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A Phoenix Rising
Defining the Moments

by Bryan Nash



      A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments will be an enlightening read to those who have not experienced abuse first hand and an encouraging read to those who have (you are not alone).

Bryan Nash has done an outstanding job of telling his story. He shares about oppression he endured for years; the craziness of it, the unfairness of it, growing up with an aunt and uncle who were just plain mean, cruel, and evil. He talks openly and honestly about anger, bitterness and the loneliness he felt and shares with us what he learned and took away from his situation.

A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments is a true inspiration which will bring help and hope to many.

Cindy and Eddie are abandoned by their mother. They live on a farm in Northern Georgia with Mama Skinner and her husband, who take in and raise abandoned children. There are thirteen abandoned children living at the farm and life is good for Cindy and Eddie. Mama Skinner reads stories from the Bible to the children each evening before bed. Her influence and strong faith remain with these children for the remainder of their lives.

Then one day Cindy and Eddie's aunt, Elaine, comes to Georgia to take custody of them. They go to California to live with their aunt and uncle, Elaine and Hank Whitsett, and their cousins. Here they suffer years of physical abuse, emotional abuse and gross neglect. They would run away often after a beating, only to be returned later to their abusive environment by the police. Their bruises and bloody noses were never questioned and, yet again, they found themselves thrust back into "the house of horrors".

All they wanted was to be like everyone else but their circumstances prevented it. They were short-changed of opportunities other children their age took for granted. With each beating, whether physical or emotional, their spirits would be further crushed. Eddie's spirit became severely strained, perhaps even broken. Having little hope and no understanding of who he was or where he had come from sent Eddie the clear signal that his life held no purpose.

School was his only refuge. It got him out of the house and away from the abuse. Summers were long and unbearable. He learned to shut off his physical pain and emotional torment. He began separating himself (in his own mind) from what was actually going on, allowing himself to escape to his very own sacred place.

At one point Cindy and Eddie went to live with their grandmother. They were happy there but the system once again failed them and sent them back into an abusive environment to live with an aunt and uncle who wanted them only for the monthly government check they received.

The Book

Bryan Nash Publications, LLC
September 11, 2007
Hardcover
09797604021 / 978-0979760402
Autobiography / Memoir
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Connie Harris
Reviewed 2007
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