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Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault Paperback – January 5, 2011
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Justin and Lindsey Holcomb outline an approach for moving from destruction to redemption. While avoiding platitudes and shallow theology, Rid of My Disgrace combines biblical and theological depth with up-to-date research. This book is primarily written for those who have been assaulted (either as children or adults) but also equips family, friends, pastors, and others to care for victims in ways that are compassionate, practical, and informed. Part of the Re:Lit series.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCrossway
- Publication dateJanuary 5, 2011
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.53 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-109781433515989
- ISBN-13978-1433515989
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Careful research, lots of Scripture, and a demonstration that the work of Christ says ‘you are washed clean’ to those who feel like outcasts, which will speak to victims of sexual abuse.”
―Edward T. Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; author, I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say?
“God sees, knows, heals, restores, and redeems. This is the message of hope this book offers, to all who have suffered from abuse. How desperately needed this message is in our culture today! In my interaction with teens and young adults, I have heard many stories of sexual abuse. I am so thrilled that there is a resource like this book that offers relevant, practical, biblical hope and healing words of life.”
―Rebecca St. James, singer; author; actress
“Justin and Lindsey demonstrate a unique level of compassion and concern for victims of sexual assault and the hope for them for healing. The gentle and empathetic tone, along with a sincere belief that victims can experience healing, makes this book indispensable for both victims and those who care for them.”
―Craig Groeschel, Pastor, Life.Church; author, Daily Power: 365 Days of Fuel for Your Soul
“The world―and too often the church―encourages victims of sexual assault to do more. Self-help advice just adds more layers of guilt and a sense of powerlessness. The authors of this excellent book have good news: literally, a gospel that answers our disgrace with the grace of God in Christ. For anyone who suffers from abuse―as well as those who minister to them―Rid of My Disgrace is powerful, healing medicine.”
―Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California
“Where will you find a ‘Theology of the Victim’ from a Reformed theologian? You just found it. If you’ve been the victim of abuse, you won’t find yourself blamed in this book. You’ll find yourself embraced by the love of a God who meets you in your pain. This will be required reading for all of my students.”
―Chuck DeGroat, Academic Dean, Newbigin House of Studies; Director, City Church Counseling Center
“Some books are easy to read, but this isn’t one of them. Its difficulty, however, is not a matter of style or prose but of substance. We don’t like thinking about sexual assault and abuse. We’d rather pretend they don’t exist. But the church can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the extent of this problem or to ignore the devastation it brings to both body and soul. What makes this book so worthy of your attention, notwithstanding the discomfort it may cause you to feel, is the wealth of wisdom, gospel grace, and pastoral sensitivity that the Holcombs bring to bear on those affected by this experience. No matter how deep the pain or sense of loss endured by the victims of sexual assault, God’s healing grace and power are greater still. Highly recommended!”
―Sam Storms, Founder and President, Enjoying God Ministries
“One can tell that the Holcombs have extensive experience working with victims of various kinds of assault because this book is so comprehensive in elucidating the types of healing necessary. Thoroughly researched, richly evangelical in theology, strongly assertive to deliver from blame and guilt, Rid of My Disgrace is heartily recommended for all who suffer from sexual exploitation.”
―Marva J. Dawn, theologian; speaker; author, Being Well When We're Ill; In the Beginning GOD; and Talking the Walk
“As the President of Youth for Christ/USA, I am a first hand witness to thousands of lives that have been impacted and marred by sexual assault. Often the trauma is replaced by debilitating shame and despair. I was moved and inspired by the thoughtful, comprehensive and approachable way that Justin and Lindsey Holcomb unpack the power of grace. The pages of the book unwrap the gift of God, they unlock the shackles of guilt, and they unleash the Spirit of God to transform. Rid of My Disgrace is an important work, for a vital time, to a broken people. I praise God for the fruit that this book will produce.”
―Dan Wolgemuth, President/CEO, Youth for Christ
“Written passionately from the agony that haunts victims, this book also offers a message of hope and healing. It is an invaluable resource for those who have been victimized and a must-read for family, friends, pastors, or counselors of victims to be equipped to serve and love them well.”
―Jud Wilhite, author, Eyes Wide Open and Uncensored Grace; Senior Pastor, Central Christian Church, Las Vegas, Nevada
“This important book places the powder keg of gospel truth where it is most needed: on the frontline of pastoral ministry. A mixture of clear writing, real-life stories, and faithful Bible exposition makes this a powerful resource in the fight for redemption in the lives of those we are called to serve.”
―Joel Virgo, Lead Pastor, Church of Christ the King, Brighton
“This is a sad and disturbing book. The ‘dark’ of it will keep you awake at night. But the ‘light’ will cause you to sing with joy and hope. What a gift to the church and to those who have felt the shame of sexual assault or who love those who have! Read it and give it to your friends. They will rise up and call you blessed! It is the best book I’ve ever read on the subject of abuse…and I’ve read a lot of them.”
―Steve Brown, Host, Key Life radio program; author, Three Free Sins: God Isn't Mad At You
“This compelling, disturbing and hopeful book written from the perspective of the Christian faith, has the potential to be a lifeline for many who have experienced the horror of sexual violence.”
―Rob Morris, President and cofounder, Love146
“Rid of My Disgrace reminds victims of sexual assault that they are not alone and it is not the end of the story. From King David’s daughter Tamar to the courageous survivors telling their stories today, the Holcombs take sexual assault out of the shadows of shame and isolation and into the light of the gospel. With a solid grasp on both the effects of sexual assault and of redemptive history, the Holcombs thoroughly identify sexual assault and its aftermath while calling the reader to let even such a painful, hideous act be a part of their story of redemption through Christ’s sufficient work on the cross.”
―Monica Taffinder, cofounder and counselor, Grace Clinic Christian Counseling
“This book helped us understand the painful emotions that go along with the particular suffering of sexual assault. But more than that, it showed us how to respond to our twelve-year-old son who was assaulted.”
―Parents of a child victim
“I thought I had gotten over the abuses in my past―I had forgiven my abusers, stopped feeling like a victim, and felt like I was a stronger person. After reading Rid of My Disgrace, I realized there were still underlying issues I hadn’t dealt with that were preventing me from getting close to other people and, worst of all, preventing me from having a deeper relationship with God. Each chapter not only discussed each emotion that had been secretly weighing on me, but also showed me that those emotions don’t have to rule me. Jesus’ death and resurrection apply not only to my sins, but also to the burden of someone else’s sin against me. My identity is no longer as ‘damaged goods.’ It is ‘child of God’ and with that comes God’s unending love. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has experienced not only some form of sexual abuse, but other abuses as well.”
―Adult female victim
About the Author
Justin S. Holcomb, PhD, is an award-winning author, seminary professor, and minister. He and his wife, Lindsey, are authors of God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, and Is It My Fault?. Justin has also written or edited numerous books, including God With Us, Know the Heretics, Know the Creeds and Councils, and On the Grace of God. He serves on the board of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).
Product details
- ASIN : 1433515989
- Publisher : Crossway (January 5, 2011)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9781433515989
- ISBN-13 : 978-1433515989
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.53 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #130,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #89 in Religious Counseling
- #190 in Abuse Self-Help
- #286 in Christian Pastoral Counseling
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Lindsey Holcomb (MPH) holds a Master in Public Health degree with a focus on violence against women and children. She works in non-profit development and is an advocate for survivors of abuse. Lindsey is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter. She has co-authored seven books with her husband, Justin Holcomb.

Justin S. Holcomb, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, professor, and Episcopal bishop. He has written or edited more than twenty books on abuse, theology, and biblical studies. Justin teaches theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and serves on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments). Justin is co-host of the White Horse Inn podcast and radio show.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book insightful, powerful, and healing. They describe it as a good primer for spiritual caregivers. Readers also find it real and honest. They say the book is easy to understand and concise. Opinions are mixed on the tenderness, with some finding it appreciated and a balance of tenderness and truth, while others say it can evoke unpleasant memories.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book's insight excellent for those counseling people who have suffered through the shame and agony of sexual assault. They say it covers a difficult topic with wisdom and grace. Readers also mention the book includes powerful testimonies of people who've suffered terrible injustices. They also say it guides the reader to hope and truth.
"...Third, Rid Of My Disgrace is gospel-centered and immensely practical. The foundation for healing from the first pages is the gospel...." Read more
"...But each story is followed up with clear Biblical teaching and easy to understand applications for the the reader to grasp...." Read more
"This book is a great resource for those dealing with abuse personally and professionally...." Read more
"...on their journeys towards healing from sexual assault...as it does offer great insight....and at least from my experience, accuracy on the whole,..." Read more
Customers find the book very real and honest.
"...Justin and Lindsey Holcomb have crafted a fine piece of work that is honest, transparent, and accurately unpacks the baggage that tragically has..." Read more
"...I definitely shed tears reading this. Rid My Disgrace, is very real and honest...." Read more
"...Rid of My disGRACE is candid, honest and shines a bright light on the ugliness of sexual assault...." Read more
"...This book is gospel saturated and honest." Read more
Customers find the book easy to understand and concise. They say it gets to the heart of the matter.
"...story is followed up with clear Biblical teaching and easy to understand applications for the the reader to grasp...." Read more
"I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. It is easy to understand yet chalked full of well researched information...." Read more
"...It is concise and helpful for understanding the meanings behind the emotions experienced following such trauma, and then it outlines where hope can..." Read more
"...also amazing. I find it easy to understand and feel they get to the heart of the issues one deals with in the aftermath of sexual abuse...." Read more
Customers find the book's sexual content to be good. They say it covers all types of sexual abuse and addresses sexual assault in the Bible. Readers also appreciate the definition of abuse and insight into the emotions experienced.
"...I also love the way it addresses sexual assault in the Bible...." Read more
"...Rid My Disgrace, is very real and honest. It defines abuse, gives insight into the emotions experienced, deals with tough issues like forgiveness,..." Read more
"...It is a cross section of all types of sexual abuse...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the tenderness of the book. Some appreciate it and say it has a good balance of tenderness and truth. However, others say the emotional topic is hard and can evoke unpleasant memories.
"...a good book, but there is some explicit content, so it can evoke some unpleasant memories...." Read more
"I appreciate the tenderness of the book and how they seek to comfort those who have gone through sexual assaults...." Read more
"...I've been able to discuss my issues more with people. Very hard emotional topic I pray for everyone dealing with similar issues." Read more
"Tender, compassionate, thorough treatment of sexual abuse. A must for survivors and those who love them..." Read more
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In a fallen world where unspeakable evil occurs, the church must be a place that shines the hope of the gospel into the darkness. One dark corner of our world is sexual assault. The statistics are astonishing. One in four women and one in six men have been or will be victims of sexual assault. The effects are horrific. And the world is not short of remedies: self-help, self-love, and self-heal. Unfortunately for the victims, these answers are "horrible news."
Justin Holcomb, a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, and his wife, Lindsey Holcomb, equip the church to rise and meet the challenge of helping victims of sexual assault, not by the empty hope of self-help, but by grace, redemption, and restoration in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let me be up front with the matter. I really liked this book. Pastors should read it, and victims of abuse will be encouraged by the authors' honesty and care. So to briefly comment on the book's content and its usefulness to pastors, counselors, and victims, let me give four brief reflections on its value to the local church's ministry to the afflicted.
First, Rid Of My Disgrace deals honestly and directly with sexual assault. It presents a clear and full definition, giving victims, churches and pastors clarity on what constitutes sexual assault. They describe in vivid detail numerous effects the assault brings upon a person. Victims will feel like they are not alone, while pastors and counselors will have an invaluable resource for learning what is going on inside the victim when their own words cannot express the inner turmoil. We need an honest and direct book because "surveys and studies indicate that most people know almost nothing about the dynamics of sexual violence and have little or no experience in dealing with it."
Second, Rid of My Disgrace displays the prevalence of sexual assault and its effect on the victims. "One in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime. These statistics are probably underestimates . . . every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted." These numbers are overwhelmingly high, even considering the problem of under-reporting, and it knows no boundaries of "color, race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, sexual preference, education, class, occupation, ability, or disability." No matter where we live or minister, there are hurting people all around us, even on Sunday mornings.
The only thing more sobering than the numbers is its effect. Sexual assault can affect every aspect of your life: "your faith, your daily attitudes and emotions, your-self image, your relationships, and your sexuality." Our churches, along with their pastors, ministers, staffs, and volunteers, can discover new avenues for gospel proclamation and transformation if we can begin to grasp the prevalence of sexual assault and its devastating effects.
Third, Rid Of My Disgrace is gospel-centered and immensely practical. The foundation for healing from the first pages is the gospel. The Holcombs never stop returning to it, continually pointing people to the grace found in Christ alone. God's way of redeeming his people was through Christ's suffering on the cross, but the cross is also where our disgrace is transformed. This a practical theology of grace applied to the disgraceful experiences and effects of sexual assault. Our counseling ministry will have this book on hand and will be used in our training seminars classes.
Fourth, God is glorified in every chapter. One of the phrases you hear at Mars Hill Church is "It's all about Jesus," and this book is no exception, as Jesus is exalted on every page. God's grace, his "one-way, unconditional love expressed through, and founded on, the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ" is marveled at from cover to cover. Even if you have never been sexually assaulted or have never ministered to someone who has, this book will cause you to contemplate the depths of the riches of the grace of God in the person and work of Jesus.
Sin is devastating. Maybe more than we realize most days. But the wretched nature of sexual assault gives us a glimpse of sin's deep darkness. However, the Holcombs show that even if sin goes deeper than you could ever imagine, God's grace goes deeper still.
On a side note...I just want to say that it is absolutely wrong for people to give negative...and even scathing reviews for an obviously faith based book because they have chapters or themes that focus on God and faith.








