Amanda and her family displayed the essence of a perfect family. But the secrets contained within were destroying Amandas life. Though friends and relatives knew that her fatheran upstanding citizen, a contributing member of society, and a religious family leaderwas strict, they had no knowledge of the physical, mental, and emotional torture he inflicted upon Amanda and her brother, David. After four years of sexual abuse, Amanda felt like an empty shell of a human being and incapable of any productive future.
In Saved from Silence, author Amanda Richardson explores the doubts, fears, and perplexities of the abuse that took place in her childhood. She especially yearned for validation from her mother, who refused to acknowledge that the abuse occurred. Each attempt was met with rejection, blame, and failure. Through years of therapy, love, support, and prayer from others, Amanda broke her silence, confronted her abuser, and made herself whole.
An honest, courageous, and self-disclosing narrative, Saved from Silence not only shares Amandas personal, heart-wrenching story of abuse, but serves to impart a greater awareness and understanding of child abuse and its depth, severity, and long-term effects.
AUTHOR BIO
Amanda Richardson
Born February 14, 1982, author Amanda Richardson still resides in the suburban East Texas town where she was born and raised. She is a wife of five years to her husband, Daniel and the mother of one child. She currently works as a dental hygienist, a dental hygiene educator, and is also a full time student majoring in psychology at Kaplan University.
Endorsements
"Sometimes in this life we are privileged to witness the courage and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and even danger. Amanda Richardsons story is an example of these qualities. It is the story of a child determined to survive and a young adult willing to pursue all options to find healing. Ultimately, it is a story of redemption -- not for the abuser but for the abused. For abuse survivors and those who love them, this book offers help and hope, encouragement and understanding."
- Diana Walla, MS
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
"This is a powerful story of how God can save a person from the worst pain this world has to offer. It has opened my eyes, as a pastor, to the hurt that is all around us and has helped give me insight into how to help someone that has been abused. This story will inspire you to overcome whatever life has thrown at you as well. I have not only read it, but have seen it unfold. As the author's pastor, I have witnessed firsthand the pain, difficulty, and the journey of this incredible life transformation. God has taken what the enemy meant to destroy and has turned this life into a trophy of His grace, power, and love. This testimony will capture you from the beginning and in the end, leaving you praising the God who is able to 'save from the silence'." -Michael Fleming
Pastor - First Assembly of God
Whitehouse, Texas
"This is a book that captures the horror of child abuse in all its evil forms and slams it back into the face of the devil. It is a gut wrenching and powerful testimony of how Christ's love, once again, prevails over the wicked plan of satan. Saved From Silence is a must-read - not only for abuse survivors and their families - but for anyone who strives to understand the complexity of child abuse."
-Melinda Daniels, LBT
Licensed Belief Therapist
