Surprised by the Healer

Years of silent wondering, scars from the past and a renewed desire to experience freedom in Christ led me to Authentic Intimacy.  Knowing so many women affected by sexual trauma and past regrets led me to join the launch team for Surprised by the Healer.  In the last post I shared with you about AI's ministry, who's mission is to promote healthy, biblical sexuality in a world of deep sexual brokenness. Here I share with you about this book which invites you to take a step towards healing!

The subtitle says it all, "Embracing Hope for Your Broken Story".  Within it's pages, this book reveals the stories of 9 women who have gone from hopelessness and brokenness to hope and healing. These women courageously share the intimate details of past abuse, addictions and wrong choices.  In the midst of their emotional, relational and sexual pain, they encounter Jehovah Raffa, the God Who Heals. He redeems their broken stories in amazing ways.  The authors, Juli and Linda, then respond to each story , sharing their combined wisdom and insight.

You will meet real women with real scars who have experienced and continue to experience real restoration and healing from the God Who Heals.  These women are just like you and me.  Though I don't have a story as painful and raw as the stories told here, I found that I could identify with elements of each woman's journey. Their emotional pain and brokenness brought each of them on a unique journey to the same God who brought healing to my own life. I invite you to check out Surprised by the Healer, especially if you are limping along feeling like your private pain keeps you chained to the past.

The authors, Dr. Juli Slattery and Linda Dillow share the following: "When Jesus forgives our sins, He also heals our soul wounds, which are intricately intertwined with guilt and shame.  No one can see this healing physically but they can see a changed life, a different outlook, a different demeanor. Precious friend, the Healer wants to meet you in this way!" (p. 17)

Through the experiences of Marian, Hope, Lorraine and 6 other women, you will be encouraged that no story is too broken for God. When we are willing to invite God into our pain and disappointment, He can bring beauty from the brokenness in our lives. There is a 10 week Bible study included in the back of the book. Surprised by the Healer will be released tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2!  Go to SurprisedbytheHealer.com  or like Authentic Intimacy's Facebook page for more information.