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Hope. What is hope? What does it mean to you? Where do you find your hope? How does one hope? Why is hope important? Regardless, hope is somewhere in your life. It could be in the people around you. Or in a stranger. Hope, trust, love, and belief are connected. What happens when those things are taken away?
Cory Standinger is a merchandiser for Mondelez Inc. (Nabisco). He is the author of Pieces of a Whole Heart (2021).
“Cory’s thoughts illustrate well the various emotions and thought patterns a person who has been sexually abused would struggle with. He has opened Pandora’s box and is surprised and willing to name what he is experiencing. Good for him. The seeds of recovery are expressed as he realizes his true identity in Christ. I hope that others will be encouraged to be as honest as Cory has been.”
—Sandy Burdick, Founder, Open Hearts Ministry
“From ‘Broken Pieces’ to ‘Whole Heart,’ Cory’s poetry takes readers on a journey fraught with honesty and pain. Courage and vulnerability are beautifully displayed for those striving to heal from sexual abuse or assault. Readers will note the wrestling with powerlessness, hiding, captivity, anger, and shame throughout these important and emotive works. The clarion call of God’s pathway through suffering rings the loudest as Cory chooses hope and allows the light and love of Christ into his deepest wounds.”
—Linann M. Teggart, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor
“Cory Standinger invites you into his internal world in his writing. His words at moments took me captive in the war that abuse plays on our bodies and minds. This book is a courageously honest and brave godsend for survivors of sexual abuse.”
—Christy Bauman, author of Theology of the Womb
“Raw. Honest. Hopeful. Cory powerfully leads us to the heart of God as he bares his heart to us. Pieces of a Whole Heart isn’t some sterilized, cookie-cutter reflection on life but the authentic prayers of a man near to God. Come, all who are weary and heartbroken. Cory is one who can introduce you to the Healer for all your heartaches and grief with the truth that moves past your head to your heart.”
—Mike Tony Heath, Pastor-in-Training, Resonate Church
“In Pieces of a Whole Heart, we journey with Cory as he poetically processes the pain of abuse and the healing that can come in walking with Jesus. I was struck by his honesty and desire to be real with his life. I was inspired by his hope that came from finding true identity and joy in Christ.”
—Bryan Wiles, Pastor, H20 Church