“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3~
Based on a true story, Pearls of Innocence: Shattered and Restored, by Karen Ciccarone, helps us understand the methods abusers use to capture their victims and shows us how God can heal the wounds of those who’ve suffered such abuse.
Protagonist Kiersten MacKenna’s first-person account begins with her childhood wounds as she witnesses the results of her father’s alcoholism–estrangement from the neighbors and beatings for her mother.
Abusers prey on children who endure such circumstances, often distorting scripture to add credence to the power they hold over their victims. Kiersten’s experience follows that path to a place where she believes suicide is her best option.
Yet, that’s not where her journey ends.
From the Introduction: “Tangled knots on the chain are what keep a necklace from being seen for its real beauty and purpose. A jeweler who crafts a beautiful necklace never intends for it to become tangled, yet he possesses the right tools and expertise to fix it if it ever does. Our Creator God did not intend for our priceless souls to become ensnared by the trauma of abuse, yet he can provide what’s needed for our healing.”
A companion text Restoration for the Brokenhearted: A Study Guide to Healing from Abuse is a workbook for individuals or small groups to work through over 12 weeks.
Kiersten’s story will stay with you long after you close the book. And you will be changed for having opened it.
The ongoing cycle of abuse is tragic. Knowledge is one intervention that helps and this book can be a valuable tool to increase understanding of this pervasive problem in society. Thank you for sharing; for “speaking” about this issue. Silence perpetuates the problem.
Karen has done a wonderful job of showing us what really happens. Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
What a powerful quote:
“Tangled knots on the chain are what keep a necklace from being seen for its real beauty and purpose. A jeweler who crafts a beautiful necklace never intends for it to become tangled, yet he possesses the right tools and expertise to fix it if it ever does. Our Creator God did not intend for our priceless souls to become ensnared by the trauma of abuse, yet he can provide what’s needed for our healing.”
I agree that it’s a powerful quote. Karen is a terrific writer. Thanks, Ava. God bless!
Abuse of all kinds continues in this world. The more people share their stories, the more others can help. Powerful.
Sharing our stories connects us and helps us understand ourselves. Thanks, Melissa. God bless!
Abuse seems to be increasing across the world since the pandemic began. Public assaults. Violence in public areas. People holding up and stealing from businesses. Assaults against women and children seem to be increasing. War is the ultimate form of abuse, and we’ve seen that carried out by the Russians against Ukraine in horrific ways.
The culture in the West is in certain decline. As always, it’s time to pray. Thanks, Melinda. God bless!
I’m always encouraged by people who walk through fire and come out with a powerful testimony. Praise God for her journey, and thank you for sharing about this book!
We do encourage each other by sharing our stories. Thanks, Jessica. God bless!
Nancy, in a few short words you’ve encouraged hope. Thank you.
Thanks, Annie. God bless!
Love the introduction quote by Karen. Thanks for sharing her book. Glad her story didn’t end with suicide, but she overcame to tell it to display God’s glory and healing.
I’m glad too, Karen. Thanks and God bless!
Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks for reading and commenting. God bless!