God's Battered Child by April Lorier

I was the pastor's kid that would not behave, so I was abused by my mom. My story shows what long-term effects child abuse leaves behind. But Christian Recovery, an education, and founding an organization for abused people helped me get CANRA (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act) passed in CA. Ronald Reagan signed it into law and now suspected child abuse HAS to be reported.

Photo from April Lorier from Ventura County, CA

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Comments:

I was in the audience in 1974 while Ms Lorier addressed several thousand people at CU Boulder. Blonde hair flowing, eyes flashing like spring lightening, she eloquently challenged a hostile audience to muster up empathy for abusing parents. Witty and passionate, she was obviously in her element before so many. She stood her ground midst the scattered catcalls and boos. I watched her win over all of us with her contagious laughter and self-deprecating humor. Two hours later Ms. Lorier received a standing ovation. Her cause was taboo. Her passion was exciting.

There are not enough stars available for the rating of her brilliant chronicle. Her method has not changed in thirty-three years. She’s a master at blending anecdote, statistics, logic and faith.

One would expect the offending parent to be excoriated. But Ms. Lorier, wise beyond her years, lays out the dynamics from one generation to the next and draws the reader to her own empathy. This book holds the reader in its grip from the first to the last page. Her acerbic wit is employed often enough to provide relief from the unspeakable repulsion of what she endured. Never once does she paint herself as victim. Unbelievable.

Do not be fooled by the brevity of this book. All 159 pages are packed with tight writing. Just part of the genius of Ms. Lorier.

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