Wretch

The Christian nonfiction book Wretch: Haunted by Shadows, Rescued by Jesus focuses on the author's own story of healing from sexual and physical abuse he experienced as a young boy. In a series of personal essays, Sean Wheeler explores the depression, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, and self-destructive actions that stem from his abuse. He discusses the real life effects of sexual abuse, such as trouble maintaining relationships and jobs. Depending on his faith in God and God's love for him, he began finding answers to his questions such as "Why did this happen?" and "Why would God let this happen to me?" In a raw and emotional description of what the long road to recovery looks like, Sean Wheeler writes about his experiences, from the obstacles to finding the right kind of support center, to visiting a therapist, to confronting his memories. Writing from the perspective of a man in a situation that often stigmatizes men and boys for wanting help, he aims to help other men find the courage and strength to look for their own healing. Christian life, men's issues, childhood abuse, therapy, male abuse survivors, overcoming abuse with God, Christian abuse recovery, redemption, overcoming fear, shame, guilt.