive relationships have tremendous power to wound the soul, so healthy relationships have tremendous power to nurture and heal the soul. Questions answered in the book include: How can a genuine believer abuse a child? Why would someone abuse a child? How can parents and children's workers identify abusers? How can abuse victims heal? What does genuine healing look like? Is anger appropriate or hurtful for abuse victims? Where does forgiveness fit in? This second edition has been updated to reflect research conducted and published in the past 15 years on abuse and trauma. It accounts for the significant social changes and increased mental health struggles in our culture, including dramatic escalation in rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and isolation, which exacerbate the effects of abuse and complicate the healing process. Based on their now-extensive trauma care experience, this new edition helps readers how to minister to new domestic and global victims such as sex trafficking survivors, foster children, refugees, and survivors of genocide. Examples and illustrations are updated with more recent ones from high-profile abuse cases and the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. The appendixes include lists of helpful resources for child protection policies, worker/parent child abuse education, warning signs of potential abusers, and general abuse resources (books, internet sites, and organizations) to equip ministry leaders are provided in appendices. Illustrations, case studies, and art therapy drawings.
God's love is steadfast for survivors who chose to leave an abusive marriage but still suffer the aftershocks When someone leaves an abusive marriage, life isn't instantly fixed. Women who have experienced domestic violence feel shattered. Because of the trauma they've been through, a bond with their abuser has formed that keeps them tied together long after they've physically left. Karen DeArmond Gardner understands these difficulties all too well. She tackled all the same struggles when she left her own abusive marriage. And she intimately knows what women in this situation need in order to gain freedom from the lies of abuse-to be reborn as the people God longs for them to be. Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse isn't a how-to book with a few easy steps. Instead, it's a biblically based map for a long journey to healing. By recounting her own history--as well as the faithfulness of God when she was willing to follow His direction--Karen helps readers: discover there is life beyond abuse recognize God's relentless pursuit of their heart gain courage to release the trauma of their past regain life, hope, and wholeness in Jesus's healing love Gardner's inside perspective, strong voice, and incredible, vulnerable story of deliverance from the bonds of abuse allow readers to find themselves in her words and feel heard at last. She puts hope back in their hands, with the assurance that God loves them deeply and wants them to know they aren't defined by their trauma, their past, or their brokenness.
Mending the Soul Workbook for Men and Women, 2nd edition, incorporates subtle but important changes reflected in the new research that has emerged in the field of trauma and recovery; integrating this research with the voices of survivors, original art, and a theology of healing and forgiveness. This transformational workbook is an interactive tool to be used as a companion resource to the book, Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse, and is being utilized effectively in individual healing, one-on-one counseling, and in small group settings. It provides a path to recovery and wholeness for those isolated by the effects of abuse and neglect, promoting healing within safe and nurturing relationships. Expressive art, contemplative meditations on Christ, and interactive exercises deepen one's intimate connection with God and others, promoting both individual healing and guiding advocates in the compassionate and holistic care of others. Men and women alike will find their own redemptive story to tell--informing their ministry to others
"This life-changing workbook is an interactive tool to be used as a companion resource to the book, Mending the Soul by Steven Tracy. It can be utilized effectively in individual healing, one-on-one counseling, and in small group settings. In a sensitive and artistic manner, it carefully guides men and women in the critical process of healing from the effects of abandonment and abuse. Each chapter includes healing art, contemplative meditations on Christ, and journaling exercises that deepen intimacy with God and others. It integrates the voices of survivors, social-science research, and a theology of healing and forgiveness in a way that both promotes individual healing and guides advocates in the compassionate and holistic care of others, enabling healing in nurturing relationships. Men and women alike will find their own redemptive story to tell, that will inform their ministry to others" -- BACK COVER.
