Love Heals: Finding Wholeness and Hope After Brokenness

by Becca Stevens

Have you struggled with deep wounds, grief, or longing for justice? Love heals us and hope is always possible. Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms, shares true stories of healing and joy where brokenness is transformed into compassion. In each chapter, Stevens provides encouragement and practical steps for anyone going through a difficult season or searching for a deeper faith. Love Heals After reading, readers will In Love Heals , you'll find principles that have transformed lives. Stevens has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News, NPR, the TODAY show, and PBS, and named a 2016 CNN Hero. In 2011, the White House named Becca a "Champion of Change."

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, founder and president of Thistle Farms. After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was 5, Becca longed to open a sanctuary for survivors offering a loving community. In 1997, five women who had experienced trafficking, violence, and addiction were welcomed home.

Twenty years later, the organization continues to welcome women with free residence hat provide housing, medical care, therapy and education for two years. Residents and graduates earn income through one of four social enterprises. The Global Market of Thistle Farms helps employ more than 1,800 women worldwide, and the national network has more than 40 sister communities.

Becca has been featured in the New York Times, on ABC World News and PR, was recently named a 2016 CNN Hero and a White House “Champion of Change." She was featured in the PBS documentary, A Path Appears, named Humanitarian of the Year by the Small Business Council of America and inducted into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame. Stevens attended the University of the South and Vanderbilt Divinity School. She has been conferred 2 honorary doctorates.

Reviews

[Darci Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook version in particular is fantastic for anyone who is going through tough times (or as a gift for someone who is). It's quite soothing just listening to the author/narrator.

[Willow O'Briant · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved it so much i plan to buy my own copy, as i read the library copy.

[Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a huge admiration for Becca Stevens and the great work that she and Thistle Farms have done to help women who have been caught in prostitution and human trafficking get out and make a life for themselves. She was named one of CNN's 2016 "Heroes of Change" and a White House "Champion of Change." Like Christ, Becca Stevens identifies herself with the broken, the hurting and the marginalized. She lifts them up and teaches them the spiritual reality of Thistle Farm's tagline and the name of her book "Love heals."

This is an absolutely beautiful book, not only in terms of Stevens' writing but also the gorgeous photographs that are throughout it.

Each chapter of the book takes a different form of both encouragement and practical steps towards healing in one's life. The first being "Love Heals Through Creation." As someone who knows the reality of this, I immediately connected with the line, "Love is written into the very fabric of creation." She writes of how we can heal by connecting with creation: taking a walk in nature, standing in the waters of a mountain stream, using the healing properties of plants, such as rosemary or lavender. Some of the others are:

- Love Heals with Daily Rituals
- Love Heals with Compassion
- Love Heals in the Valley of Death
- Love Heals by the Mercy of God

Each chapter begins with a poem, then follows with stories of truth and encouragement, and then ends with practical applications.

In the"Love Heals in the Valley of Death," I love how Becca Stevens writes, "Heaven is like the memory of God. All of us are preserved in the memory of God, which is big enough to contain all creation for all time. Nothing can erase us from the memory of God, and no one on this earth is forgotten."

She writes about finding healing and how we are then called to help others to heal and what that looks like in daily life and globally. "We are called to be persistent in our pursuit of healing," she says, "Persistence is the key and time is the means by which healing unfolds."

In my own life, I received this book at just the right time: I was going through a serious health scare. I was uncertain of what my test results were going to be, but I kept this book and a Bible with me at all times. I turned to both and found balm and peace in their words.

Of course, as someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, the chapter entitled "Love Heals Past Our Fears: Walking Through Anxiety" was one that I will continue to return to again and again. "As we seek healing," she writes in this chapter, "we are called to follow our fear . . ." What? This sentence's beginning grabbed my attention. What does she mean by that? ". . .because past fear lies all the other aspects of healing we are seeking - freedom, mercy, and even joy. When we bump into fear, we can use it as a signal that this is a good place to stop and take stock." We are to use such moments to ask ourselves: What am I afraid of? Is this is a real fear, a real danger or am I simply afraid "to grow deeper into faith and be free?"

So if you are going through a hard time or know someone else who's struggling through difficulties, I highly recommend getting this book for yourself or others. Love Heals offers hope and encouragement to all those who need it. And don't we all, really?

[Luann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy of Becca Stevens' book Love Heals is a keeper. First, it was a gift from a dear friend. Secondly, it is beautiful. The cover art, embossed title, beautiful photographic illustrations, and touching poetry interspersed through out all contribute to its beauty. Thirdly, the message offers hope and encouragement. Finally, Becca has a way with words that grab the heart.

The beginning of her prayer for when we feel vulnerable grabbed me. I KNOW this feeling: "Compassionate God, speak to me in whispers and sweet silence. This day has left me so tender a breeze could break my heart." (p. 130)

Love Heals could be read in a day or two, but spreading it across 6 months allowed me to internalize more of the message.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Heals is the true story of places where those who are survivors have experienced encouragement, hope and have been transformed by the Gospel at Thistle Farms. This book is beautiful in the way it is formatted and yet raw in the words on the pages. The imagery and the way the book is designed is a one of a kind. It doesn't feel like a book, yet these are the very kind of books I love to read. My eyes had tears and I was excited as I experienced healing throughout the pages as I read them one by one. This book is perfect for anyone going through a difficult season, someone exploring their faith, looking to go deeper or experiencing the Gospel for the first time. Get ready to sit down and read a book that is full of wisdom, laughter and where you feel that time is endless. Personally, I got lost in this book and couldn't believe how long I had been reading it until I got so tired that I couldn't hold it anymore. I love what Becca Stevens has created with the community at Thistle Farms and I wish I could see it for myself after reading this book. You can't help but be hopeful and have a sense of wonder after reading "Love Heals." I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book. I give this book 5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required.

[Mary Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest; it took me 7 months to read this book. It sat on my night stand, and I’d pick it up and occasionally read a chapter. Every time that chapter was exactly what I needed. The last chapter is about fear and anxiety. I picked the book up after being woken up in the middle of the night a few nights in a row with fear and anxiety overwhelming me. I’m so thankful for God’s timing with this book.

[Cristina Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical when I began this book, thinking it would be full of platitudes and just spiritual light reading. But it actually is a beautiful book that examines different areas of our lives and how to being healing to them. It contains prayers, poems, photography, true stories, and biblical reflections. By reading it, I found encouragement and practical examples of how I can focus on love and healing in my own life. It’s a book I know I will come back to and re-read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge Becca Stevens fan. Her work with the Thistle Farms and the Magdalene houses is some of the best justice work going on in the country and probably the world. She works to empower women who the society has tossed away as sex objects. The work of Thistle Farms works to redeem these women and give them a place in God's kingdom where they belong.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book to hold, look on and read. I didn’t agree with everything written but that’s ok. As she says in the beginning take what is helpful and leave the rest, or something to that affect. Cultivating more compassion for one another, love and forgiveness is what I’ll take away from the book.

[Starr Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Beauty for ashes” thru this whole story. Google “Thistle Farms” Nashville and read this book to be inspired.

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

[Wendy Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. It is like a gift book or what we used to call a perfect coffee table book. In addition, the words and thoughts of this book deeply impacted me. It is my hope and prayer to live in love more each day, LOVE Heals. Thank you to the author for writing this book and for living out your work of Love.

[Corrica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine book. I enjoy the work she is doing and a lot of what she is saying. I think these stories could be used to make a fantastic devotional for a small group or for personal reflection. It is a very easy read and important information.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice coffee table style book filled with stories from survivors and reflections from the author. I've long admired Becca and Thistle Farms. This didn't have the depth and themed focus I was hoping for but it would make for a nice gift.

[June Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book that fed me during the season after losing my dearly loved mother in law. Beautiful writing and poetry with practical steps toward healing. I now but it in bulk to give instead of sympathy cards. Life changing!

[Jenni Dusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book, and will definitely be listening again and again. The poems, prayers and stories are beautiful. And her voice is soothing and calm. Perfect for solo outdoor walks when the world seems a little too chaotic.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pastoral wisdom from a social entrepreneur.

[Kathryn Witzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words of healing to be cherished.

[Raelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, honest and practical. May we let love heal.

[Cyndie Knoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring work. Read it yourself, give it as a gift, read it again. repeat.

[Cj Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book which is soothing and challenging. Everyone should read this.

[Meredith Onion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I’ll return to again and again.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved getting to know Becca Stevens and the whole Thistle Farms movement a little more deeply, because yes, love heals.

[Shannon Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time going through this book and I'm glad I savored it. Becca Stevens packs a lot of wisdom into just 185 pages. And the artwork and layout is just gorgeous!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Heals is an excellent read as it offers hope and healing in the midst of horrific struggles, cycles of abuse, and in many kinds of brokenness. She beautifully illustrates the process through her stories of women she has helped through Thistle Farms in Nashville. She captures the beauty of creation and nature and when merged with programs of encouragement, love, and friendships, they come together in a process that allows for healing of the body, mind, and soul. I have eaten at at the Thistle Farms Cafe in Nashville many times, and I felt a push to read the history of the Thistle Farms story. It is an example of how true healing can occur when there is hope, a support system, and a promise for the future. Becca Stevens is the founder of an incredible community that provides an awesome service to both women and the community.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moving story of Thistle Farm ungirded by the belief that love heals and illuminated with beautiful and captivating pictures

[JA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morning rituals to settle and write