Just finished reading Rid of My Disgrace by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb. I am going to try and write reviews on books I read and share em. I also want to get back into blogging, but that is another thing altogether...
Anyhow...
Anyone who works with hurting people needs to check this book out. As I get to know the stories of more and more people, I find that more and more people have some aspect of sexual sin or abuse as a part of their story. Almost every victim feels defeated by it. While this book is not a comprehensive manual for treating or counseling victims of sexual assault (nor is it means to be) it is a wonderful groundwork for understanding the struggles that come from such sin. Both people who encounter victims as well as victims their selves can find a lot of good in this book.
It breaks down into three sections...
1) Disgrace: This section consists of two chapters that define sexual assault and the effects it can have on victims. At times this section can be a bit graphic, but then again, so is the topic at hand. I will say that if you are a victim of sexual assault, it might be a good idea to skip this section only because its graphic nature might stir up some emotions you would rather not relive (this recommendation comes from feedback I got from a couple people I shared the book with.) However, this section does a lot to help clarify, particularly for those who might wonder "is what happened to me really sexual assault?"
2) Grace Applied: This is my favorite section of the book. This section discusses some of the most common reactions victims have after being abused. It reassures that there is normalcy in feeling this way after an assault, gives practical help on how to handle it, and gives a biblical perspective on each struggle. Along with that each chapter has a testimony that speaks to the healing people found through Christ as it relates to the struggle at hand. This is the section that has the most practical, helpful information.
3) Grace Accomplished: This is the theological cornerstone. The core idea of this book is that people have been hurting people from the beginning of time with sin, that God has a desire to redeem those who are broken, and that such redemption is made full through the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Though theology and scripture are used frequently throughout the entire book, in this section it is laid out.
The thing that I love about this book is that very clearly connects the reader to Jesus and to scripture while providing practical insights and help. That is what makes it stand out from every other book or article on the topic I have read. There is redemption and healing in Jesus. Every pastor/minister/Christian counselor should read this book. It lays a good foundation in understanding the problem and finding freedom.
Check it out @ Amazon
Check it out @ Google Books
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