Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (June 2007)

[Yippy]

Taken from http://www.redeeminglovenovel.co m/book_detail.aspx?ISBN=159 0525132 :

In author Francine River's beloved book Redeeming Love, the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea is retold in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is the godly man sent into Angel's life to draw her into the Savior's redeeming love.

"The publisher's foreword rates the book "PG" for its adult themes and subplots of rape and incest. However, these are handled with great sensitivity and are very much a part of the story's development." -The Library Journal

Just wanted to remind everyone that this is, as Mark put it, a story "about Gomer for Gomers." It is beautifully written and moving.

[Corrine]

I'm actually reading this book. My wonderful son, Jordan, gave it to me for Mother's Day. :) I probably won't finish it. I never seem to find the time to do that. But I've got a headstart on it, and I'm loving it!

So go get this book and let's discuss it in June!

[Sharon]

WOO HOO!!!

So this is the book for June? I practically have this one memorized I've read it so many times...

Corrinne.... you will LOVE IT!!!

[wannabaRSgirl]

I was afraid some scary stuff was coming. I am barely into it and it is wonderful.

[SirMax]

This is one of the best books I've read in quite awhile...in fact I gave it to my mom yesterday to read!

[Sharon]

This is one of the best books I've read in quite awhile...in fact I gave it to my mom yesterday to read!


Did you also need Kleenex?

It's one of the few books that has made me weep

[SirMax]

Did you also need Kleenex?

It's one of the few books that has made me weep

Yep and I don't cry often!!! Made my heart hurt.

[woman4life]

I read it a few months ago in the interim time between books and I absolutely loved it. I don't read a lot of books of that time (fiction/romance), and I couldn't put it down!

I think there was a little mini-discussion about it on the book club at the time.

--Melanie

[Sharon]

OK ..... just reserved a new copy at Borders. Picking it up Friday

(I can't find my harback .... I moved a year ago and I STILL have boxes of stuff ... yeesh!! :rolleyes: )

When does the official discussion start?

[Mandy Robbins]

I'll pick it up tomorrow.

[wannabaRSgirl]

I'll pick it up tomorrow.

DO IT!

[ausgirl]

Yep and I don't cry often!!! Made my heart hurt.
Me too!! I kept on willing her to go back to him - and would lie there and *sigh*, think, Lord, if you sent me a man like that, I wouldn't run away from him - ever!! Yes the book has a PG rating, but, while it certainly showed the desire and the intimacy between the couple, it was so tastefully done - I loved this book.

[Godgrl Gomer]

Sometimes when I read books like that, it triggers my trauma. Most of the time, like 98% of the time I am fine and can handle things better than others. Sometimes even the slightest hint to abuse and I am in a trouble slump...:rolleyes:

Maybe I shouldnt read this one.



Ohhh! look! 1000 posts!:eek: I came so close to it this month 3 times and my posts got cut back. Must have been some cleaning up...;)

[Sharon]

Sometimes when I read books like that, it triggers my trauma. Most of the time, like 98% of the time I am fine and can handle things better than others. Sometimes even the slightest hint to abuse and I am in a trouble slump...:rolleyes:

Maybe I shouldnt read this one.



Ohhh! look! 1000 posts!:eek: I came so close to it this month 3 times and my posts got cut back. Must have been some cleaning up...;)



Joan .... you're not the only one...... BUT ..... I find sometimes triggers are good instead of running from them ..... sometimes triggers show a sore spot that still needs the Healer's touch.

[Mandy Robbins]

I couldn't put it down! I was up until 3 AM reading it. I'm on chapter 18

[Corrine]

When does the official discussion start?

Now! It's June 1! :)

[Mandy Robbins]

I see myself in this alot. I see my mother. I see my husband. When Michael started calling Angel Amanda, it REALLY hit home. It freaked me out a little. I'm going to try to finish it tonight!

[Godgrl Gomer]

Joan .... you're not the only one...... BUT ..... I find sometimes triggers are good instead of running from them ..... sometimes triggers show a sore spot that still needs the Healer's touch.

Very true. As usual Sharon, you know the right thing to say!
Bless you.

Could some one email me or PM me and give me an overview of the story? That way nothing is given away to spoil it for others....
Ta.

[Sharon]

Very true. As usual Sharon, you know the right thing to say!
Bless you.

Could some one email me or PM me and give me an overview of the story? That way nothing is given away to spoil it for others....
Ta.


It's a re-telling of the book of Hosea. A young girl is sold into prostitution and basically has a life so full of abuse that you could drive a truck through it. Micheal Hosea is told by the Lord that this is the one he will marry. He does and never gives up on her and is an integral part in her healing.

Joan I didn't mean it as a challenge. If it gets to be too much put it down for a but. If the Lord is telling to you to not open up the can of worms then please by all means, listen to him rather than the ramblings of this lady. But just maybe, through the discussion of this book we both can minister to others since we both can identify so well with Angel / Gomer.

[Mandy Robbins]

It's also how Angel deals with her own can of worms that keep coming up. She will be fine for months and then things that she has delt with come back to her. I know that my husband and I have been married for 4 years and There are still nights I wake up from nightmares about my first marriage, and as he's calming me down I keep thinking he doesn't deserve to handle this. I think too a lot of times that he should have gotten someone less tarnished. And like Angel, I exhaust myself doing things to make myself feel worthy. I do the same thing with God. I've spent so much time being "busy" for God that I didn't take the time to spend with him.

[Godgrl Gomer]

No, I know its not a challenge:)
The story sounds like a good one. I will see if I can get it.

Mandy...I only stopped having flash backs etc once I had Deliverance ministry. Jesus is the one that healed me. I have done a lot of work psychologically - therapy and stuff. I also studied psychology at University, so that helped too. But it was only when Jesus removed those pesky demons and their influence that the chains really fell off. My healing has all been purely from Jesus Christ.

And I know what you mean about worrying about your husband and 'putting' up with stuff. Don't underestimate his love for you. He doesn't put up with you, but LOVES you. Gees I wish I could take my own advice!!!:rolleyes: ;) :D

It looks like this book might be a tool God is using to bring us together for a special purpose.....

[Sharon]

Just thought I'd throw this out there to everyone.......

if this book does stir up a "can of worms" know that there are at least 2 Gomers (Joan and myself) who have a willing ear to listen and much experience in this. We both have walked in Sarah's shoes and can attest to the healing work of Jesus.


Now .... back to the discussion. I'm almost done and as I read I've been writing questions down to throw out to yunz all. Let's get this party started!!!

BTW .... are there any men reading this book? I would love to hear their take on it

[SirMax]

Well speaking from a blessed point of view in that I've never been abused and I have a good marriage....this showed me how I can refuse God's goodness for me because I just think that my past should keep Him from loving me.

This book is wonderful. Looking forward to the discussion!

[Godgrl Gomer]

And yet I have kept God at arm's length because I am terrified of being 'loved'...having experienced 'love' from others in such negative forms.

What it comes down to is that the Enemy wants us to feel so unworthy and refuse God's love, and thus never be saved. Sad isn't it.

But we all know our Lord and that is wonderful - and I pray each of us grows closer in intimate relationship with God daily.:D

[Yippy]

Our discussion of Redeeming Love will be divided in 3 parts: The Prologue, The Story, The Study Questions. We will discuss the STORY in this thread.

*SPOILERS* in this thread!


Taken from http://www.redeeminglovenovel.co m/book_detail.aspx?ISBN=159 0525132 :

In author Francine River's beloved book Redeeming Love, the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea is retold in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is the godly man sent into Angel's life to draw her into the Savior's redeeming love.

"The publisher's foreword rates the book "PG" for its adult themes and subplots of rape and incest. However, these are handled with great sensitivity and are very much a part of the story's development." -The Library Journal

It is beautifully written and moving. Let the discussion begin! (You all did a great job warming up in the other thread)

Any guys read this?

Link to the Prologue here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97493)
Link to the Study Questions here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97494)

[Sharon]

OK ..... I read the book in 2 days .... holy smokes .... I think it should be one of the required classics but I digress ....

I have a question to get the ball rolling.

In chapter 5 God tells Michael that she "is fighting the only way she knows how". What does that mean to you? Who was she fighting?

[Yippy]

OK ..... I read the book in 2 days .... holy smokes .... I think it should be one of the required classics but I digress ....


It would be a shame if people get stuck thinking this is just a "romance" novel and read it like one or not read it at all. Romance novel - yes - but not in the dime store novel vein. When Angel runs nakedly & unashamedly towards Michael because she finally understands his love, it made me realize how much we can trust God's love & run abandoned to Him. I don't think I've ever been that trusting. I don't think there's ever been a moment in a book that moved me like that one.

[Sharon]

yeah Diane .... I know I have never been that trusting.

To me she keeps fighting herself. Yes she fights God and yes she fights Michael, but to me it boils down that she really fights herself. All she's ever known is abuse. Her thoughts on love and worth were distorted from the moment daddy waltzed in the beginning of the book. That set the ball rolling. Mom tried to show her what love was but she herself was so damaged that she could only show it through her own distortions.

How many of us still see things through our own, learned distortions? I know I do.

[Yippy]

yeah Diane .... I know I have never been that trusting.

To me she keeps fighting herself. Yes she fights God and yes she fights Michael, but to me it boils down that she really fights herself. All she's ever known is abuse. Her thoughts on love and worth were distorted from the moment daddy waltzed in the beginning of the book. That set the ball rolling. Mom tried to show her what love was but she herself was so damaged that she could only show it through her own distortions.

How many of us still see things through our own, learned distortions? I know I do.

I still have a problem believing God loves me, because of the rejection of my dad. I know God HAS to love me, because He is love & he said he loves the world, and I happen to be part of the world. But to trust that I can't unearn his love or to see myself as lovable is difficult for me. God shows me ALL the time His love for me and has also given me a husband who's extremely selfless & loving...but often I'll have to trust God's word & my husband without FEELING it. I'm enjoying watching my daughter being raised by a loving, caring father. She's had the childhood & attention & love that I never had.

[Sharon]

I still have a problem believing God loves me, because of the rejection of my dad. I know God HAS to love me, because He is love & he said he loves the world, and I happen to be part of the world. But to trust that I can't unearn his love or to see myself as lovable is difficult for me. God shows me ALL the time His love for me and has also given me a husband who's extremely selfless & loving...but often I'll have to trust God's word & my husband without FEELING it. I'm enjoying watching my daughter being raised by a loving, caring father. She's had the childhood & attention & love that I never had.


*sigh ...*

In my travels I've learned that faith should be the engine and feelings the caboose. I struggle constantly with either earning approval or not giving a rat's behind about what anyone thinks. I struggle with learning the balance though I'm very good at "painting on a smile"

I also know that I sometimes still let the memories of my earthly father colour my perception of God.

[Mandy Robbins]

To me it meant he was fighting Hell itself for her. And with the most powerful weapon he knows. Prayer. He could have fought off every person there, but that wasn't the real enemy, and he knew it. And I picture him fasting and praying "Satan you can't have my wife!"

[w8ing4daybreak]

OK ..... I read the book in 2 days .... holy smokes .... I think it should be one of the required classics but I digress ....

I have a question to get the ball rolling.

In chapter 5 God tells Michael that she "is fighting the only way she knows how". What does that mean to you? Who was she fighting?She is fighting her past, her memories, the untrue things she has been taught and believes about herself.

[Sharon]

She is fighting her past, her memories, the untrue things she has been taught and believes about herself.


Yes they are untrue, but right now they are her "truth" .... it's the only thing she's ever known.

Michael keeps gently giving this radical message from a God that, in her eyes, has done nothing but fail her.

[Yippy]

Our discussion of Redeeming Love will be divided in 3 parts: The Prologue, The Story, The Study Questions. We will discuss the Prologue in this thread.:)

Link to the Story here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97364)

Link to the Study Questions here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97494)

[Yippy]

Our discussion of Redeeming Love will be divided in 3 parts: The Prologue, The Story, The Study Questions. We will answer the study questions in this thread. Ask or answer any of the study questions that are at the end of the book.

The study questions can be downloaded here:
http://www.redeeminglovenovel.co m/

I have posted them below. You can pick & choose & we'll use them as springboards for conversation.:)

Link to the Prologue here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97493)
Link to the Story here (http://www.thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=97364)

[Yippy]

Rejected
He [Jesus] was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. (Isaiah 53:3)

Discussion

1. How was Sarah/Angel rejected and betrayed? What were her earliest experiences with God and/or the church?
2. What experience did Michael have with rejection or betrayal? Contrast Michael’s and Angel’s examples in coping with life’s circumstances.
3. Who else in the story suffered from rejection or betrayal, and how did they cope?
4. Which character do you identify with the most and why?
5. Describe a time when you were rejected or betrayed. To whom did you turn and why?

Discoveries

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! (Psalm 139:15–17)
1. Where was God when you were born? How does that make you feel? What else do you learn about God from these verses?
2. How would you relate these verses to Angel? Relate these same verses to yourself.

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. When Angel experienced rejection and betrayal, was God calling her? What good was He working in her life?
2. When you have faced rejection or betrayal, was God calling you? What good has He worked in your life in relation to those circumstances?

[Yippy]

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. (Proverbs 15:22)
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. (Proverbs 16:2)

Discussion

1. Which scene do you feel best shows how Angel was resigned to relying on no one but herself? What events caused her to do so? Why do you think she never cried out to God?
2. Contrast Michael with Angel in regard to authority.
3. Describe Miriam’s relationship with God. Why were her attitudes and beliefs so different from Angel’s?
4. On whom do you rely and why?

Discoveries

He [God] will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will save them from oppression and from violence, for their lives are precious to him. (Psalm 72:12–14)
1. What do you learn about God’s character from these verses?
2. What is our part in experiencing God’s help? What holds you back?
3. Discuss the characters in light of these verses.

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. In what ways was God calling Angel while she was relying only on herself? What good was He working?
2. In what ways has God been calling you, regardless of whom you rely on? How is He working good for you through that process?
Rescued

[Yippy]

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. (Psalm 138:7–8)

Discussion

1. Who helped Michael escape his past? In what ways was he rescued?
2. Angel repeatedly tried to escape her circumstances. Describe the various plans.
3. Contrast Hosea, the slave who helped Michael, with the slave dealer Duke.
4. Discuss Michael’s rescue of Angel from the hand of Magowan.
5. Why do you think Angel returned to her former ways?
6. From what or whom are you trying to escape and why?
7. What causes you to return to old habits?

Discoveries

For “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:13–14)
1. How would you apply these verses to Angel? According to these verses, why had she never cried out to God? Who was responsible?
2. What keeps you from crying out to God? What can you do about it now?

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. List any ways in which God was calling Angel at this juncture in her life.
2. Can you see the good He was working around her? List it.
3. What about your life? How has God rescued you? How has He called you and worked good through that?

[Yippy]

He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right. (Titus 2:14)

Discussion

1. Angel was bought and sold on numerous occasions. What was different about Michael’s redeeming her? Discuss the role of trust (or lack of trust) in Angel.
2. When Michael and Angel helped the Altman family, what did Angel learn about Michael? Herself? God?
3. Describe the changes in actions and thinking that took place after Angel was rescued a second time by Michael. What do you think caused the changes?
4. What trust issues do you have? Who has God placed in your life as positive examples?

Discoveries

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8–10)
1. List everything you learn about salvation from these verses.
2. What is God’s part? What is your part?
3. Apply this passage to Angel.
4. How is God creating you anew?

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. How do you see God’s call in Angel’s life by this point? What specifically does she discover for herself?
2. List some of the good that is happening in her life.
3. What specific discoveries have you made for yourself regarding God’s call?
4. List some of the good that is happening in your life.

[Yippy]

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:1–2)

Discussion

1. What caused Angel to leave yet again?
2. How is this different from before?
3. Why was it necessary for Paul to be the one to find Angel?
4. What did he learn about himself? How did this help him?
5. What did Angel learn through this experience?
6. What was Michael learning through this difficult time?
7. Is there someone who needs to be reconciled with you? Or, do you need to be the one who does the reconciling, like Paul did? Explain.

Discoveries

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. (1 Peter 5:6–7)
1. What covers sin? To what extent?
2. What does God do for those who humble themselves before him? Why?
3. How would you apply these verses to the characters—which characters, and why?
4. How does pride hold you back from experiencing peace and forgiveness?

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. How has God’s call affected Angel’s life now?
2. Describe the good that now flows from her life.
3. Is God’s calling having its full effect on your life? Why or why not?
4. What good are you sharing with others?

[Yippy]

In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5:10)

Discussion

1. What steps had Angel taken to restore her spirit?
2. What were the lasting effects of Angel’s soul search?
3. What steps did Angel take to restore her marriage? How did Michael respond?
4. In what ways did God reward Sarah and Michael?
5. What have you learned about the love of a man for a woman?
6. What have you learned about the love of God for all mankind—including you?

Discoveries

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.… By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. (Ephesians 3:17–20)
1. How would you describe God’s love from these verses? What does He offer us?
2. How did Sarah and Michael discover this to be true for their lives?
3. What does God want to do for you? What does He want from you?

Decisions

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
1. How would you sum up God’s call in the life of Angel/Sarah? Describe the progress made in her life that was good from God’s hand.
2. Go back and look at your own progress. How would you sum up God’s call in your life?
3. What progress has been made that you can attribute to God working good in you?

[Sharon]

OK ... I figure I waited long enough. Everyone should have read the prologue by now at least.

Let me start with a question .... did anyone else "hear" the door slam on Sarah's heart at the end of the prologue?

To me this is one of those stories that I personally divide by the point at which I have to put it down and walk away. That was one of those points. Her self-worth has been chipped away at, starting with the point when she overhears Alex saying she shouldn't have been born. That she was nothing but an unneccesary by-blow. How crushing for a little child!!

Her "personhood" has been stripped from her. Her trust has been lost. She, at this point, is truly a victim. Of adult figures who have used her for personal pleasure and gain, of the lies that she has been fed concerning men and God and of herself and the ways she will choose to cope (as we will see).

The very sad thing is that this stuff still happens today. I can almost hear Sarah screaming in her head "GOD!!! Where are you?" And it's a very good question indeed.

[wannabaRSgirl]

Sharon I agree with you. As I was reading I kept thinking, "no, not that, surely it isn't going to go there" and it does. It is captivating enough to keep reading even though what I am reading is heart breaking.

I can't even imagine the feeling that you are the reason your mom is miserable. Her mother tried to make things happy for awhile but in the end what her heart really wanted was Alex.

This poor child is definately the victim. I am sure this isn't at all uncommon today.

[woman4life]

I loved Michael's patience throughout the story. In that way he was as close to a perfect example of God's love that I can think of, although the book does not take out the very human part of his struggles to love Angel the way God does. It was heartening to see Michael put Angel's interests above his own... something not so easy to do, even when that is what you want to do. And even though Michael is a fictional character, it was good for me to see that patience demonstrated in story in practical ways and know that God has that sort of patience with me. It's a good thing, too. LOL

[joann]

i have just finished this book. aww, it was beautiful!

[cknell]

Several months later, I finally finish the book.

I loved the whole story line. The sad part is that the story really brought to the surface several emotions I thought were tucked away in isolation. I could understand everything that Angel was experiencing with the exception of loosing her mother (my mother is still around). I knew exactly what is going through her mind and unfortunately, I still struggle with the same exact emotions of rejection and a feeling that no one cares what happens to me.

I was sexually abused as a child and not being able to stop it or not knowing how to stop it. I continued to allow it to happen, because I stopped caring. I even went to church, taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, was active in the community, but had to hide my inner feelings because the fear of rejection of things beyond my control. ( I just didn't know that I could have control of these things). I was actually punished for bringing up the subject ( in my cry for help was met with blame and further rejection). I still struggle with some of these issues (as this book has surfaced). My husband or parents won't listen without casting blame or harsh words against me, so it remains inside waiting to explode like a volcano. I even went to a therapist, who only continued to hurt instead of help. I know I am loved, but have feelings that at anytime I will be rejected and thrown out like trash.

Sorry to ramble, but this book brought back the emotions I had thought I had buried and let go long ago.

[Sharon]

Several months later, I finally finish the book.

I loved the whole story line. The sad part is that the story really brought to the surface several emotions I thought were tucked away in isolation. I could understand everything that Angel was experiencing with the exception of loosing her mother (my mother is still around). I knew exactly what is going through her mind and unfortunately, I still struggle with the same exact emotions of rejection and a feeling that no one cares what happens to me.

I was sexually abused as a child and not being able to stop it or not knowing how to stop it. I continued to allow it to happen, because I stopped caring. I even went to church, taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, was active in the community, but had to hide my inner feelings because the fear of rejection of things beyond my control. ( I just didn't know that I could have control of these things). I was actually punished for bringing up the subject ( in my cry for help was met with blame and further rejection). I still struggle with some of these issues (as this book has surfaced). My husband or parents won't listen without casting blame or harsh words against me, so it remains inside waiting to explode like a volcano. I even went to a therapist, who only continued to hurt instead of help. I know I am loved, but have feelings that at anytime I will be rejected and thrown out like trash.

Sorry to ramble, but this book brought back the emotions I had thought I had buried and let go long ago.

Tried to send you a PM ...... anyway .... read this ..... I'm #7


TEstimony Thread (http://thirdday.com/boards/showthread.php?t=72511)

[wannabaRSgirl]

Several months later, I finally finish the book.

Sorry to ramble, but this book brought back the emotions I had thought I had buried and let go long ago.

I think one of the things I learned most in this book is that a victim of abuse MOST of the time will just let things go because they feel like they shouldn't have let it happen in the first place and that it is their own fault. Tragic. Innocence is robbed and it begins a neverending pattern and cycle from generation to generation.

Praying for you.

[cknell]

I think one of the things I learned most in this book is that a victim of abuse MOST of the time will just let things go because they feel like they shouldn't have let it happen in the first place and that it is their own fault. Tragic. Innocence is robbed and it begins a neverending pattern and cycle from generation to generation.

Praying for you.

That is so, so true. However, the pattern of abuse, at least in this case, does not and will not repeat. The emotional trama never really goes away. There is always a feeling of insecurity and a wall to prevent people (even my husband, he still hasn't proven that he can be fully trusted without being offended) from getting too close. Can't trust anyone any more. I now watch for signs from my children in hopes that it never happens to them.

[Sharon]

That is so, so true. However, the pattern of abuse, at least in this case, does not and will not repeat. The emotional trama never really goes away. There is always a feeling of insecurity and a wall to prevent people (even my husband, he still hasn't proven that he can be fully trusted without being offended) from getting too close. Can't trust anyone any more. I now watch for signs from my children in hopes that it never happens to them.


I couldn't disagree with you more ....

I can tell you that there truly is redemption. There is restoration through Christ. You don't have to live in this fear. You don't have to erect walls for protection. There is peace knowing that you are protected by the shadow of His wings.

Please please PM me ....... I would truly love to talk to you.

[TaiAnderson]

This is my wife's favorite book. WE read it together about 5 years ago.

[wannabaRSgirl]

This is my wife's favorite book. WE read it together about 5 years ago.

So do you have any comments to add about the book, from a male point of view?