Stories Our Scars Tell: Hope, Healing, and Honesty about the Wounds We Carry

by Brittany Tinsley

To be healed is simply to live a life fully felt—not perfect and not pain-free, but beautiful anyway.

In the depths of our struggles, it’s easy to feel alone—unseen, unheard, and unsure if healing is even possible. Brittany Tinsley, a self-injury recovery advocate, offers a beacon of hope for those in seasons of suffering as she shares her deeply personal journey from self-harm to healing. She invites readers to join her on a transformative path from isolation to connection, fear to hope, and hurt to wholeness.

Divided into three insightful parts, Stories Our Scars Tell explores the lingering questions that haunt us, the comforting words we long to hear, and the strength found in embracing our struggles. Tinsley’s dual perspective as both an expert and someone who has walked through the darkness of self- harm provides a unique and compassionate guide for readers. Speaking to the heart of identity, self-worth, and the pursuit of hope, Stories Our Scars Tell is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t happen overnight but is a continual reckoning between who we’ve been, who we are, and who we’d like to become.

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Brittany Tinsley is a writer and speaker whose work explores the intersection of faith and mental health. Through honest, heartfelt storytelling, she invites others to find the hope baked into their own lives.

Brittany is a contributing author of the Oxford Handbook of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and has written for HuffPost, (in)courage, and To Write Love on Her Arms. Brittany lives in Texas with her husband and their two daughters.

Connect with her online at brittanytinsley.com.

Reviews

[Jenai Auman · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Endorsed! Releasing Sept 2025

[Hayley Troemel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give one book to my college self it would be this one. I have searched for years to find a book like this: a direct, yet hopeful discussion of self injury. Brittany's words have helped me feel less alone and grow in compassion for myself.

If you struggle with self injury, read this book.
If you love someone who struggles with self injury, read this book.
If you are a counselor or social worker, read this book.
If you are a human with pain, read this book.

No matter who you are, you will find hope and comfort in these words!

[Sarah Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comes out September 2025, but I got to read an advanced copy. Brittany has given us a gift of words and stories that will make us all feel more human and worthy of healing.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany is so talented at weaving words together. Even though her stories are uniquely hers, I related to the inner experience and feelings she shares with readers. I appreciate any author willing to talk about & write about their personal experience with hard things. Brittany does a beautiful job reminding readers they're not alone in their suffering. She encourages her audience to accept help and reinforces the reality that we are more than the difficult things that have happened to us or the ways we cope. May this book be an encouragement to anyone who chooses to pick it up!

[Michael Emberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books we go into expecting one thing, but then they surprise us. That was my experience with this one. It touched my heart and brought tears several times, some because of what was shared, others because I felt seen and understood—like it was written for me, and I’m so glad I read! If, like me, self-harm is not a part of your story, you might think this book is not for you, but please set that reservation aside. Brittany shares a message and truths that are for all of us, and she writes engagingly with hope and encouragement, speaking on a personal, relatable level about thoughts, questions, and feelings many of us process but rarely discuss. We all carry wounds and scars, even if they’re not visible on our skin.

What should it look like to bear one another’s burdens? How should we meet those who come forward with struggles outside of our comfort zone? What is community supposed to look like, and why do so many of us feel like we don’t belong?

What do we do about the teen who reveals she’s cutting herself?

Whether we’re parents, teachers, pastors, friends, or anyone else involved, we have to get this right! Brittany’s story is one example, but the lessons she imparts have broad application, and her voice and expertise should be heard. Told through the lens of self-harm, religious trauma, and the author’s own healing journey, Stories Our Scars Tell is a must-read for anyone navigating the deep pains of life and the church’s response.

[courage and coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. I was gifted an ARC of this book and I did not expect to relate to so much of what Brittany wrote. I am also in recovery from self injury so I related to so much of what she’s been thru. It was relatable and just so genuine and real. It brought me to tears at one point and I just truly loved it so much! I really recommend it to anyone who has dealt with self injury or anyone who loves someone who has. 5/5 ⭐️

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany’s raw and vulnerable journey makes others feel less alone. She opens the doors for honesty, hope, and healing. There may be scars from self-injury, but we can find compassion along the way. Stories Our Scars Tell erases the stigma. I believe this book will set many others free.

“Healing comes when we allow all the parts of who we are to be seen and known.” 👏🏼👏🏼

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany was the first writer I ever followed, and her writing has been so healing and impactful for me. I cannot wait to read her new book, and encourage you to check out her work!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Brittany, for putting this out into the world.