A Purpose for the Pain - by Shannon Rowell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Shannon listened as the counselor talked to her mother. He explained that kids involved with cults have a very low recovery rate. Add anorexia, depression, cutting, and substance abuse--and Shannon was quickly labeled a lost cause. "Be prepared," the counselor told Shannon's mother. "You may lose your daughter..." There are no lost causes! A Purpose for the Pain is Shannon's story, told in her own words. Maybe it is your story too, or the story of a child or loved one... The details of Shannon's spiral into the depths of darkness are not for the faint-of heart--yet her story is full of hope and the power of God to break even the strongest chains that surround a young person's heart.

Review Quotes

"More and more, pre-teens and teenagers are going through life battling issues they sometimes believe no one can truly understand. Thankfully, there is now a book written not just for pre-teens and teenagers, but for people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender, religion, or race. "This book brings to life the many hidden issues pre-teens and teenagers struggle with every day. In reading this book you will find out how one young girl was able to ride the waves and weather the storms of her teenage years with prayer, family, and friends. "Her story, told from the heart, takes you into the depth of her struggles with cutting, anxiety, depression, anorexia, and suicide. Shannon bared it all and, through her story, hopes to help other young girls and boys overcome these struggles. The details are visual, and with the turn of each page you are left wanting to read more on how she broke the chains and became free." --SHERIKA DACRES, MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER


"Shannon Rowell's personal experiences and difficult journey at a young age continue to help many young teens and their parents navigate through tumultuous times. As a busy, working mother, Shannon provided me with incredible insight into the thoughts and feelings of my own children. I'm incredibly grateful for the guidance she gave me." --KATHY SWANSON FORMER PRESIDENT, WINNIE PALMER HOSPITAL

"This extraordinary young woman has generously shared her personal struggle through pain, despair, and self-destructive experiences in adolescence to the other side of enthusiastically embracing life in young adulthood. To read this book is to travel with her and to believe there is hope for others. I look forward to a sequel." --MARGARET A. FOLEY LCSW, SOCIAL WORKER

About the Author

Shannon Rowell knows first hand the struggles of young girls and women. This is a part of her own journey. Shannon is currently in the trenches of motherhood raising her four young children. Shannon has a Masters degree in mental health counseling. She is a licensed professional working in her private practice, Perfectly Imperfect Counseling. She, her husband Steve, and their four children live in suburban Orlando, Florida. To learn more about Shannon and her work, please visit her website at www.perfectlyimperfectcounseling.com