Susan Titus Osborn

“Emotional abuse” is a phrase that triggers a variety of knee jerk reactions depending upon the background of the reader. To some, emotional abuse sounds like a concern that just isn’t valid – a victim-based mentality. To others, they know they’ve been battered by words but are shy of the term because of its connections to secular psychology. Three women who have survived and overcome emotional abuse have teamed together to write Wounded by Words - a Christian approach to healing the emotional and spiritual damage that this abuse can create.

I was pleased to find that the authors integrated biblical accounts of people who struggled with verbal abuse from those around them. Though we don’t normally think in terms of biblical personages suffering from emotional abuse, it’s fairly easy to see that the examples given were mistreated unfairly by many of those around them who should have loved and cared for them. Scripture verses are also included along with space for personal reflection at the end of each topical chapter.

I did have a difficult time distinguishing from the various author’s contributions, but that is often the case when there are several contributors to a work. Each of the women does share her personal stories, experiences, and triumphs – there are even some personal poems included. I just wish I had been able to more concretely cement them with each woman in my mind. There are also personal accounts shared from others in addition to the authors, which makes it doubly difficult to keep track of everyone. (I did like the wealth of stories, examples, and experiences though!)

Thankfully, this book is full of hope. It encourages readers to press onwards and upwards in forgiveness and seeking to love like Christ while maintaining healthy boundaries. I love the authors’ emphases on turning to God’s Word and His love for the foundation of one’s identity in Christ. Rather than letting the lies and accusations of the enemy and those who unwittingly spew those falsehoods to determine one’s self-perspective, readers are encouraged to turn to God and His ways to determine the truth about themselves.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com… (mais)