Sherie, I have mostly heard this: "Even if it's the truth, why does she have to tell it?" Most of the criticism has been that I should have walked away silently. If someone actually reads it, there is little chance they can get through the book without feeling my heart. But if they choose not to read it for themselves and still offer criticism, their criticism is not relevant to me. The book is my life and testimony. I was careful not to judge anyone's heart and I made an effort to protect the privacy of individuals not in leadership positions. I wrote in love and not in malice. I prayed that if the book would not glorify God and be a tool He could use to help others, that He would block my efforts and show me it was not His will. I shed many tears in the process and experienced anxiety over various people's reactions. God knows the sincerity of my heart. I would have been extremely sensitive to any indication that He was answering that prayer. Yet I never experienced one obstacle. To the contrary, it amazed me how many doors just opened. Now that the book is in print and I have received feedback from many readers, I don't have any remaining anxiety or doubts. I truly believe I have done the right thing by sharing my testimony. I know my story has helped other people. And it's helped me to finally have closure. I believe God used this book to further deliver me from my own spiritual bondage. I knew there would be those who would perceive me as doing this with a wrong motive. It has never been in my heart to hurt or harm people. And when someone takes a jab at me personally, it does still hurt. I care what people think of me. But I am no longer controlled by what they think of me. Only God could have done that for me, and writing the book was a part of that process. I'm free and I know I'm free to share my testimony. I hope this answers your question and helps you to find a more complete freedom in your journey as well.

Shari, I know that both through your online posts and your book you have received feedback that you should not have spoken out. Have you been told you are "spreading discord"? My past church is charging me with that and it leaves me feeling like I can't even tell my story or it will be proof that I have a heart of disunity. I feel like I have nothing to hide and even if I have done things that are sinful and wrong I would like to have others point that out because so far I can't see what I did wrong. I know that abusers can try to trap the victims into silence, but God's word also tells us to walk in unity and not cause discord. I'm just wondering how you have worked through this and what counsel you have received from others. Thank you for your book. It has helped me on my journey over the last months after being excommunicated from a church without clear answers about why. I too have experienced that false gospel and have now found the truth and it is life changing. Thanks, Sherie

Hmmm. I wonder why this book had to be written. Many of us just walked away, but you always did crave the attention...

I recently read your book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I can't articulate what reading your testimony has meant to me. I feel as if I could have written it myself (plus or minus a few details) it was so close to my own feelings. I left the church I was raised in (also a Body church) over 10 years ago but have immediate family who are still members. I can't express what it has meant to me just to know that there is someone who not only understands but shares my same feelings. It's almost like confirmation that I'm not crazy. LOL Anyways, in an attempt to keep this short I won't go on, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing your testimony, it has meant more to me than you could ever know.

I was very surprised to see your article in the Sunday Post. You've been coming here for how long & never even mentioned this. All of us at TN Onc BMT are interested in reading this book. I've been passing the article around the office. :)