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White Stick
When a positive pregnancy test upends her carefree coed life, Jacqueline Marie decides to end the life of her unborn child. That abortion and the one that followed not only destroyed two lives but also wrecked Jacqueline's soul. Unprepared for the emotional wounds abortion inflicts, Jacqueline turns to drugs and alcohol to mask her pain, but nothing she does assuages her deep-seated guilt. When staying with relatives in Florida--intended to give her a fresh start--she hears the gospel message, and while reading the creation story and promises of God, she encounters a God who loves her despite her choices. As she experiences God's grace and forgiveness, Jacqueline is able to finally forgive herself. Now a doula and a voice for the unborn, she shares her story to help other women who have had abortions know that healing and redemption are possible through Jesus. Having experienced the trauma of abortion, she lived with guilt for many years until she found forgiveness and hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now she's an advocate for both unborn children and the women who bear them. This book will break your heart in all the right ways and give you sympathy for the difficult decisions so many women face alone . --Daniel Darling, VP of communications, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
138 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 2, 2020
A personal story of pain, self destruction, guilt, and then rebirth and forgiveness with the love of God.
The author share her heart wrenching decision to have an abortion, not one but two, and the aftermath of getting rid of that "clump of cells," her babies.
As we follow her as she stumbles about her life with really no care for her survival, she uses all types of drugs and sleeps with many. Her poor parents really didn't know how to help her, and she eventually is led in the right direction, with a few stumbles.
I loved the path she finally finds and all with her hand in God's. A great read for those struggling with their past decisions, and also for those who might judge.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit and Redemption Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author share her heart wrenching decision to have an abortion, not one but two, and the aftermath of getting rid of that "clump of cells," her babies.
As we follow her as she stumbles about her life with really no care for her survival, she uses all types of drugs and sleeps with many. Her poor parents really didn't know how to help her, and she eventually is led in the right direction, with a few stumbles.
I loved the path she finally finds and all with her hand in God's. A great read for those struggling with their past decisions, and also for those who might judge.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit and Redemption Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 23, 2020
I have to say, I am awe-struck that Jaqueline Middler was able to tell her story. She presented the bad and didn’t hold back. She didn’t sugar-coat. She told her story. She told the raw, painful truth of her past and how she came to God. And as I read her story-although I could never be able to comprehend the pain and suffering she went through, I was still able to feel some of that come off the pages. I hurt with her. I grieved with her. I cried with her. And I rejoiced with her when she came to that glorious part of the story where she gave her life fully to God.
This is one of those stories where you see God’s amazing grace. Middler often refers to herself as a “murderer”. Such a powerful word. Such a powerful name to place upon yourself. But she also calls herself “redeemed” and “saved”. These are even more powerful words. She recognizes the sins of her past. She is truly repentant. And she is able to receive God’s grace and be a child of God.
Middler is obviously pro-life. She encourages others to be, as well. She doesn’t shame other women for their choices. She understands and sympathizes because she also had to make that choice. She calls these women to repentance and to recognize fully what they are doing before they make that choice. Her goal isn’t to judge others. It’s to save lives. And save the mothers from a lifetime of regret.
I would suggest maybe having a box of tissues next to you as you read Middler’s story. I also would suggest reading this book slowly. It’s very emotional, and I couldn’t read more than one or two chapters at a time.
But I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Middler is an amazing example of what God’s love and grace can do.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review
This is one of those stories where you see God’s amazing grace. Middler often refers to herself as a “murderer”. Such a powerful word. Such a powerful name to place upon yourself. But she also calls herself “redeemed” and “saved”. These are even more powerful words. She recognizes the sins of her past. She is truly repentant. And she is able to receive God’s grace and be a child of God.
Middler is obviously pro-life. She encourages others to be, as well. She doesn’t shame other women for their choices. She understands and sympathizes because she also had to make that choice. She calls these women to repentance and to recognize fully what they are doing before they make that choice. Her goal isn’t to judge others. It’s to save lives. And save the mothers from a lifetime of regret.
I would suggest maybe having a box of tissues next to you as you read Middler’s story. I also would suggest reading this book slowly. It’s very emotional, and I couldn’t read more than one or two chapters at a time.
But I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Middler is an amazing example of what God’s love and grace can do.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review
October 1, 2020
“White Stick” tackles a difficult topic, especially for Christians – ABORTION. While Jacqueline rehashes her past, I could not help but empathize – what would I have done in her situation? Would I have made the same decisions? Would I have turned to alcohol and drugs (as I have also done in my past), or to God?
The beauty in Jacqueline’s story is not in her past, but in her present (and future) – her conversion to Christianity after hearing the Good News. The purpose of sharing her story is not to reinvoke the same and regret from those past sins, but rather, to recognize God’s mercy and grace.
And these are not empty promises from Jacqueline, or a way to “justify” her past. She backs up her statements…Biblically. For instance, Jacqueline writes, “As you work through your shame and guilt, know that if you are a Christian, God has already swept away your sins and offenses…His desire is for us to return to Him for healing. His heart is to forgive us. He wants us to choose Him. He wants to redeem us…He wants to forgive you. He has left that choice up to you.” She follows this up with Isaiah 44:22: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Another example of Biblical backing follows Jacqueline’s statement that “recognizing your sin and confessing it is the first step in moving towards forgiveness…in hiding we allow the evil one to torment us. If we acknowledge our sin, we will open our heart and soul for healing.” She backs this up with Psalm 32:5 (“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”) and Proverbs 28:13 (“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”).
One of the things that really stood out was Jacqueline’s lack of condemnation. We cannot change our pasts, but we can repent and turn to Jesus. If He can offer us forgiveness, we can (eventually) forgive ourselves.
I received this book via Celebrate Lit in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The beauty in Jacqueline’s story is not in her past, but in her present (and future) – her conversion to Christianity after hearing the Good News. The purpose of sharing her story is not to reinvoke the same and regret from those past sins, but rather, to recognize God’s mercy and grace.
And these are not empty promises from Jacqueline, or a way to “justify” her past. She backs up her statements…Biblically. For instance, Jacqueline writes, “As you work through your shame and guilt, know that if you are a Christian, God has already swept away your sins and offenses…His desire is for us to return to Him for healing. His heart is to forgive us. He wants us to choose Him. He wants to redeem us…He wants to forgive you. He has left that choice up to you.” She follows this up with Isaiah 44:22: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Another example of Biblical backing follows Jacqueline’s statement that “recognizing your sin and confessing it is the first step in moving towards forgiveness…in hiding we allow the evil one to torment us. If we acknowledge our sin, we will open our heart and soul for healing.” She backs this up with Psalm 32:5 (“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”) and Proverbs 28:13 (“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”).
One of the things that really stood out was Jacqueline’s lack of condemnation. We cannot change our pasts, but we can repent and turn to Jesus. If He can offer us forgiveness, we can (eventually) forgive ourselves.
I received this book via Celebrate Lit in exchange for my fair and honest review.
September 26, 2020
I write this review with tears streaming down my cheeks. My heart is filled with grace as I express how much I appreciate the openness and raw emotions that penetrated throughout the book. It is not easy to share something you know was wrong, broken inside and desperate for forgiveness. The author talks about a very hard subject that causes discord among people. Judgment and shame followed the author as she exposes the sin that turned her life upside down.
It is not an easy book to read but one that I believe will help someone who is dealing or has dealt with abortion. Her life was a mess and it continued to spiral out of control. I understood her need to feel wanted and loved. The Biblical story she shares hits home for her. That moment as God spoke to her through His Word , she knew she needed to change her life. One of the things she needed to do was not only ask for forgiveness, but to forgive herself.
The author’s journey takes her through many hurtful conversations until she realizes that God forgives her. He has a plan for her and her voice will share love and compassion. I loved the scriptures and questions at the end of the book. My desire is to meet the author one day and give her a hug. I want to tell her how powerful her testimony is and through her transparency others will be able to take the first step to forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
It is not an easy book to read but one that I believe will help someone who is dealing or has dealt with abortion. Her life was a mess and it continued to spiral out of control. I understood her need to feel wanted and loved. The Biblical story she shares hits home for her. That moment as God spoke to her through His Word , she knew she needed to change her life. One of the things she needed to do was not only ask for forgiveness, but to forgive herself.
The author’s journey takes her through many hurtful conversations until she realizes that God forgives her. He has a plan for her and her voice will share love and compassion. I loved the scriptures and questions at the end of the book. My desire is to meet the author one day and give her a hug. I want to tell her how powerful her testimony is and through her transparency others will be able to take the first step to forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
September 29, 2020
I have never had an abortion. And I have never thought of having an abortion. So I cannot relate to the guilt that the author feels from this. But I can read this book and commiserate with her in that it is a forever life-changing process.
This would be an amazing book for someone you know in your life who has had an abortion or for someone thinking of having an abortion. It’s very real and heartfelt letting you into the life of the author and what she experienced and how she found her saving grace in Christ.
Some thoughts for you. Have kleenex handy if you’re reading this book. It’s going to pull on your heartstrings and make you cry. No questions. It will. The author is super brave to share her story. This had to have been very hard but I think a lot of people can be reached through her words.
Share this book, please. I think it would be amazing to get a copy of this book in every library, every church library, and every clinic who does abortions. That way it just might end up in the hands of someone thinking about abortion.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This would be an amazing book for someone you know in your life who has had an abortion or for someone thinking of having an abortion. It’s very real and heartfelt letting you into the life of the author and what she experienced and how she found her saving grace in Christ.
Some thoughts for you. Have kleenex handy if you’re reading this book. It’s going to pull on your heartstrings and make you cry. No questions. It will. The author is super brave to share her story. This had to have been very hard but I think a lot of people can be reached through her words.
Share this book, please. I think it would be amazing to get a copy of this book in every library, every church library, and every clinic who does abortions. That way it just might end up in the hands of someone thinking about abortion.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
October 5, 2020
White Stick is a heart wrenching look at one woman's journey through the choices she made, the choices that would wound her and scar her and she would have to live with them. Yet she was pursued by the love of her heavenly Father, and He did not give up on her.
This was a difficult read to get through. The agonizing choices that the author made broke my heart. I am sorry that it did not seem that there was anyone around to lead her on the right path. Especially when she was looking for guidance. I also completely understood her need to please everyone, and how that never worked out either.
I am glad the author wrote about her experience with women's choice and the whole it is my body. This book as the author states is not political. She just gives you the story of what it is like after the choice is made.
But there is always hope with God. He loves and pursues and forgives like nobody else. Thank God he rescues us out of the miry pit and sets our feet on solid ground. (Psalm 40:2)
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. Thank you for sharing your journey.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
This was a difficult read to get through. The agonizing choices that the author made broke my heart. I am sorry that it did not seem that there was anyone around to lead her on the right path. Especially when she was looking for guidance. I also completely understood her need to please everyone, and how that never worked out either.
I am glad the author wrote about her experience with women's choice and the whole it is my body. This book as the author states is not political. She just gives you the story of what it is like after the choice is made.
But there is always hope with God. He loves and pursues and forgives like nobody else. Thank God he rescues us out of the miry pit and sets our feet on solid ground. (Psalm 40:2)
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. Thank you for sharing your journey.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
October 1, 2020
First and Foremost, Kudos to the author for sharing her story. I am sure that it was not easy. I love when people share their lifes experiences, decisions and choices and how God turned it around for HIS glory. The best thing about this book - is how RAW she tells it. She tells it how it is, and does not sugar coat it. I prefer those who tell their stories like this. She tells her story with the good, the bad and the ugly. My heart broke as she remembered the abortions (I cried at this part) - and how she felt afterwards. It broke as she was on her path of self destruction - and really did not have a support system. But, the good news is, God placed people in her path that helped pull her out of the darkness. She found Jesus. He was able to heal her from her wounds - He was able to heal her heart.
This is a great book for someone that may have walked this road and feels lost, alone and guilty.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own
This is a great book for someone that may have walked this road and feels lost, alone and guilty.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own
October 3, 2020
Debut Author, Jacqueline Middler, really shows how STRONG she is with her Memoir book.
Jacqueline Middler, has not 1 but 2 abortions. She was fully unprepared for the emotional
toll abortions would take on her. She found solace in Drugs and Alcohol. Seeking a new start
in Florida, she is presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She knew God was her refuge and
strength and turned her life over to him. She continues to live her life as a Christian and
she knew God has forgiven her of her past.
Jacqueline Middler opened up in her Memoir and was very honest and raw about her life.
She is now Pro-Life and works as a Doula. She speaks often to women contemplating
abortion and those who already have. She encourages them to turn to God and he will
forgive them also.
I have never been so engrossed in a book as I was with this book. VERY Encouraging book
for anyone struggling with their past, especially those who have had abortions. Jacqueline
assures that giving your life to God can be life changing, it truly changed her life. God is GOOD
and this book is GREAT!
Jacqueline Middler, has not 1 but 2 abortions. She was fully unprepared for the emotional
toll abortions would take on her. She found solace in Drugs and Alcohol. Seeking a new start
in Florida, she is presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She knew God was her refuge and
strength and turned her life over to him. She continues to live her life as a Christian and
she knew God has forgiven her of her past.
Jacqueline Middler opened up in her Memoir and was very honest and raw about her life.
She is now Pro-Life and works as a Doula. She speaks often to women contemplating
abortion and those who already have. She encourages them to turn to God and he will
forgive them also.
I have never been so engrossed in a book as I was with this book. VERY Encouraging book
for anyone struggling with their past, especially those who have had abortions. Jacqueline
assures that giving your life to God can be life changing, it truly changed her life. God is GOOD
and this book is GREAT!
September 25, 2020
I do believe that White Stick by Jacqueline Middler needs to be read by all young adults. I do believe it is an important true story of what life decisions can affect a person later down the road. The author does not hold back on what she went through in life. I admired her being truthful with herself and was able to find the courage to find faith, grace, forgiveness. Such a beautiful book of hope and redemption.
I am giving White Stick a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for young women. I appreciate Miss Middler for telling this story and I believe others will be able to relate to it greatly. They will not be disappointed in reading this one and it should not be one to be missed.
I received White Stick from the publisher. This review one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving White Stick a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for young women. I appreciate Miss Middler for telling this story and I believe others will be able to relate to it greatly. They will not be disappointed in reading this one and it should not be one to be missed.
I received White Stick from the publisher. This review one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
October 5, 2020
This was a heartbreaking story to read. So much heartbreak and destructive behavior. No one could fix her, no matter how much they loved and wanted to help. She realizes what she did and even calls herself a murderer. I'm simply astounded that she can share her story like this, so openly and honest.
Then comes the part that made me bawl. Redeemed and forgiven. Some of us may not have done horrible things to the extent she did/went through, but we all are sinners and need salvation. No matter if it is a similar situation to hers or something completely different, this book shows God's love and acceptance.
It was a 5/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Then comes the part that made me bawl. Redeemed and forgiven. Some of us may not have done horrible things to the extent she did/went through, but we all are sinners and need salvation. No matter if it is a similar situation to hers or something completely different, this book shows God's love and acceptance.
It was a 5/5 for me.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
September 26, 2020
"White Stick" by Jacqueline Middler is the true story of the author's two abortion's and her drug and alchol abuse. I really felt that the author really wanted to help others from going through the struggles she did.
I really recommend this book to all, whether you have had an abortion or not to really understand the pain and shame and grief women that have had an abortion go through. I haven't had an abortion nor do I know anyone who has but this book has opened my eyes to why some choose this option.
I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own
I really recommend this book to all, whether you have had an abortion or not to really understand the pain and shame and grief women that have had an abortion go through. I haven't had an abortion nor do I know anyone who has but this book has opened my eyes to why some choose this option.
I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own
August 11, 2021
This book is a brave account of a mother's experience after having two abortions. It has an important message on forgiveness and finding God. The author shares so much wisdom on the effects of abortion, and finding faith and healing. I was moved to tears while reading her story.
April 23, 2023
The white stick this book refers to is a pregnancy test. A positive result will change your life. This book deals with the choices and decisions that can be made as a result. The author courageously shares her story – the good, the ugly, the sins and the redemption. “The Lord your God is with you…” Zephaniah 3:17.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews