Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother

Understanding the Spiritual Needs of Abuse Victims

By Diane Stelling

ISBN: 1-880-292-90-4 . $13.95 -20% Direct Order Discount: $11.16.
140 pages paper

Cover Artist: Pam Shapiro

About the Author

In her third book, Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother, beloved children's poet Diane Stelling of West Milford, New Jersey, boldly travels down a new path with her autobiographical narrative. Departing from the whimsical style of her first two books, The Giant and the Mouse and One Little Voice, Diane brings a serious message of hope to abuse victims—that although they may feel broken and disconnected, they, too, can become whole again and life in peace.

As an adult survivor of childhood physical/verbal abuse and adult sexual abuse, Diane Stelling struggled with her faith, Christianity, and the Bible for many years. In her book and in her workshops, she would like to share what she learned from her experiences (i.e., what works and what does not) in an effort to help others minister spiritually to abuse victims more effectively.

Praise from Counselors...

"Powerful, thought provoking, and inspiring! This book provides a way for abuse survivors to better recognize the healing gifts God has given through His Word. This book is a must-read for survivors of abuse as well as anyone working with these victims. As a clinician, I found the scripture references and personable writing style particularly helpful in guiding my clients through the healing process...."

—Barbara Porcelli, LCSW, Christian Psychotherapist, Wyckoff, NJ

"This account of Diane's journey provides wonderful insight into the process of healing, from the perspective of the victim. It has already proven to be a useful tool to those working with people who are struggling with issues related to a painful past. In addition, it is written for the pastors, therapists, and others who often have little or no training or experience understanding the perspective and possible God confusion revealed by some of those who have suffered at the hands of others."

—Dr. Marlene Magdar, Psy. D., Lake Pleasant, NY

...and from Clergy

"This book is not a doctrinal treatise. It is a powerful and moving story about life and faith. It begins with struggle and despair and ends in victory, hope, and life in Christ—a true demonstration of God's love, provision, and grace. Diane's story made me more aware of the depths of the hidden hurts that so many abused people have stored up inside themselves and what I as a pastor can do to help them. This book will be an invaluable resource for me when counseling others in abusive situations."

—Reverend Andrew D. Nelson, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ

"I have used Diane's story to help unlock doors for inner city people with emotional and/or mental problems to identify what is going on in their lives. Diane's journey reveals the best path to healing for those who are truly seeking it. Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother is a tool that can be used very effectively in helping troubled individuals sort out their emotions."

—Reverend Paul E. Schlett, Hamilton Hill Fellowship (Baptist) Schenectady, NY

Adult Programs

Diane Stelling is available to present her program to a wide variety of adult groups, including

• Counselors
• Pastors
• Conferences/Conventions
• Church groups
• Support groups
• Parenting groups
• Community groups

Objectives that program participants will learn are:

• The mind-set of the victim of long-term abuse.
• Understanding victim’s confusion regarding original and actual sin
• Forgiveness as it relates to abuse and the environment in the church
• The need for care givers to focus on the innocence of the victim
• Using specific Scripture passages/stories from the Bible to better equip victims
• How to create a healing environment within the church

 

For more information about Diane Stelling and this book, please visit her web site at www.abusehelpspiritual.com. She has also authored www.dianestellingpoetry.com.

Links to Other Books

Novels

Angel on Trial

James Butler Bonham

Like Abigail

On Wings and Prayers

Permanence of Waves

Searching for Paul

Secret of the Viking Dagger

Strongheart

Whispering Stones

Church Resources

Ambushed at Sunset

Bobbing for Apples

Christ-Care

Peace in the Parish

Sand Castles and Fortresses

Values Symphony

Inspirational

Are You Listening, Lord?

Ballad of Sara Doom

Blue Garter Club: Ties That Bind

Breakfast on the Beach

Connections

Cut Me Some Slack, Lord

Dazzling and Divine

Don't Call Me Shy

Echoings: From the Bible in Literature

Guide-Lines and God-Lines for Facing Cancer

Hairball Diaries

Happy Athlete

Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother

I Choose to Be Happy

I Can't Remember Me

Illuminations

Imagine Me

Inspirations for Educators

It Was Never About Books

Journeys of Heartache and Grace

Little Things Remembered

On the Wings of the Wind

One More Time

Pedestrian Theology

Penny's From Heaven

The Phoenix Factor

Reach to Recovery

Sharing

Soul Food

Tragic Redemption

Twin Reflections

Wild Alternatives

Military

The Leapin' Deacon

Memories of Maggie

Potpourri Of War

Humor

Complete Guide to Overprotective Parenting

Don't Go Barefoot to a Snake Stompin'

St. Murphy's Commandments

You Might Be In a Country Church If...

Leadership

Who's Listening Anyway?