Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: The book we've been waiting for (and another giveaway!)
- Melissa Fisher
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
If you've ever known a woman who has experienced sexual trauma or coercion, even if she doesn't recognize it as sexual trauma, this book is for her.
Tabitha Westbrook takes a delicate--yet honest--approach as she puts words to experiences that many find unspeakable in her new book, Body & Soul, Healed & Whole. Through transparency, honesty and research, she gives clear definitions for those who struggle to put define their experiences, yet leaves space for survivors to recognize their own unique stories. In the end, readers walk away with better clarity and practical help for becoming whole after sexual trauma.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Tabitha about her book, and here is what she had to say:
Melissa: “I'm so grateful you wrote this book, thank you! What was your inspiration for writing it?”
Tabitha: “Thank you so, so much! My inspiration was both my own experiences of harm and healing and seeing women heal as part of my practice and ministry work. Then, the first time I taught on this topic I saw the deep impact it made on the women. So many said they didn't have words for their experiences and I knew we needed more language around this and space for stories in the Church."
Melissa: “You address the negative impacts of Purity Culture. As an Gen-Xer myself, I remember feeling these same pressures to ‘not tempt the boys.’ Are you seeing a shift in Christian circles away from Purity Culture teachings?”
Tabitha: “I am! It is still way too embedded in our culture. Thankfully, I'm seeing more and more wonderful voices talking about true intimacy versus "lustful men" and "gatekeeper women." I think there is still much work to do to change the narrative; however, I am so happy to see a shift. I think purity culture started with good intentions and became what I call the "pharisaical fallacy" - much like the Pharisees of Jesus' day rules were added and restrictions and then became a weapon. I'm happy to see the deweaponization of intimacy."
Melissa: “What do you hope readers walk away with when they finish this book?”
Tabitha: “I truly hope they feel hopeful and have a path toward healing. It's a conversation we've needed in the Church a long time. I also hope it gives pastors, elders, and leaders language to help the women that they serve."
Melissa: “Is there anything else you want people to know if they are on the fence about reading this?”
Tabitha: “The book is invitational and tender. I'm not "take-two-verses-and-call-me-in-the-morning" so there is no spiritual bypassing or minimizing harm done. Additionally, there are embodied exercises to help ground and settle and heal throughout the book. It's meant to be very gentle, though it is also direct. The feedback I've continually gotten is that it feels gentle and that it's giving women words for their experiences. For many it's been life-giving and freeing. Also, you can always pick it up and start reading and step away if you need to! I truly hope many will read it and find healing! And if folks are thinking, "I can't imagine healing here. It's so broken!" I want to let you know, God loves you and He desires to heal you. It's not just that He can - He also wants to!"
As you can see, she is passionate about this topic! I hope you have the chance to read this yourself or recommend it to a friend or loved one. With help, they can find healing of both body and soul.
Purchase Body & Soul, Healed & Whole on Amazon here.
Another book giveaway!
Tabitha was gracious enough to send me a copy of her book to give away to one of my email subscribers. Subscribe today to be automatically entered into the contest--winner will be chosen in early December!
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