Look to the Rock: A Devotional for Those Who Have Suffered the Trauma of Abuse. This book is a journey. A journey through the paths of healing. One of the funny things about healing is that the healing itself often hurts so much that you wonder if it is even worth the effort. Trust me, the view from the other side is wonderful and well worth the journey. God is in the business of healing. So let's look to the rock. “Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.” Isaiah 51:1b
"I have never read a book or devotional that so clearly applies a passage of scripture to the experience, suffering, and healing of the trauma of abuse. Isaiah 51 seems to be God's understanding and wisdom on this issue. The written testimonies and obvious personal understanding of the pain and humiliation affecting so many people of our generation make this book a valuable resource for both those who minister to the abused and the victims themselves. The poignant stories and creative prose add artistry and excellence to this attractive and easy to read devotional. You feel the pain and hope all in one experience." Pastor Russell Bell
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Isaiah 51:6 “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath.
For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished.”
True Masculinity I think sometimes the Father’s heart must break when the abuse that some men dish out mars the picture of Him that an earthly father was intended to reflect. It was intended that our fathers in this life, although imperfectly, mirror His image so that we could understand His nature better. True masculinity is not about power and control, it is about love and protection. When instructing husbands, Paul admonishes men to “love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25) And if you read further in the passage (verses 28 and 29) “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the Church.” But an abuser is only concerned with his own image, his own satisfaction, and his own gratification. He does not care about reflecting God's character, because God loves and protects the weak. His victim will have to overcome that distortion in order to see the True Father in heaven. As long as we see God through the eyes with which we view our abusers, our perception will be colored. God's love is self-sacrificing. Jesus proved that when He went to the cross to pay the price for our sins. Look past your earthly father, and embrace your Father in heaven. He will never disappoint you. He will always love you.
About Alicia G. Bell & Angela M. Smuin
About the Authors
Alicia:
Alicia G. Bell is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor of the National Christian Counselors Association, Ordained to the Ministry of Counseling, and a member of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling and certified in temperament counseling by the N.C.C.A. She is a Licensed, Registered Nurse, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Masters Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. She has worked in ministry for over 30 years. Alicia works with a variety of issues including marriage, family/blended family, depression, fear, abuse and other emotional issues.
Having been called to the counseling ministry, Alicia’s approach is to integrate her knowledge as a nurse, her experiences in missions and pastoral ministry with Biblical truth to find solutions for her clients. She prays for them and with them to seek the Lord’s answers. Her own history as an abused child and her background in working with abused teenagers gives her a broader perspective and greater empathy when counseling. Alicia is very grateful for the experience she gained having spent the past year as an associate counselor with Pastory David Smuin at Faith Counseling and Training; but is excited about the opportunities for ministry the Lord is opening up closer to home. Alicia lives with her husband Pastor Russell Bell in Newport where they raised their children.
Angela:
Angela M. Smuin is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor of the National Christian Counselors Association, a Licensed Minister of Pastoral Counseling, and a member of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counselors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, and a Masters Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Angela is called to the counseling ministry, and is also an associate counselor at Faith Counseling and Training. She works closely with her husband who is the president of Faith Counseling. She is a Board Certified Temperament Therapist by the N.C.C.A. Angela specializes in family, children and youth issues.
Angela and her husband David have been married for 10 years, and have five children. They currently have a house church in which Angela leads worship. She has been involved in a variety of ministries such as teaching Sunday school, writing and directing drama for the church, leading children’s choirs, working at a church youth camp facility, short term mission trips, and directing children’s church. Angela also homeschools and teaches drama at a homeschool co-op. Angela has a tender heart and a great faith in the Lord which makes an excellent combination for service.
Look to the Rock: A Devotional for Those Who Have Suffered the Trauma of Abuse. This book is a journey. A journey through the paths of healing. One of the funny things about healing is that the healing itself often hurts so much that you wonder if it is even worth the effort. Trust me, the view from the other side is wonderful and well worth the journey. God is in the business of healing. So let's look to the rock. “Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.” Isaiah 51:1b
About the Authors