Pieces of Me

The statistics of childhood sexual abuse are staggering with 1 out of 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys being assaulted by someone they know. These young victims grow into adults with no coping skills and a shattered perception of who they are, and what the world means. It's no wonder the common story most victims share is a life of defeat! A life addicted to substance, and a swinging door of bad relationships. The good news? There is a way out! We do have the power to move out of the pain and stop the cycle of abuse in our generation and for generations to come!

We all have an enemy and a liar in our life and that is the father of all lies, Satan. But we also have a Father in Heaven reaching out His hand to offer us a new way. A way out of the pain, lies and bitterness and into a beautiful new existence filled with freedom, love and joy! Catherine's spent the last 23 years undoing the damage inflicted on her life. She shares with the reader the raw and horrific pain as well as the beautiful journey that has brought her to a place of peace. Peace with herself and her abusers, but mostly peace with God!

This book will inspire you and motivate you, but most of all show you that there is an answer to our pain and struggle. This book will minister to your bondage by showing you that medicating with drugs, alcohol, sex, food, exercise, work, etc. is not the answer either. Oh sure it works, until it doesn't, and then people are left with the original pain compiled by more wreckage created by their choices. Catherine shares with the reader the God who met her right where she was - deep in the pit! He reached down and said, "Grab on little one and I will pull you out. Just trust me and I will make all things new."

Revelation 21:5 "Behold I make everything new."

Catherine's story will tell of an innocence lost, a child betrayed by her very own blood, and a young adult who was doing exactly what one would expect from a victim of violent crimes. You will hear of years of drug abuse, sexual sickness, abuse by her put onto the ones she loved the most, and finally jails and institutions. But then, you will read of an awakening, a light, a change that is a slow regeneration and a compelling truth. A new life coming from the ashes and exploding into the atmosphere, a life that will turn heads, bring restoration and healing to many, and ultimately a woman who has purpose. More than anything else, you will hear of a God who will use the pain and suffering to bring healing by using the very thing the enemy wanted to destroy us with to bring hope to so many.

Are you ready to lay down the weapons, to turn vengeance over to a very just God, to stop hiding from the pain in a person, place, or thing? Are you ready to start a journey of discovering, you? Then join Catherine on her own journey of discovery laid out in these pages. This book is different than most books as each chapter tells a new story of tragedy and triumph, this story is told in pieces, which ultimately make up, all the Pieces of Me!

Since the age of 12 Catherine's had a book on her heart. It has lived there growing and changing over the last 40 years. She has walked through countless obstacles, getting stuck in some of them for many years. Through her teens and into her 30's she battled drug abuse alcohol abuse and 2 failed marriages and many dysfunctional relationships in-between. She raised 4 kids along this journey - kids that had to grow up really fast! As she approached her 40's, something shifted and she knew it was time to change or die. She surrendered her life to Jesus, and that's when her life took on an entirely new and profound meaning! She walked through the doors of recovery and began the daunting journey of undoing all the wreckage in her life - some caused by others and some at her very own hands. Now at 51, she can say she is free! Free of substance abuse, bitterness and free to love herself and others. Catherine competes and has won multiple awards as a body builder, is an active realtor and business owner. She's committed to her continued recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery, and she owns a non-profit whose mission is bringing awareness to childhood sexual abuse. When she's not speaking, coaching, listing a house or working out, she's spending time with her best friend and husband, Adam, or one of her 6 kids or 7 grandkids!