A Review of Loving Me
I must begin by saying, that Loving Me is quite a difficult book to read and “enjoy.” Don’t misunderstand me, the writing, the artistry and the poetry in this book is beautiful. The lack of enjoyment came in the story that was being written. As I was reading this book, I had to keep reminding myself that this was not a work of fiction; sadly it is a true story. Vicki Watkins brings us along on her extremely transparent and painful life journey filled with deep pain, neglect, verbal and sexual abuse and heartbreak. It is this journey that makes this story a painful read. However, if you stay with Vicki, and read the entire book, you will come to appreciate and admire her honesty and the long and winding path that she has taken to arrive to the present. You will be introduced to people that came in to her life, like Ann, and her husband Jim that came to Vicki at just the right
time, like Esther in the Old Testament, “for a time such as this.” There are also people I would like to forget. Finally, as I read Vicki’s story, I was reminded of God's incredible Love and Grace and the way in which He
always has the last Word. The story Loving Me is an example of how this broken and fallen world labels people as rejects, no good and trash, but the great news, and it is evident in Vicki’s life story, is that God recovers, rehabilitates and refines us and lovingly claims us as His Priceless Treasure!
Isaiah 61:3 - “God will give a crown of beauty for ashes…”
Loving Me is a long journey of pain and abuse, but it is also a story that needs to be read. You may find yourself in some of the pages, or even someone you know. You will have a greater idea of the impact that
neglect, abuse and pain plays in someone’s life. You will also discover the value in having great Counselors in your life like LifeWay Counseling and Sandy M. The other thing you will find is the Love of God in the midst of the long journey, while she was in search of people “loving her” she finds out and acknowledges that God is always “Loving Me.”
Kenny White- Lead Pastor at The Crossing Church, Batavia-Ohio
