Book Review : Stand by Debbie Williamson

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Stand
Stand by Debbie Williamson

Product Details
  • Paperback: 168 pages
  • Publisher: Souper Publishing (January 8, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0980123402
  • ISBN-13: 978-0980123401
  • Follow Debbie on Twitter @dwillibass


One courageous woman shatters the chains of abuse that bound her family for generations and dares to brave the crippling memories of sexual abuse; shatter the illusions of denial; reveal her family s bitter legacy of violence; reach for healing and wholeness, and take her place on a path to forgiveness and peace. Replacing shame with hope, fear with truth, and shadows with light, Debbie Williamson shares her arduous journey to wellness. She did not choose this journey. At nine years old, she was a victim of sexual abuse. The hidden trauma of childhood rape often maps a life filled with destructive patterns and shame. Such was almost the case for Ms. Williamson. As a young woman struggling to repair her family, she finds the courage to take a Stand. Grasping for health because her life truly depends upon it, she uncovers and shatters her family s tragic tradition of violence. With focus and conviction, Debbie Williamson overcomes a lifetime of denial to heal herself and protect the next generation.

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. But the first chapter already made me so sad and angry of what was happening to a nine-year-old Debbie. Her uncle raped her. And she was helpless, afraid and unable to do anything. If possible, I would jump into the book, slap her uncle, command him to stop his sinful act and save Debbie from the suffering, pain and hurt which accompanied her for a very long time. I was even heartbroken when I learned about Debbie's mother, who was also a rape victim. Worse still, the person who raped her mother was her grandfather. And he did that repeatedly. He even forced his young daughter into prostitution.

This book is so haunting that you will keep thinking about the fearful events that occurred in Debbie and her mother's life which forced them into silence and self-destruction. I can almost feel their pain, conflicts and hurt throughout the book. Debbie's words are simple yet powerful because of the message that lies in it. I cried for her when she was in the abyss of darkness and despair. I felt elated when she finally found the strength and courage to cope the childhood trauma that was buried deep in her heart with the help of God and found her happiness at last.

This book is a real motivational read. It tells us not to give up even thought the future seems bleak. It encourages us to stand up against the abuse and violence that is harboured upon us with bravery because only by doing so will we obtain peace at last. Everyone should read this book and learn about Debbie's journey. Stand will help many women in dealing with the harsh experiences in their lives and to stand up for themselves. Thank you for sharing your story with me, Debbie!

This book is a memoir, so I cannot rate it with my usual rating system. But I'd still give it 5 stars because it really deserves it.
5

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3 creative remarks:

Anonymous said...

This book sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for reviewing it!

Anonymous said...

Aik,it is 22 years.....I mean Debbie had suffered the pain for 22 years.She only confronted her uncle with her mother when she was 41.

Toyin O. said...

Sound like an awesome book, thanks for sharing.