Many of us have been, or know someone who has been sexually assaulted. Statistics show that every 2 minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Sexual assault can easily leave it’s victims with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. That’s where Justin and Lindsey Holcomb step in with their book, Rid of My Disgrace.
Overview of the Book:
Justin and Lindsey begin their book by discussing the differences between grace and disgrace. They state, “Grace is love that seeks you out even if you have nothing to give in return…Disgrace destroys, causes pain, deforms, and wounds. It alienates and isolates.” The readers of this book will easily relate to the Holcomb’s definition of disgrace. If you have been sexually assaulted, most likely you have experienced the feelings of disgrace outlined in this book. However, oftentimes those who have been sexually assaulted are unsure if what they experienced even falls into the category of sexual assault. That’s why in their next chapter, Justin and Lindsey define what sexual assault really is. The definition they choose to give us is any type of sexual behavior or contact where consent is not freely given or obtained and is accomplished through force, intimidation, violence, coercion, manipulation, threat, deception, or abuse of authority. The Holcomb’s expand on this to open their reader’s eyes to the fact that many men and women are sexually assaulted and suffer from feelings of disgrace without acknowledging that this violent act was truly sexual assault.
Throughout the book, Justin and Lindsey share the stories of 6 sexual assault victims, both men and women, and the shame, guilt, anger, denial, and despair each of them experienced after the assault. These chapters will pull at your heart strings, and will definitely draw your attention to just how devastating sexual assault really is. But, there is great hope! The last few chapters of this book present the examples of grace as found in the old and new testament, as Justin and Lindsey clearly explain that there truly is great hope for healing and restoration through our Lord. What seems like a hopeless situation is indeed an opportunity for much grace, hope, and healing to be given to the victims of sexual assault.
Lessons Learned:
Whether you have been sexually assaulted or not, Rid of My Disgrace will forever change the way you look at sexual assault. Your eyes will be opened to see how often people in our country are sexually assaulted, and you will grow to have a deeper understanding of the feelings of despair, shame, and disgrace that many sexual assault victims experience. You will also be encouraged and uplifted as you read of the hope that Jesus offers us in such a hopeless situation. This book is an amazing, life-changing resource that gives us a Biblical view of this all too common crime.
Choosing to pick up a copy of Rid of My Disgrace can be a huge step towards healing for those who have been sexually assaulted. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, we at VOH highly recommend looking into this book for further understanding of the hope and light that is offered in this hopeless and dark world.
