The Winner of 'Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs' is.....!

We have a winner of the autographed copy of Patty Mason's 'Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs,' as chosen by the Random Number Generator. That blessed individual is.....


Janice!


Congratulations, Janice! I will be emailing you shortly for your address.


Patty made this generous offer. I encourage you to take advantage of it!:


I am overwhelmed with emotion as I read the comments many of you have left. I am so moved in my heart that I would like to offer anyone who does not win the free copy of the book to contact me personally at patty@libertyinchrist.net so I can offer you a special book price of $5.00 per book +s/h. (Reg. price is $8.99) 
So many of the things you all are sharing I've been through and talk about in the book through my story. Be encouraged and know that I am praying for each of you. 
With a heart full of love for you,
Patty


Thanks again to Patty for writing such a wonderful book and sharing her heart in the process! She is truly a beautiful person inside and out!

‘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!

‘A Scarlet Cord of Hope: My Journey through Guilt, Shame, and Fear to Hope’ by Sheryl Griffin – Book Review and Giveaway

One thing that I cherish more than anything since I joined Facebook and started my blog is meeting some incredibly wonderful people – both online and, more importantly, in person. One of the lovely ladies I have met is Sheryl Griffin, author of ‘A Scarlet Cord of Hope: My Journey through Guilt, Shame and Fear to Hope.’ I was introduced to her when my husband, Fred, and I were in Nashville TN at the end of April/first of May this year for the Nashville Marathon. We were scheduled to have breakfast with the equally lovely Charlotte Hunt (author of several books, including her latest, ‘Dream Madly, Pursue Wildly, and Trust Completely: What You Wanted to Be When You Grew Up;’ looking forward to being encouraged once again when I read it!) and sweet and lovely Patty Mason, whose latest book is ‘Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs.’ Charlotte and Patty brought their friend, Sheryl, along with them – and I am so glad they did! She shared her autobiography with me, and it is one powerful story!

Here is the synopsis of this book:

        Guilt Shame Fear Panic Anxiety

Do these words identify you? Are you living under their influence? Is the weight of the past robbing you of your future?

Hope

A Scarlet Cord of Hope is the true life testimony of Sheryl Griffin. As God has healed her on her journey, she wants to share her healing with you. From alcoholic parents, to an abusive first marriage, to being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, chances are many of her trials have also been yours.

Sheryl has a past that hung on her neck like a scarlet cord. She now knows that what she thought was a noose was actually a God-given lifeline to His grace. Discover what Sheryl found on her journey…Love, mercy, forgiveness, and hope.

Here is the biography of this author:

Wife, mother, teacher – Sheryl Griffin resides in Franklin, TN with her husband Doug. They have two children and are actively involved in their church. Sheryl enjoys encouraging other through writing, speaking, and blogging. You can visit her website at www.SherylGriffin.com.

Here is Part One of a four-part TV interview with Sheryl; it provides some great insight into the heart of this lady who is beautiful inside and out:

In this autobiography, Sheryl shares her life story with her readers, in hope that her struggles will help impact others. After reading it, I can certainly imagine that it has and it will. She is extremely transparent about the trials she’s gone through, as well as sharing the highlights (her children, her Godly marriage, etc….). It was a pleasure to read this book and learn more about this lovely lady.

In the Introduction, Sheryl shares what she hopes for this book – ‘hope’ being the operative word:

I have felt like my life experiences have been like a series of puzzle pieces. I did not know what the final puzzle would look like, but I knew that I needed to put the pieces together to bring order to my life. The goal of this book is to honestly examine each piece as an individual and with God’s help, put them together.

This is not a book complaining about my childhood or being a victim. This book is not meant to tell every aspect of my life. The events, situations, and experiences I tell about are what I feel propelled me into PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder], panic, and anxiety. It was not one event for me; it was a lifetime of events, circumstances, and people. As I look back I can see each of these situations as threads in my life, threads that are not necessarily strong on their own but woven together they create a cord that hung firmly from my neck. The threads, scarlet in color, signify the guilt and shame I felt over certain situations and events in my life. (pp. xii-xiii)

I loved the fact that each chapter ends with a section entitled ‘What I Know Now.’ One point in particular that she makes is very important for everyone to know:

There are many red flags or warning signs of abusive relationships. Here are eight that are important not to ignore:

·         One person pushes for a quick and exclusive relationship

·         Is jealous/possessive

·         Blames others for problems or mistakes

·         Makes others feel responsible for their feelings or choices

·         Has unrealistic expectations

·         Angers easily…leaving you feeling like you are walking on egg shells

·         Has a history of abusing others or animals

·         Uses words, facial expressions, or physical violence to intimidate you (p. 45)

I also loved this other ‘What I Know Now:’

As my pastor, Chris Williamson, once said, “If you want to be covered by the will of God, you must choose to come under the covering and stay there.” (p. 85)

God healed her brokenness over the years. She shares how it happened for her, and for her husband, Doug; the setting for her here was a Mom’s Bible Study:

With each book we read and discussed, it seemed our “masks” were coming off. It was the first time in my life that I had openly shared my testimony. I was in awe at the other women’s response towards me. For once in my life I was seeing my sins not as a scarlet cord around my neck but as a testimony of grace and forgiveness. The scarlet cord represents the blood of Jesus washing over all of my sins, cleansing me of my sin – NOT reminding me of my guilt and shame. This was a huge spiritual turning point for me. During this time Doug created a similar group for the men. They had Bible study and prayer time. He was also sharing openly about his past. We both recognized the power of taking off our masks and walking in truth. (p. 101)

Sheryl closes out her book this way:

As I look back through all of my life I can see God’s footprints in the sand carrying me along the way. It truly is one day at a time, one situation at a time. My life today is about surrounding myself with good people who will encourage my walk with God, including family, church, and friends, keeping my spiritual armor on, being open and honest, letting my faith grow and not being afraid to stretch and grow. I also need to remember that while growing pains do hurt, in the end it is for the betterment of the body, mind, and heart. Each day is a choice to live the life God has given me to the fullest, and remembering that ultimately, I can only be responsible for my own choices and happiness. (p. 159)

I admit I had to read this book in one sitting! I started reading it before bed. When it came time to go to sleep, I couldn’t; I had to know ‘the rest of the story’!

This book is so encouraging! I would heartily recommend it to anyone who has struggled through the trials of life, or who needs to come through to the other side after a tragedy. I thank Sheryl for exposing her heart, and showing us how Jesus has restored it and continues to refine her day after day.

Here is a picture of the five of us after our breakfast meeting in Franklin, Tennessee. From left to right are Fred, me (with an unfortunately placed fanny pack under my shirt….), Charlotte, Patty, and Sheryl. That was a fun time – and I hope we can do it again!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Westview, Inc. and generously provided by the author for review purposes.

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Sheryl has generously offered to provide a personally autographed copy of this powerful book to one blessed person!

There are several ways to gain entry:

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, telling me why you’re interested in reading this book. Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com.

2) Follow Sheryl on Twitter. Please leave a separate comment stating that you are now following her, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

3) ‘Like’ Sheryl’s page on Facebook. Please leave a separate comment to that effect.

4) Follow me on Twitter.  If you are already a Twitter follower, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

5) Tweet the following tweet once per day:

Want hope? Win ‘A Scarlet Cord of Hope’ by @SherylGriffin from @andrealschultz. http://bit.ly/oeQlNV #giveaway Please RT!

Please leave a comment for each tweet, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

6) Visit Sheryl’s website and leave a comment telling me your favorite thing on it, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

7) Post my blog button on your blog. You can grab the HTML code on the right side of my blog. Please leave a comment to that effect, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

8) Follow me as a Google Friend on this blog; if you are already a Friend, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

9) Become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

10) Follow this blog as a NetWorked Blog Follower after you’ve become my Facebook friend.  Please leave a new comment to that effect, along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

So there are LOTS of chances to enter!  Please limit one entry per option except for the Twitter tweet option (which can be done once per day), along with your email address in the sample[at]gmail[dot]com format.

This give away is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is Friday, September 2, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator on Saturday, September 3, 2011 and will be contacted via email. The best to all of you!