Beauty for Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing    by Joyce Meyer Order:  USA  Can Warner, 2003 (1994) Softcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Melissa Parcel God has a plan to heal the brokenhearted. In Beauty for Ashes, Joyce Meyer discusses in-depth the steps to recovery and forgiveness after suffering physical or emotional abuse and trauma. Divided into two parts, the book covers stages in achieving victory over the bondage of past hurts. The first part, 'Once I Was Bound,' speaks about abuse and its aftereffects, such as fear and behavioral addictions. The message of freedom in the Holy Spirit is presented clearly and joyfully, accompanied by Scripture references and thoughts to ponder. Readers are challenged to make a decision to work through the pain of the situation, to let go, and learn about making changes in their lives. Part two, 'But Now I Am Free,' is a frank discussion about the releasing power of forgiveness. The strength and learning that the Lord can bring to a person's life is emphasized. Every individual who has been violated asks the question, 'Why me, God?' Ms. Meyer's answers uplift and encourage by pointing the reader to the Cross and all it stands for. Though I have never personally experienced abuse, I know people who have. I will use this book now and in the future to help others with their healing process. Beauty for Ashes has given me new understanding and insights into abuse, its effect on the life of the abused, and the process of deliverance from the pain of the past. Joyce Meyer writes in a clear, compassionate way, so that it feels like she is talking directly to the reader. There are so many nuggets of truth in this book. Readers will be able to look to it again and again at different stages of their journey, taking away lessons specific to each situation. If you know of someone who has been abused and could use a book filled with hope and encouragement, Beauty for Ashes will meet a truly felt need. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews