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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Mary DeMuth's Thin Places - Review and Double Give Away

I was blessed enough to be on the influencer list for Mary DeMuth's memoir, Thin Places. I got the book late, due to unforeseen postal difficulties (which happens when you move cross country twice in a year), and was afraid I wouldn't get my review in on her blog tour week. Boy, did I underestimate how gripping this memoir is.

While I appreciate the bravery and candidness Mary wrote from her own place of brokenness and redemption--it truly is a beautiful book--the thing I loved best about it was that it caused me to stop and contemplate my own thin places.

Mary calls a thin place, "[T]hose times where the division between this world and the eternal fades; they are snatches of holy ground, tucked into the corners of our world, where we might just catch a glimpse of eternity."

As a therapist, I was determined to read the book to see how it might benefit one of my clients, perhaps ones who had experienced sexual abuse, a fatherless childhood, or feelings of rejection. What I didn't expect was to read the book and come away praising the Lord for my own painful experiences in childhood or adolescence.

Women (or men) reading this book will identify with several of the experiences Mary had. Most of us remember our first dance, our first kiss, our keen desire to fit in outmatched only by our foolishness in trying to accomplish the deed. After reading each chapter, Mary would comment on where she is today with regard to how the Lord has brought redemption in her life at each thin place. As a result, I found myself doing the same.

There were many experience Mary had that I could not share, but millions of others can. These were pages that I could only read with my hand to my mouth, a tear in my eye. God's ways are unfathomable. He used a young girl's early entry into the adult world of sexuality, pornography, and divorce to bring hope and healing almost forty years later as she wields her words in a powerful healing arc over others.

If you'd like to be entered in a chance to win one of two copies of Mary's book, just leave a comment below. Winner will be drawn and announced over the weekend. You don't want to miss out on this memoir!

Mary, thanks for being the instrument to bring restoration to others and myself. I'll never look back on my own thin places with more regret than gratitude.

Wordle: signature

16 comments:

Katie Ganshert said...

I don't need to win a copy, because I have my own, but this book is AWESOME! I'm in the middle of it right now. I highly recommend it to everybody! In fact, I'm giong to buy another copy to give to a friend.

Great review, Jeannie!

Livia Blackburne said...

I heard about this book a while ago, and it sounds intriguing. Please entering me int he drawing.

Tana said...

I'm dying to read this book. I come from broken places as well and would love to see the way the Lord's hand moved to help Mary. Thank you Jeannie!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in the giveaway! I have been hearing so many good things about this book and if I don't win it will have to buy it. Thanks!

Amy Vogel said...

I'm following Mary on Twitter and keep hearing wonderful things about this book. I also keep hearing The Lord knock on my heart about my sister in law (or rather soon to be ex sister in law). What I've read and from what you've said, she needs this book. I don't know why, other than The Lord is wooing her back from her conversion and subsequent falling away. She has a past that needs to be overcome, for herself and my nieces so these generational sins can be broken. Whether I win a book or not (which is always great), I want to read it and give it to her! Thank you!!

Unknown said...

Wow! What a beautiful description. It sounds like a definite life-changer.

Mary Aalgaard said...

It takes a brave and strong person to endure such abuses, to face them, and then to write about them and share them with the world. Thank you for writing your story, Mary.

Mary DeMuth said...

Thanks so much for highlighting Thin Places, and looking at the past with a counselor's perspective. And all these comments blessed me too!

Mable Dotson said...

Oh my, I not only would love to win a copy of this book, but I NEED a copy! These comments have really stirred me up about this book. It sounds like I can relate to this memoir.

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I really want to read this book! Thanks for reviewing it!

Steena Holmes said...

I have my own book - but I just wanted to pitch in and say that I agree - wonderful book! I'm also offering a copy on my blog - its already touched my life and I know it can touch another :)

Oh - and I nominated you for the Sunshine award on my blog today.

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Sounds like a good book. Please enter me in your contest!

lgrace2 said...

I can't wait to read this book. As an adult child of divorce, I know how hard it is to deal with the many issues stemming from divorce. Looking back now, I know that God was with me through it all and I am blessed to be growing Generations of Grace and changing the legacy of my family!!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Durn it...if I don't win, I'm gonna have to go buy a copy now. Sounds intriguing!

babylukesmom said...

I would love to win a copy, I was praying I would get a copy for Val. Day!

Edna said...

I would love to win a copy of this book, I am a follower and I tweeted@mrsred49 about it.

May God bless

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

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