Books On Despair and Healing From the Past
Edge of Despair
By Derick Bingham
The Psalms are the universal language of the human soul. Millions of people from every walk of life turn to them because they reflect every kind of mood that human life brings. In this book, the author looks at twelve Psalms reflecting twelve problems which bring people to the edge: despair, loneliness, fear, insomnia, unhappiness, lack of answers, depression, the cry of forgiveness, trouble, the lash of hurtful tongues, the problem of building families and communities, and the problem of despair itself.
Set Free: Stories of God's Healing Power for Abuse Survivors
By Jan Coates
A large percentage of abused adult women are convinced they are damaged goods. This book shares the stories of women who have hit bottom and then discovered God has the power to heal their lives. It offers hope and encouragement to damaged and discouraged individuals who feel unworthy to call on God because of their past or present. This is a self-help book that includes resources for women who want to take the next step in the healing process.
Broken Children, Grown Up Pain: Understanding the Effects of Your Wounded Past
By Paul Hegstrom
Despair. Emotional isolation. Self-loathing. Immaturity. Abusive actions. These are just some of the damaging fragments that remain embedded within our personalities, behaviors, and souls when we are broken as children. The memory of the past may seem distant and clouded, but within its scars deep wounds remain that continue to inflict pain upon our adult lives -- and often end up spilling into the lives of others.In Broken Children, Grown-Up Pain, Paul Hegstrom, author of Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them, shows us the scars from his broken childhood and shares practical and proven methods for facing and dealing with the pain of the past. By using scientific research, psychological studies, and biblical principles -- especially those found in the Jewish model of raising children -- he points us to the place of healing where we are finally free to pursue authentic relationships and build healthy emotional intimacy with others.This updated version of Broken Children, Grown-Up Pain is an excellent resource for pastors, teachers, counselors, psychologists, parents, or anyone wounded by an abusive past.
Door of Hope, Revised & Updated
By Jan Frank
As a victim of incest herself, Jan Frank understands the myriad emotions that victims struggle with and offers ten proven steps toward recovery. A powerful story of inspiration and restoration, Door of Hope is Jan's personal journey toward wholeness and a door of hope for other victims as well. Included in this updated edition is a special section featuring answers to questions most often asked by abuse victims and those who love them.
The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse
By Dan Allender
Almost everyone knows a victim of childhood sexual abuse; it has no religious or social boundaries. And sexual abuse is probably the most ''soul-deadening'' trauma there is. For adult victims, this book offers a way out of the rage, fear, and confusion. For their spouses, families, friends, and counselors, the author lists specific ways to help the healing process. With Christ, there is indeed hope for the wounded heart. With a foreword by Dr. Larry Crabb. 255 pages, softcover from NavPress.
No More Hurting: Life Beyond Sexual Abuse
By Gwen Purdie
This book is a thoroughly Christian response to issues surrounding sexual abuse. It is a frank and much-needed look at a complex situation that affects more people than we want to believe. It offers real and positive answers as well as practical help. Written by an experienced counselor, this book will help equip those who have suffered abuse and those who counsel them. It will also help anyone who knows an abused person and wants to help them face the future and grasp the hope and healing that is offered in Christ.
Shattered Innocence: A Revealing Story of Sexual Abuse, Its Aftermath, and Recovery
By Kelly Vates
Kelly's story exposes the devastating horror of childhood sexual abuse and its aftermath. It also offers survivors a ray of hope through healing and recovery! Innocence once lost can never be regained, but is it possible for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse to experience a normal, happy life? Kelly Vates says "Yes!" ... in spite of years of degrading abuse and the aftermath of addictions, abortion, attempted suicide, and failed relationships. With courageous honesty, Kelly reveals the horrifying events that shattered her own innocence and exposes her inner pain and turmoil. But thankfully, her story doesn't end there. Kelly opens her journals and her heart so that anyone who has ever experienced abuse can find the path to hope, healing, and recovery. Yes, "happily ever after "really is possible when you know where to look for it.
Through the Fire: Spiritual Resoration for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse
By Rick Meyer
Meyer shows how the cross can be a significant emblem for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. It can be their source of courage, comfort, and transformation. He relates how Jesus becomes an experienced guide who can and will assist them in their journey toward renewal.
As a pastoral counselor, the author has helped survivors of abuse discover the path to spiritual renewal and healing. At first, many feel as though God failed to protect them. Yet, as they begin to see how Jesus was rejected and tormented, they come to understand that only a God who knows pain and death can provide regeneration and fullness of life. Using case study examples, Meyer demonstrates effective methods of assisting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to experience deep spiritual healing.
A Safe Place: Beyond Sexual Abuse
By Jan Morrison
"I just wanted to grow up like a normal kid." "I feel so ashamed, I hate myself." "Please make him stop. Why won't you make him stop?" "Why not make out? I'm used anyway." "No good person will ever love me now, so who cares?" "I can't tell you who I am because if you knew who I really am, you wouldn't like me. I know this is true because I know who I am and I don't like me."
Like the teens above, you may have been sexually abused during your childhood, or maybe someone is abusing you now. You tell yourself the nightmare is over; you lived through it. Now it's time to pick up the pieces and go on. You're trying to convince yourself that it never happened -- it was all a bad dream. But deep inside, you're mixed up. You may feel ugly and worthless. Or maybe a friend of yours had been abused. Your friend jumps from one sexual relationship to another, constantly getting cut further down. You know there's something wrong, but you don't know what. You want to help, but you don't know how.
A sobering number of teens have been sexually abused or know someone who has been abused. Responding to this terrible reality, A Safe Place addresses the issues, beliefs, and coping mechanisms triggered by sexual abuse. Through personal stories, a welcoming tone, and practical exercises, this book encourages readers to go on a journey out of pain and shame into healing and freedom.
The Sorrow of Sexual Assault and The Joy of Healing
By Kay Zibolsky
In the era of sexual abuse, this memoir from Kay Zibolsky strikes a chord of compassion for victims. As a teenager, Zibolsky's life radically changed after her rape and subsequent pregnancy. In this book, she shares her search for God's healing plan.
No Place to Cry: The Hurt & Healing of Sexual Abuse
By Erwin Lutzer
Just as God gave Dorie Van Stone a tender heart to forgive her abusers, He also gave her the strength to reveal her past in No Place to Cry, the sequel to Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved. Through her candor you will gain insight into the trauma of emotional and sexual abuse.
Beauty for Ashes: Biblical Help for the Sexually Abused
By John Coblentz
When Tamar was raped by her half brother, the Bible says she was left weeping and desolate. Though 3,000 years old, this story strikes a deep chord with many people, because Tamar's story is their story. Sexual abuse and its effects are a widespread, and often silent, scourge.
Victims often feel robbed, contaminated, and ashamed. They may lash out against God and have trouble getting along with others. They may not be able to forget or forgive, much less build meaningful relationships. Many suffer deeply, often alone. Is there a way out? Yes! After explaining why sexual abuse can be so devastating, Beauty for Ashes leads readers through God's Word to healing and hope. Clear, honest,and practical, this book will be appreciated by pastors, by counselors, and most especially, by those who have known the anguish of Tamar.
