Neglect and abuse in a child can manifest itself differently as they grow up. For author Barbara Kabot-Vena, she found herself moving towards escaping into her daydreams to the detriment of her sociability and studies. And after finding high school shell-shocking and horrifying, her thoughts moved to a darker place. Though it was not something she had thought of doing previously, one day, the thought of suicide popped into her young mind. It refused to leave, haunting her constantly.

It was after an attempt at killing herself that her parents had her institutionalized, and she would stay in the hospital until the age of twenty. For ten years following this, she would test out different avenues in life, trying to find a meaning and a purpose. Finally, with the encouragement and support of a friend, Barbara decided to give the Lord a try and was able to find the answers she had needed all along.

She felt the immediate change in her life for the better. God helped her to break free of her past and fulfilled each desire of her heart. Barbara met the man of her dreams and raised a family. She was able to move beyond her past and give whole-hearted love to her family. Suddenly, after years of living a blessed life, Barbara faced a cancer diagnosis. Though it was not an easy road, the cancer allowed her to grow closer to God and gain a stronger trust in Him.

Her testimony is one which speaks of strife, sin, loneliness, and more. But, Barbara's story is a powerful one, showing that going to God and finding yourself in Him can lead you to live the greatest life. She tells of the Lord's goodness and of His grace. In A New Creation: From Emotional Brokenness to Spiritual Wholeness, discover what God can do in your life, if you give yourself to Him.