Interview by: Latonja Flowers
Sexual abuse, incest, drugs, violence, self- mutilation,
these are just some of the many life challenges writer
Shawna M. Harrison has experienced and overcome.
MY TRUE SOUL: EXPLOITED, APPREHENDED, AND BROKEN WITHIN is the new autobiography for this first time author. In this memoir Harrison shares raw emotions and graphic detail of a tumultuous life filled with nothing but hurt and pain, that was triggered by childhood sexual abuse from the three men who should have been in her life for love and protection...
I met Shawna, a 29 yr old author from Tennessee through social networking sites. A current trend of our times on how much things change in media, social networking has proven useful in doing this interview. I have to first say that in meeting Shawna I began to see just how much this beautiful young soul has overcome and you would indeed think it hard not to feel broken hearted yourself if not for the redemptive measure we can now see victoriously working in this woman’s life. I believe this interview will be a redeeming seed for so many who feel they are alone dealing with past abuse.
ME-Shawna your book delves into a very serious subject please tell our readers your inspiration for writing this book?
(Shawna) God gave me this book to write, I feel very strongly that he knew that I needed to release all these emotions, thoughts, feelings, pain, discomfort, bitterness, self-mutilation that I caused to myself. I needed to write this book for me to finally be able to heal, grow, release, and move forward with the life that He has for me....
ME-I can see how writing your book helps to release the pain you went through, in authoring My True Soul..were you hoping to also reach others?
(Shawna) Writing this autobiography I had no one else in mind but myself, like I said, God gave me this book, because I have never written anything in my life, except little love notes back and forth in school. I didn’t anticipate the response that I have received from those that have truly been inspired from my PAIN.
ME-Wow it’s a blessing to see how God is using what you went through to inspire others, I have come to know this about Jesus Christ, that we can do all things through Him including live victoriously because He always causes us to triumph, even though writing this book helps you, we can see God's glory in it is far reaching because it's helping others.
The healing process can take years or essentially a person’s whole life, so do you consider yourself fully healed and if still ongoing how far in the process are you?
(Shawna) No I don’t think that I am fully healed from my past pain, but I am very much further in my relationship with God now than before, I didn’t know him at all throughout my emotional troubles.
ME-What would you say to someone in the beginning stages of dealing with past abuse?
(Shawna) NEVER STOP PRAYING TO GOD!!! Trust someone to share your story with, it will help to release it and get some counsel from someone you trust.
ME-I agree with you, it’s so important to trust in God even if you don’t know Him I encourage those reading to get to know Him... we should always pray in faith about everything and circumstance that concerns us (Philippians 4:6, 7) knowing that God is faithful to keep those issues we bring to Him. Speaking of God and church what would you want family members, friends, church leaders and Christians in general to know on how to counsel or be a friend to someone whose survived sexual abuse in their past?
(Shawna) Be extremely supportive, patient and compassionate in there walk with this pain. Not to look at it as some childhood issue that they/we should have gotten over already.
ME-You are very open about your past, being attracted to women and how you lived a lesbian lifestyle at one time. Many men and women struggle in this lifestyle, based on your experience what would you say to them now?
(Shawna) We all have to answer for our own actions, whatever the sin may be, I can’t nor will I judge. You have to walk your own walk with God just like I am. Whatever we are trying to walk away from, pray to God for it, and keep that attitude of FAITH and EXPECTANCY
ME-Amen the God kind of faith!!! Many times gifts you find working in independent artists are born through adversity and pain, what advice to other Indie's would you give on how to stay victorious in their purpose and plan for God?
(Shawna) Stay focused on God and his purpose for your life, that’s what I’m doing.
ME-Amen and never give up!! We here at HerSoul.net believe in giving back or paying it forward...what ideas do you have for others Indies in using their gifts to give back to the community and/or the world?
(Shawna) God allows us to go through things to help others along the way, plus God blesses us to bless others.... so there you go!!!
ME-Yes I can absolutely see how impacting your book will be for those who have endured abuse in their past and I pray that God will bless you more to continue in your healing process and thank you for taking the time out for this interview!
(Shawna) I thank you dearly!
ME-Shawna’s story is one that should be told because you will gain an experience with her that through God and His promises we are victorious. Shawna currently promotes her book with local and national media and is available for speaking engagements.
Contact Info:
Email: shawna_mytruesoul@yahoo.com
Visit her online at http://shawnaharrison.com or CALL 615-719-6797
