4 out of 4 stars
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Break Free by Deborah Bowers is an in-depth look into slavery, more so, the mental and psychological impact of bondage. It seeks to free the reader from unconscious mind-sets that still have a hold on many victims even after the abolition of slave trade years ago.
The beginning of the book commemorates the one hundred and eighty years spent in enslavement by generations of slaves before liberation. Even after freedom was declared, we still live in a world where inequalities between different people groups exist. According to Bowers, much more now has to be done to fully restore the identity and self-assurance that was lost during the time of enslavement. This begins first by understanding the past and appreciating where we have come from. Ultimately, this gives the seeker a grasp of who they are. Understanding our purpose and what we are capable of is equally important.
What stood out for me in the book was Bowers’ study of the tactics used by the perpetrators of slavery. It is through understanding these schemes that the victims can understand what they lost during those years of hardship. This way, they can forge a way forward to reclaim all that they need now to succeed. Deborah Bowers makes an important point. The past has to be given its rightful place. Forgetting years of servitude is not necessarily the answer, but embracing the past and learning from it is crucial to the development of those who were once physically enslaved.
I also liked that Bowers also notes the psychological forms of slavery that continue to exist. These forms are easily overlooked even though they are incredibly impactful. She goes further to provide guidance on how these perceptions can be overcome. According to her, both the oppressed and the oppressor have roles to play to ensure complete liberty is achieved and maintained.
The information contained in Break Free is also diverse and touches on many aspects that can be used in the process of liberation for those who are enslaved. Among the key topics included, self-discipline, knowledge of wealth creation and setting of goals really made a great impact on me. In many ways, knowledge and self-development will play a key role in cultivating and providing practical skill-sets that are necessary for achieving independence.
The exposition ends with the author’s reassurance to those who are still oppressed. She reminds them that God still seeks to free them. I wish the book would have been longer since it is so full of insight. I rate Break Free by Deborah Bowers 4 out of 4 stars.
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Break Free
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