Tattered and Mended:
The Art of Healing the Wounded by Cynthia Ruchti
One person’s wrong decision has shattered a family, my
family. If you looked at us though, observed our day to day living, you would not
see it. Life goes on and we keep living, even though our souls are wounded.
Cynthia Ruchti wrote Tattered
and Mended: The Art of Healing the Wounded for me and others like me. When
I got the book, I couldn’t read it. It had to sit in front of me for week after
weeks before I could open it. My wound was too fresh, too deep. My faith was
too little; my hope had deserted me.
When I first opened the book, Cynthia’s words were too
beautiful. Her thoughts didn’t touch me. I saw the truth there, but my tattered
soul let them blow over me like a breeze that tickles, but doesn’t refresh.
I kept reading anyway because I knew her words were water
for those who thirst. I recognized there could be healing and restoration
through them.
Finally in chapter 6, I connected with the book as I read, “When
a soul is tattered, shredded, we understand how the word soul encompasses our
whole being. Everything in us. What isn’t affected? Appetite is. Sleep. Enjoyment
of simple pleasures. Time. Energy. Ability to cope with stressors we once
surfed. Health. Vitality. Essence. Relationships.” She also said, “Life seems
to revolve around our pain. Anything good or productive we accomplish is a
monumental victory over the all-encompassing sorrow. And monumentally exhausting.”
Cynthia was describing me. And others in my family who were
agonizing over our hurt. I knew if she could understand the depth of our
suffering, then there would be a depth of hope offered as well.
Cynthia’s books are always filled with hope and this book
brings hope and healing. It offers new life for the wounded. It shows how to
mend the brokenness and transform it into something of beauty.
My story isn’t beautiful yet. It isn’t finished. There is
still hurt, but I am encouraged again. I am hopeful. This book tugged me back
to a place where I can trust God no matter what. I will use the tools suggested
to move forward.
Tattered and Mended by
Cynthia Ruchti is like poetry for the hurting. It soothes, uplifts, teaches,
and encourages. If you are hurting or know someone who is, this book is for
you. It reminds us that God wants us to live whole and mended.
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