Born into a large loving Catholic family, Mary Ellen's life was happy and wonderful. When she was just 11 years old, tragedy struck with the sudden unexpected death of her beloved father. The family was devastated. Sadness, insecurity and lack of self-esteem took over Mary Ellen's life. At the tender age of 16, desperately looking for love and acceptance, she unwittingly enters into a controlling, abusive, alcohol-fueled marriage. Over the years, this union blesses her with five wonderful children; but sadly the abuse at the hands of her husband only accelerates. Her reality of being a high-school dropout, possessing no job skills, her inability to drive a car, along with living in constant fear of her husband's threats and violent wrath, force Mary Ellen to remain in this toxic marriage for over two decades. Though she attended Mass every week and prayed to the Virgin Mary faithfully, she felt so alone. Searching for help, she begins reading a Bible that lay in her home for many years, but not once opened. Reading God's word was amazing and sparked a deep spiritual hunger in her soul. Through this Holy Bible, she is formally introduced to Jesus Christ, and begins her transformation and spiritual journey through His love and salvation. She is able to break free of her chains of shame and inadequacy and find strength and hope in Him. You will experience laughter, tears and inspiration as you read this very personal and candid memoir of adversity, survival and triumph through the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
