‘Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs’ by Patty Mason – Book Review + Giveaway!

As is the case with a multitude of people in this country (and worldwide, for that matter), I have had bouts of depression. It is so debilitating. My lovely friend, Patty Mason, has written a book about her journey with depression – and her deliverance from it – in ‘Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs.’

Here is the synopsis of this impactful book:

If you are suffering from depression there is HOPE! Millions are suffering, facing an onslaught of pain and despair that seems unending. Countless individuals are trapped under the weight of depression. Where is help? Where are the answers? Can freedom ever be theirs again?

Patty Mason knows the pain and devastation of depression, but she is no longer in that dark place! Her passion and deep-seated conviction to help others learn the truth and break the cycle, compelled Patty to extend hope by earnestly sharing her story of how she became Finally Free, Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs.

Learn to:

·         Find hope and freedom from emotional bondage

·         Let go of a painful past and move forward

·         Get to the root of depression pain

·         Recognize that your pain has purpose

Here is the biography of this author:

Patty Mason is an award-winning author, speaker, and the founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries. She has been teaching, mentoring and inspiring women of all ages through her writings and her talks. Patty has reached audiences all over the world through Sisters on Assignment, ChristianTV, Salem Communications Network Channel Light Source, and as a co-host on WLGT Blog Radio Live.

Patty was recently on the ‘700 Club.’ Here is her amazing story:

In the Preface, Patty shares what she hopes for her book and its readers:

As you read my story, my hope is that you will discover renewed strength, courage and determination – that you will find hope and freedom from your emotional hurt. Let my experience inspire you to let go of a painful past, to move forward, and to get to the root of your depression. Permit my story to bring you to comfort in the midst of your suffering. (p. 3)

One paragraph in particular in the book could have been written by me; I could definitely related to Patty’s struggle:

The consequences of my suppressed emotions surfaced for the first time when I turned thirteen, and for years I lashed out at everyone around me, even those I loved. In what seemed like a flash, I went from being a sweet, shy, soft-spoken child to an angry teenager full of resentment. I was very sensitive, so my feelings were easily hurt, which I released through fits of fury. I could no longer contain all those years of fear, hurt, and abuse. Like a dam breaking, the raging river burst through my broken heart, and wiped out anyone or anything in its path. (pp. 9-10)

Another area where I could relate to Patty’s journey is her belief in the world’s lies:

When I assumed the world’s way of doing things would define me as a person, and who I was meant to be, I set the stage for the ultimate sense of unhappiness. It felt awful to have put all of my hopes and dreams into something I thought would deliver great reward, only to find out that the rug had been pulled out from under me.

What should have been my greatest journey toward satisfaction, turned out to be my worst nightmare. Nothing made me whole; nothing gave me the sense of life, love and purpose I was frantically searching for. From the time I was 18, I searched for life, love and happiness in all the wrong places. In an attempt to find myself – I lost myself. I didn’t have a clue where to turn. I didn’t know where to look anymore. (pp. 28-29)

Patty gave her life to Jesus one day, and she shares how He changed her life:

From the day Jesus came into my life, the relationship we share has continued to grow closer and deeper. As a result, I have found meaning in life and a reason to live. I found purpose. My life has direction; a true sense of determination that is leading me down paths I never dreamed I would take. For example, if you told me, prior to the depression, I would one day be an author and speaker, and be involved in women’s ministry, I probably would have laughed. Even though I didn’t see myself this way, God did. He knew the plans he had for me long before I was born. He knew what he desired to accomplish in my life, and he knew the path I would have to take to find my way to those purposes. God knew, from the beginning, how to win my heart, draw me close to him, and bring me into the plans he had for me. (pp. 59-60)

After salvation, we aren’t immediately transformed; it is usually an ongoing process. One area that we need to focus on is forgiving those who have hurt us:

Harboring any wrongdoing in your heart will eat away at you like a cancer. Harboring an offense, carrying it in your heart like a bitter memory, will keep you locked in an emotional prison. So, even though none of this may be your fault, forgiveness is an important step toward finding freedom and being released from the past. (pp. 76-77)

I found this book to be powerful and geared to help heal people by pointing them to the only real source of complete restoration – Jesus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered from depression or who have friends and loved ones who are or were suffering – and that includes a high percentage of the population. I appreciate Patty for baring her soul this way, and using her trials for the good of others.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Patty in Nashville last April along with our mutual dear friend, Charlotte Hunt and the equally lovely SherylGriffin (both of whom are mentioned in her book and its Acknowledgement pages). You can read my review of Charlotte’s ‘Damaged Goods’ here, and Sheryl’s ‘Scarlet Cord of Hope’ here.Here is a photo of the five of us (my husband, Fred; me (please disregard my unfortunately placed fanny pack….), Charlotte, Patty & Sheryl). It was a lovely morning, and I look forward to meeting the three of them again someday!

You can order this book here.

This book was generously provided by the author for review and giveaway purposes.

Patty has generously offered a copy of her amazing book to one blessed person; and she will personally autograph it for you if you’d like! In order to enter, please leave a comment telling us why you’d LOVE to win this book. Please also feel free to ‘write’ to Patty, as she will be visiting the blog during the giveaway period to read comments.

Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – yourname at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.  The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. The best to all of you!