Touching His Robe, by Leslie Nelson

As someone who has had to counsel many people who are struggling with early childhood abuse, either sexual, verbal or physical, I found this book to be a refreshing short read that gave many good thoughts regarding healing. Leslie Nelson speaking from her own past has thought the topic through and sought out counseling, therapy, and religious answers to the hurt and pain that she has experienced.

One main point that she makes several times is that healing is a process and takes time. There is no a simple quick fix for your pain. Often times it can take years to come to a point where you feel total release of the past.

She offers many insights into the topic, but maybe the best insight ties right back to her title. If you are feeling pain, shame, distrust, guilt or whatever you may need to take the courageous step of walking after Christ and taking an opportunity to simply reach out and touch the hem of His garment with the desire to be healed.

As the woman in the Gospel of Luke who had the bleeding disorder for twelve years, she took a courageous step of making the Teacher unclean by touching his garment. Imagine her fear when Jesus stopped and asked, "Who touched me?" She was afraid that her boldness would come back to just bring her more ridicule as she had received for the last twelve years. But she took another bold step and came forward and said, "It was I." Jesus did not condemn her for her actions, but instead gave her a gracious loving response and told her that her faith had made her well. Jesus desires to bring healing to all of us no matter the horror or pain of our past. We need though to approach Him seeking forgiveness and healing.

There were a few things that Leslie mentioned about how to deal with Anger that I didn't quite agree, but you as a discerning reader will know what you are comfortable with or not.

I did appreciate her comments about forgiveness and her desire to remind us that forgiveness has a different definition for all of us. She was very assured in her thoughts though that forgiveness does not mean that the abuser is absolved of their actions. She rightfully reminds us that the abuser still has to face the consequences for their action. Her chapter on this subject is very well articulated.

As a lay person herself I think you will find that Leslie's thoughtful process and writing will bring a breath of healing to your soul as you deal with your past.

I know that I am going to recommend this book to many of those that I have counseled with.

I prayerfully consider you take and carefully read and ponder Leslie's words.