Taking Back Our Lives:
Reflections for Survivors of Childhood Abuse

  ACTA Publication, Chicago, IL
   ISBN: 0-87946-239-6
   140 pgs.

Taking Back Our Lives

Child abuse is perhaps the darkest secret of the human condition. Those who live through it must deal with the aftermath every day for the rest of their lives. With countless survivors of child abuse now coming forward, it is a crime finally receiving the attention it deserves. As one of the survivors of child abuse who are speaking up and reclaiming their lives, author Patti Sherlock offers a sensitive companion to those setting off on the healing journey in this timely volume of spiritual reflections.

Taking Back Our Lives contains sixty short meditations on the issues facing adults who were abused—mentally, physically, verbally or sexually–as children. The author deals with each topic compassionately, insightfully and with a sense of hope and encouragement. This courageous book will be helpful to survivors of child abuse and to those who seek to understand and support them.
 

May those of us who have survived the darkness of childhood abuse come to appreciate that we were innocent in the abuse we suffered. May we grow to honor the great strength we've shown in surviving. Through healing, may we find a dynamic, healthy and faith-filled spirituality to provide a steady platform for the new life we are becoming free to choose.
         -From the Introduction.
 

                                       Recent Reviews

 "Taking Back Our Lives: Reflections for Survivors of Childhood Abuse

“. . . Instead of focusing on the details of the abuse, she (Sherlock) helps the reader recapture their spiritual center which may have been compromised by the abuse. Herself a survivor of child abuse, Sherlock writes that regardless of form or degree, all abuse deserves recognition and validation. A sensitive and compassionate book meant to help survivors of child abuse and those who seek to support them.”  THIS WEEK, National Federation of Priests Council.

 ". . .Taking Back Our Lives manages to look at a dark topic while at the same time incorporating an emphasis on the spiritual aspect of life. It recognizes the need for spirituality in a holistic approach to treatment, an aspect often avoided or ignored. 
    As a therapist, I particularly appreciated how Sherlock treated the notion of forgiveness. While working with past trauma, patients need to expierience a full range of emotions including anger, rage, sadness, and grief.  It is not uncommon for well-meaning family or friends to attempt to push the patients toward forgivensss using biblical rationale for doing so. The author of Taking Back Our Lives importantly points out that abusers also use religious ideas, such as "turn the other cheeck," for purposes of manipulation. It is worthy noting that any perceived attempt to rush a person toward forgiveness can seriously undermine their healing. This book clearly does not take that path.
   Taking Back Our Lives would be best used by reading one of the 60 different meditations daily, focusing on  that particular lesson, and attempting to integrate that lesson into one's psyche. Each of the meditations reinforces different lessons that will help to provide comfort and support, as well as give courage to continue healing over a lifetime. They could also be read at the start of a survivor's support group meeting or even in a more formal group therapy setting, to stimulate dialogue among those present. One never forgets past abuse, unless, of course, in denial, but with patience and hard work, and rebuilding one's spirutal self, healing can happen. Taking Back Our Lives is a wonderful tool to assist those traveling what is too often a long and lonely path. This book has the capacity to make travelers feel that they are not alone on their journey."  Kathie Cramer, psychotherpist, faithAlivebooks.com

"...The book recognizes vital, often unspoken issues. . ."  CRUX of the News

". . .offers survivors of childhood abuse a companion in their setting off on the healing journey of reclaiming their lives."   Review for Religious

". . .This book establishes the issues-and the hope-squarely and honestly, rooted in a healthy spituality that is an essential friend and point of safety for those who choose to survive.  Resources Hotline 

". . .Childhood abuse lasts a long time after childhood, but it frequently locks an adult in the past. . .Very thoughtful and insightful reflaections to help formerly abused adults gain a spiritual center.  Her essays provide tools for various situations to help one move forward.. . .This is a helpful book and a great gift for those who have been abused." Network for Women's Spirituality