After the trauma of a savage attack, a farm girl recovers physically, but her identity, faith, and relationships are shattered. 

This is the true story of Leona Stucky’s childhood on a Kansas farm, surrounded by a loving family and the simple tenets of her Mennonite community. Violence enters her world in the guise of a young man who seems normal to everyone else but who Leona knows to be deranged in his obsession with her. His unrelenting abuses take root, and Leona must deal with them utterly alone. Her pacifist father cannot avenge or protect her, nor can a callous justice system. Even God is impotent.

Leona is cast into a bewildering life of disgrace and poverty—with a baby, a violent husband, and battered faith. Through a series events, she hacks through the bones of her naïveté to confront harsh realities and to probe the veracity of religious claims. 

Dr. Leona Stucky first received a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, graduating summa cum laude, before plunging into seminary, first at Andover Newton Theological School and then at Eden Theological Seminary. She earned a doctorate from Southern Methodist University with honors, and a Diplomate certificate from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors—their highest credential—for teaching, supervising, and offering therapy services. She currently has a standing as a Unitarian Universalist community minister.

Join Dr. Leona Stucky and me on Tuesday, January 16, 10-11 A.M. CT US. We will be having a conversation about her spiritual journey, and how the power of faith, hope, and love can help you overcome life’s challenges that will eventually lead you to become your best self.