Deceived by Shame, Desired by God

There are so many self-help books out there, but this one stands above the rest. Cynthia, a counselor, speaker, mom, and wife, takes us on a personal journey as she shares her own personal story, as well as stories of others who have found themselves caught in the trap of shame. Cynthia doesn't just offer stories, but practical help through spiritual, emotional and tangible steps that take you from guilt, pain or emotional conflict to freedom. This book is a keeper as it contains a timeless message that will help all who want to start fresh and see themselves as they truly were meant to be.

Many thanks to Cynthia Spell Humbert for writing a book that has been much needed in the church. Working with women in ministry over the past 12 years, I have found that there is a deserate need among women to understand who they really are in Christ and how much they are desired by God. "Deceived by Shame, Desired by God" is the book I've been waiting for. Cynthia brings to the table a wealth of wisdom gleaned through years of counseling in a clinical setting, but more importantly, she brings the wisdom gained from dealing with the issues of her own heart. Cynthia helps us understand our human condition and then takes us to the cross of Christ to find the power to break through to the life God wants for us. Cynthia pulls no punches as she explains how the enemy can decieve our hearts, choking out the love from God that we so desperately need. Thankfully she doesn't leave us there, but takes us straight to the truth that will indeed set us free. We are desired by God!!The real life stories will intrigue you, the truth of God's Word will liberate you, and your heart will be drawn to the God who desires to lavish his love on you.

Cynthia Spell Humbert has written a powerful book on shame. It offers hope to those who suffer from shame and gives understanding to those who relate to someone who is dealing with it. She describes shame as an extremely painful internal wound that can cause a woman to believe she no reason to exist. The desire to cover the shame from people and God leads to various hiding patterns in behavior. She identifies places and circumstances that lead women to put on masks to cover their shame as inauthentic churches, dysfunctional families, addictions, sexual abuse, sin, eating disorders and loss of love. Cynthia points out that a woman has great worth in the Lord's eyes and that He used broken, weak and sinful people in the past to serve Him and that He will continue to do so. She also points out that it is never to late to come to God and allow Him to heal and to change the destructive patterns brought about by shame. She balances truth with grace as she covers the need to forgive in such a way that the reader does not feel beaten down but drawn to God's love. Her honesty about her own struggles with shame and how God's using that in her life will also make it safe for the reader bound by shame to be real about their own struggles and to seek help. Thank you, Cynthia, for addressing such a widespread issue.

One night a few weeks ago I woke between 2:00 A.M. and 4:00 A.M. and was having what I call a "shame attack." Anyone knowing that mental state recognizes what an awful complex of emotional paralysis develops. I spent years working on this subject and learning the skills to deal with just this sort of thing. Still shame is a menace at times, and I am greatly comforted to have Cynthia's person and years of practice minister to me. I had recently read Cynthia's book and got it out that morning, reviewing a particular part, then others. I read over a page listing tendencies among people with abuse in the background, and then I re-read some additional chapters. An hour later I felt calm and went back to bed. To anyone else who experiences this phenomenon any time of the day or night you know that is a marvelous thing to achieve. I did not understand shame, its symptoms or it origins until fairly recently in my middle aged life. I was a victim of a silent and deadly phantom-shame. Men rarely talk about this subject, especially as it might relate to abuse, and even more to sexual abuse-a common cause. I recommend this book to any man or woman who experiences toxic shame, knows people who find it problematic or want to understand an underlying cause of much emotional paralysis. Cynthia covers the subject with a marvelous mix of clinical understanding and personal connection. Anyone who knows trauma of any kind (which usually produces shame) will be touched with knowledge, wisdom and understanding on a difficult but compelling piece of life.

Cynthia Spell Humbart, a Christian counselor, has delved into serious issues with wisdom, practical and Biblical helps, and insight. This book doesn't tell you there is a problem and then back away. The author, through real stories, tells you there is a problem and then sits down with you to help you find your way to healing. After I read my copy, I couldn't wait to share it with a beautiful woman and friend who I knew who had struggled for years to find her worth as a human being. I knew this book had the potential to touch her heart and to show her that she was "desired by God".