Releasing The Burden Of Shame: A Book Review

Everyone makes mistakes. Bad decisions can haunt people for an indefinite amount of time. Humiliating experiences and abuse can shape the way people think and lead to hurtful behavior. This is the basis for the book Releasing The Burden Of Shame: Whom The Son Sets Free Is Free Indeed by Andrea Rodgers.

The author uses her personal experiences to tell her story of the healing process. Currently a clinical psychologist and minister, Rodgers examines the issues of molestation, absence of a father, incest, premature sexual activity and more along with the shame that serves as a barrier to healing and deliverance. The book consists of personal essays, journal entries and historic accounts of events that defined Rodgers’ journey to wholeness.

At 212 pages, the book is not a straightforward read. The format can seem sketchy and sporadic at times. Some of the essays seem to go off on a tangent as if the author gets excited remembering how far she has come since the event itself while writing about the situation. The level of transparency is exceptional and blunt. Many of the pieces are mixed in with sermons that can seem “preachy” to a reader unfamiliar with an apostolic church context.  However, if one can look past the random formatting, a gem of content will be uncovered.

The book is interactive with introspective study questions and space to write a response. Some sections of the book focus on personal development and give the reader the opportunity to do a self analysis to determine if they too have some areas in need of healing.

Releasing The Burden Of Shame also includes tools of encouragement the author uses to help focus the thought process. This includes Bible scriptures and affirmations, even song lyrics that left an impact. A nonfiction testimony of sorts, the author admits some of the content is her opinion that resulted from the journey iteself. Surprisingly, there is no synopsis or author page, though the book reveals plenty about the author if you read it.

At any rate, Rodgers makes it clear that her goal for the book is to release a part of herself that someone else may find healing and love in their life. To learn more about the author and purchase the book, click on The Glam Project.