Many thanks to 'Nikki Rosen' author of In The Eye of Deception for allowing me to interview her about her new book!In the Eye of Deception is a true story. of hope and inspiration. The message is clear- no darkness is so black, no valley so deep, God cannot redeem it for His glory. In the Eye of Deception details one woman's struggle to break free from the damaging effects of child abuse, rape and addictions. It is a story filled with hope, faith, and the realization that God can be trusted to bring about complete healing and recovery.
When I started writing in April 2008 my intention was not to write a book but to get the images of what happened out of my head. The more I wrote the more it dawned on me how far down God had gone to pull me out of a very dark place. I realized I had never told anyone what He had done or what had happened. On the advice of a friend, I started blogging and was shocked to read the encouragement and support from other bloggers.
Around that same time I connected with the rapist's son who told me even more horrific things that had taken place. One of the victims killed himself. I began to have a desire to tell the truth of what had taken place to give hope to others. Three months into writing, I met a writer who read some of what I had written and told me I needed to tell my story. Although I continued to struggle with shame around disclosing, I started to construct what I wrote into a book format. There was a part of me that knew God wanted me to tell.
What is the significance of the book title?
My whole life had been based on deception; lies that were ingrained into me since I was a child. I believed everything I had been told: I was worthless, had no right to exist and what happened was because of something that was wrong with me. Believing in those lies almost killed me. It led me from one dark encounter into another. Even when God dramatically touched me, it took a long time for me to let go of the deception and accept the ‘Truth.’
Tell us about your book.
The book is written in creative non-fiction so that it flows more like a novel than a documentary. However, it is a true story. It’s divided into two parts; the first telling the story of growing up in a Jewish religious home, being physically and emotionally abused by both my parents, and turning to a serious drug addiction, eating disorder and self-harm at a very young age in an effort to escape.
The addictions pulled me further down. Living on the streets was dangerous and then a friend brought me to a man she believed could help me. He turned out to be the leader of a cult. He held me in his house for six months and raped me before I finally managed to get free. The turning point was a dramatic encounter with God although I continued to struggle with the addictions.
The second part details the process of healing and recovery from shame and addictions. As a Christian and someone who had experienced many miracles, I still could not get free....not until I dealt with the root causes. Through a relationship with a Christian counselor, I started dealing with the eating disorder, self-injury, anger, shame, fear and forgiveness .
At the back of the book I list nationwide resources so the readers can access their own help.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned God can be trusted to bring about complete healing and recovery and it was the power of His gentleness that ultimately freed me and continues to free me. I was reminded to never judge anyone because no one really knows what has gone on in someone’s life to make them as they are.
How can readers get in contact with you and/or order a copy of your book?
Through my website at www.gentlerecovery.webs.com and my email blueheron12345@yahoo.ca or even my blog www.cultofdeception.blogspot.
Nikki, thank you so much for your time. Thank you , too, for your courage in sharing your story and pointing the way for others to find healing and wholeness.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
