SEXUAL ABUSE AND MENTAL ILLNESS;

A great new book: LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS

SEXUAL  ABUSE AND MENTAL ILLNESS: A Great New Book,Light Shines In the Darkness

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Tragically, sexual abuse is everywhere, including in the church.  Recent headlines about sexual abuse among Southern Baptists (read Russell Moore’s superb op ed in the New York Times: “Southern Baptists’ ‘Me Too’ Moment”, Feb 15) and New Tribes Mission underline the fact that it is not just Catholics who have this dreadful problem. (But do pray that God will guide Pope Francis and the Catholic leaders as they meet in Rome on Feb 21-24 to wrestle with this sinful abuse.)

I must confess that only slowly have I come to understand how severe and very long-lasting are the dreadful effects of childhood sexual abuse.  But walking with my sister Lucille Sider has slowly helped me understand that devastation somewhat better.  Lucille has just published an excellent new autobiographical book about her own experience: Light Shines in the Darkness.The book portrays powerfully  the  awful reality of both sexual abuse and severe mental illness and their interactions. The book is gripping and beautifully written.  Also moving and finally encouraging is how her faith sustained her and eventually, after a long  struggle, led to forgiveness.

The study guide in the book makes the book a great tool for group study.

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