Publisher's Synopsis
This book was written with two goals in mind. First, I want men who have experienced sexual abuse to know that they are not alone. Second, I want these men to understand that they are permitted and worthy of seeking all the care that is necessary to heal. Men rarely ask for help when they are struggling with their mental health. Since childhood, society has programmed men to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. "Real men should be strong enough to will their trauma away. Ignore your pain, it will fade in time." This type of thinking impedes growth and erodes a man's sovereignty. Without self-sovereignty, he will not have command of his feelings or emotions and will look to solve problems by aggression or shutting down. One in six boys will experience childhood sexual abuse before the age of 18 and, on average, men will wait 20 years from disclosure before deciding to receive help for their abuse.
Charles grew up in some of the poorest and most violent neighborhoods in Philadelphia. He writes in raw detail his experience of being sexually abused by his father when he was five years old. He struggled with the symptoms of his abuse for 30 years before entering therapy. His story is full of pain and the consequences of long-term trauma. However, he is also an example of what we can accomplish through a trusting therapeutic alliance, love, and support from friends and family. This is an inspiring story of faith and healing.
