My Mother Killed Christ: But God Loves Me Anway

by Katie Roberta Stevens
(Cape Canaveral, Fl)

My memoir, My Mother Killed Christ: But God Loves Me Anyway, details my struggles as a 1960s Catholic schoolgirl trying to keep faith in a home ruled by a mentally ill mother who believed she killed Jesus.

Due to my mother's frequent admissions to mental hospitals, my four siblings and I were forced to raise ourselves near Newark, New Jersey, where we resorted to shoplifting basic necessities, like food, toiletries and clothing. My troubled childhood bled into young adulthood as I searched for parental love within my romantic relationships - I even had an affair with a priest throughout high school.

My mother wrote the words "Burn in Hell" across her Bible before setting herself on fire. I would have spent my life cursing my mother, as well, if my adult experiences did not allow me to gain an understanding of mental illness. I started on the path toward forgiveness for both myself and my mother. I credit education with enabling me to escape the vicious cycles of poverty and mental and physical abuse.

Successful, safe and loved today, I have lifted the veil of self-blame and anger to trace a path to true forgiveness. I attempt to share poignant proof that, with conviction, compassion, and truth, even the most damaging past can be transformed into a peaceful and meaningful present.

My experiences aren't as rare as some might believe; many adults searching for understanding and forgiveness within themselves will relate to my missteps and eventual triumph. Fortunately, along the way, we share humor and kindness and compassion that enables us to put one foot in front of the other to keep doing our best with what we've been given.

My Mother Killed Christ: But God Loves Me Anyway is available for sale online at Amazon.com. It will also available in Kindle e-book format.

About the Author:
Katie Roberta Stevens has worked as a professional grant writer for public school districts for the last 14 years. Prior to that, she taught high school English and enjoyed coaching and serving as the advisor to various high school clubs. Stevens considers herself a true 'Jersey girl,' but now resides in Florida with her husband.