A friend of mine sent these recommendations to me. You might consider these two resources if you are struggling to shed the baggage of an abusive past, need some encouragement, or just want to read about how God's love triumphed in these womens' hearts. I personally haven't read them but here is what my friend said:
I wanted to share with you two books I recently read. They are great books for anyone, but especially helpful for women who suffer from an abusive past. Both books were recommended to me by my Biblical counselor from the Master’s Seminary. You may have heard of them or read them, but just in case I thought I’d pass them along for you to read or share with other women you know that may need some encouragement :)
Glenda’s Story: Led by Grace : by Glenda Revell (forward by Elisabeth Elliot). Amazon blurb:
Unwanted from birth and abused throughout her childhood, Glenda was desperate for love and a sense of belonging. Her only respite from a miserable home life was school, and the welcoming shade of her favorite willow tree, under which she would dream of another life, another family, and pray to a God she did not yet know. Ultimately, Glenda's afflictions became the cords with which God drew her to Himself. Receiving His salvation, she understood that God had saved her from her own sinfulness, more than horrid conditions and treatment by others. This is a story of great hope, an amazing account of how our merciful Savior brings light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and peace out of pain. Highly recommended by Elizabeth Elliot.
Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved : by Dorie Van Stone. Amazon blurb:
"Someone has said that when you have nothing left but God, you realize that God is enough. God had stood beside me when no one else wanted me. He was not going to abandon me now. God would have to heal the emotional pain that throbbed through my body."
As a child, Dorie was rejected by her mother, sent to live in an orphanage where she was regularly beaten by the orphanage director, was beaten time and again by cruel foster parents, and was daily told that she was ugly and unlovable. Dorie never knew love until a group of college students visited the orphanage and told her that God loved her. As she accepted that love, her life began to change.
Dorie is a thrilling true account of what God's love can do in a life. Doris Van Stone takes readers through the hard years of her childhood into her fascinating years as a missionary with her husband to the Dani tribe in New Guinea. With the rise of illegitimate births, the increase in divorce statistics, and the frightening escalation of child abuse, this story stands as a reminder that God's love, forgiveness, and grace are greater than human hurt and sorrow.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)