I have suffered through severe depression for the past year due to several losses in my life including being fired from my church. This book along with several others was given to me by a pastoral counselor friend of mine and gave me insight and help in rebuilding my life and self-esteem. One thing that Cloud mentioned is that the result of mean-spirited people is like being run over by a truck and surviving. The victim has to put that aside and begin rehabilitation to recover. His insight and scriptural citations helped me to move from the position of victim and whining about what happened to me to gradually move into a position of victory. I am re-reading the book again and finding nuggets of gold that I didn't find before.

When I started my pre-seminary undergraduate work I was in a place in my life were I was suffering horribly from some significant losses in my life and I was paying the price for some very self destructive behaviors and attitudes. A professor of mine recommended I read this book. I will say that it changed my life. Nearly 18 years later I continue to minister in a lay capacity at a mental health clinic. Often I will "prescribe" this book to individuals who are in treatment. I have never had someone tell me they have not received some value from it. I often hear what I have said many times. That is, "It changed my life."

This book has been very helpful in identifying traits of mine that may be due to my past. It puts words to how I feel or respond to different situations. Once I gain that understanding, then I am free to see and recognize the truth about myself, and then apply God's truth to my heart and life.

The Grace and Truth chapter was especially helpful. Now when I find myself judging myself harshly I think "what would grace look like in this situation?"

As a survivor of childhood trauma I have had more healing and hope from this book than any other that I have read. It has made such a difference in my life and I have given it to several other people as it is so down to earth and easy to understand.