A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is a healing journey. I knew that reading this book would not be easy as I have personal experiences with sexual assault. But I kept an open mind and I am glad that I made an effort to read this book as it was truly helpful. While I am still on the path towards healing, the author’s practical knowledge has shaped my mind into having a clearer path to recovery.
I felt so seen while reading this book. The strongest line in the book that resonated with me was that “sexual assualt…is the planting a seed of doubt”. I questioned myself so many times if I was too sensitive when I experienced the traumatic moments in my life. Was my abuser just being too friendly? Did I just have a lapse in judgement? Did I just lack boundaries? I now know that the answer to all of these are no. Sexual assault is no one’s fault but the abuser’s. Acknowledging that as fact is the first step towards recovery.
While I am not a religious person, I still found the Bible centered insights helpful. I know that they can help people turn to a Higher Power in times of weaknesses, especially while recovering from something as traumatic as sexual assault. No one deserves to be treated like an object. It is only in finding one’s dignity through faith that healing can truly happen.
My story is just one of many, and I am glad that the author is doing God’s work in helping people heal from sexual assault and trauma. After all, everyone deserves to heal and grow from something that they did not ask for in the first place.
A Voice in the Wilderness: The Path to Wholeness by Irene Santos is now available!