Don T Give Up On Me

Major League Baseball All-Star Darryl Strawberry has triumphed ... not only on the baseball diamond, but in life. This book weaves Darryl's story of childhood abuse, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction with easy-to-understand explanations of addiction from trained professionals.

When Thea Blackwell becomes popular she finds herself in a downward spiral that causes her to lose her best friends and sister; Jordan, Laine, and Tatyana. As these three devise a series of schemes to get Thea back in check, one scheme goes awry. Thea ends up in the hospital fighting for her life. Stuck in a waiting game, will she survive or will this be the end of Thea Blackwell?

Miguel walked into the house and didn’t smell the aroma of his mother’s cooking. He didn’t hear her humming as she cleaned, or his siblings playing loudly and running through the house. He stood at the door and listened for anything, any noise at all. He could not escape the feeling that something was wrong. He stood quietly and listened. Finally, he heard a plea in the kitchen, a small voice too afraid to speak louder because of what might happen if she did. Miguel knew that it was his mother and that she was in danger. He slowly moved toward the sound, his body against the cold concrete walls of his home. He knew he needed to not make a sound if he wanted to help his family. When he finally rounded the corner, the sight was horrifying. There, backed into the corner of the kitchen, was his mother crouched on the floor, cradling all seven of his brothers and sisters as they shook in horror. She was silently pleading as tears fell from her cheeks, her face wet, her dark hair sticky with blood and matted to her face. He saw the pan and what looked like oil and rice covering her bare feet. What he would remember most from that day was the terror in her eyes and plea from her lips to this man who stood over her with so much anger. She pleaded for him to leave the kids out of it, just leave her babies alone. She never understood why he did this to her. Miguel felt so much pain and anger in that moment that it blinded him, and his bravery took over. He immediately grabbed the only thing close, a butcher knife, and pointed it at the man who stood so tall and controlling over his mother—his father. He swung and attacked until his dad gave up and ran out the back open wall of the house. Miguel chased after him and screamed, “Don’t you ever come back here! We don’t need you! I am the man of this house now, and you are not welcome here!” From that moment on, he vowed to take care of his family, even if that meant leaving his home country and going to the United States of America. He had a dream, and he had a promise to keep to his family, himself, and his mom. Grace was facing something big. It wasn’t her first encounter with such a risk. She was surrounded by all her loved ones. She knew this day was coming, and she had dreaded it ever since her last doctor’s appointment. She also knew that she had to be strong for her sisters and brother. Unexpectantly, the nurse called her name. With great dread, she slowly stood, turned off her portable CD player, and lowered her headphones. She started to shake from anxiety as she went around the circle of her loved ones to hug them and tell them that she loved them. She would never forget the pain that she felt as she embraced her siblings; she couldn’t speak, couldn’t get the words out. When she finished with the goodbyes, her parents walked her into the pre-operating room to get her ready for the operation. Even when she was sedated, she still turned around on the stretcher as they wheeled her through the doors to stay looking at her mom and dad for as long as she could. Though her vision was blurry, her heart was lucid, and her emotions were high. She yearned to be anywhere but the hospital and wanted nothing more than to come back from this. They told her to count back from ten as they placed a mask that smelled like bubble gum over her face. She tried so hard to fight it but felt her eyes closing and her mind slipping away. Slowly, she counted, her eyes drooped, and she gave in. Two totally different worlds come together to form one in this novel that is based on true events. This is the love story of Miguel and Grace, one that shows a huge appreciation for life and the hardships that come with it. Love brought them together, and love will tear them apart.

Major League Baseball All-Star Darryl Strawberry has triumphed … not only on the baseball diamond, but in life. “Don’t Give Up on Me” skillfully weaves Darryl’s story of childhood abuse, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and ultimately, recovery, with easy-to-understand explanations of addiction from trained professionals. Presented through the eyes of a psychoanalyst, neuropsychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, and addiction specialist, this book offers hope and a path to healing. By shedding the light on addiction, “Don’t Give Up on Me” speaks to all people – from those who are still trapped in the depths of addiction to those who are currently in recovery to caregivers, parents, friends, and therapists. This book also stresses the importance of good parenting–feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth, bullying, as well as emotional and physical pain, can sow the seeds of substance abuse at an early age. Whether the addiction is to alcohol, heroin or other opiates, gambling, food, or sex, this book shares the hard truths and hopeful messages for anyone impacted by this deadly dilemma.

Ray Anderson's book spoke courage and comfort to my soul.... Lewis B. Smedes, Ph.D. Author of titles including Shame and Grace, Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve and How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong? Whether it's childhood trauma, abusive relationships, or shame, Anderson provides effective help for those who hide behind a facade of well-being and deny their own brokenness. Archibald D. Hart, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, author of titles including Adrenaline and Stress and Dark Cloud, Silver Lining Ray Anderson, (1925-2009) was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary and served on the faculty of the School of Theology since 1976. He is the author of more than twenty books, including Spiritual Caregiving as Secular Sacrament, The Soul of Ministry, Self Care, Living the Spiritually Balanced Life, and Dancing with Wolves While Feeding the Sheep: The Musings of a Maverick Theologian.

Feeling lost, hurt, betrayed, alone, confused and disconnected? Is failure, worthlessness and damaging thoughts taking over? Suicide is not the answer. I wrote this book to help spread understanding and awareness to suicide. The devastating effect of how one incident, one person or very hurtful damaging words could be harmful to a vulnerable person. You are raw with emotions which is very draining on your feelings and your ability to think logically. I wanted to share my experiences and the challenges I faced and what I have accomplished to take back control of my life. I turned my life around and changed my outlook completely. Life is worth living, even with challenges, it is how we react to them that makes all the difference. You deserve to be here, don’t give up, the strength is within you, you need to find it and take the first step, it begins with you. Get to know who you are, what you want, and listen to your body’s messages. Find the person within, look for your values, have boundaries, these can help you build a strong foundation. The beginning of a brighter future. You got this. I have included in this book, what was going on in my life at the time, what I was experiencing, and how I went forward with my life. I have added quotes and other information that have also helped me during this time. My achievement for this book is the hope that I have made a difference and given you inspiration to rebuild your life. We need to turn over a new leaf and move forward so that we can grow. Love your life, you have the power. Be true to yourself. Don’t give up on yourself.

Through good times and bad, God molds us and reminds us of his love and faithfulness. As you read the devotions laid out in this book, you will experience the power of Gods teaching. Christian writes in a way that will speak to your heart as she shares with you the joy that can only be found in the Lord Jesus.