"...I was taught that my bloodline would determine my future, and only God could change the history of my ancestors that would follow me. Can you imagine how powerless I felt? I had no control over the past of my parents and only God would determine whether it would be so or not. My fear was always that I may, at some point, fail God and He would decide to hand me over to my doomed destiny. But that was not the case!"
Most of us will live all our lives without ever seeing our heart. It stays tucked away in our bodies, working hard to keep our physical bodies alive.
From the day we are born, our heart also becomes important to our emotional experience. It learns what it is to be happy, surprised, satisfied and loved; working together with the brain to make core memories that will last a lifetime.
Through the years, it is also marred with wounds of disappointment, sadness and sorrow. These scars are also what we take with us through our lives; and just like the heart, we often leave them hidden; afraid that the exposure will somehow ruin our appearance.
In this vulnerable memoir, Bonita reveals how her own heart was broken at the revelation of her father's betrayal as a child. Scars of family trauma, resentment and unforgiveness resurfaced at various points of her life-begging to be healed. Her heart could no longer take the sufferings of a past she tried so hard to run away from.
Hers is a story of Healing from past hurts, finding Liberty from the lies she had convinced herself of and truly Living the Life she had always dreamt of.
As you read, you will be spurred on to find release from emotional strain and strife; to open up your own heart and realize it is even braver than you ever thought it was.
About the Author
Bonita Engelbrecht grew up in Mitchell's Plain, South Africa. Professionally, she is a qualified Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator. While she works as a Foundation Phase Teacher, she also consults as a mentor to teachers in her community.
Her many years of working in the Early Childhood Development Sector has fuelled her passion to reach and teach young people who come from traumatic family conditions of abuse and substance use. This she does through her and her husband's NPO; The Learning Life Organization.
When not doing research on how to better the conditions of the children in her community, her most cherished moments are spent on the beach with her loving family. To refuel, Bonita has found solace in spending time with God and His Word.
Her ultimate goal is to help even more people discover the true meaning of their life, despite the dire backgrounds that they come from.
