Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt [Hardcover]

Christi Paul (Author), Sanjay Gupta (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2012

Like millions of other women, CNN’s Headline News and truTV’s In Session anchor Christi Paul blamed herself for the emotional abuse heaped on her by her first husband, whose violent, profanity-laced tirades left her feeling as though she had no value, no self-worth, and nowhere to turn for help.

Then one day, when Christi was taking refuge in a church parking lot, the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” popped into her head. In that moment, she realized she did have someplace to turn after all. Holding fast to her faith, Christi began the arduous process of rebuilding her self-image and regaining control of her life.

Now happily remarried and the mother of three girls, Christi feels called to share her story in the hope that other victims will find courage to seek the help they desperately need and deserve.

Written with great candor and poignancy, Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt chronicles Christi’s personal experience of dealing with emotional abuse and shows how—with God’s help, some unconventional therapy, and the support of family and friends—she was able to break the cycle of abuse, regain her sense of self-worth, and discover what true love is really all about.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It takes a lot of courage to overcome the pain and anguish of emotional abuse—and even more to write about it. Thank you, Christi. I have no doubt it will encourage people to find their strength. Every woman should read this book! (Cheryl Burke, ABC's Dancing with the Stars, author of Dancing Lessons)

From the Inside Flap

Words can hurt.
They can also empower.
“I felt like I was being shredded . . . one painful, hateful word at a time.”
Like millions of other women, CNN’s HLN and truTV’s In Session anchor Christi Paul blamed herself for the emotional abuse heaped on her by her first husband, whose violent, profanity-laced tirades left her feeling as though she had no value, no self-worth, and nowhere to turn for help.

Then one day, when Christi was taking refuge in a church parking lot, the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” popped into her head. In that moment she realized she did have someplace to turn after all. Holding fast to her faith, Christi began the arduous process of rebuilding her self-image and regaining control of her life.

Now happily remarried and the mother of three girls, Christi feels called to share her story in the hope that other victims of abuse will find the courage to seek the help they desperately need and deserve.

Written with both candor and poignancy, Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt chronicles Christi’s personal experience with emotional abuse and shows how—with God’s help, some unconventional therapy, and the support of family and friends—she was able to break the cycle of abuse, regain her sense of self-worth, and discover what true love is all about.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Books (May 14, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414367376
• ISBN-13: 978-1414367378
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.2 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (207 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christi Paul is an award-winning journalist and national weekday news anchor for CNN's HLN and TruTv's In Session. In her eight years at CNN, she has covered a wide variety of stories, including two presidential elections, the Virginia Tech shootings, the Casey Anthony murder trial, the Warren Jeffs polygamy trial, and the Conrad Murray trial. She has also interviewed such noted figures as Senator John McCain, Reverend Jessie Jackson, former drug czar Barry McCaffrey, actresses Jane Seymour and Patricia Heaton, bestselling author Marianne Williamson, and musicians Keith Urban and Jim Brickman, among others. An accomplished singer, Christi has performed the National Anthem for the Cleveland Indians, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Thrashers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. She has also performed onstage with Grammy-winning artists Richard Marx and David Foster. Christi has also recorded 2 songs at Nashville's famed Blackbird Studio. The songs titled "Wake Up In It" and "Free" correspond with "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt" and both are available on iTunes. This spring Christi became an ambassador for Liz Claiborne's Love Is Not Abuse campaign, which aims to teach teenagers about dating violence and help them make healthy relationship decisions. She also serves on the board of Safe Kids Georgia and is an ambassador for the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. Part of the proceeds of "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt" will go to The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Christi lives in Atlanta with her husband, Pete, and their three daughters.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Everyone! Life Changing! I'm not alone! June 1, 2012

By Amanda Howell

Format:Hardcover

This book is an amazing story of hope, finding peace, self worth, grace & forgiveness. As a divorced single mom of two, this book has been my constant companion. Christi Paul writes in a way that is raw and revealing, but also in such an open way you will feel like you are reading your best friend's journal. This book gives me strength. The exercises at the end of the book have been a brilliant source of therapy for me. She has reminded me that God's grace is MORE than sufficient and I'm worthy of being loved. Thank you Christi Paul for sharing your story... Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Story, Powerful Message June 1, 2012

By Kevin

Format:Hardcover

As a radio talk show host, I work my way through about six books each week. I'm not able to read every book cover to cover, and yet, every once in a while, I find a book that I cannot put down. Christi's was one such book. I never found a lull, never looked away, never wandered in my thoughts. She had me from start to finish. Her stunning honesty and humble reflection compelled me to look deeper at the lying messages still embedded in my own soul. Not only is Christi's story gripping and well written, she offers hope, healing, and nuggets of wisdom all along the way. If you're in a dangerous situation or know somebody who is, read this book, be encouraged, and believe with all of your heart that God is with you, He's for you, and He will make a way for you.

*If you'd like to hear Christi's interview on Live the Promise, go to: [...] and type in Christi's name on the search bar. She was on Live the Promise on 6/1/12

**My name is Susie Larson (not Kevin) :)

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For all who have been hurt by love May 30, 2012

By Lynn Furney

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Christi Paul has written a wonderful book about Loving and Fear in a relationship. Please read this book if anyone has been in an abusive relationship, whether verbal, mental or physical. This is a wonderful but scary look into good relationships that turn into bad that involve alcohol and anger.

I watch Christi on In Session and have always admired her, but after reading this book I admire her even more! Thank You Christi

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars My first kindle read December 29, 2012

By Mommyof8

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Easy read. Uplifting and hopeful. Really explains why it is not as simple as "just leave". Shows you can move on after an abusive relationship.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars It is more than just surviving, it is becoming victorious December 28, 2012

By Naomi Glenn

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thank you Christi for your openness and honesty! This book allows us personal insight into a life of an abuse victim and how she overcame without the victim mentality. It brings us to an understanding of the love and value that God has for our lives regardless of the people and the experiences that our choices have led us into. This story shows us a way to cope with the guilt that often overwhelms us, especially Christian women who believe they have to stay in a marriage because it is what God wants, and walk in victory that God has for us. This book is full of the word of God teaching us to see our worth through God's eyes and changing the way we think to align with his thoughts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Love Isn't Suppose to Hurt August 13, 2012

By Ma Ingalls

Format:Hardcover

modern day Abigail..I am reminded of Denise Jackson's It's Not About Him and Brenda Warner's One Call Away.

Love Isn't Suppose to Hurt is the story of redemption: a woman's story of enduring a spouse's verbal/physical abuse (hanging on), divorce (letting go), and restoration (clinging to God). Thank you Ms. Paul for sharing your story. Absolutely amazing!

A message for healing... Healing is born when we get real with ourselves. Ms. Paul finds peace by being raw and trusting in God with all her heart and leaning not on her own understanding for this situation. Love Isn't Suppose to Hurt is a story about breaking free from the bonds that hold us back from being the whole person God called us to be.

A message for forgiveness...and when you forgive someone, you unchain yourself from anger that's clinging to you. P. 131-135 are the best written within the text. Ms. Paul clarifies what forgives means. It means you're finished holding on to your own anger and resentment. On the following page, Just because you forgive the one who hurt you, it doesn't make that person suddenly safe. Thank you for such truth. Ms. Paul goes on to quote Beth Moore, "Our self-condemning hearts can't block our forgiveness, but they can keep us from feeling forgiven. The result will be a twisted resignation to our own capacity to sin rather than any confidence in God's capacity to restore us."

A message for all women. Love Isn't Suppose to Hurt is a story that needs to be told again and again because these circumstances happen to woman everyday; this is the story of women I know. As a mother, I pray that God will give me wisdom to protect and guide my daughters in this area. Thank you, Ms.... Paul, for sharing your healing exercises at the end of the book focusing on gratitude and thanking God. ...He's ready to open the gates of grace every time we fall. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awakening..... April 28, 2013

By LaTasha Ball

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was a complete eye opener. I relish the fact that Christi opened her life to us. This book led me to some mind blowing decisions.....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Going full circle.... January 3, 2013

By Lee Ann Sackett

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I learned of this book from Christi`s Dad. I could tell how proud he was of his daughter and her accomplishments. I'm glad she shared her story. I feel somewhat connected as I've known her family for many years. I am sorry she had to endure this hardship but I can tell that her journey was a true blessing in many ways.