Journey To Heal {Book Review}
I remember like it was yesterday. I was at my first women’s conference with some ladies from my church. One of the speakers came out onto the stage and I thought, “Wow, she looks like an angel.” She quickly had us laughing at some funny stories, and then she started to share some of the bad decisions she had made in her life. I could totally relate to bad decisions, and when she shared that she had been sexually abused as a child I remember feeling alarms go off inside of me. I sat there stiff, holding my breath wondering “How did she become an angel? How?”
I knew right then and there that whatever had happened with her, could never happen with me. Any hope that sparked was overturned by the loud voices in my head screaming that I was not like her! It was as if I was stranded on an island and the helicopter that came to rescue me was flying away in the opposite direction. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be rescued. I could only continue to do what I knew how to do – survive and keep my mouth shut.Fourteen years later, I started my own healing journey and was in counseling. I had just read the book The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender, but I still had that nagging question. How can I be healed? How do you go from hiding the single biggest secret of your life to even talking about it?
I would walk into used book stores, head down in shame, and buy any books I could find on Childhood Sexual Abuse. I would pay cash and then hide the books. Some were helpful, but very few had a Christian perspective. I simply wanted to know the answer to this question – How can I go from living in the pit of shame to being healed by Jesus and what does that process even look like? It was a mystery to me and it seemed impossible.
Today, that book finally exists!
Crystal Sutherland just released the book that I wish I had found four years ago when I was desperately looking for a map that said, “This is the way! It is possible. You are not alone. Keep going!” Her new book, Journey to Heal, guides readers through the seven essential steps of healing. Crystal combines personal stories and scripture to point to the light and hope that Jesus offers for survivors. Each chapter ends with a Journey Essentials section which includes prayer, scripture, journaling and thanksgiving.
I found her writing engaging and transparent. As you read each chapter, you will feel like you are meeting with a friend over coffee. The steps are so helpful and while you may take your steps in a different order or at a different pace, they truly are all essential steps. Crystal is a wonderful cheerleader and encourager along the way.
My favorite quote is, “The abuse we suffered is a part of our individual stories, but when we trust God with our lives, He writes the final chapter. He has the last say. What the enemy of our soul meant for evil, God can turn around for good, and He is able to turn our ashes into something beautiful, and to turn our grief into joy, and to bring us from the pit of despair to a place where we overflow with praise. (See Isaiah 61:3)” I love that she shares this beautiful promise as she walks with you through each step.
This book is not only for survivors. It is also an excellent resource for friends, family and ministry leaders to help them better understand the recovery process and how to provide encouragement and support for sexual abuse survivors.
I’m so excited about this book and it’s message, I’ve decided to give away three copies. Simply comment on this post or send me an email at journeypink@gmail.com by Saturday – May 14th at midnight to be entered in the drawing! Also, please be sure to sign up for the online study that Crystal is offering starting June 1st. Click on the link below for more information!
You can purchase Journey to Heal at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Christianbook.com.
Michelle,
Thank you so very much for sharing your heart and support of Journey to Heal!! You and I share a very similar path towards healing. I was the girl wondering through bookstore searching for books on healing from CSA almost ten years ago…searching for this book. Thank you for sharing it with your readers here and for giving away some copies as well!! How fun! Let the healing begin!
Yes, let it begin! I am very excited about your online study on June 1st too. I know it’s going to bring healing and a supportive community to so many women! Thank you Crystal. 🙂
Great review! I remember finding a book in the library and trying to hide it in between other books to check it out hoping the librarian might not notice! This book sounds great- I’ve heard about it in a few places and I hope to read it soon. I won’t enter the giveaway though since I’m in the UK and postage would be expensive. I’ll look at getting the Kindle version.
Thank you so much Carly. I am so glad you stopped by! The book really is great and will help so many. I hope you are able to get there and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Thanks again for being here. Blessings to you 🙂
How kind of you to give away copies, Michelle! I’d love to win one! I could have been on the launch team but decided not to as I would have had to buy the book. I’ve been praying about the online study. I’m afraid of some books that go into graphic details, but it sounds like Crystal focuses on the recovery process and our true identity and only hope in Christ. And if it’s a book you have been looking for, I’m sure it’s good. 🙂 I have worked through a lot, but shame can still taunt me sometimes. Thank you for doing this book review! Blessings and hugs to you!
Trudy, thank you so much for stopping by! I know what you mean about books that are hard to get through – but Crystal really does a great job of keeping the focus on healing and pointing to the hope of Christ. I think you will love it, and I know you will want to share it with your readers. The online study will be a great opportunity to work through the chapters with additional support and encouragement. I am really excited about it, too! The private Facebook group is optional – the rest will come via email. Thanks again Trudy. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Hugs to you! Michelle
Enjoyed reading your post! From the beginning of your journey till now is all such a miracle! You are such a blessing from God! I plan to read Journey to Heal! I listened to Crystal Sutherland’s radio interview! This book is not only for survivors but will help others understand what the survivor has been through!
Thank you for your encouragement and support! <3
Congratulations to the winners! You will receive an email confirmation and the book should arrive by Friday May 20th. Be sure to sign up for the online study starting June 1. The link is above.
Thank you again, Michelle. 🙂