Strength to Speak: One Womans Struggle to Make Peace with He

Psychologists estimate that 15 percent of society experienced some form of sexual abuse as children, the immediate effects of which vary from sleeping and eating disturbances to anger, withdrawal, and guilt to even physical ailments, such as rashes, vomiting, and headaches. Long term effects, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, often manifest in the individual's adulthood due to the victim's fear of sharing and seeking help.

Joy Jenkins is one such individual. Based on a true story, the new book from Chicago author Licia Johnson, titled “Strength to Speak: One Woman's Struggle to Make Peace with Her Past,” recounts one woman's struggle to understand her anxiety issues and the traumatic event she experienced as an innocent five-year-old.

Ms. Johnson hopes readers will be inspired by Joy's story to find the strength to speak out, and that men and women everywhere will allow God to open their hearts to forgive their oppressors. God promises healing, but it’s also important that each victim find a way to let it out and let go.