Hell & Heaven at 8 - Embracing Me Book I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Embracing Me" Series Launches With
 "Hell & Heaven at 8"

"In order to know who you really are, In order to know the power which you possess, In order to grow, In order to live and be free, You must first be willing to embrace every moment…The days before your existence, The days when you came to be and the legacy that you will leave behind…Know thyself, Embrace who you are"    
~ Stacie J. Whitaker- Harris

(Baltimore, MD)— "Hell & Heaven at 8", one of four books in the Embracing Me series written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, tells of her life’s journey from girlhood to womanhood while experiencing the disappointments of rape, molestation and other abuses that life serves. The story unfolds in eight-year increments, offering a glimpse into pivotal points in Harris’ life journey that have allowed her to heal, grow and embrace the woman she was created to be, using the waypoints as a platform for development.

According to Harris, this memoir is offered as a building block to encourage healing for women, men and families who have experienced life’s trauma and difficulties -- "Unfortunately, my story is a common one, often held inside, leaving young women wounded for generations. Although the book discloses true accounts of my life, it is not to bash or tear down but rather to build". As a turn from the norm, Harris’ book intersperses letters of apology from various men of varying backgrounds and experiences who speak to Harris’ experiences along the book’s journey.

"Hell & Heaven at 8," not only shares Harris’ own poignant, painful, and victorious story, but the letters of apology dispersed throughout the series from men, serve to inspire, encourage, motivate, and direct other women to embrace healing themselves. According to Dr. Allen C. Barham Sr., "I’m confident that not only will Stacie’s personal memoir touch your heart, and prod your instincts, but you will also find one, or many, letters in the series that will strike a powerful chord within your spirit that will provoke your emotions to react. Don’t be afraid of reacting, and of acting; it’s the non-action that has kept you stuck".

Harris believes healing broken women leads to healing and restoration of broken boys, men and eventually, families and uses a combination of reflection and restoration as evident through the letters distributed throughout the text as a catalyst to promote this healing process.

COMING JUNE 2015:

Embracing Me Memoir II: "16 Tears"

Embracing Me Memoir III: "Death At 24"

Embracing Me Memoir IV: "32 The Awakening"

I am the tree

Jeremiah 17:8 – For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall close from yielding fruit.

Psalm 1:3 reads it this way – And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season.  Whose leaf also doth not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Have you ever taken a moment, I mean a real opportunity to stare at, to study, to mull over the design, structure, stature, shape and size, colors and strength of tress.  If you studied them you will notice no matter the season they are always in the same upright position.  I believe we could stand to learn a lesson from the trees today and always.

No matter how hard the winds blow, some trees bend but they keep their branches (I like to call them arms), they keep their branches in one of the most vulnerable positions – raised, giving honor and reverence to the Creator of all.  They always provide the example of how we ought stand – in submission, humbled before God.  Jeremiah says the trees stand, unafraid of heat when it comes — the trees remain upright and resolute with no care for the season of drought.  And Psalms says it brings forth fruit in ITS season, its leaves do NOT wither and all that the tree does prospers. 

Here is how I see us as trees and I pray that every eye that reads this post also visualizes and sees themselves as trees:

No matter the season, winter, spring, summer or fall, the tree is fixed and unyielding.  The tree remains humble, faithful and submitted always giving God His just do—Reverence.  The wind blows, torrential rains pour, ice, sleet snow, the branches may even grow heavy and weak but it is assured that the season will change.  The tree is assured the sun will shine again.  Leaves blow off at one time of year but still the tree remains unmovable – it is grounded and does not fear its loss because of certainty that it will again prosper and grow.  Again it bends but it does not break and always stands again honoring God.

So I say to you today, be the tree.  Stay grounded and rooted in God, with the spirit of God, in the word of God with your arms raised in submission giving reverence to the Lord of the Heavens and earth remembering that in YOUR SEASON you shall prosper – you shall bear fruit.  You will shed and lose something’s but there is much to gain in being like the tree:

-         Grounded & Rooted

-         Raised arms Worshipping

-         Prosperous bearing fruit

Notice this; it’s rare to see a tree uprooted right?  When it is unearthed, that happens as a result of the roots getting weak – NOT being grounded/stable.  But for the trees that are rooted and are not afraid to bend (be flexible) with each change in seasons, they always rise again more vibrant than before, unwavering.

So again I say stay rooted in your faith.  Remain steadfast in your trust and hope in the miraculous wonders of God.  Stand your ground.  Don’t be afraid when the enemy comes knocking.  God always shields and protects His trees so yield to the move of God.  Be flexible, humble and submitted knowing that in YOUR season you will bear fruit again.  Say, “I am the tree”.