FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Childhood victimization and abuse is a widespread problem in American society. Statistics show that every nine minutes, Child Protective Services substantiates a claim or finds evidence of child sexual abuse. Among cases reported to law enforcement, 93 percent are perpetrated by someone who the victim knows.
Unfortunately, in addition to physical and emotional pain, victims undergo serious mental health issues as adults, including drug abuse, PTSD, and major depressive episodes.* Also, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime, children who are victims of “prolonged sexual abuse usually develop low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults, and can become suicidal.”**
Tracy Michaud is no stranger to these statistics and has come forward to tell her story of childhood abuse, tragedy, abandonment, and neglect—and how God freed her from generational sin and oppression. Her book, Broken and Blessed: How God Set Me Free from Abuse, Dysfunctional Relationships, and Generational Sin, is the remarkable story of a strong, stubborn, and determined girl who, despite all earthly odds stacked against her, does not allow life-altering circumstances to change her smile or her destiny.
Young Tracy knows Jesus loves her, and she often sings “Jesus Loves Me,” as taught by her stepfather—who then goes on to abuse her. Later, as a teenager, Tracy drives the car that kills her stepfather and leaves her an amputee. Her mother refuses to engage in her rehabilitation, so Tracy vows to take care of herself. But filled with shame and feeling unworthy, Tracy leads a rebellious life marked by fear, depression, and hopelessness. But she knows that God sees everything, and she never gives up on seeking Him.
“I hope my story will help others see that they don’t have to remain stuck in the pain of their circumstances,” Tracy says. “While my story and life has many, many tragic elements to it, today, by the grace of God, I am happy and free from the fear and toxicity of my past. Everyone matters, everyone’s pain is real, and there is healing in talking about it. I hope because of me, more people will talk about it.”
Mind-boggling and miraculous, this is a story of how God uses Tracy’s grit, courage, and faith to free her and her family from generational sin and oppression. Her book is a true testimony of God’s power, mercy, and grace and how He can use just one person to change the course of eternity for generations.
* https://www.rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens
** https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracy Michaud is passionate about using her stories of abuse, abandonment, tragedy, and brokenness to help others rise above their circumstances and believe they are stronger than they think they are. Tracy regularly shares God’s love and transformational truth about who He is and how He works through our pain and sufferings to bring about redemption and healing beyond ourselves. Since childhood, Tracy has endured numerous life-altering tragedies, abuse, and chronic pain, but nothing has changed her smile or faith. Today, she lives free from the bondage of fear and shame in West Michigan with her husband, Albert, and their two Chihuahuas. She enjoys her family, biking on her custom-handmade cycle, swimming, kayaking, and watching the sunset over Lake Michigan. For more about Tracy, visit TracyMichaud.com.
For review copies and media interviews, contact:
Tracy Michaud
Email: tracy@tracymichaud.com
Website: www.tracymichaud.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyJMichaud
