Finding Dallas .. A Spiritual Journey through Childhood Abuse to the Glory of God's Plan

It wasn't until recently that I could even admit that I had been abused, neglected and abandoned as a child. I am the older child of a bipolar parent. Often, when a family member suffers from mental illness, we are so focused on the patient we overlook the disease's impact on friends and family, especially children.

According to the World Health Organization, Bipolar Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. Bipolar Disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans every year, millions more cases go undiagnosed. When we factor in the impact the disease has on their children and loved ones, the numbers are staggering. After years of tolerating an unrelenting cycle of unhealthy relationships, I finally acknowledged my pain growing up with a bipolar mother and broke the internal barriers that had held me back for so many years. Although my outward appearance was one of confidence and success, my true self was suffering from the emotional, verbal and mental abuse I had endured.

What I have come to learn is that time does not heal all emotional wounds. In fact, the longer I lived in denial and tried to forget my past, it became harder to erase these deep scars.

What I can tell you for certain is that God will never waste a hurt. I hope my book will inspire others to see that even while working on your journey, any difficulty you have experienced can become something that can encourage or help someone else along their path. When you share what you have learned with others, not only will you shine a light for them but you too will be blessed. The bonus is that you also slap the fallen angel of the world in the face when you take what he has meant to destroy you and use it to further the Kingdom of God and shine a light on a world of darkness. I have started an on-line bible study called Leading God's Way: What Would Jesus Do? It has attracted dozens of people from around the country to sign up. You can check out some of the complimentary video lessons at www.youtube.com/purposewithoutlimits.

It is my prayer that this book will offer hope to those who need it and a reminder to all that you can have a life of joy. Don't allow your past dictate your present. Remember, life will never be perfect and there is no better time than now to step out on faith toward what God has called you to do.