By Jurry Taalib-Deen
Journal Staff Writer
Imagine experiencing trauma as a child, but don’t know it’s trauma. Fast-forward to decades later and you’re taking courses regarding therapy and trauma and during one of the classes, you discover that some of the things you went through as a child was trauma.
“I was in class learning about trauma and therapy when it dawned on me that I experienced trauma. It hit the pit of my stomach and I just started crying. The instructor had to stop the class and allow me to leave and have a moment to myself because I just started crying. I never told my parents what I went through, but in my head, I started blaming people, specifically the ones who put me through it,” Debra Neal, pastor, told The Toledo Journal Saturday, June 20 at Jera’s Heavenly Sweets, 3059 W. Bancroft. The day was the launch, as well as book signing of her book, “Grace in the Wreckage: A Journey Through Emotional Syndrome, Scripture & Soul Healing.”
She said that being that the trauma occurred when she was so young, she didn’t know how to express what was going on and didn’t know it was trauma; something many victims convey, she said.
In Pastor Neal’s book, she has at the end of each chapter, lines in which the reader can write down questions or thoughts that were sparked from that reading. “Journeling is so crucial to the healing process because healing is an ongoing process. Everyone should journal, regardless if you’ve experienced trauma,” she said.
Other than conveying her personal experience, Pastor Neal’s book helps the reader to recognize and how to deal with that trauma by using her experiences, education and religious scripture.
During the book signing, Pastor Neal took a moment to answer questions people may have about her experience. “Do you feel like sharing your personal experience helps you,” was one question asked. Pastor Neal responded by saying, “Yes, sharing my experience does help me heal. In fact, I’m still healing. The healing process never ends.”
A woman who came to purchase a book and have it signed, wanted to be identified by her first name only, Sherhonda said, “I’ve been in her presence for years and love the way she preaches and knew her book would be beneficial. There are a lot of people who are lost in their own situations and have no way out; this book will be able to help them.”
Another woman, Dorothy, also wanted to be identified by first name only and said, “Pastor Neal is like a big sister and a friend who has helped me through my spiritual growth. I know her book will be beneficial to me and others.”
To purchase a copy of “Grace in the Wreckage: A Journey Through Emotional Syndrome, Scripture & Soul Healing,” email preston2003@icloud.com.
