Child abuse
FORGIVING THE IMPOSSIBLE?
From abuse to freedom and hope
By Greta Randle
IVP. 144 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978-1-84474-433-6
This book contains a moving and at times disturbing insight into the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.
As a child and teenager, Greta Randle was always smiling, but behind that smile was a life of pain and suffering, as she was systematically sexually abused by a trusted family friend who was later to become her pastor. As the abuse continued relentlessly, there was no one she could talk to. Who would believe her anyway?
The reader is given a dramatic and detailed account of Greta’s life from her abuse as a child to her subsequent long-term depression as an adult. Her daily battle with anger, confusion, guilt and despair took its toll on her emotionally, physically and spiritually, and nearly cost her her marriage.
Greta became a Christian at the age of seven. She had served the Lord, with her husband, in full-time Christian ministry for many years. Now, during this difficult time of depression, she began to question her faith. She felt spiritually cold and had no interest in talking to God. Did God really care? Could a Christian really be feeling like this? One day, while reading a book, she felt God was telling her to forgive her abuser. How could God expect her to forgive the one who had caused her so much pain? Having come to an understanding of biblical Christian principles over the years, she believed the teaching in the Lord’s Prayer concerning forgiveness. Asking God to help her forgive her abuser was not easy but became a turning point for Greta. It also helped to resolve her anger.
Greta has written her story with courage, honesty and openness, and it is her desire that it will bring help to others. It is well written in an easy-to-read style and, for those affected by such dreadful crimes or struggling with marriage difficulties as a result, it offers comfort and hope.
Mary Levell,
Pantiles Baptist Church, Tunbridge Wells
