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Book Review Archives
Title: A Pathway to Healing
Author: Linda Lufkin
Publisher: Xulon Press
Publish Date: 2006
ISBN: 1600343155
Genre: Autobiography/Healing
Book Size: 109 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Xulon Press
Losing a child would have to be every parent's greatest nightmare, and it was no different for Linda Lufkin and her husband when their third baby, Kevin, died not long after birth. Four months later, Linda suffered a miscarriage and instead of allowing the pain of these tragedies to be released through tears, she held back in an attempt to be strong. This was the start of her long journey into the pit of depression.
Ten months later, Linda delivered a healthy baby boy, Steven, and although thankful to God for this precious gift, she noticed that the 'baby blues' took a lot longer to lift. This was exacerbated a year later following the birth of their fourth child, Christy. The post partum depression had become so bad that Linda was advised not to have any more children, as it would intensify with each pregnancy. By this time, the nightmare of trying to live with clinical depression had begun.
Mrs. Lufkin shares her story with great honesty and transparency, holding nothing back. Her experience was extremely painful, but her story brings encouragement and hope to anyone struggling to survive in the darkness.
What makes A Pathway to Healing so special is the fact that it is from a Christian perspective, something that is not always understood in relation to depression. When told she was suffering from symptoms of clinical depression, the author admits her first response was one of complete disbelief:
"I couldn't believe what I'd heard. My mind simply refused to accept the diagnosis of depression, which, if true, would be one more blow to my already shaky spirit. How could I possibly be depressed? I'm a Christian! Do Christians get depressed? Maybe the doctor was wrong."
Turning to her pastor, she was referred to a Christian psychiatrist who confirmed the diagnosis and began treatment, which did help to ease some of the symptoms. Even so, as Mrs. Lufkin relates, the treatment did nothing to deal with the underlying cause.
The author's battle with depression was not a short one. It was a long, painful journey that left scars on those closest to her. At one point, Linda's husband admitted that he had "put his emotions on hold to put up with [his wife's] emotions and to protect [her] from any harm from outsiders. He was totally preoccupied with [her] circumstances."
Linda's oldest daughter, Sheri, shared that she had felt abandoned, unloved and fearful. She said, "It was like you went into a deep hole and got swallowed up and left me with everything. I didn't have a childhood because I had to baby-sit most of the time. I saw you crying a lot. Everything revolved around your depression."
A Pathway to Healing is not an easy book to read. The emotional pain and suffering experienced by the author and her family cannot be lightly skimmed through. However, the hope and encouragement provided by this survivor makes it a must read for anyone experiencing the same pain. The title of the final chapter says it all: To have inner healing is to know lasting peace. I am sure it is the author's prayer that all who read will discover this truth for themselves.
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