Remembering God’s Mercy: Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories

Eden, a convert from Judaism to Ignatian Catholicism, constructs a guide for those overcoming traumatic experiences and implores readers to find solace in their faith. Eden’s previous book, My Peace I Give You, explored her recovery from childhood sexual abuse; she broadens her scope in this follow-up, intending her message to aid friends and families of survivors. She grounds her guide in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius and Pope Francis. Through the words of Francis, Peter Faber, and several other Jesuit writers, as well as the prayer of the Suscipe, Eden forms a path to recovery through the acceptance of God’s love in our memories: “When our memory is thus rooted in the Lord’s merciful love, it changes the way we perceive our bodily sufferings.” The book finds creative and helpful ways to help readers navigate depression and self-doubt following trauma, and takes them forward into a positive outlook, using Catholic theology to create a comforting framework for recovery. For those interested in the spiritual exercises of Ignatius, this is a very revealing journey. Eden blends recovery with self-discovery, making ample use of her personal wisdom to form this empathic path for those looking to spirituality in the healing process. (Feb.)