Tag Archives: childhood trauma

Book Review: ABRAHAM’S DAUGHTER by Joy Smalley

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ABRAHAM’S DAUGHTER: Healing Trauma from a Childhood in Missions

Written by Joy Smalley

Published: 2023

Genre: Memoir

*Please note that I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Please see the disclaimer at the bottom of the page.

Summary:

Joy Smalley writes a memoir as a missionary kid growing up in Mongolia. Though born in the US, at the age of ten her parents moved her and her siblings to Mongolia. Life was hard and and neglect for ministry was normal. She grew up believing that everyone experienced what she did as a child. As she matured and had children of her own, the chinks of this belief began to break. Her body began to show signs from years of “holding it together.” Her belief was challenged: Was God who He said He was? All this led to believing that life was not worth living. She sought help from a licensed therapist who helped her navigate her childhood story and gave her a name for it: trauma. Within each chapter, Joy bounces from her childhood story to the couch in the therapist’s office gripping the pillow with fringe. By writing in such a way, Joy allows the reader to see a glimpse of her story while allowing an explanation of what was going on emotionally. It is through this storytelling/explanation that we realize that her childhood coping strategies were no longer working. Through storytelling, she is able to show how triggers can set someone off with PTSD or even Complex PTSD, but also the road in which they can take to healing emotionally and spiritually.

Recommendation:

This was a challenging read and could trigger anyone who experienced neglect or childhood trauma in missions. With that said, it is a well-written book. Joy has a gift of words and storytelling that will keep you wanting to turn the pages. As a short-term counselor, I appreciated her framework for writing this memoir. It was a good balance of story and therapy. It is not a “self-help” book but a memoir of her healing journey. I recommend it to any parent of TCKs, educators of TCKs, and counselors/therapists/spiritual directors who work with TCKs. Each person’s story is unique, but reading Joy’s story could give you an idea of what other TCK/MKs may be battling. Or at the least give the challenge to sit and listen to their stories which could help them unravel their own knotted beliefs and emotions.

Book Review: THE HAPPY ROOM by Catherine Palmer

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THE HAPPY ROOM

by Catherine Palmer

Published: 2002

Genre: Novel

*Please note as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Summary:

The Mossman family were missionaries in Africa. The three children viewed the experiences differently, which affected their adult lives. Peter turned away from God. Julia embraced the faith. The youngest Mossman brings them back together when she is hospitalized due to an illness. During the hospital stay, each of the siblings revisits the memories from their childhood. From the three perspectives, the readers get a clear picture of what life was like in the Mossman home, but also the experience of boarding school. As pain is revealed, healing begins – and the characters learn more about each other and the God who never left them.

My Take:

I’d heard of this book from a few friends and finally got my turn to read it. My curiosity led to a background check on the author, and I discovered that she and I are alumni of the same university, which I find incredible. But, what my investigative work also uncovered was that she is also an MK from Africa. Catherine knows a bit about this life overseas, and it truly comes alive through the characters in this book.

I love that the three siblings had different opinions about being raised overseas. I loved that they each told virtually the same story but with a different twist as to their perspective. The book was a quick read, meaning I had difficulty putting it down. 

I recommend it to parents as it will help them understand how their children may have different opinions about living overseas and being a TCK. I also would recommend it to ATCKs with a warning that if they experienced childhood trauma, it could be a trigger.