A story of surviving abuse by the power of gospel hope
Jenn Greenberg was abused by her church-going father. Yet she is still a Christian. In this courageous, compelling book, she reflects on how God brought life and hope in the darkest of situations. Jenn shows how the gospel enables survivors to navigate issues of guilt, forgiveness, love, and value. And she challenges church leaders to protect the vulnerable among their congregations.
Her reflections offer Biblical truths and gospel hope that can help survivors of abuse as well as those who walk alongside them.
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Isn’t it tragic that in a world so beautiful and diverse, a defining feature we all have in common is pain? While I’d never wish our suffering on anyone, there are benefits to this sameness. We can take comfort knowing that despite how we feel, we aren’t isolated oddities. Though our injuries were inflicted under different circumstances by different abusers using different weapons, our wounds are consistent. Thus,
the same balm can heal us all.
This book is about that balm. It’s about the journey I traveled through the Valley of the Shadow of Death; the things that guided me; the milestones which helped me process my trauma and recover. It’s still raw, of course. We may always bear scars this side of heaven. You’ll see some of mine in this book. But ultimately, this is a story about hope, about healing, and about a future beyond our pain. The Bible calls Jesus a Wonderful Counselor and a Great Physician.
Let me tell you how he healed me.
“The church has been crying out for a book like this, and the right person has now written it in the right way. Yes, it’s raw, honest, transparent, and painful. That’s why it will resonate with so many. But, unlike so many secular abuse memoirs, this one is also full of grace, truth, gospel, and hope. That’s why it will be redemptive for so many.”
— Dr. David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Seminary
“What is one of the most beneficial forms of care we can provide for those who have been abused? Listening. Does that make you uncomfortable? It’s better to admit it and grow than ignore the awkwardness. Jenn Michelle Greenberg has given us an opportunity to listen, which will help us do better when someone we know shares their story with us. Allow her vulnerability and courage to equip you for when someone entrusts you to pastor or befriend them as they navigate the aftershocks of abuse.”
— JD Greear, President, The Southern Baptist Convention
“A powerful and needed book, as the prevalence of abuse increasingly comes to light in our world and churches. This book will not only be a healing balm for the deepest wounds but will leave you worshiping the God of hope, healing, and redemption.”
— Sarah Walton, author of Together Through the Storms
“If you want to see how the gospel meets those who have been hurt and abused, pick up this powerful book. And if you lead in any capacity in the church, have several copies on hand to help give hope to those who feel hopeless.”
—Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and author of Agents of Grace
No matter where you are in life, God is with you.
As the author of Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse, Jennifer Michelle Greenberg has risen to become one of the foremost voices against child abuse in the church. She writes for Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention. Jennifer also develops resources for Christian leaders and counselors to help them identify abusers, respond responsibly to crisis situations, and minister to abuse victims and survivors in a wise and loving manner. Besides her theological and ministerial work, she enjoys writing adult fantasy and science fiction novels, singing, and composing music. Jennifer and her husband, Jason, live in Texas with their three young children.
Jenn Greenberg 