The Book

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” Psalm 34:1

To each survivor….

Sometimes God leads us where the road is paved with sunshine and an understanding of who we are and where we are going. It’s easy to trust Him in those times, because we sense a security in the here and now. But sometimes, life throws us the unexpected….

“Why aren’t you listening?” I spat my accusation at God. “I need to know You hear me.” I crossed my arms and tapped out impatience with my right foot as if daring Him to answer. “I know I’m only thirteen, but even I know there’s more to this life than what I’m dealing with here.” I glanced around the room as if expecting God to materialize. When nothing miraculous happened, I added, “I feel ugly. Overwhelmed. Empty. What are you going to do about it?” I grimaced at the pain knotting my stomach.

Predators and abusers make up lies and fabricate truths to bolster their storylines and propagate their agendas. It doesn’t matter who is in the crossfires or who gets hurt. They simply don’t care. There is no wrapping one’s mind around their motives, either; so no need to try. They will incite drama and discord…Just. Because. They. Can.

IN THIS CHAPTER: “Thirty minutes. One false accusation. And my life laid in shambles at the hand of a crazed madwoman….”

When you feel overwhelmed or like the world’s problems are all on you, the best thing you can do is reach out for help. Twenty-four years after Colleen turned Hope’s life upside down, Hope found herself in Greg’s office.

IN THIS CHAPTER: Greg leaned forward in his chair, adjusting his glasses on top of his nose. Wispy auburn curls teased the rims. “I agree that our past plays a part of our present,” he admitted, “but that doesn’t mean you’re broken. That just means you’ve overcome a lot to be where you are today.” …

New twists and turns thrown at Hope and her family by Donald and Colleen has Hope wondering if living her life will ever be safe again.

FROM THIS CHAPTER: Concerned glances passed between those standing in the hallway, yet nobody moved. Everyone just stood there, gawking in silence. Blood circulation decreased in my arm as Colleen’s fingers tightened in brazened boldness around my elbow….

Walk with Hope as Greg helps her uncover how the past Is affecting her present. FROM CHAPTER 4: “All it took was just one day—one false accusation—and the next five years of my life were turned upside down, along with any chance of me having a normal life.” …

Praying for your enemies can be challenging, as Hope learns in this chapter.

When God is leading, unexpected things happen….

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: …A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; …A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” The familiar words of Ecclesiastes 3:1,5, and 7 held new meaning as I found myself pressed against the damp, pasty skin of Colleen’s forearm, forced into a hug I didn’t initiate or reciprocate….

Trust can manipulate situations to gain unfair advantages, or it can be broken in a moment of deceit. Hope learns how both played into her beliefs about life.

Bible class turns into a stalking incident that finds Hope learning who her real allies are.

“Negativity wrapped itself tightly around his words, harsh and condescending.” In this chapter, Hope becomes the recipient of escalating verbal abuse and starts questioning Brad’s Jekyll & Hyde moments.

Will the verbal abuse and hate stop as Hope defends herself against Brad’s bullying? Will Gavin’s friendship relieve the sadness in Hope’s existence?

Colleen continues to stalk Hope at school and Gavin comes to the rescue.

Things get crazy when Colleen manipulates a personal meeting with the judge assigned to Davis family’s case against Hope.

Next in Hope’s story: jail tour and getting ready for some amusement park fun.

Loop de loops circle around and help Hope discover more importance buried in her past.

When Hope is late coming home from a therapy session, peace with Brad shatters.

When life starts falling apart, Hope turns to Mom for support.

In this chapter, we discover who’s been leaving Hope notes on her desk and how her friendship with Ms. Hardwood started.

What happens at the ballgame?

A formal banquet just may be the thing that turns the table to Hope’s future.

Hope reaches out to Val: “Sorry to be calling so late. It’s just that, well, it’s kind of important….”

This chapter addresses a pivotal moment in Hope’s life and her relationship with God.