Secret Survivors: Real-Life Stories to Give You Hope for Healing

by Jen Howver, Megan Hutchinson

Everyone has secrets. Some you might whisper into a friend’s ear, while others may stay locked inside you for years…maybe even forever. It’s those secrets that you tuck away that eventually control you. You may think you’re okay, but really, your secrets can be tearing you apart from the inside out. Secret Survivors tells the compelling, true stories of people who have lived through painful secrets—things that they kept to themselves until they could no longer bear the pain alone. As you read their stories, you’ll be drawn into their journeys towards healing, and you’ll understand why it’s so important to share your secret with someone else in order to start your own healing process. Read the stories of people, who as teens and young adults, dealt with issues like: •Date rape •Physical abuse •Cutting •Pornography addiction •Eating disorders •Incest •Drug and alcohol addiction •Abortion You may find a story that sounds similar to your own secret pain, or you may learn more about secrets that a friend or family member is dealing with. Whether your own story is represented in these pages or not, you’ll feel a connection to the people in these stories, because we all have some kind of pain tucked away. But you don’t have to feel alone in your pain anymore. After you read the stories of these survivors, you’ll find the strength you need to share your own secret and start healing your heart and soul.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2008

Reviews

[Rosa]

This is a great resource for youth ministers or teachers to use to broach difficult topics including rape, abortion, drug abuse, eating disorders, etc. Written from a Christian perspective with gentleness and without judgment, teenagers might be willing to open up if they're harboring secret pain. I'll be forwarding this titles to friends who are involved in youth ministry.

[Lucy]

Was recommended after listening to the deep podcast - very different, I would’ve preferred not to have the religious perspective on the stories told, just not what I’m into, however understandable when I recall who recommended it to me. A very quick read (or listen) if you’re interested.

[Kelsey Buchanan]

I was not aware this was written from a Christian perspective when I purchased it. The idea of a book about survivor stories is compelling, but I would prefer one without such religious ties.

[katyjanereads]

1. I am a youth leader and we took our youth to youth convention 2 years ago and Megan Hutchinson was the speaker, which is how I found out about this book. She is an amazing speaker, by the way.
2. I am also the youth Sunday School leader, so I got this book for our Sunday School lessons. It worked great.
3. The youth may not be going through something this traumatic but it teaches the kids not to hold your pain inside and to talk to each other and God about what's hurting you.
4. But I do have youth who struggle with cutting and eating disorders, so by going through this book, they've really reflected on their lives.
5. I think I'm going to buy a copy for each person in my youth group just to have on hand in case.
6. It's an amazing book.

[Trevor]

Loved how open, real, raw, and honest it was. Made it easy to relate an connect with those who had such dark secrets. As well provided hope from the transforming power of the Gospel. - Must read.

[Hattie]

Great stories to share with youth struggling with different tough issues!