Sunday, September 26, 2010

Interview With Mary Moss

Why did you decide to write this book?
When I started writing in April 2008 my intention was not to write a book but to get the images of what happened out of my head. The more I wrote the more it dawned on me how far down God had gone to pull me out of a very dark place. I realized I had never told anyone what He had done or what had happened. On the advice of a friend, I started blogging and was shocked to read the encouragment and support from other bloggers. Around the same time, I connected with the rapist's son who told me even more horrific things that had taken place. One of the victims killed himself. I began to have the desire to tell the truth of what had taken place to give hope to others. Three months into writing, I met a writer who read some of what I had written and she told me I needed to tell my story. Although I continued to struggle with shame around disclosing, I started to construct what I wrote into a book format. There was a part of me that knew God wanted me to tell. 

What is the significance of the book title?
My whole life had been based on deception; lies that were ingrained into me since I was a child. I believed everything I had been told: I was worthless, had no right to exist and what happened was because something was wrong with me. Faith in those lies almost killed me. It led me from one dark encounter into another. Even when God dramatically touched me, it took a long time for me to let go of the decpetion and accept the'truth.'

Tell us about your book.
The book is written in creative non-ficiton so that it flows more like a novel than a documentary. However, it is a true story. It's divided into two parts; the first telling the story of growing up in a Jewish religious home, being physically and emotionally abused by both my parents, and turning to a serious drug addiction, eating disorder and self harm at a very young age....in an effort to escape. The addictions pulled me further down. Living on the streets was dangerous and then a friend brought me to meet a man she believed could helpme. He turned out to be a cult leader. He held me in his house for six months and raped me before I finally managed to get free. The turning point was a dramatic encounter with God, although I continued to struggle with the addictions.

The second part details the process of healing and recovery from shame and addictions.  As a Christian and someone who had experienced many miracles, I still could not get free....not until I dealt with the root causes. Through a relationship with a Christian counsellor, I started dealing with the eating disorder, self-injury, anger, shame, fear and forgiveness . 
At the back of the book I list nationwide resources so the reader can access their own help.

What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned  God can be trusted to bring about complete healing and recovery and it was the power of His gentleness  that ultimately freed me and continues to free me. I was reminded to never judge anyone because no one really knows what has gone on in someone’s life to make them as they are.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
Through my website at www.gentlerecovery.webs.com and my email blueheron12345@yahoo.ca or even my blog www.cultofdeception.blogspot.com




11 comments:

Tabitha Bird said...

wow. that sounds like a very powerful and important book. I hope all the people who need it get it in their hands. i am encouraged that important stories should be told.

Cathy said...

A great review ~ I'm sure your book will help a lot of people. Our God is an awesome God.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

I'm thankful you and Mary are finding healing and hope through the Lord. I know your stories will encourage others to get help.

Blessings,
Susan

Sheila Deeth said...

Hoping your book reaches and touches many, and leads them to healing.

Linda O'Connell said...

Hi Sarah,
Thank you foo stopping by my blog. I love your Elisabeth Kubler Ross quote. I heard her speak in person many years ago. What a powerful message. What a nice blog you have.
Linda O'Connell http://lindaoconnell.blopgspot.com

child of God said...

Wow Sarah,
Blessing to you for stepping out in faith so your story can help others. Praises to God for your obedience.

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Susan Marlene said...

You have a wonderful message! Hope! Thank you for leaving the comment on my blog. I can post a new message but I can not comment yet! Thank you for wonderful you!! :)

Smitty said...

I can tell you have a wonderful message to share! I am glad you had the faith and the courage to write your book.

I have a book I have been working on a while, but I had just decided to tell it as fiction, because it challenges current ideas in psychiatry.

Your book may change my mind. By the way, thank you for stopping by to share your encouragement on my blog!

Best, Smitty

Smitty said...

Alas, not sure if my comment made it past the robot check. I can never read those words!

Two things I wanted to say. Thanks for sharing spontaneously on my blog. Curious how you found me?

And second, thanks for the courage and faith in writing your story as creative non-fiction. I had just decided to edit my own work and work towards a fictional account. You may have changed my mind.

Smitty

Smitty said...

Alas, not sure if my comment made it past the robot check. I can never read those words!

Two things I wanted to say. Thanks for sharing spontaneously on my blog. Curious how you found me?

And second, thanks for the courage and faith in writing your story as creative non-fiction. I had just decided to edit my own work and work towards a fictional account. You may have changed my mind.

Smitty

Smitty said...

Made it through the word verifier that time. Took me four tries. I removed them on my blog comments, I think. Would you tell me if you had to word verify, and I will remove mine?