Press Release, The Unbreakable Child, A Step Foward
April 26th 5:54 pm EST
Dear Friends,
After reading The Unbreakable Child, I am heartsick at the horrific abuses you suffered. As a Sister, I am so very sorry that we did not “wear the face of God” for you. That is our deepest call, especially to the innocent and vulnerable. I grieve that it was on our watch and at our hands that you suffered, knowing that the suffering still impacts your life today and to some degree always will. Each of you is a precious child of God. Your experiences were so contrary to that message and to the Gospel. In that, you were failed miserably.
Thank you for your tremendous courage in coming forward and speaking the truth. In your suffering, you wear the face of God for us. I believe that until we (as individuals and as an institutional Church) see in your face the face of the Crucified Jesus and respond with compassion, integrity, and true repentance, healing and freedom will elude us.
I am a survivor of clergy sexual abuse. I stand in solidarity with you in your pain and in hope with you as you heal.
Sister Ann-Marie Borgess, SND
Toledo,
Ohio
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REVIEW
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Review of Kim Michele Richardson's book...The Unbreakable Child
"I have finished reading Kim Michele Richardson's first book. The Unbreakable
Child. A Memoir.
This book, once opened, cannot be closed until the end. Except for blurry eyes and the need for a few hours sleep I did not close this book until the end.
A story hard to read if you've ever been a victim of child abuse. At the same time, a beautiful recount of the strength and braveness from such a young child reaches across the written page and touches the heart. Gives strength to those who know. Strength to put such a life past them. Strength to move forward and live the life of their dreams. Strength to "forgive the unforgivable."
This story is well written. The timeline, the way Kim weaves the present with the past, is flawless. The prose, the repeated phrases at just the right moments in the story, touch you to the core. To the center of your heart. It reaches into your soul and brings out sorrow and compassion for the young Kimmi. Such a
young child. Nine years of terrible, unspeakable abuse. Like her title…"unbreakable."I'm still reeling from her lost childhood. I feel certain, as a child, I'd never have had the strength, the courage, to keep it together.
All throughout the book Kim asked, "Who wears the face of God?" She gives the
full answer at the end. I won't tell you, you'll have to read it for yourself.But I will say, this book is a must read. People need to know. People need to remove their blinders. People need to see the signs and respond compassionately.
This book will open hearts as well as eyes. It healed mine.
You'll cry, cringe in fear, laugh, giggle, and rejoice with Kim as she turns her soul inside out for you.
God bless you Kim, for sharing your childhood with the world. For being so brave to relive it all as you put the words on paper for us to read. You are a champion!
I wish Kim great success with this book and hopes she continues to write."
From a fan and friend-- Windsongs of the Heart
