Description: Julie Woodley understands trauma. From physical and sexual abuse as a child, to abortion, through the murder of a dear friend, to brain injury and cancer, she's experienced more than a lifetime's worth of pain and loss. But by the grace of God she's doing more than surviving, she's thriving. Like a wildflower thrusting itself through a broken sidewalk, God has raised Julie's joy and hope through the layers of loss and into the light of His plan for her. He has transformed her from a broken receiver of grace into a beautiful blossom who radiates the grace she has received into the lives of other hurting people. Trauma victims often feel weighed down by shame, anger, confusion, and pain. They may be so accustomed to ""getting by"" that having passion and joy seems a lost hope. In A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn, they'll encounter a story that will inspire them to imagine a life restored and overflowing with all the good things God intends for them. Endorsements: ""This is a very beautiful and very honest book. It tells a story of love and healing so miraculous it could have only come from Jesus. If you long for the same kind of healing, and if you are brave enough for honesty, please read Julie's story."" --John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart ""From the depths of total dysfunction to the heights of positive ministry effectiveness, there's no other way to describe her life but miraculous. Bottom line, it's all about grace. . . . Praise God for this life and this story, which will restore your belief in miraculous hope from the most miserable circumstances. I love Julie Woodley for who she is and what she represents in God's redemptive plan for humankind."" --Wayne Pederson, president of HCJB Global ""To read this book is to discover the miracle of hope in the midst of deep sorrow, suffering, and human brokenness. Julie's faith in Christ and how he can transform our broken lives is contagious. Reading this book is the next best thing to sitting down with Julie and starting your own healing adventure."" --Christopher West, author of Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing ""A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn is a powerful story that compels readers to consider the presence of God in the midst of terrible long-term circumstances. Julie Woodley shares her journey of healing from childhood psychological and sexual abuse and choices resulting from abuse. She describes crying out to God for help and her own ongoing healing in life's challenges. Julie has become a channel of God's lavish love and grace and an icon of hope for many."" --Jeannette A. Bakke, author of Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction ""A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn will be very helpful for those who have been through abuse, abortion, or other difficult life experiences. . . . Her honesty in telling the details of her painful experiences will give others the confidence and hope to also persevere in their struggles, with God's help. Julie's story is a testimony to the healing and power there is in Jesus Christ."" --Jeanette Vought, founder and executive director of Christian Recovery Center ""Julie Woodley's story is filled with more pain than I can imagine, but at the same time it breathes redemption like few stories I've encountered. . . . Her story explains how God uses all his people to bring us into the depths of Christ's love. Read it. I believe it will help you, as it did me, to understand true healing at a whole new level."" --John H. Armstrong, author of Your Church Is Too Small ""Many leaders tell us how we should grow, change, and become more Christlike. Very few show us how to do it by the example of their own lives. Julie Woodley does that and more in A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn. It is honest, grace-filled, and exemplary of how God heals and changes us. You will be touched by his grace when you read this vulnerable account of how Jesus brought wholeness to a damaged life."" --Alfred H. Ells, e
