Becometh As a Child: A Guide to Healing Emotionally, Growing Spritually, and Experiencing a Change of Heart

By Lowell K. Oswald, John Waterbury

Reviewed by Karen Anderson
On 6/14/2010

Cedar Fort, Inc., 2010 Paperback:
208 pages
ISBN-10: 1-59955-331-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-59955-331-3 Price: $14.99

Reviewed by Karen Anderson for the Association for Mormon Letters

Lowell Oswald tells of his life experience in this book about healing from abuse. The authors wrote this book for those searching for answers, transition and transformation from the “consequences of abuse, mental illness or other unhealthy patterns of behavior by clarifying correct principles and by inspiring hope.”

Each chapter begins with the experiences and insights of Dr. Lowell K. Oswald who is passionate about improving educational and mental health services for people struggling with emotional and behavior disorders. Within each chapter, under the heading “Clinical Insights,” Dr. John Waterbury, a licensed Professional Counselor, shares life-management skills and guiding principles for individuals working through through the recovery process.

The book is divided into three parts of healing; each is mentioned in the title: Part One: Healing Emotionally, Part Two: Healing Spiritually, and Part Three: Experiencing a Change of Heart. Each of these sections contains five or six chapters.

The following statement by John Waterbury is a good summary of the theory of treatment used throughout the book. “Because of the intensity of overcoming our previous selves, we must remember that success does not mean giving up our imperfections totally but rather improving a little at a time. This is where treatment begins. This is where life begins.”

The authors specify that faith and spirituality are a integral part of the healing process. “The beginning of healing requires childlike faith in the unalterable fact that Father in Heaven loves you and has supplied a way to heal. . . Healing may begin with a thoughtful bishop or stake president or a wise professional counselor. If you had a broken leg, you wouldn't decide to fix it yourself. Serious abuse can also benefit from professional help. There are many ways to begin healing, but remember that a full cure comes through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ our Master and Redeemer. Have faith that with effort His perfect, eternal, infinite Atonement can heal your suffering from the consequences of abuse.”

Transformation is a word used often by the authors. Transformation reminds me of hatching Monarch butterflies in my classroom. There are certain things that are important to allow time for in the transformation from chrysalis to butterfly. A newly hatched butterfly takes time for the wings to inflate with fluid retained in the abdomen and then takes time to rest. Within a few hours the wings dry and harden before the butterfly is ready for flight. Similarly, human behavior takes time to make changes in belief patterns. Instead of happening on a predictable timetable, individuals take time and counseling to adjust thought patterns and transform unhealthy behavior into actions that can bring healing.

“We are the only ones who can stop the insanity. It all starts with making new choices... The process of change starts with a change in perception. It’s not easy. In fact, some would say it’s impossible. In reality, while the 'difficult' takes time, the 'impossible' just takes a little longer... Miracles do occur, and healing does take place. So keep your expectations high, because no one ever rises to low expectations.”

The final chapter of the book concludes by emphasizing the importance of redefining ourselves as the first step in moving in a new direction. “This new direction allows us to experience a change of heart; to feel increased love for God, others and ourselves; and to see things as they really are — full of light color and beauty.”

The authors include a list of on-line mental health resources and information. This is a book that represents lifetimes of searching, serving and learning about issues related to abuse. There is a wealth of information and resources for those who are seriously interested in healing from abuse.


Copyright 2010