In Pursuit of Healing (A Review of Mary DeMuth's new book, Not Marked)

"I would not be okay if I had not told my story," author Mary DeMuth writes in her new book, Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing After Sexual Abuse. (tweet this)

And I wouldn't be either.

For too many years I kept it a secret, stuffing surfacing memories down with a shudder trying to forget it happened. It doesn't work. You never forget.

Memories weren't the only thing surfacing in me. I slowly began to see how childhood sexual abuse was affecting me and my relationships with others. And I, hesitantly at first, took steps to find healing.

Mary DeMuth is right, healing takes a lot of time and effort. It's difficult and painful. And it's not a once and done thing.

I have been working through healing on and off for the last 15 years because the effects of abuse are like the layers of an onion — new wounds are revealed with the peeling of each layer.

Mary DeMuth is an author and speaker. She has written over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. Her latest book, Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing After Sexual Abuse, is releasing today and I had the privilege of reading it.

Based on the statistics, we all know someone who has been sexually abused. Many of us love a survivor. Many of us are one. Not Marked is a book for everyone.

Not Marked is a powerful conversation about how childhood sexual abuse affects people. Mary DeMuth shares her raw story and the tenor of her words are the empathetic voice of someone who understands.

She speaks openly about the impact abuse has had on her self-worth, her relationships, and her marriage and how she has walked the path of healing in these areas.

Not Marked is a book about hope. We often get stuck in the pain of our past, but Mary DeMuth firmly, but gently encourages the reader to pursue healing by being honest with yourself, finding your voice, sharing in community, and through prayer and the act of forgiveness.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Not Marked is the honest contributions by her husband, Patrick.

At the end of each chapter, Patrick shares what it has been like to be married to a victim of sexual abuse. He reveals his personal trials and triumphs with wisdom and encouragement for those who love a survivor.

Sexual abuse doesn't have to define us. It doesn't have to mar our relationships or isolate us from others. I don't have to accept the wounds as my fate or feel like "this is just how it is for me."

Not Marked opens the door to community with others who have suffered or may be suffering still. It unites us and reminds us that we aren't alone. And reignites hope for a better tomorrow.

I'm not marked by the sin of sexual abuse. And neither are you.

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To order Mary DeMuth's new book, Not Marked click here.

For more information on this book, visit the Not Marked website.

Here's how you can receive over $80 worth of free resources when you buy Not Marked between February 10-17th.

Here's how you can get a signed copy of Mary DeMuth's book, Not Marked.

“Telling the truth is a brave act that flings wide the door to reconciliation & forgiveness.” http://notmarked.com #NotMarked (tweet this)

“Healing is layers. Healing is time. Healing is excruciating. Once you think it’s done, it’s not.” http://notmarked.com #NotMarked (tweet this)

“If we long for wholeness, we can’t underestimate the power of telling our stories.” http://notmarked.com #NotMarked (tweet this)