What Do You Do with Your Hurt?
Published February 18, 2015
What do you do with your hurt? So often in our lives we bury our hurt. We put it under the rug where we think it is gone. Then something as simple as a song, a smell, a thought; triggers all the old memories, and the hurts that we thought were long gone resurface causing an avalanche of problems. We must deal with the issues of our past if we are to heal. Join me on this healing journey in my interview on Suzanne Strisower’s show, “Living Life on Purpose” on Blog Talk Radio at this link
Wait for show to load. Click bar that is between Blog Talk Radio and Living Life on Purpose. Click at 47:00. Interview begins here. God Bless~~
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Hope Renews the Heart
Had a phenomenal meeting with the women at the Orlando Correctional Release Center. People often ask me why I visit. When you see hope replace despair and see the chains of brokenness drop off of a heart, there is no greater joy. Something happens to a heart when they realize that there really is a God, that He truly loves and cares for them and that they really do matter. We must never underestimate the power of hope. It only takes a flicker to renew a heart. Please be encouraged. If you need hope; know that you are not alone, that you can heal, and that you do matter. Please read the earlier blogs on this page and follow the links to the interviews. There is a lot of detailed information in these interviews that may be helpful to you. May you be richly blessed and know that healing is a journey.
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Who am I???
Please join me in this interview….
At the site on this interview, wait until it loads and then move the cursor (hand) to 32:15. This is where the interview will begin.
I was surprised one time when a person asked me, “Why is this abuse so devastating to people?” The woman was sincere though her friend gave her a look as if she wanted to kick her for asking. I told her that it is because when this happens, the person and their identity is shattered and their soul is raped. So often this lost soul cannot find their way, nor do they know that they can heal. As you listen to this interview, may it be the start of a new beginning for you as you enter into a new season, a season of healing. Do not give up and know that you are important to God and that you do matter. May you know the power of His love, the promise of His hope, and the fact that was has happened to you in your life does not define who you are.
Please know that God wants you to know the joy of overcoming and that you can heal. Contact me and feel free to share your comments.
God Bless~~ Marsha (Marty) Barth
Copyright © Marsha Barth
“You Do Matter!”
Always know that you matter. You are a gift to this world. You are not an accident. Come join in this healing journey. May God richly bless you as you take His hand. We were never meant to walk this journey alone. Please contact me if you have any questions.
“You Do Matter!” Interview with Alfredo Love
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Copyright © Marsha Barth
From Victim to Victor
We do not need to remain the victim but can become the Victor! You may ask the question. ”How?” Healing is a journey. It begins with knowing that “YOU” matter. Listen to this live interview:
Copyright © Marsha Barth
You Can Make a Difference
Met some wonderful people at Saturday’s Book Signing at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore. One even voiced to me concern of an abuse situation that she was aware of. After talking, she said that she would get more involved with the situation and try to help the abused.
We live in a world where whether we like it or not statistics show that abuse is bound to touch our lives in some way. Whether, it is on the evening news, or a coworker, a family member, a friend, abuse will enter our lives in some shape or form. What do we do when we are unexpectedly confronted with this subject. Do we look the other way? Do we say to ourselves, “It is none of my business?” ”Wonder if I’m wrong?” The bigger question to ask ourselves is “Wonder if I’m right?” “What will happen if I do nothing?” ”Can I really make a difference?” The answer is “Yes you can make a difference!”
I often think back at my life and wonder what would have happened, if just one person who even suspected that I was abused would have come forward. Things were different back then. Things were shoved under the rug more and the subject of abuse of any kind was not a topic to be discussed. But we live in different times, where there are means to help the abused and more than ever we need to come forward and make a difference.
We are our “brothers” and “sisters” keepers. We can heal! Let us join together, hand in hand, and go forward. We can make a difference!
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Are you in a prison?
“I was in prison, and you came unto me.” Mathew 25:36
There are so many kinds of prison. Which makes me ask the questions, “Are you trapped in a prison? Which prison are you trapped in? Are you in a physical prison, emotional prison, or a spiritual prison?” God never intended for us to be trapped in the prisons of hopelessness, despair, sorrow, loneliness, poverty, brokenness, sickness, abuse, condemnation, persecution, sin and bondage.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11
I visit the prisons once a month. People often ask me why?
Often when the girls come into the room ushered by the armed guards, they typically are the same, no matter what prison I visit. Usually, they present with a tough veneer and they read you. You can see their reaction and wonder as to, “Why is she here?” Their expressions seem to ask, “What could this person standing before me, all cleaned up, possibly know about my pain and suffering and what I have experienced in my life? And then I share with them my story, “The Shattering”. I tell them that they can heal and that God has a purpose for their lives. I tell them how my life changed. And then I see it unfold before me, every time. The veneer begins to crack, tears begin to come to their eyes, and try as they may, they cannot stop them. And then the miracle happens. God touches their hearts. This God of religion becomes a God of reality and relationship and something happens. You see in their eyes that a flicker of hope is born. It sparkles like a precious diamond and they grab hold of it and a new life begins.
And so it is with all of us, regardless of our prison, we can be free!
“Turn you to the stronghold, you Prisoners of Hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto you.” Zechariah 9:12.
Marsha Barth and Carol Haupa (Chaplain) at the Maui Correctional Center in Maui, HI.
Copyright © Marsha Barth
6 Responses to Are you in a prison?
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Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about lolsing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?-
Wish I could help you more with that question but that is probably a question a more tech person could answer. It does help if you use your regular spyware but the hackers are out there. God bless.
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Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book iin it or something.
I think that you could do with sopme pics to drive
the message home a bit, but other than that, thus is magnificent blog.
An excellent read. I’ll deefinitely be back.-
Thank you for your input. Please feel free to click onto the links that are posted on this webpage. They will take you to some of my video’s, radio interviews and podcasts. Also, please feel free to visit my Facebook Page “The Shattering” where many pictures and interviews are posted. God Bless and do keep in touch.
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Your mode of telling everything in this piece of writing is in fact nice, every oone be able
to simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.-
Thank you for your input. May God bless you and do keep in touch.
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Your Victory Lies Between Your Agony of Defeat and Your Joy of Overcoming
Now is the time to start your healing journey. The only thing more painful than an injury to the soul is to leave it unattended to get infected. So often we throw a band-aid on our hurt when it needs stitches, disinfected, love and care. At other times we pick and pick at the hurt, right when it is about to heal. Is it painful to heal? Yes. Is the journey worth it? Always. God wants us to be free of the pain that we carry. He is more than a God who puts Humpty Dumpty back together again. He is a God who makes us a new creature in Him. Oh the joy, love and peace He desires to give us and to take away all of our hurt, pain, and anguish. Can you heal from your past?? Yes. Healing is a journey. Start your journey today. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Never give up. God is never far from your heart and He wants to help you today. Be Blessed~~
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Abuse Affects All of Us
Abuse will affect everyone of us at sometime in our life; either us personally or those we love and work with. It may be a co-worker, a family member, a neighbor, someone at church, or us personally. How do we heal? We must deal to heal to feel again. Please know that we can heal. God is the solution to our problems and not the cause. Your responses are greatly appreciated. Contact me.
Live interview with Tracey Schavone @ KKCR in Princeville, Kauai, HI
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Interview with Dr. Ravi
Sometimes we have to understand the abuse we have suffered from to be able to deal with this abuse. Please visit this link to see and hear my skype interview with Dr. Ravi.
Copyright © Marsha Barth
You Can Heal
Do you want to be free?
Free from hurt, pain, anger, frustration and disappointment?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJVi84cCHA8
You can heal! Take the first step on this healing journey.
“The Shattering” is a book of inspiration and the joy of overcoming.
Interview with Marsha Barth on the Michael Dresser Show
Copyright © Marsha Barth
The Healing Journey Continues
So often the question becomes how much do we want to heal? Healing is a painful process but it is the only way to become whole. The thing to remember is that we don’t have to take this journey alone. Like so many things in life that leave us empty, sad and broken and feeling alone, healing,though painful,leads us forward to restoration, joy, hope and overcoming. God Bless you with the strength to take that first step-”dealing”. We have to deal, to heal, to be able to feel again. May you know that there is a God who truly cares, and that He is the solution to our pain and sorrow and not the cause.
Please join me at this link-Marsha Barth interview with Stuart Vener.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzT_sKWgWks
Copyright © Marsha Barth
“Journey of Hope”
Visit this link to hear the interview of Marsha Barth on Rodney Mathers Show–”Journey of Hope.”
Welcome to “The Healing Journey”. It all begins by taking the first step. We have to deal to heal to feel. The question becomes, do you want to be whole? Is healing painful? Yes, all healing is painful. But what a great joy to be free from the pain and sorrow, of the issues that hold us captive; to be free from the fear and shame, guilt and blame. We were not meant to walk this journey alone. We are our brother and sisters’ keeper. And the One who loves us most, knows us the best. The first step is reaching out and taking His hand. Contact me with your questions.
Copyright © Marsha Barth
If Her Tears Were Stars
I want to give tribute and honor to the wonderful writer, Colleen Laylon who has written the words and music to this beautiful healing song. Also to the wonderful artist, Vickie Raye who sings this song. If Her Tears Were Stars If you have been abused or if you have never been abused, this song will move you to a better understanding of childhood sexual abuse.
The statistics of childhood sexual abuse are staggering and grossly unreported. I wanted to list them below. For the “shattered” souls let it comfort your heart and the child within you. For those affected by sexual abuse and trying to understand it better, let it move your heart. We can make a difference.
Abuse Statistics
Statistics show:
—Every 2 minutes in America-someone is sexually assaulted.
237,868 cases a year of child sexual abuse are reported in children 12 and over. It is estimated at 90,000 cases for children under 12.
It is hard to get statistics for children under 12 years old.
—Child molestation like rape is one of the most unreported of crimes. Less than 10% are ever reported. So the 90,000 is more like 900,000 children a year that are sexually abused based on the 10% that is reported and the 90% that is not reported.
—1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18.
—3 out of 4 children are abused by someone they know well.
–93% of victims knew their attacker.So the stranger talk helps protect our children from 7% of child molesters.
—1/3 of the offenders are themselves Juveniles
—30% of child sexual assault were between 4 and 7 years old
—29% of forcible rapes occurred when the victim was under 11 years old
—44% of sex. Assault and rape victims are under the age of 18
—80% are under 30
—50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sex assault with an object and forcible fondling of children are under the age of 12 years old.
—117 victims, the number a child molester will have assaulted before being caught
–60% of sexual assaults are not reported to police
–97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail. Only 3% ever go to jail.
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Under the Rug
When I was a young girl and we cleaned the house, I always hated shaking the rugs. It seemed okay to sweep around them. It was even easier, if no one was looking, to sweep it under the rug. The only problem with this is that after awhile the dirt piles up and the rug becomes very lumpy. It is really hard to walk across the rug and continue on your destination when you constantly stumble over the carpet. Isn’t it really easier to just shake the rug?
This is what we do in our life. Through the many hardships, hurts, pain, abuse, sorrow and loss; we just shove it under the rug of life and pretend that it is no longer there. “I don’t want to talk about it,” we tell our friends and loved ones. “That was a long time ago.” “That’s in the past.” “It doesn’t bother me anymore.” We shove it so far under the rug so that not only others will not see it, but that we will not see it either. If we are Christians, we do even a better job of it. We say it is “under the blood.” But in reality we have shoved it under the rug. We put it under the rug of justification and denial. As we walk through this life, we then wonder why are we continually stumbling. Stumbling in our relationships, our problems, our emotional distress, anger, control, sorrow, depression. We pretend that everything is clean, neat and in order.
And then one day, if we let Him, God shakes our carpet. The dust flies everywhere. It blinds us with a cloud and we try to close our eyes. It is too much for us to see. It takes our breath away. We want to run away but we can’t. We cry out to God and say “Why God?” “What is going on?” “I gave all of that to you.” “I thought, I was past all of that.” And God says, “Am I God only enough to bring you out of your past and not God enough to heal you from it?” Is He God only of our present and future? Can He not take the pain of our past away? Why not? Do we accept that we are destined to live in pain and sorrow? Do we accept the cloak of shame? No! No! A thousand times No!
God has so much more for us. He wants us to take His hand. Hold on to it tight. He will not only lead us into our destiny and purpose. He will not only keep and protect us on our journey. But He has an even greater plan. He will take us back to our past. He will not let us camp there, but He will take us back from time to time to visit. Not to revisit our pain, though it is there; swept under our carpet so long ago. He takes us there to heal us from our pain. He takes us there to confront and deal with the issues of our life that broke us. He picks up the shattered pieces. The shards of glass that no one could ever put back together again. And He makes us a “new creature”. He makes us whole. Joy does come in the morning.
We enter a new hope, a new season. Winter is past. The birds sing again. The flowers bloom and new life begins afresh. A beautiful thing begins in our life when God shakes our rug. Will you let Him?
Love~~
Marsha (Marty) Barth “The Shattering”
Copyright © Marsha Barth
You tube link of Marsha (Marty) Barth Teaching
Please click to review~~
May God Bless You on your
“Healing Journey”
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Prisoners of Hope
Here in Pennsylvania it is cold. They are calling for a big snow storm to hit tomorrow. And so it seems a long time since we’ve had the warm days of summer and fall. Already, I hear people saying they wish it was spring. And yet in this wintery bliss of white there is a beauty and a stillness of this season that no other encompasses. Even the birds hush their singing as we are blanketed in white. It is the only time of year when you stop to listen and actually can hear nothing but quiet. There is an awesomeness to this season.
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Eccles. 3:1. What season of your life are you in? What time and purpose of your life is being fulfilled? There is a time for every purpose in our lives. A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to receive, a time to give, a time to heal…….
“I have seen the travail which God has given to the sons and daughters of men…. And He does make everything beautiful in His time….” Eccles. 3
God wants you to heal. Now is the accepted time. Now is the time for this purpose in your life. But do you want to heal???
There is a story from Dr. Allender’s book “The Wounded Heart” that I often like to paraphrase in my own words….
A person had a crushed arm from childhood and because of this it was greatly mangled. So much to the point that the person had adapted so well with the other arm that the loss didn’t seem so great. Years passed and the person went on with their life hardly noticing the helpless limb.
One day a group of surgeons notified the person that they could now with technology fix the mangled arm. It would take a lot of surgeries, a lot of rehab and it would be very very painful. But in the end the arm would be mended. It would heal and for the first time in many years the arm would be whole.
The person became very excited and for the first time took a good look at the limp arm that hung from their side. They opened their mouth to accept the offer but the head surgeon gently raised his hand and interjected. Before you make this decision you have to know that it will be a painful process but in the end you will be made whole.
“I think I will wait,” came the soft reply. They looked at their limp arm and said, “It’s not really that bad. I manage okay, really. I have learned to cope and live a good life. I’m okay the way I am.”
“But why?” the doctors all asked. “Don’t you want to be whole? Why wouldn’t you want to have your arm fixed? Think of all the things that you could do. Think of how much more you could accomplish.”
“I’m fine the way I am,” came the reply.
“But why?” they pressed.
“It will be too painful,” came the answer. “Why go through all that pain when I’m fine just the way that I am?”
“Are you?” They asked. “Are you?”
And so it is so often with us. We travel through our lives with all of its hurts and pain. We hide our broken hearts and our shattered spirits. People ask “How are you today?”
And we answer, “I’m fine.” Never do we unveil the brokenness from within us. We don’t answer and tell them the times that we’ve cried ourselves to sleep, or when loneliness has overcome us, or even dare to mention the brokenness of our past. Why would we? In a world that is so full of cliches’ such as “Get over it” “Whatever” “Get a life” and even the simple “What’s your problem!?”
But God wants us to heal. But we say, “No God, I’m okay. It’s not that bad. That was in the past, a long time ago. I’m okay.” But are you? Are you? We cannot heal from what we won’t confront. God want us to be whole, to be happy. The healing journey can be painful but there is no greater joy than overcoming.
“Turn you to the stronghold, you Prisoners of Hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto you.” Zechariah 9:12. Come join me–”You Prisoners of HOPE” on this wonderful Healing Journey.
Love~~
Copyright © Marsha Barth
One Response to Prisoners of Hope
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One of my favorite scriptures is in Luke 4:18 & 19 when Jesus reads from the scripture to explain why He has come. Too often when we accept salvation, we think that is the end, but actually, it is only the beginning. Praise the Lord!
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.Follow the Star
Merry Merry Christmas
Christmas–What a wonderful time of year! There is something magical that comes over us at Christmas time. This desire for the world to change and that for just this one day that everyone could experience joy and happiness. There is a hope that a miracle can still happen. It is at Christmas that we believe. Believe in a way that surely anything is possible. Whether or not the social media waters the season down with such common words as “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” so many will still gleefully belt out from their heart in a heavenly fervor—MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
So why is it in such a season as this that instead of the overflowing abundance of happiness that our hearts so desire that often we see instead such a shadow of sorrow? I believe it is in the very presence of happiness that we see such sorrow. Happiness is the beam of heaven’s light that shines in our heart and awakens it to see the shadows of sorrows–ours and others.
Why is it at Christmas time that the sorrows of this life affect us more keenly? It is because our hearts want to be happy. We want others to be happy. We want the beam of that light of happiness to touch one soul, one hurt. And it can! Oh that in that one moment of life we can be a part of erasing the sorrows of others, of bringing comfort to a broken heart, to sharing a love that can make even at least one heart smile with a new hope.
Such is the magic of Christmas. That is why ”Happy Holidays” and ”Season’s Greetings” doesn’t work. There is a power in the words “MERRY CHRISTMAS” when they echo with passion from our heart. There is strength that rises from a simple touch of love. There is a hope that shines from a heart full of sorrow when a simple gesture of kindness is given.
Oh this beautiful season of love that we call Christmas. Oh that its power could ripple through the new year creating a tidal wave of love, joy, peace and hope. And it can! It begins with us and the secret found in the very words of Christmas. “Christ-mas”.
The unexplainable power of love that comes forth in this one word. It shines as bright as the star did that first Christmas day. The star that led the shepherds and the wise men to Him that day still shines bright to lead all of us to Him today.
Do we follow the wonder of that star or do we continue to toil with the cares and demands that we have created for this season?
In the twinkle of the lights–let us find a reminder of the love that was birthed that day. A love that we not only can give to others but a love that was given for us also to receive.
“Be not afraid,” the angel spoke to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Be not afraid to follow the ”Star”, to meet Him this Christmas season, to receive His love, to give Him your heart. Christmas is more than a season, it can be life itself.
Merry Christmas dear friends and a very Happy New Year!!!!!
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Memory Lane Continued
So why did God give us this awesome beautiful gift of memory?
I read once that the brain cannot at first discern a memory from a current thought and can release the same brain chemicals in the memory that it did at the actual event happening. That is why good memories make us smile and laugh and sad memories make us sad and cry.
So why can’t we only recall the good and forget the bad? Why must we remember the bad? So that we can heal! How can we deal with the bad if we don’t remember it? How can we heal from the bad if we can’t remember it?
Memory was not given for us to pull up a chair, settle in and build a house and live there. Memory was given so that we could safely return, visit and then leave again. Here we can begin to heal. Here we can laugh or cry.
I have taken many walks down Memory Lane. It is a place that when I go there, I do not go alone. I put my hand into the hand of my loving heavenly Father. So often, I laughed and smiled as I reminisced on the many happy times. But on the cloudy days when I walked down this lane, I grasped my heavenly Father’s hand tighter and tighter. I may want to run away and never return to walk down that particular path ever again, but my heavenly Father beckons me to walk it again with Him.
Why? Why must I go back and deal with it? Why can’t I just bury it or ignore it? Because it will come back when you least expect it, triggered, these many memories leap from the past and hit us square in the face. Memories do not just go away. We have to deal with them to heal from them. God says to our hearts, “Am I God of the good only?” He that bore all of our pain and sorrow, can He not carry us now? “Am I a God that can only deliver you out of your sorrow and not heal you from it?”
But how do we heal? How do we get over the past? How do we go on with our lives? How do we laugh again? It is a journey!
Come join me on this healing journey~~
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.”
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Memory Lane
As I enter the room and turn on the light a distinct hum fills the air. I turn to the direction in the room that now resounds with a familiarity that I have grown to love.
The small brass clock sits on my antique desk in the corner. It’s ornate face shows the time and the attached encasement reveals the similitude of a fireplace. A small revolving panel reflects the amber light to make it appear as if the fireplace is lit and burning. It makes a persistent loud hum when it is first turned on and then the noise fades and the small fireplace creates an ambiance, a quaintness that mesmerizes me as I sit quietly and reflect on it’s beauty.
The clock belonged to my gramma. She passed when I was seventeen years old. I loved her dearly. Gramma was like no other woman that I have ever known. She was a big robust woman who baked the best homemade bread, pies and cakes that I have ever eaten in my life. She had a heart bigger than her frame, a love that made you feel special and a hug that made the world go away.
It’s a funny thing the emotions that memories trigger. They can make the heart smile or the body tremble. They make us laugh and sometimes cry. And yet we go there. We take the long or short walks, however we may feel in any given moment, down our memory lanes. If they get too disturbing or troublesome we just hop back to the present and refuse to go back. Or do we?
I’m reminded of a story of where a little girl who was having bad dreams was told by a kind woman not to think of little pink bunnies before she went to sleep. Whatever she did, whatever would cross her mind before bedtime, she must not, must not think of little pink bunnies. She must concentrate hard and make sure that no matter what, before she was to fall asleep that she made sure that she would not think of little pink bunnies. If she was successful in doing this then she would not have the bad dreams. The little girl seemed puzzled at the woman’s suggestion but vowed she would try her suggestion.
The next day when the little girl met up with the woman, the woman asker her kindly, “Did you have any bad dreams last night?” Wherein the little girl answered, “It is so strange. I did what you said before bed. I kept telling myself, “I will not think of little pink bunnies, I will not think of little pink bunnies.”
“And what happened?” asked the concerned woman.
“I dreamed of little pink bunnies all night,” the little girl answered with a big smile.
We can’t escape our memories— The more we try not to think of it the more we will think of it. In our hearts are buried the memories of a lifetime, the good, the bad, the sad, the happy. We do not live there and yet at any given time we can soar there as if we were rocketed back in time to the very place of that memory. Anything may be the trigger that rivets us from the here and now into its grasp. A certain smell, a picture, a color, a fragrance, a smile, a word, a sound, music.
Why did God give us this awesome beautiful gift of memory? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just push a switch in our brain and we could only recall the good memories? Why didn’t God make us that we only had the ability to recall the good? Who needs to recall the sad or bad anyway, right? And yet He did. He made us capable to not only recall both, but that we have no switch to erase the bad and just keep the good.
Why?……….
Copyright © Marsha Barth
Welcome–Joy Comes in the Morning
Welcome to my blog. I am so excited to share with you and to get your feedback. As many of you may know that have reviewed this website, it is a Joy to walk in Victory! The Shattering is a story of Victory not Victimization. We were never meant to walk in the bondage of sorrow. Sorrow is for a season but Joy comes in the morning.
I welcome you to join me in this great and wonderful journey of Joy. A Journey of Healing. A Journey of Victory. No more are we cast down, and heavy trodden. No more do we hide our sorrow. Now we live again. We rise up. For Death is swallowed up in Victory. Now we go forth and bring good tidings to the meek, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)
But how do we heal you may ask? How do we overcome? How do I get over my past? When do I quit hurting? When does the pain go away? When do I laugh again? How do I forgive? Wonder if I don’t want to forgive?
“Turn you to the Stronghold, you Prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.” (Zechariah 9:12)
Come join me in this blog. Take a walk with me on this Healing Journey!
Copyright © Marsha Barth
6 Responses to Welcome–Joy Comes in the Morning
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“Dear Marty,
I finished your book about 2 weeks ago. I must admit I am not an avid book reader. I probably have only read 3 books in my entire 57 years of life, one being yours. I first decided to read the book because you are my “sister”. The book was well written and I enjoyed the honesty in which it was written.
I couldn’t believe that you and the boys endured what you did, while I was in my own little world, never knowing the pain and fear you lived with on a daily basis. I always thought we were the ones “who had it bad”. After all I was the one who lived without a mom around, knowing that she choose to leave us. Looking back, I knew you had a mom that loved and cared for you. She was there to hug you and tell you I Love You, if only on a weekend. I was a child, and in a child’s mind that was better than what I had. No child wants to know that her own mother has chosen to leave her, to grow up not knowing a mother’s love and nurturing.
After reading your book I realized I had a father unlike yours. Yes, he is far from perfect. However, he made a home for us, always had food on the table and was always there. Being 18 months or so younger than you were, I can remember one thing vividly from my past when you would come to spend the weekends. Dad’s rule of the house was to always finish a box of cereal before opening another one. When you kids came that rule didn’t apply. As a child all I saw was the unfairness to us. Now as an adult and after reading your book I realize why that rule never applied to you kids. Your mother only wanted to make things special for you, giving anything she could. I never dreamed the food I had on the table every day, no matter how meager, was better and more than what you had. What a silly thing to remember (a stupid box of cereal)….that was the only negative thing I remember of our life with you. I choose to remember happy times like playing music and dancing to ‘Sweet Pea’. The many games of Wahoo and playing outside. I thank you for sharing your mother with us! She is the only childhood memory I have of a mother figure. All kids pay a great price for the mistakes of adults. I know that we were just kids, but I personally am heartbroken to learn of the mental and physical abuse you all suffered as children.
Every child can look back on their childhood and pick out something that has influenced their lives, good or bad. I certainly have realized that I was a better mom to my kids because my mother left us. Just the same as you have given of yourself your entire adult life not only to your family but to the thousands of people you help through your spiritual guidance.
Thank God for people like you Marty! I have always been proud of the fact you and your brothers were my sister and brothers. Even though we sometimes lose touch over the years, we always make it back to each other in times of need. I love you and I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. May your book be as great a success in your heart as the volumes’ that will fly off the bookstore shelves.
Love….Teresa -
“Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. I cried ( many times) and laughed also! But your strength is amazing! THE SHATTERING is an amazing book that everyone should read!”
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“I love this author!!”
“You got to get your hands on this life-changing book! God is awesome!” -
Marty, I really do not know what to say. I never imagined your childhood was so awful. You are truly one of Gods miracles. To overcome and be a strong wonderful person does not happen without loving intervention. Thank you for having the courage to share your story and I look forward to reading the next one.
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“If you need healing this book will help light the way!”
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The Shattering is a beautifully and simply written account of a child living through the heartbreak of sexual abuse. The author, Marsha Barth (Marty as we know her), confronts this still taboo topic head on through the innocent eyes and voice of Julie. She deftly explores the generational aspects of abuse in families and the inclination of adults in our society to turn a blind eye or “let it go”.
The true artistry of this story is how openly Marsha is able to explore the hearts and minds of each character making the reader truly care about each person involved, even Julie’s tortured father, Ron. In spite of the heaviness of the subject, there is a charm and warmth that comes through among Julie and her brothers, which clearly demonstrate their great love for one another. It is that love that carries them through the most difficult times.
The saddest part of the book is realizing the emotional turmoil suffered by Julie as she tries to understand why these things have happened to her. We then get a glimpse of a child on the verge of defeat as she wonders “why Jesus wouldn’t help her or just let her die”.
Surprisingly, the overarching theme in this book is hope. From the sweetness of Julie and her brothers finding joy in the small things of their lives to the love and mercy of God that Julie first experiences in a little country church, hope is evident in every chapter of this book. In this book, we see Julie firmly place her faith in God to walk her through the valleys in her life from victim to victor.
As I finished the epilogue of this story, I was moved beyond words by the beautiful promise of Julie’s life as she walks in Christ. I look forward to reading the remainder of Julie’s story in the next book. Thank you, Marty, for sharing this beautiful story of hope in the Love of God.
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2 Responses to “You Do Matter!”
Excellent blog! Do you have anny hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a liittle losst on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a frse platform like WordPress or
go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any suggestions? Apprecate it!
Thank you for contacting me. There are so many options out there and it can be overwhelming. So much of finding your way with blogging and writing is that you have to find what works for you. One shoe does not fit all. Just research and review and try to pick the option that best fits you. I always ask for God’s guidance. Always write from your heart to people and never change for people. God bless.