Stephanie Livingston revisits past journals and writes letters to her younger self in this memoir about marriage, parenting, and placing one’s faith in Jesus when life unravels.
From the outside looking in, Livingston’s life seemed wonderful: a Christian husband, four beautiful daughters, a thriving family business. Livingston shares the beautiful moments of being a wife and mother. But her world was about to crumble, and Livingston also shares the devastating discovery of her husband’s infidelity and subsequent physical abuse.
Livingston doesn’t dwell on the abuse, which began early in her marriage. Her love for her husband spurred her to focus on his positive attributes and keep the peace. Eventually, though, the altercations’ severity increased. After the final incident, she writes, “My body was hurt and was bruised. Police were called and statements were taken. Surveillance cameras and guns were removed, and his hands were cuffed. We were undone.”
With a steadfast faith in Jesus, Livingston recounts how she weathered the storms of her marriage and divorce and offers hope to others facing similar challenges.
Two interesting elements makes this work unique. First, she shares excerpts from her old journals and then responds to her younger self with words of encouragement and advice. This sends an underlying message of gentle forgiveness and self-acceptance. She also includes several dreams, analyzing them for “meaning or warning,” offering intriguing insight into dream analysis.
Although the book is well written and easy to follow, one section puzzles. It seems to be a confession by Livingston of infidelity she committed in her marriage. Here, Livingston abruptly switches from first person to third as she tells of a woman confessing in church that she was unfaithful to her husband. It’s uncertain whether these events actually happened or if they are a metaphor. Livingston never mentions the events again, adding to the mystery.
Nevertheless, Christian couples or anyone navigating through divorce will find her hindsight, wisdom and testament of faith helpful and inspiring.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.