4 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever been a victim of domestic abuse? If so, have your church ever offered you moral, financial, and spiritual support? These are some of the issues addressed by Rev. Dr. Carolyn C. Carlisle, author of the book, On Broken Pieces, which is categorized within the Non-Fiction book genre. It is a memoir that speaks about the abuse of her life subsequent to six (6) months of marriage. This fast-paced, inspirational book seeks to address the role of the church regarding the perils of domestic abuses. It is intended for persons who have experienced real trauma in relationships and are suffering in silence, without any adequate support.
In the scenario, Author Carlisle describes her life as a married Christian woman. Subsequent to six (6) months of marriage, she realizes that her husband is over friendly with a woman who lives next door. When she contacts him about it, he utterly abuses her. From thereon his behavior grows progressively worse. She is slapped in her face, verbally abused and futuristically abused by her husband over the years. She leaves the marital home several times but always returns. During this period, she remains a devoted Christian who possesses major roles in the church but remains silent about her abuse. She constantly ponders why is it that the Church is so silent on the topic of abuse.
I must confess that when I first saw the topic of the book, I did not feel any immediate intrigue, because it seems so cliche and mundane. However, once I started reading the book, I was so enthralled by the writing style of Author Carlisle that I kept turning the pages with much urgency, anticipating the brilliantly worded account of her life story and ideas. I have observed that Author Carlisle’s language is crisp, clear, lucid, and emanates her confidence and caring personality. I love how she stresses on the need of the leaders of the church to become more proactive in the support of abused persons, especially women. They usually suffer in silence while performing their duties as Christians within many churches. It is a responsibility that Jesus would have carried out. She proffers evidence found in the Gospel of Luke 4: 18-19 where Jesus called for the early Christians to practice social justice. She also makes mention of Actor Tyler Perry, a victim of abuse, who speaks candidly on the topic and receives liberating results.
Author Carlisle makes reference to various Bible stories, quotes, and other books concerning the treatment of domestic abuse. The story of Ammon sexually abusing his sister Tamar is one such story. Tamar became a desolate and devalued Princess in her brother’s house. She felt so ashamed and helpless that she went into mourning publicly, washed her head with ashes and tore her garment. King David, Ammon’s father did not protect his daughter in her ordeal, as a father should. He chose to remain silent on the matter, which is so similar to the stance taken by the church in today's society.
While conducting her doctoral studies at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, Author Carlisle was a part of the Biblical and Ethical Engagement for Social and Ethical Imperatives Cohort Group. The group created new paradigms in Ministry that address social and moral problems faced by many people. It is with this knowledge and experience that she is able to finally implement in the church, a number of tests that include surveys, research, polls, and focus groups. These are to measure the aftereffects of guilt and shame, experienced by victims of domestic abuse and which is actually the mood that is felt in the passages of the book. The main objective of these tests is to provide healing to the victims by the end of the tests. I am, however, disappointed that few of the women in the focus group dropped out prior to the end of the sessions. This shows that not many victims of abuse are actually ready to share their story of guilt, shame, and abuse, in order to receive healing.
This is a book that I will highly recommend to be read by persons who are experiencing any form of abuse, whether it is sexual, domestic, or verbal abuse. I have not seen any editorial errors; therefore, I will confer a 4 out of 4 stars rating on this book.
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On Broken Pieces
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