Dear Readers:
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Have you ever been hurt by someone in a leadership position while attending church? I have, and it hurts. At one point in my life, I served on the worship team of a church that my husband and I help get started. We poured our lives into the people of the church and served. Not only did I sing and play piano on the worship team, but I also taught Sunday school and served on the district board. With all of that, I still got hurt by those who I surrounded myself. I won't go into the particulars; however, I will say that during one of the most difficult times in my life, when I needed them the most, they turned their backs on me. I felt isolated and hurt. I stopped attending that church and sought out another. That is when things worsened for me -- name-calling, backstabbing, and more. When I wanted to move my and my daughter's membership from that church, the pastor wouldn't allow it. I ended up having to go to the district council. Needless to say, there is more to this story. However, I can identify with this next author, Rasheda McGuire, and her new book "Church Daggers." In fact, she nails it and how to overcome the hurt and pain caused by Christians so that you may continue to serve and be at peace.
If you have experienced any amount of church hurt, this book is a must-read.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Church Daggers: How To Overcome Church Hurt and Gain Spiritual Freedom
Written by Rasheda McGuire
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What Do You Do When Church Hurts? Church Hurt can leave you feeling angry, rejected, disappointed, and spiritually wounded. Navigating healing from church hurt is not an easy task. Many end up frustrated, walking away from church and fractured in their relationship with other Christians. Church hurt can have an adverse effect on a person’s relationship with God as well, because of internalized disappointment that the Lord has somehow allowed His Christian representatives to cause harm.
This book is for you if…
- You have experienced any form of church hurt or betrayal from fellow Christians
- You have experienced toxic leaders You have ever experienced feelings of frustration or disappointment while serving in ministry
- You are in need of spiritual and practical principles for overcoming church hurt Church Daggers will provide you with the tools and fresh insight to help you overcome church hurt and walk in the victory that is destined for you.
It is the Lord’s will for you to rise above and fully recover from all experiences of church hurt.
RASHEDA MCGUIRE
Where are you from where you live now or you went to school and let them know the personal you.
I am a native Washingtonian who grew up primarily in Maryland. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Lynchburg University and my Masters in Psychology and Counseling from Regent University.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I am a native Washingtonian who grew up primarily in Maryland. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Lynchburg University and my Masters in Psychology and Counseling from Regent University.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I had a visual of what I wanted the cover to display: the reality of church daggers/church hurt, but also a strong sense of hope and redemption. The Cross provides us the hope and redemption needed for all challenging situations. The cover essentially conveys that despite church hurt, there is true freedom and healing in Christ.
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What inspired you to write the book?
I think my own experiences with church hurt inspired me to write the book. I wanted to provide a resource that would help others in their faith journey. Many times people blame God for the shortcomings of others instead of gaining the right perspective and understanding about the human frailty and weaknesses versus the unfailing lives of God. The Bible says “with all your acquiring, get understanding.”
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
My mother has definitely been the most significant influence on me personally. She taught me to hold dear to the things that are important in life. She has taught me so many valuable life lessons.
I remember my 8th grade English teacher Mr. Goudeaux encouraged my creative writing. I think that has had a lasting impact on me. I have always been an avid reader and enjoy interesting and helpful books.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
I had to overcome distractions, procrastination, and perfectionism. Perfection is always the enemy of launching your book or doing anything significant.
Tell your readers about your book.
I remember my 8th grade English teacher Mr. Goudeaux encouraged my creative writing. I think that has had a lasting impact on me. I have always been an avid reader and enjoy interesting and helpful books.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
I had to overcome distractions, procrastination, and perfectionism. Perfection is always the enemy of launching your book or doing anything significant.
Tell your readers about your book.
Church Daggers gives some of my first-hand experience with church hurt. I provide some interesting scenarios, and practical and spiritual advice when it comes to dealing with church hurt.
Church Daggers is a book for all Christians, churches and unchurched. It will encourage you to put offenses into perspective and deepen your spiritual walk.
What are Church Daggers?
The term and title of the book, “Church Daggers”, refers to the betrayals, offenses, and hurts that can be experienced by Christians at the hands of other Christians. Sometimes offenses and betrayals can cut deep like a dagger, hence the name Church Daggers.
Who is your target audience?
Christians, who do or do not attend Church, Seekers who may be intrigued with the topic. From ministry leaders to those not connected with a church, can relate and benefit from the book.
If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
They should buy my book because it is a good read! You will find inspiration and spiritual healing from church hurt.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
The day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior. Life in Christ has opened many doors for me and given me the blueprint to live a life worthy of being called a disciple of a Christ.
Being able to provide quality mental health services in my county for over the last 12 years has been rewarding to me.
Everyone has life lessons to learn, tell the readers one or two of yours and how they made you the person you are today.
One of my biggest life lessons was after the loss of my mother. It was a huge loss, and I had to learn to adjust to life without her, and navigate through my grieving process. I am thankful for those who assisted me on that transition. Although I had always been the listening ear to family and friends, I learned to ask for help more often when I had a need.
What unique thing separates you apart from other writers in your genre?
I believe in balance and integration of spiritual and emotional health. One should not exist without the other. They go hand in hand but are oftentimes overlooked. Although I am a community and church leader, I do not consider myself religious. I believe in the practice of maintaining a relationship with the Lord with authenticity.
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