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The White Umbrella: Walking with Survivors of Sex Trafficking
Stories of survivors of sex-trafficking.
Sex trafficking. We hear about it on the nightly news and in special interest stories from around the world, but it occurs daily in communities all around us. Every year, thousands of young women are forced into sexual exploitation. Most are under the age of 18. The damage this causes to their emotions and souls is immeasurable.
But they are not without hope.The White Umbrella tells stories of survivors as well as those who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the “white umbrella” of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration.This book offers principles and guidance to anyone with a heart for these hurting young women and a desire to help. It is an ideal resource for individuals or organizations seeking to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.
Sex trafficking. We hear about it on the nightly news and in special interest stories from around the world, but it occurs daily in communities all around us. Every year, thousands of young women are forced into sexual exploitation. Most are under the age of 18. The damage this causes to their emotions and souls is immeasurable.
But they are not without hope.The White Umbrella tells stories of survivors as well as those who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the “white umbrella” of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration.This book offers principles and guidance to anyone with a heart for these hurting young women and a desire to help. It is an ideal resource for individuals or organizations seeking to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2012
67 people are currently reading
1194 people want to read
About the author
Mary Frances Bowley
5 books11 followersMARY FRANCIS BOWLEY is the Founder of Wellspring Living, an organization fighting childhood sexual abuse and exploitation since 2001. She has been a leader in bringing the fight against child sex-trafficking to Atlanta and is a founding member of the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. Mary Frances is the author of The White Umbrella and A League of Dangerous Women. She resides in Peachtree City with her husband, Dick.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 10, 2012
This book is less about the realities of sex trafficking and the personal experiences of victims, and more focused on one particular ministry (Wellspring Living in Atlanta). Many of the stories weren't even about sex trafficking at all, but rather about women suffering from other forms of abuse and self-destructive behaviors. It was somewhat inspiring and hopeful, but not what I expected--not really the book to pick up if you are looking to better understand human trafficking.
June 29, 2013
This book took me forever to read!! I was under the impression that its about sex trafficking survivors, their experiences, how they ended up in the situations, what happened to them, how they got out, ect, but 85% of the book were about other people at the clinic telling how they help survivors. I almost fell asleep reading the book. Maybe its just me who misunderstood the title of this book.
September 15, 2016
The White Umbrella provides a glimpse of one organization that assists survivors of sex trafficking. Without question this is a horrid industry and the impacts on those involved are profound.
The author shares ways that anyone can be involved and make a positive impact. In each chapter a different method of involvement is shared and through that the reader meets some of the young women that have been a part of Wellspring in Georgia.
While some of the details were difficult to read, The White Umbrella provides a realistic look at what it is like to work through a recovery program both as a participant and as a volunteer.
The author shares ways that anyone can be involved and make a positive impact. In each chapter a different method of involvement is shared and through that the reader meets some of the young women that have been a part of Wellspring in Georgia.
While some of the details were difficult to read, The White Umbrella provides a realistic look at what it is like to work through a recovery program both as a participant and as a volunteer.
November 26, 2023
2.5 stars. This book, from it's cover, appears to be stories of trafficking survivors, but it is mostly employees of the Wellspring Living program talking about their experiences in the organization.
I have conflicting thoughts about this book, having worked in a similar organization previously. I can appreciate the work they are doing and their dedication to spreading awareness. However there seems to be a lack of boundaries in some of the stories. The book does discuss the basics of trauma responses, which could be helpful for volunteers of similar organizations. However, there is some outdated terminology that could be harmful. (It should be noted this was published in 2012.)
Upon reading reviews, it appears that some survivors denied permission for their stories to be shared. I cannot verify if that is true, but gives me pause in supporting this organization. Overall, this felt more like an advertisement for the organization than it did actually letting survivors speak.
I have conflicting thoughts about this book, having worked in a similar organization previously. I can appreciate the work they are doing and their dedication to spreading awareness. However there seems to be a lack of boundaries in some of the stories. The book does discuss the basics of trauma responses, which could be helpful for volunteers of similar organizations. However, there is some outdated terminology that could be harmful. (It should be noted this was published in 2012.)
Upon reading reviews, it appears that some survivors denied permission for their stories to be shared. I cannot verify if that is true, but gives me pause in supporting this organization. Overall, this felt more like an advertisement for the organization than it did actually letting survivors speak.
January 17, 2016
This is one of those books that is difficult to review. The topic of sex trafficking is powerful and it is a topic that needs to be discussed. So, on that level this is a good, well researched book. It makes the reader aware that this occurs not only in foreign countries but also in the U.S. This book tries to explain how girls/women become victims of sex trafficking then become victims again when the police and law enforcement get involved.
Unfortunately, this book isn't really about just sex trafficking. There are also examples of people with chemical dependency needing help and other issues that would cause a woman to seek shelter and assistance. In that way, the focus changes from what is stated on the cover.
This book is also much more about the Wellspring Living Organization that fights childhood and later sexual abuse. Sadly, much of the book focuses on Wellspring and their staff instead of the victims. While I commend Wellspring for stepping into this needed counseling and housing area, that focus lessens what could have been a more powerful outreach. This book specifically says it is about "walking with survivors of sex trafficking". This is more about walking with the staff of Wellspring.
Unfortunately, this book isn't really about just sex trafficking. There are also examples of people with chemical dependency needing help and other issues that would cause a woman to seek shelter and assistance. In that way, the focus changes from what is stated on the cover.
This book is also much more about the Wellspring Living Organization that fights childhood and later sexual abuse. Sadly, much of the book focuses on Wellspring and their staff instead of the victims. While I commend Wellspring for stepping into this needed counseling and housing area, that focus lessens what could have been a more powerful outreach. This book specifically says it is about "walking with survivors of sex trafficking". This is more about walking with the staff of Wellspring.
May 14, 2016
The White Umbrella is the memoir of a not-for-profit ministry in Georgia. It's the story of a band of women who told God they wanted to help vulnerable girls and let Him use them to create something bigger than they imagined.
Each chapter explores a different facet of ministering to victims of childhood sexual abuse or survivors of sex trafficking. Everything from teaching math, to helping a girl acknowledge that her past was abusive, to walking through legal battles to bring perpetrators to justice. The various staff members featured in the chapter emphasize over and over again the importance of helping without any expectation for specific responses from the girls they're serving. They outline the beauty of modeling God's steadfast, constant love to girls not yet ready to trust Him for themselves.
Sex Trafficking is never an easy subject to learn about. However, I loved the fact that this book was FILLED with hope. Sometimes I put down books about sex trafficking and find myself sick to my stomach, unable to sleep because of the horrors occurring elsewhere. I put The White Umbrella down with a feeling of thankfulness that God is able to work healing and able to use ordinary people who are willing to serve Him.
Each chapter explores a different facet of ministering to victims of childhood sexual abuse or survivors of sex trafficking. Everything from teaching math, to helping a girl acknowledge that her past was abusive, to walking through legal battles to bring perpetrators to justice. The various staff members featured in the chapter emphasize over and over again the importance of helping without any expectation for specific responses from the girls they're serving. They outline the beauty of modeling God's steadfast, constant love to girls not yet ready to trust Him for themselves.
Sex Trafficking is never an easy subject to learn about. However, I loved the fact that this book was FILLED with hope. Sometimes I put down books about sex trafficking and find myself sick to my stomach, unable to sleep because of the horrors occurring elsewhere. I put The White Umbrella down with a feeling of thankfulness that God is able to work healing and able to use ordinary people who are willing to serve Him.
September 18, 2012
This is a powerful book. Sex Trafficking has gained a ton of interest in the news, especially world wide, but two areas often get overlooked: domestic sex trafficking and what is done to help the victims after they are rescued. This book emphasizes both. And it is striking.
The stories of girls who have been through the hell of sexual abuse and sex trafficking are heart wrenching. And the stories of people coming along side to walk with them through the restoration process are equally as moving.
It is not a complex book, but the depth will strike you. It's well worth reading.
The stories of girls who have been through the hell of sexual abuse and sex trafficking are heart wrenching. And the stories of people coming along side to walk with them through the restoration process are equally as moving.
It is not a complex book, but the depth will strike you. It's well worth reading.
April 6, 2014
This book centers on the founding and work of Wellspring Living, a Christian based organization which provides rescue, ministry and on-going support for women who are victims of human trafficking. This book is filled with personal stories and testimonies of how God has worked within the lives of Wellspring's founders, volunteers, and the women who have received rescue. Each chapter is well written, with scripture and personal narratives to make the stories relevant and inspirational.
My only critique is the organization of the book, which I found to be choppy and inconsistent. Having chapters and divisions with more definitive topics would have been very helpful.
Having said that, I learned a great deal from this book. It focuses specifically on human trafficking, but it is a wonderful resource for any person who has experienced abuse or who knows someone with a history of abuse. Meaning, the book pertains in some way to each and every one of us!
Author Mary Frances Bowley does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand relationships, even healthy and supportive ones, from the victim’s point of view. She also describes the importance of total and sacrificial commitment on the part of a mentor – a support person will often have to give up much of their time (weekends, holidays, birthdays, etc.) to see an abused person through their “recovery.” And sometimes, despite a mentor's prayers and support, a victim may ultimately choose not to move forward in a productive life.
This is a book I would highly recommend, and that I recommend even reading more than once. It is filled with scripture and encouragements, as well as practical mental and emotional health information.
My only critique is the organization of the book, which I found to be choppy and inconsistent. Having chapters and divisions with more definitive topics would have been very helpful.
Having said that, I learned a great deal from this book. It focuses specifically on human trafficking, but it is a wonderful resource for any person who has experienced abuse or who knows someone with a history of abuse. Meaning, the book pertains in some way to each and every one of us!
Author Mary Frances Bowley does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand relationships, even healthy and supportive ones, from the victim’s point of view. She also describes the importance of total and sacrificial commitment on the part of a mentor – a support person will often have to give up much of their time (weekends, holidays, birthdays, etc.) to see an abused person through their “recovery.” And sometimes, despite a mentor's prayers and support, a victim may ultimately choose not to move forward in a productive life.
This is a book I would highly recommend, and that I recommend even reading more than once. It is filled with scripture and encouragements, as well as practical mental and emotional health information.
December 12, 2016
I gave up on this book 3/4 of the way through. It was just very very religious, going on and on about how Jesus is needed to restore former prostitutes and will transform their lives. The people of this group really push religion on to these vulnerable women. I feel that they mean well, but it's pretty clear an Buddhist or Jew or god forbid an atheist wouldn't be welcome in their program. I think you should help people regardless of their religious beliefs. Also, I know from personal experience that faith in Jesus doesn't fix anything- my years as a Christian were the worst years of my life. I can't really say I support this group. I'm glad they want to help, and they do seem to be making a difference in some peoples' lives, but they really have a kind of tunnel vision about what recovery looks like. too much religious content in this book for me.
July 18, 2017
Although the subject is not necessarily what we want to read about and it is one we would pray does not exist abuse to women does happen. The author did a good job confronting the issues. The supporting groups discribed in the book are doing a wonderful job. It is nice to see people so dedicated to helping. It takes strong Christian people to right the wrongs. I am glad I read the book, I am not glad the problems exist to begin with.
January 7, 2013
WOW! A must read for every American, especially Believers! The White Umbrella will open your eyes to the heart wrenching injustice occurring in our own backyard. A call to awareness and an example of faith at work, The White Umbrella will inspire you to action today.
January 5, 2018
Admirable topic, one that I’m passionate about, but goodness the writing style was childish. Just bad writing.
September 5, 2017
The White Umbrella tells stories of survivors as well as those who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the "white umbrella" of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration. These are the quotes which really captured the essence of the pain these precious women feel and how we can best "stand close under our umbrella" and walk alongside them. This book is a must read for anyone working with survivors.
Beginning Statement:
“As long as we are convinced that “somebody like me” can’t really do anything to turn the tide, we can continue to exist in our self-made bubbles of comfort and ignore God’s beating heart.
~ Louie Giglio (from the foreword)
1. “Some of these kids are runaways and some are abandoned. Many others come from good homes. They are the victims of cruel and clever predators who know just what to offer – the appearances of friendship, a listening ear, the promise of love or money or a new life. (p 15)
2. An umbrella is a common item, usually left forgotten in the back of a closet until needed. But when nature delivers a downpour or hailstorm, an umbrella makes a difference – a buffer that protects us from the harsh elements falling from the sky. An umbrellas often does something else as well – it brings those who suffer together. When y0u share one with someone, you have to stand close, side by side.” (p 17)
3. “Outside of my home, I lived a normal life. I made good grades, played sports, and had a few close friends. But on the inside, I felt dirty and worthless. I felt like I needed to hide. Sometimes I wanted to die. If anyone had paid attention, they might have noticed how the light in my face had been extinguished.” ~ Survivor (p22)
4. “When God’s people come together to fight this good fight against the exploitation of innocence, the weight of oppression is exchanged for the weight of glory. The time has come to let our children be little girls once again. The time for freedom is now.” (p37)
5. Providing a picture of God… “When these girls realize that you've weathered storms of your own and that God made something beautiful through it, a light clicks on in their heads. When you can accept them for who they are despite what they’ve done, just like God accepts you in spite of what you’ve done, it gives them a picture of who God is, and a picture of what their life could look like through His transformative grace.” (p 47)
6. “They were expected to earn $1,000 per night for their pimps, meaning they would be violated eight to ten times each evening. The average age of the girls lured into the Atlanta sex trade is twelve.”
7. “The common thread among the girls we hoped to serve was childhood sexual abuse. One out of every four girls is sexually abused before the age of eighteen. And these are only the reported cases. The numbers, staggering as they are, are probably higher than we think. This means one out of every four women at the grocery store, at the bank, at the mall, in the pew at church, and everywhere in “normal” life have had this traumatic experience. Emotionally, girls are arrested in their development and make choices based on the age at the time of the abuse.” (p 51 & 61)
8. “On the outside, she lived a normal life, but on the inside, her self-worth had slowly decayed into a hollow cavity. For years, she blended in at school and even in church, as her pain passed undetected and unnoticed. For years, not a single friend, mentor or confidante was able to read the signs nor realize that the abuse that began at such a young age had warped Alisha’s understanding of what is normal. “ (p 63)
9. “Remember, abuse is not always a choice. Girls who are survivors of sex trafficking are branded on the streets as prostitutes, sometimes quite literally as their pimp burns his mark on their neck or ankles. But they did not choose this work, and it is doubly tragic when these young women are branded once again by stigma and shame when they walk into the wider community, and even the church.” (p 69)
10. “Jesus Christ came to set the captives free, and Christians have the amazing and humbling opportunity to be His hands and feet in this redemptive rescue. Much like the four men in the Bible who dug through the roof to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, we must do whatever it takes to help victims of abuse through the journey of healing. (p 71-72)
11. “No matter how awful her situation, she operates in the “security” of what she knows. It’s difficult for her to give that up for the unknown. She needs a motivating reason to help her let go of the familiar and take those first steps toward healing. She may revert to “crawling” because she doesn’t yet have the confidence in her ability to walk. Whether she is crawling, walking or falling after taking a few steps, our role is to keep standing by her and supporting her at whatever stage she is in.” (p 74-75)
12. “It’s difficult for many of our girls to pray for themselves in the midst of restoration from horrific circumstances. What each one needs most is a warrior to pray for her, someone to carry her to the throne when she is too weak to carry herself.”
13. “They had been pimped out every night and often beaten. Our girls didn’t play sports after school; they worked the streets after school. Our girls didn’t attend football games on Friday nights; they went to the nearest hotel with their pimp to endure unwanted sex with men.”
14. “Change, even good change, is difficult. Each girl responds differently to the opportunity. Ultimately, it is God who brings permanent change. Our task is to seek His will even as we hold out our arms to these young women learning to walk again, encouraging them to take one more wobbly step forward. (p 79)
15. “We have observed that the most volatile time for a young woman who has been sexually exploited is often just after she leaves that life. When she finally exits this life of manipulative abuse and gains perspective through distance, she often comes face-to-face with a conclusion that is too horrific to digest. Often our well-intentioned but inappropriate message is received as, “That was a horrible life. Now we can start over…from scratch.” What we intend as a positive message may have the reverse effect and overwhelm her. (p 82-83)
16. “When people rally together to support a good cause, it shouts a second message to the community at large, that people can work unselfishly together if our eyes are on God and on those in need, rather than on our own advancement. I believe this is the way God meant for us to work. When we allow God to lead, what a refreshing message is communicated.” (p 154)
17. “I feel hopeless. I am the one left broken and defeated. I don’t have the emotional energy to tackle the obstacles. I know I want something different for my life, but everything seems so out of my reach.” ~ Survivor (p 176)
18. “When others tell one of these precious women that she’s a failure and she begins to believe it herself, this is the critical moment when we need to step in. We must proclaim that we believe in her and in our God, who is able to do beyond what we can imagine. And we believe in God’s strength enough to support her with our words, time, and resources, asking nothing of her in return. If we as a community of faith will not demonstrate true belief in the power of God to restore her, who will? We must believe for her…and in her” (p 180)
Ending Statement:
“Together, we can be and will be a force for good, a sea of freedom fighters blanketing the world with the blinding light of His great love. Mary Frances has paved the way for us to raise our voice for freedom and liberty for all. There is a place for you in this fight”
~ Louie Giglio (from the foreword)
Beginning Statement:
“As long as we are convinced that “somebody like me” can’t really do anything to turn the tide, we can continue to exist in our self-made bubbles of comfort and ignore God’s beating heart.
~ Louie Giglio (from the foreword)
1. “Some of these kids are runaways and some are abandoned. Many others come from good homes. They are the victims of cruel and clever predators who know just what to offer – the appearances of friendship, a listening ear, the promise of love or money or a new life. (p 15)
2. An umbrella is a common item, usually left forgotten in the back of a closet until needed. But when nature delivers a downpour or hailstorm, an umbrella makes a difference – a buffer that protects us from the harsh elements falling from the sky. An umbrellas often does something else as well – it brings those who suffer together. When y0u share one with someone, you have to stand close, side by side.” (p 17)
3. “Outside of my home, I lived a normal life. I made good grades, played sports, and had a few close friends. But on the inside, I felt dirty and worthless. I felt like I needed to hide. Sometimes I wanted to die. If anyone had paid attention, they might have noticed how the light in my face had been extinguished.” ~ Survivor (p22)
4. “When God’s people come together to fight this good fight against the exploitation of innocence, the weight of oppression is exchanged for the weight of glory. The time has come to let our children be little girls once again. The time for freedom is now.” (p37)
5. Providing a picture of God… “When these girls realize that you've weathered storms of your own and that God made something beautiful through it, a light clicks on in their heads. When you can accept them for who they are despite what they’ve done, just like God accepts you in spite of what you’ve done, it gives them a picture of who God is, and a picture of what their life could look like through His transformative grace.” (p 47)
6. “They were expected to earn $1,000 per night for their pimps, meaning they would be violated eight to ten times each evening. The average age of the girls lured into the Atlanta sex trade is twelve.”
7. “The common thread among the girls we hoped to serve was childhood sexual abuse. One out of every four girls is sexually abused before the age of eighteen. And these are only the reported cases. The numbers, staggering as they are, are probably higher than we think. This means one out of every four women at the grocery store, at the bank, at the mall, in the pew at church, and everywhere in “normal” life have had this traumatic experience. Emotionally, girls are arrested in their development and make choices based on the age at the time of the abuse.” (p 51 & 61)
8. “On the outside, she lived a normal life, but on the inside, her self-worth had slowly decayed into a hollow cavity. For years, she blended in at school and even in church, as her pain passed undetected and unnoticed. For years, not a single friend, mentor or confidante was able to read the signs nor realize that the abuse that began at such a young age had warped Alisha’s understanding of what is normal. “ (p 63)
9. “Remember, abuse is not always a choice. Girls who are survivors of sex trafficking are branded on the streets as prostitutes, sometimes quite literally as their pimp burns his mark on their neck or ankles. But they did not choose this work, and it is doubly tragic when these young women are branded once again by stigma and shame when they walk into the wider community, and even the church.” (p 69)
10. “Jesus Christ came to set the captives free, and Christians have the amazing and humbling opportunity to be His hands and feet in this redemptive rescue. Much like the four men in the Bible who dug through the roof to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, we must do whatever it takes to help victims of abuse through the journey of healing. (p 71-72)
11. “No matter how awful her situation, she operates in the “security” of what she knows. It’s difficult for her to give that up for the unknown. She needs a motivating reason to help her let go of the familiar and take those first steps toward healing. She may revert to “crawling” because she doesn’t yet have the confidence in her ability to walk. Whether she is crawling, walking or falling after taking a few steps, our role is to keep standing by her and supporting her at whatever stage she is in.” (p 74-75)
12. “It’s difficult for many of our girls to pray for themselves in the midst of restoration from horrific circumstances. What each one needs most is a warrior to pray for her, someone to carry her to the throne when she is too weak to carry herself.”
13. “They had been pimped out every night and often beaten. Our girls didn’t play sports after school; they worked the streets after school. Our girls didn’t attend football games on Friday nights; they went to the nearest hotel with their pimp to endure unwanted sex with men.”
14. “Change, even good change, is difficult. Each girl responds differently to the opportunity. Ultimately, it is God who brings permanent change. Our task is to seek His will even as we hold out our arms to these young women learning to walk again, encouraging them to take one more wobbly step forward. (p 79)
15. “We have observed that the most volatile time for a young woman who has been sexually exploited is often just after she leaves that life. When she finally exits this life of manipulative abuse and gains perspective through distance, she often comes face-to-face with a conclusion that is too horrific to digest. Often our well-intentioned but inappropriate message is received as, “That was a horrible life. Now we can start over…from scratch.” What we intend as a positive message may have the reverse effect and overwhelm her. (p 82-83)
16. “When people rally together to support a good cause, it shouts a second message to the community at large, that people can work unselfishly together if our eyes are on God and on those in need, rather than on our own advancement. I believe this is the way God meant for us to work. When we allow God to lead, what a refreshing message is communicated.” (p 154)
17. “I feel hopeless. I am the one left broken and defeated. I don’t have the emotional energy to tackle the obstacles. I know I want something different for my life, but everything seems so out of my reach.” ~ Survivor (p 176)
18. “When others tell one of these precious women that she’s a failure and she begins to believe it herself, this is the critical moment when we need to step in. We must proclaim that we believe in her and in our God, who is able to do beyond what we can imagine. And we believe in God’s strength enough to support her with our words, time, and resources, asking nothing of her in return. If we as a community of faith will not demonstrate true belief in the power of God to restore her, who will? We must believe for her…and in her” (p 180)
Ending Statement:
“Together, we can be and will be a force for good, a sea of freedom fighters blanketing the world with the blinding light of His great love. Mary Frances has paved the way for us to raise our voice for freedom and liberty for all. There is a place for you in this fight”
~ Louie Giglio (from the foreword)
August 19, 2020
3⭐️
I went into this book thinking it would be an in depth look at the sex trafficking trade and how we can put an end to it, but it was more about the Wellspring Living organization that helps women heal and restore their lives after they have been freed from the trade.
The stories from some of the women at the facility are heartbreaking and raw. The book went on to share not only of the women who are now thriving in their new healthy lives, but also the women who have gone through the steps of healing and regressed back into the dangerous life of using sex as currency.
I went into this book thinking it would be an in depth look at the sex trafficking trade and how we can put an end to it, but it was more about the Wellspring Living organization that helps women heal and restore their lives after they have been freed from the trade.
The stories from some of the women at the facility are heartbreaking and raw. The book went on to share not only of the women who are now thriving in their new healthy lives, but also the women who have gone through the steps of healing and regressed back into the dangerous life of using sex as currency.
August 1, 2017
What is so digusting about this book is that from cover to end, it is nothing but plagiarism and an example of re exploitation of the victims it speaks about. Lets start with the cover... this was copied off of a painting that a survivor in her program did to symbolize something dear to her. That survivor was targeted by Mary Frances, drug into "Helping with this book" and then when the survivor backed out, MF just changed some details and used her stuff anyways. Disgusting.
As for the stories in the book, most of them did not involve any type of consent for their stories to be used. Again, MF just thinks that because she added some fictitious facts and changed names, she can write about any victims story without their permission. MF spends no time in the home with the girls, has very little first hand knowledge about trafficking, and someone manages to get away with her atrocious behavior.
As you read this horrible written book, look at it from a different lens. These poor girls were abused, trafficked, and exploited by pimps and now they are being exploited by the very person who promised them help.
Shame on you Mary Frances Bowley
As for the stories in the book, most of them did not involve any type of consent for their stories to be used. Again, MF just thinks that because she added some fictitious facts and changed names, she can write about any victims story without their permission. MF spends no time in the home with the girls, has very little first hand knowledge about trafficking, and someone manages to get away with her atrocious behavior.
As you read this horrible written book, look at it from a different lens. These poor girls were abused, trafficked, and exploited by pimps and now they are being exploited by the very person who promised them help.
Shame on you Mary Frances Bowley
June 30, 2014
This book is one that you're sure not to forget. And one that should definitely be read by anyone who is considering working with (or even praying for) survivors of the sex-trafficking terror.
It gave me such a better view into what the girls and women go through *after* they are out of that slavery, and what you can do to help them.
It was very sad, too - I expected that. It is real-life accounts; some told by the women that went through it themselves.
This book is a gem. Wellspring Living Program is amazing and I wish I had the opportunity to volunteer there.
I had to take my time with this book, and sometimes take a step back from it, because it was heavy and hit hard. But it was so good and so helpful. I know I will look back on it many times. I have learned much from it, which I appreciated it.
Really, I think this is a must-read for those considering involving themselves in the campaign to end sex-trafficking.
It gave me such a better view into what the girls and women go through *after* they are out of that slavery, and what you can do to help them.
It was very sad, too - I expected that. It is real-life accounts; some told by the women that went through it themselves.
This book is a gem. Wellspring Living Program is amazing and I wish I had the opportunity to volunteer there.
I had to take my time with this book, and sometimes take a step back from it, because it was heavy and hit hard. But it was so good and so helpful. I know I will look back on it many times. I have learned much from it, which I appreciated it.
Really, I think this is a must-read for those considering involving themselves in the campaign to end sex-trafficking.
March 7, 2022
Every year over 100,000 girls in the United States are forced to do someone’s sexual bidding. This is a series of stories of some of those young girls, most of them are between the ages of 9 and 19. Yes, some of these stories are heart wrenching, and at time they will make you angry and sorrowful. Yet at the same time, reading about the Wellspring Living organization that helps these young girls get back on their feet with education and training to restore their lives so they can enter back into our society and feel good about themselves, gives us hope and faith.
This book is a great resource for individuals or organizations to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.
The White Umbrella has several fundraisers. thewhiteumbrella.org
Wellspring Living desires to embody servant leadership, unrelenting, compassion, community mindedness, comprehensive service, excellent care, and strong faith.
It’s amazing what a community of faith can do!
This book is a great resource for individuals or organizations to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.
The White Umbrella has several fundraisers. thewhiteumbrella.org
Wellspring Living desires to embody servant leadership, unrelenting, compassion, community mindedness, comprehensive service, excellent care, and strong faith.
It’s amazing what a community of faith can do!
February 2, 2013
White Umbrella is a book about the very hot-button issue of sex-trafficking. This is a good to read if human slavery is something that is near and dear to your heart. The chapters tell stories of those who have survived sex-trafficking as well as those who are involved in helping to minister to those impacted. It is challenging because it tells stories of "regular" people like you and I who are using the gifts that God has given them to go out and make a difference. The testimonies were so awesome because they showed just how much God cares and how powerful He is. The stories revolve around Wellspring Living, a company in Georgia that aims to "Rescue Restore & Renew" those in the sex-slave industry. I thought this was a very informative, however tough book to read. It is necessary though--we cannot ignore the sex-slavery industry and its devastating effects.
-Katherine
-Katherine
November 15, 2016
This was a great book to be more concerned about sex trafficking and how does it affects to these girls. The book starts with, I think, a great beginning, that gets you right into the book, it tells you what is going to be about and how hard is going to be. It talks a lot about God and Catholicism, which I don't really stand for. That's probably why I didn't "enjoy" and "understand" that much this book. I think that people have their own opinions and you don't really need to talk all the time about your beliefs, but anyway, it was an interesting book that it looks like it wants you to be part of their program "Wellspring Living" and also to help those girls who are passing through this. It just want you to be concerned about what's happening and how it works.
April 10, 2018
I have participated in Dressember the past two years and began searching for more information on this topic of human trafficking. I found this book in one of my information searches. This book is a collection of stories not only by girls who have been abused and trafficked but also stories from people who have come alongside them. There is important information in this book for those of us who are trying to learn how we can join in this fight against human trafficking and aid in the restoration of lives. I need to let go of my naive, preconceived notions and truly understand what it means to come alongside someone. This book helped me in that. I still have so much more to learn but this book was a step in the right direction.
October 29, 2012
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mary Frances Bowley over the past 2 1/2 years. I've respected her and her work for victims of human sex trafficking, but after reading The White Umbrella, her stock has gone up in my book. She is a true hero of the faith and a warrior for young girls like no other. She will inspire you, challenge you and empower you to get into the fight for our young girls. She shares how she went from former elementary school teacher to her present work and how He strengthens her and equips her daily. Well done, Mary Frances!
September 20, 2013
This was a lovely book about Wellspring Living located in GA, a facility to help women and girls out of sex trafficking. Throughout the book they describe women who came in and out of their walls filled with a past of deep pain. There is a lot of perspective from workers there and how they try to encourage everyone towards a future, mainly one that includes forgiveness from Christ and a way of hope for their lives. It was very lovely to learn how patient and how much love is shown to each and everyone of them. I really enjoyed it and would give it a 3.5 star rating!
June 7, 2016
I read this book as part of the United Methodist Women's Reading Program. The title White Umbrella, was chosen for white signifying purity and umbrella to provide support or security. The various chapters of the book tell stories of young girls who suffer from sexual abuse and receive support from the Atlanta based Well Spring living program. The book serves as a useful tool for other organizations wishing to establish or already have established support groups for sexually abused girls regardless of the age of the girls. It is important to note that this is a faith based approach.
December 5, 2017
If you wonder how people can stay in a relentless cycle of self-destruction, making choices which get them deeper into addiction, dependency, and helplessness, read this book. Survivors of sexual abuse come in all forms. From a girl who was stolen from her front yard to ones who grew up with an abusive family member, these stories shine a light on what that kind of experience does to a person, and how walking free of it is so incredibly hard. Read to gain a better understanding of abuse and it's effects. Read to learn how to advocate for the survivors everywhere.
August 21, 2013
Wow! I cannot say enough about this book. I have read tons of books and articles on human trafficking, but this was my favorite by far. The women at Wellspring Living are allowing God to do so much in a and through them. It is so great to see how God is working through this organization to bring restoration and hope to so many women. I highly recommend this book to any one who wants to know more about human trafficking and especially those working with victims of trafficking.
April 26, 2015
it certainly hits close to home, teaching teen girls. More than a few of the girls that I have taught likely have been victims of sexual abuse, and this book has helped me think about kids who have experience this, or other traumatizing circumstances. To some, the book may seem like propaganda with strong religious tones, but it has many inspiring stories, and it does make me want to learn more about the program.
May 17, 2014
This was my first foray into non-fiction this year, and also my first (and so far, only) book read from my team’s recent titles. Short review: I learned. I cried. Slightly longer review: If you have even the slightest inkling of doubt that sex-trafficking is a pretty freaking big issue in the US, pick this up. Stories like this need to be told.
It slowed down for me quite a bit towards the end, but I found it worth finishing regardless. No questions as to why this is one of our better sellers.
It slowed down for me quite a bit towards the end, but I found it worth finishing regardless. No questions as to why this is one of our better sellers.
August 18, 2015
I read this book because several of my friends are involved in anti-sex trafficking and I was curious about the topic. This book was about ministry and God's necessary involvement in healing and success. That really shouldn't have caught me off guard, but it did. I was expecting more sex trafficking stories. But this book still spoke an incredible amount of light into my life. I really enjoyed reading it.
April 24, 2015
I have been personally involved in the fight against sex trafficking for the past 5 years. If you are passionate about this issue, this book is a must read. Mary Frances Bowley is an amazing woman - compassionate and gracious - but with a steel resolve to help elevate the victims of sex trafficking to a better life and be their champion.This book helps to answer some of the questions about why victims of exploitation sometimes react the way they do to opportunities to rehabilitate themselves.
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