A Wildflower Thrives in Florida: From Striving to Thriving After Sexual Abuse and Other Trauma

Julie Woodley understands trauma. From physical and sexual abuse as a child to abortion the murder of a dear friend brain injury a brain tumor and cancer as well as two broken marriages she has experienced more than a lifetimes worth of pain and loss. But by the grace of God shes doing more than surviving--shes thriving! Like a wildflower thrusting itself through a broken sidewalk God has raised Julies joy and hope through the layers of loss and into the light of his plan for her. He has transformed her from a broken receiver of grace into a beautiful blossom who radiates the grace she has received into the lives of other hurting people. Trauma victims often feel weighed down by shame anger confusion and pain. They may be so accustomed to getting by that having passion and joy seems impossible. In A Wildflower Thrives in Florida they will encounter a story that will inspire them to imagine a life restored and overflowing with all the good things God intends for them. Sometimes when you meet someone for the first time and hear their story you shake your head and marvel again at the depth of Gods ability to redeem a life. My friend Julie Woodley is one such example. Its a wonder she is still alive let alone functioning so marvelously in the work God has called her to. A Wildflower Thrives in Florida is about as compelling a story youll ever read about the reality of Gods redemptive work to heal someone from years of trauma abuse and destructive behavior. --Joe Battaglia broadcaster producer and author of The Politically Incorrect Jesus and Unfriended: Finding True Community in a Disconnected Culture Julie Woodley is the director of Restoring the Heart Ministries (www.rthm.cc) serving childhood sexual abuse victims and post-abortive women and men. Her story aired on The 700 Club Focus on the Family Life Today and Family Life with Dr. James Dobson as well as numerous other television and radio programs. She coauthored Surviving the Storms of Life (2008) and is the producer of In the Wildflowers and Into My Arms counseling DVDs. In addition Ms. Woodley was inducted into the Suffolk County Womens Hall of Fame in 2009 and has received other awards and certificates. Her specialty is helping women and men heal from sexual trauma. She has four children and five grandchildren.