Friday, September 03, 2010

When a Man You Love Was Abused

Statistically speaking, we all know and love a man who's been abused. 1 in 6. That's what the experts say. 1 in 6* males will experience or have experienced some type of sexual abuse before the age of 16. I personally have three male friends who have shared their stories of sexual abuse with me. I've received countless emails from abused men since I started reaching out to people through Facebook and on this blog. Anyone who knows me well knows I have a burden on my heart for male survivors of abuse. These men are fathers, brothers, sons, friends. These men are hurting, and they need our support.



A few months ago I received a free book from Kregel Publications entitled "When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman's Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation" by Cecil Murphey. If I'd been aware of how helpful and insightful this book is, I'd have gladly paid for it!

Cecil Murphey is a New York Times best-selling author with a heart for God. He is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. In this book, Cecil shares his own healing story as well as healing experiences from other male survivors. From the male abuse survivor's perspective, he gives us valuable resources and advice about how to help our loved ones. I've read numerous articles and visited websites and blogs and searched high and low for answers, and literally every question I've ever had about how to help my male survivor friends was answered in the 256 pages of this book. I found myself reading and re-reading, and - quite surprisingly - relating to so much of what these men have to say about being a male survivor.

The effects of sexual abuse are far-reaching and truly devastating, and when we see the devastation of silence and shame taking its toll on a man we love, hopelessness sometimes becomes a part of our everyday lives. If you are a woman struggling to find a way to reach out to a man you know who's survived childhood sexual abuse - especially if you feel hopeless or lost - I highly recommend reading "When a Man You Love Was Abused" because the insight it provides may give you the hope and the tools you need to support your loved one as he hurts and as he heals.

Click here to see the Amazon.com listing for this book.

Click here to visit Cecil Murphey's blog, Shattering the Silence.

Watch this video to learn a little more about why Cecil wrote this book:




It's easy to see why Cecil Murphey is the latest addition to my "heroes" list. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to share this book with you all. I believe in it. I believe in its message. And I believe in the God who heals, who gave this task to a man brave enough to SPEAK OUT and shatter the silence.

Until next time... happy healing!

*Click here to visit 1in6.org - it's also a great site dedicated to reaching male survivors and their supporters.

4 comments:

Twila Belk said...

Thank you for your excellent review of Cec Murphey's book, Meggs. I can tell you as his personal assistant that it wasn't easy for him to write the book, but he did it because he knows the pain and he wants to help as many people in their healing process as possible. Blessings to you for getting the word out.

Tracie Nall said...

Great information here Meggs. Male survivors are so often left out of discussions about sexual violence. It is time that we embrace them in our community and reach out to them. I, personally have a male survivor who I love very much. I will have to get a copy of this to read soon!

Cecil Murphey said...

Meggs, thank you for your wonderful review about When a Man You Love Was Abused.

When we expose our inner feelings (and those of others) it's a big risk. Affirmations from readers like you affirm and encourage me.

Thank you.

Cec Murphey

Megan said...

Thanks so much for the encouraging comments. I received a TON of "invisible" feedback for this blog... people DM'ing me on Twitter and emailing and passing the link around on Facebook. I am so thrilled to see so many people standing up for the fellas! The opportunity to read and share my review of this book blessed me so much. God is good! =)

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