A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America

by Patty Wain Smith

Overview

FAITH & SPIRITUALITY WINNER * HOPE PYX GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS WINNER * ILLUMINATION BOOK AWARDS ENDURING LIGHT SILVER MEDAL * WRITER'S DIGEST HONORABLE MENTION - A love letter to victims in an inspirational book of hope and love. Discover the one thing that changes everything.

"This incredible book is a gift to every victim." - Vicki Bourus, SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault former executive director

Not sure if it's abuse?

Award-winning author, speaker, and survivor Patty Wain Smith understands the confusion and the pain. She knows what it feels like to try everything in a relationship where nothing makes sense, and nothing works. She shows us what abuse looks like and a way to the other side - to peace, love, light, happiness, and to freedom - within the empowering embrace of A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America.

Patty goes beyond self-help and documentaries. The conversation is intimate, affirming, and relatable for victims and those who want to know why it's so hard to leave.

• Gentle, powerful, and unspeakably honest - perfect for someone in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship or still healing from one.
• Creative and empowering - the reader becomes part of the story and experiences that empowerment and self-love are elements of the Christian faith.

A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America converges psychology, counseling, domestic violence, child development, and Christian principles into a short, powerful read. There's a bonus at the back: a link to an original song that helps the reader grieve - an essential part of recovery. Follow the journey of a survivor who grows stronger and wiser after accepting God's gift, and discover the one thing that changes everything.

^{A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America is the winner of the 2022 Hope PYX Global International Book Award, the 2022 Illumination Book Awards Enduring Light Silver Medal, the Writer's Digest Book Awards Honorable Mention, and others.}

^{(New Words Publishing, LLC)}

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780692825839
Publisher:	New Words Publishing
Publication date:	10/05/2017
Series:	N/A
Edition description:	First Print ed.
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

Patty Wain Smith has been recognized by the Hope PYX Global International Book Awards for her contributions to empowering women, and her book, A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America. Patty has worked as an educational consultant, a child development specialist, a hotline counselor for both Parents Anonymous and Citizens Against Spouse Abuse, and a speaker with the Family Justice Center of GHC Speakers Bureau. Patty also created a family violence prevention program at an ELCA church. She has appeared on Carolina and Company Live TV and on radio.Patty registered her first copyright in her teens and was later awarded a Honorable Mention in the Music City Song Festival songwriting competition. (To find a song, Each Time, that goes with A Letter to a Friend, go to the About section on her website (www.pattywainsmith.com) and scroll down; or you can find it in the book.) Her first book, A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America, won ten awards, including the Hope PYX Global International Book Award, the Illumination Book Awards Enduring Light Silver Medal, and the Writer's Digest Book Awards Honorable Mention. Patty has a BA in Psychology with a graduate course in Psychology, and is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society. She is an associate professional member of The Authors Guild, and a member of the Nonfiction Author Association, the Southeastern Writers Association, and the South Carolina Writer's Association. Patty is a lifetime advocate for children and for those who are made to feel powerless (disproportionately, women). Patty believes we thrive in healthy relationships, everyone deserves them, and children gain their best sense of "self" in safe and nurturing environments.More about her work can be found at www.pattywainsmith.com; Patty Wain Smith, Author or @pattywainsmith on social media.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Introduction to the Letter

The Letter

Part I

Chapter One ............... We Know

Chapter Two ............... Trapped

Chapter Three .............The Gift

Part II

Chapter Four ............... No More!

Chapter Five ................ The Seven Sorrows

Chapter Six .................. The Way Home

Chapter Seven ............. Permission to Love

Postscript to the Letter

Statistics

Bibliography

Reviews

Editorial Reviews

"This incredible book is a gift to every victim-no matter if the victim is just beginning to consider the options or is far along on the journey to recovery. The skillful way in which she's written this story is similar to the experience of watching the fog clear from the windshield after a storm-hopeful, encouraging, freeing. I highly recommend this lovely, well-written book to survivors, advocates, family, and friends. I believe that if every adult in the United States read this book, powerful changes would take place in the country, so plagued by abuse. That is a significant claim!" -Vicki Bourus, MSW, LISW, SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault executive director, Family Justice Center of GHC executive director, supervisory professional social worker, professional social worker

"Excellent! A dark story told with deep insight. Gripping. Beautifully written. Told like it is. First rate work!" -David Zinman, author of The Day Huey Long Was Shot, prize-winning AP Journalist and Newsday Reporter"

"Standing ovation. Simply amazing! An extremely emotional and gripping read! This book gives the reader a clear and deep understanding of what abuse truly looks like. It is given a face, and the reader is part of the story. The feelings of isolation and fear are immobilizing for many victims. I feel very strongly this book can aid and empower victims, ultimately helping them to transition from victims to survivors." -Leah Leuthauser, MA, LPC, professional counselor

"Moving and insightful with a powerful message not only for the victim of abuse-but a message that transcends to anyone who cares about the circumstances of those caught up in this terrible web of abuse. I strongly recommend A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America to everyone, and especially to those who need to empower themselves to take the steps necessary to break the cycle." -Dr. James Pearson, ACSW, LPC, educator, professional counselor, and mental health center director

"A helpful resource and guide to accompany individuals and families searching for the light-those going through abuse and struggling with what their next step will be. I will be sharing this book as a resource for those in recovery from abuse and trauma. Thank you Patty Wain Smith for being a voice in the wilderness, preparing a path for healing and hope!" -Pastor Brad Bellah, Lead Pastor at the Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church (ELCA)

From the Publisher