Healing and Forgiveness by Todd Rutherford
In Free Indeed: A Message of Hope, Stephanie Ackerman shares her struggles and victories, and the roller coaster that was her life captured in a journal. The power of forgiveness is evident in Stephanie’s life and her sincerity is seen in her authentic writing style.
All of us are bound to experience disappointment, sorrow and hurt at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, a few of us may even experience scars or wounds deeper than time can heal. While it is simple to say, “Forget it and move on,” true healing is not that simple, and involves forgiveness and acceptance. In Free Indeed: A Message of Hope, Stephanie Ackerman shares her struggles and victories, and the roller coaster that was her life captured in a journal. The power of forgiveness is evident in Stephanie’s life and her sincerity is seen in her authentic writing style.
Many times it is difficult to gaze in the mirror at who we are and whom we have become, even if it is through no fault of our own. But look we must, in order to assess the puzzle pieces that we have been given, in an effort to put our lives in order. Stephanie asserts that even negative experiences have purpose; they are required pieces in the puzzle of life.
From ages one to fifteen, Stephanie goes through sexual abuse and a host of other traumatic events, leading her to attempt suicide on more than one occasion. During this time, God speaks to her, reassuring her that He has a great plan for her life. Even though Stephanie has numerous brushes with death, she always survives. As she reflects on this in her writing, she gives confidence in the Bible verse that states, “This is the fulfillment of His promise that He will not allow any more to come upon us than we can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Ultimately, Stephanie learns that if she wants the world around her to be a better place, she has to start with herself. She does that and in the process, learns to live a life filled with hope, joy and purpose.
The essence of Free Indeed is the assurance that those who seek God will find healing, not only because He loves us, but because He is completely able to heal even the deepest wounds. She encourages the reader to be persistent in doing as the Bible scripture instructs in Matthew 7:
“Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened.”
Free Indeed is a marvelous work that offers hope and comfort to the afflicted. Both heart-wrenching and inspiring in its’ authenticity, this message encourages reader s to trust God to lead them on the path of healing and a life filled with purpose. Stephanie states, “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it because in the end you will be free and whom the Son sets free is free indeed!”
A must read for all those who find life’s circumstances overwhelming and for those who need reassurance that there truly is reason for hope and healing through forgiveness.
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