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Little Girl Lost
"All of my Bible heroes are survivors. I guess all of the people I have met in my life and I consider to be my heroes are survivors...This book is the story of a survivor. It is the story of a remarkable young woman who did not allow herself to be a victim but became a survivor. She did not look for social issues or society to blame but turned her violation and hurt into something positive, not only for her but for all of the people in her life. This is a story of God's love and grace and a lesson of life... Little Girl Lost is her story's title but the story of her life should be called 'Little Girl Triumphant.'"
--From the Foreword by Nicky Cruz
The events of Leisha Joseph's life are sensational, but the deeper story lies in her relationship to God, and in what she can now teach others who suffer from the fear and hurt that result from violence and trauma.
As the treasured only daughter of an upper-middle-class family, Leisha, as well as her brothers, enjoyed a happy childhood. When she was eight years old, all this changed abruptly with the death of her father. The strain on her mother manifested itself in wild behavior. In between frequent stays in private mental hospitals, she brought home a string of boyfriends, some of whom preferred children and made their way to Leisha's bed. After trying to burn down the house and chasing Leisha with a kitchen knife, her mother was confined to the state mental hospital. While friends and family lent a hand, it was largely up to Leisha and her brothers to keep the family intact.
Sadly, Leisha experienced the pain of isolation because of her family situation. She found God as a teenager, but that comfort did not last long. Leisha became disillusioned with Christianity and began taking drugs until an overdose had her on her knees, promising to serve God all her life if He saved her. She was sober in an instant, and has kept her promise.
Just when she had managed to turn her life around and was a finalist in the Miss Teen USA pageant, recently graduated with honors from high school, and engaged to marry a godly young man, Leisha experienced an attack at the hands of a serial rapist. Yet God intervened once more, giving her the words that would save her life and would eventually cause her attacker to confess in court. Even when he escaped and came after her, as he had threatened to do, Leisha refused to let fear dominate her life. She rejected the advice of the Witness Protection Program, instead relying on God's saving hands.
--From the Foreword by Nicky Cruz
The events of Leisha Joseph's life are sensational, but the deeper story lies in her relationship to God, and in what she can now teach others who suffer from the fear and hurt that result from violence and trauma.
As the treasured only daughter of an upper-middle-class family, Leisha, as well as her brothers, enjoyed a happy childhood. When she was eight years old, all this changed abruptly with the death of her father. The strain on her mother manifested itself in wild behavior. In between frequent stays in private mental hospitals, she brought home a string of boyfriends, some of whom preferred children and made their way to Leisha's bed. After trying to burn down the house and chasing Leisha with a kitchen knife, her mother was confined to the state mental hospital. While friends and family lent a hand, it was largely up to Leisha and her brothers to keep the family intact.
Sadly, Leisha experienced the pain of isolation because of her family situation. She found God as a teenager, but that comfort did not last long. Leisha became disillusioned with Christianity and began taking drugs until an overdose had her on her knees, promising to serve God all her life if He saved her. She was sober in an instant, and has kept her promise.
Just when she had managed to turn her life around and was a finalist in the Miss Teen USA pageant, recently graduated with honors from high school, and engaged to marry a godly young man, Leisha experienced an attack at the hands of a serial rapist. Yet God intervened once more, giving her the words that would save her life and would eventually cause her attacker to confess in court. Even when he escaped and came after her, as he had threatened to do, Leisha refused to let fear dominate her life. She rejected the advice of the Witness Protection Program, instead relying on God's saving hands.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 29, 2009
This book was just a bit too religious for me. Interesting story of her life and how she overcame a sad childhood after her father died and a rape right before her wedding. But it felt like I was being "preached to, preached at" whichever, I just don't care much for that.
June 14, 2018
This was one of many books my fiancé picked up at a library book sale, and I can see why: I'm also a victim of rape and sexual assault; he very thoughtfully chose this by title because he felt it could be helpful and healing for me. He hadn't realised it was a Christian Book™, or I suspect he'd have left it on the shelf.
I certainly appreciate having the book for that purpose, and I am glad to have read it, but only because of the thought behind it.
We are not at all religious (despite our best efforts over the years to try), and I felt like I was being preached at more than anything else. I tried studying and clinging to and enveloping myself in religion for years as a result of my trauma, but it wasn't until I finally stopped trying to force what I logically cannot accept that I was actually able to start healing.
That's basically wholly antithetical to this title.
If you're a believer, you'll likely love this story: It shows how one woman was strengthened through Christ/God's Love/God's Word in spite of seemingly endless setbacks and horrors.
If, like me, you find Christianity to be illogical (or worse), you'll be glad she overcame her trauma - but will have to suppress the frequent urge to sigh.
Religion is what works for some; it just isn't my bag.
I certainly appreciate having the book for that purpose, and I am glad to have read it, but only because of the thought behind it.
We are not at all religious (despite our best efforts over the years to try), and I felt like I was being preached at more than anything else. I tried studying and clinging to and enveloping myself in religion for years as a result of my trauma, but it wasn't until I finally stopped trying to force what I logically cannot accept that I was actually able to start healing.
That's basically wholly antithetical to this title.
If you're a believer, you'll likely love this story: It shows how one woman was strengthened through Christ/God's Love/God's Word in spite of seemingly endless setbacks and horrors.
If, like me, you find Christianity to be illogical (or worse), you'll be glad she overcame her trauma - but will have to suppress the frequent urge to sigh.
Religion is what works for some; it just isn't my bag.
March 1, 2021
It's a hard read. Don't miss it.
December 10, 2021
I have this book 2 stars because I am not sure if I read a story about a woman getting past a crappy childhood and rape or if I read the Bible. This book really pushes God down your throat.
January 2, 2025
True story. Great life story of faith.
April 14, 2011
This is a Christian book and I just happened upon it in the library. Like my other book just reviewed, this one reminded me of Live to Tell, but in America. I'm amazed how these women are so in tune with the spirit and full of faith to overcome these horrific life battles. This one ends good and I'm amazed by this woman.
January 27, 2012
Author Leisha Joseph shares the story of her life, the biggest disappointments and injuries, and how Jesus Christ has brought her through all of that to rich healing for herself and help for others. An encouraging read for anyone who has gone through sexual assault.
Plot: A+
Writing: B
Level: Easy
Vocabulary: B
Rating: PG13 (sexual assault)
Worldview: Christian
Plot: A+
Writing: B
Level: Easy
Vocabulary: B
Rating: PG13 (sexual assault)
Worldview: Christian
March 24, 2010
This is a handy book to give to someone who is struggling from sexual abuse.
April 9, 2012
I recommend this book to anybody who has ever been sexually assaulted or raped. It has helped me heal.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews