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jwood619's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
5.0
This was the best book I’ve read in quite some time. The author weaves her personal story into a deep dive of Psalm 23, as she highlights the character of God as revealed in that passage. Additionally, she looks at the passage in ways that I would say are scripturally accurate yet not always emphasized within the cultural and theological context she comes out of.
What results is a really beautiful book that uniquely communicates the love of God, particularly for those that have been deeply wounded. The author’s story is one of being hurt by the church, but that theme is very much secondary to the overall theme of God as the good shepherd who loves his people. Thus, it’s not only a book for those who have experienced hurt, but one that can be appreciated by a broad audience of people of faith and spiritual seekers alike.
The writing is superb….crafted poetically in a way that at times leaves you with the feeling that you’ve just listened to a really good piece of music. I’ll be reading everything by this author going forward.
What results is a really beautiful book that uniquely communicates the love of God, particularly for those that have been deeply wounded. The author’s story is one of being hurt by the church, but that theme is very much secondary to the overall theme of God as the good shepherd who loves his people. Thus, it’s not only a book for those who have experienced hurt, but one that can be appreciated by a broad audience of people of faith and spiritual seekers alike.
The writing is superb….crafted poetically in a way that at times leaves you with the feeling that you’ve just listened to a really good piece of music. I’ll be reading everything by this author going forward.
missjillellen's review
5.0
I am so grateful I took the plunge to start this book. I have had it on my shelf since it came out, knowing it was something I wanted to read but also feeling the acute pain of having gone through abuse of power within a spiritual context recently and not knowing if I had the capacity to spend time in the topic. However, I knew that KJ had first hand experience with this type of situation and could be trusted with the topic, so I gave it a chance.
This book was a grief process for me. It was beautifully written, far enough away from self help to not feel like platitudes, but also deeply and truly acknowledging how we can engage with our own healing from abuse situations. I found myself crying through the whole reading (unnatural for me) and feeling seen in a way I haven't experienced for quite some time.
It is so refreshing to also read from someone who has done the work of deconstruction but held on to their individual faith, as I have often felt so alone in that space.
KJ, thank you for your honesty and bravery.
This book was a grief process for me. It was beautifully written, far enough away from self help to not feel like platitudes, but also deeply and truly acknowledging how we can engage with our own healing from abuse situations. I found myself crying through the whole reading (unnatural for me) and feeling seen in a way I haven't experienced for quite some time.
It is so refreshing to also read from someone who has done the work of deconstruction but held on to their individual faith, as I have often felt so alone in that space.
KJ, thank you for your honesty and bravery.
jessicagustafson's review
5.0
This book has been a balm for my soul. I am deeply grateful for the way it held space for me to process and grieve and rest. I cannot recommend it enough!
maceykae's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me an extremely long time to read but that is not a reflection of the content, wellness, or “applicable-ness”. I started it and then put it down for months. I recently picked it back up and read a few chapters every morning while I drank my coffee. It was such a thoughtful read. Even if you would not categorize something you experienced as “spiritual abuse” but have felt wounded, unheard, or mistreated by someone who was a part of your church community, I definitely recommend this book!!