We have all been wounded and scarred by battles. That is life. As a Christian, we don’t want others to see us as weak or lacking in faith, so we cover those scars and hide that pain. This Bible study offers the readers a detailed plan on how to heal from life’s scars and use them to further God’s kingdom. It is focused on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and shows the reader step-by-step how to deal with weaknesses and scars, how to heal from those scars, and how to let God’s power rest on you through your own weakness.

Returning Iraq war veteran Ray McKenna struggles with battle scars that can only be healed by love. Ray McKenna returns from the war in Iraq to find that she had attained unwanted celebrity status back home. As the only surviving American soldier of a well-publicized hostage crisis, she is the center of attention at a time when all she wants is solitude. Struggling to overcome the fear and anxiety that plague her, she relies on her psychiatric therapy dog Jagger to help her through the vicious symptoms of PTSD. Veterinarian Dr. Carly Warner hasn't yet figured out how to open her heart to the possibility of falling in love again after the death of her longtime partner. When Ray McKenna walks into the North Coast Veterinary Clinic with Jagger, she and Carly begin a friendship that takes them both by surprise. Brought together by their shared love of dogs, Ray and Carly discover that they are both capable of moving forward, if only they are brave enough to try.

In this collection of poetry, the reader explores the true meaning of love, inescapable vulnerability, and the agony of managing a painful chronic illness punctuated by hospitalizations and frequent bouts of pain. The words are pure and illuminating; the vivid imagery is powerful, resulting in ones thought process being challenged to discover new ways of understanding love and despair and how to emerge from darkness to light. The poet challenges the reader to view the possible cracks dwelling inside their heart, mind, and body as windows allowing in the light, as opposed to unwanted defects. A reliance on God, represented as ones ultimate spiritual and secure base, provides the hope to persevere and nourish the indomitable will. Glimpses of Gods concern for us is revealed when one sees the small, innocent, and beautiful rose growing between the cracks in the sidewalk. The images, purity of complex emotions, and irony in the poetry illuminates how one comes to see how their life transforms. The reader experiences shifting emotions evoked by the penetrating, powerful words that resonate within and which separates the reader from the ordinary, current reality. In the end, the poets weaving of words, imagery, and aesthetic qualities, revealing the truth, will compel the reader to harness the strength and optimism to emerge with renewed confidence to pursue meaningful living.

Warfare...hell...demons..."I'm just trying to drive my kids to school and stay on top of the laundry. " "What does any of that have to do with me?" You've heard plenty of talk about evil. You've heard about binding Satan and breaking strongholds and calling demons by name. You've heard you should claim your victory in Christ...but you're not really sure how to do that. This isn't a book about evil. With passion and strength, Mary DeMuth brings balance and insight to the often murky realm of spiritual warfare. As you embrace the abundant life to which God calls his daughters, she'll tell you why your voice matters for eternity. And on the darkest days, you'll know that spiritual warfare is about bowing before the Creator, not cowering before the devil. It's about finding freedom and beauty in the midst of devastation. It's about the power of God to heal our hearts, to move mountains, to intercede when we're weary. It's about crucifixion and a defiant, glorious resurrection. It's about truth. It's about power. Join Mary in the beautiful battle, and be renewed on the journey.

Beauty and shame, jail and forgiveness. Andrea Smith was by all appearances living the perfect life, yet in an instant it all changed. Now, shame is her only company as she leaves her husband and children to check into the Pima County Jail of Tucson, Arizona, bringing to the forefront all the emotional and physical scars she has been hiding. From her first strip search to her final release, Andrea's honest, touching memoir offers a rare look into the lives of those who are behind bars. Scarred Beautiful eloquently chronicles her journey to find forgiveness and discover the good in tragedy and the beauty in her flaws as she learns to overcome shame and allow God to comfort her through the most unexpected people. And although her incarceration threatens to break her spirit, Andrea Smith emerges with a new perspective about what is most precious and cherished in her life. Her story is one of courage and faith...and the unlikely gift of adversity.

A moment can change everything. After being burned in a house explosion at age 16, Kilee Brookbank redefined herself and discovered strength she never knew she had. Beautiful Scars: A Life Redefined is a story of recovery, healing, and hope.

Marine Corporal Sean Nichols is wounded in a devastating ambush that takes the lives of his three friends and leaves him an amputee. If not for the heroism of his sergeant, Deke Tilman, who pulled him out of the road, Sean would have surely died with his fire team. With the help of Deke, Sean now embarks on his next mission-recuperate from his serious injuries, and visit the families of his fallen comrades as he tries to make peace with such profound loss. Battle Scars is a thought provoking drama with compelling characters that illustrates the resiliency and strength of the human spirit, the power of love and friendship, and the ability to overcome even our darkest moments. Gritty realism and original storytelling breathe life into Battle Scars as it inspires us with a surprising tale of heroism and the great sacrifice made by our modern war fighters. "Battle Scars is an incredible story of brothers in arms and the bonds formed in combat. The struggles that are faced by combat veterans returning from war are real and nothing I've read brings that story to life like Battle Scars. This is a must read!" LTCOL T. Kevin White "TK" 150th Special Operations Wing "This book is a gut check for those who have worn the cloth of the nation. For those who have not it is a testimonial for those who have served and sacrificed. As Americans we are blessed with freedom. It comes at a price." James E. Livingston Major General USMC (Ret) Medal of Honor Recipient "This book was a tough read, and at the same time I couldn't put it down. Salkin got this one right! Every now and again you come across a book that is as much cathartic as it is entertaining. At a time when we are losing way too many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, it struck a chord with this Old Soldier." COL William L. Peace, Sr. U.S. Army National Guard "David Salkin has fired at close range and with unerring accuracy with this tale! He takes a tough situation that is all-too-often neglected and gives it life. This story is for all veterans and their supporters. His first-person writing style makes the reader feel present throughout the story. It's a quick read that will leave you thinking long after completion. I most strongly recommend it to all who are interested in understanding better the true costs of America's conflicts-past, present, and future. " Major General GT Garrett, USA (Ret) 42nd Infantry Division "David Salkin's story is a must-read for all Veterans and supporters. This book not only entertains you, it educates you on the price paid by those who have the guts to walk the walk. His first-person writing takes you on a ride which seems to bring out all emotions and it also places you right on the battlefield. Maybe it's just my love of heroic deeds but it sure knocked me on my knees. The read is overall life-like and is very consistent with the actions taking place every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kudos to Dave for really knocking this one out of the park" Christian S. DiMeo (Ret) SFC. USMC / Embassy Marine Cairo/Beirut/Geneva - ARMY NG / Operation Enduring Freedom "Battle Scars" hits like an RPG! Camaraderie, adrenaline, fear, loss, hope and redemption all in one exhilarating and disturbingly beautiful tale. Hard to believe David hasn't been on the battlefield, because this tale rocked me back for days! A must read for everyone who is, has been, or supports our warriors!" Wayne Emery CPT, USA Military Assistance Command Vietnam, I Corps Team Leader, Advisory Team 1 and Advisory Team 3