My OperaA HEARTFELT INVITATION
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 2:17:28 AM
To all of my wonderful Opera Community friends...I have a request. Through the power of the internet and social networking, I have been able to reconnect lately with many very special people from my childhood and teen years, as well as early adulthood. I am here today to share with you an extraordinary individual. His name is John Mark Clubb. John and I were high school classmates, and I recall him being bright, ambitious, and friendly. Little did I know the lifelong struggle he was enduring. I have never asked a favor of anyone here on Opera before..but if you...as you read these words, would be so kind, I'd be highly appreciative if you would take a few moments to aquaint yourself not only with John, but also with his cause. John's honesty, depth, struggle, and sacrifice by placing his journey upon the pages of a book ...is a celebration of the human spirit.
Here are words from his website, reproduced with his permission:
Reports of sexual abuse and assaults on boys and girls by church leaders, family members and trusted adults are every day headlines. These stories only give cold hard facts. For the first time, John Mark Clubb--a survivor of childhood sexual abuse--tells the rest of the story with unvarnished honesty about the effects of that abuse on all aspects of the victim’s life. This story is a true account of a little boy growing up in Louisville Kentucky who endured years of sexual abuse by his father, a former Baptist minister. His mother, paralyzed by her own anguish and fear could not protect him from his father’s brutality.
As a man, John tried to find refuge in the regimentation of a military career, and in multiple marriages. Even though he achieved success in many areas of his life, his efforts to deal with the trauma and shame of his experiences led him to self destructive behaviors and to seek sexual relationships with men and women alike. In acting out his grief and confusion, John left behind a trail of broken people and dreams. His life continued its downward spiral until he reached the ultimate bottom. Finally, he began the journey towards forgiveness of his abusers but most of all redemption and forgiveness for himself.
This memoir is a groundbreaking account, from a man’s perspective, of the real effects of abuse, both professional and personal. John speaks out about the details of his abuse and the family culture that enabled generations to victimize its children. His searing openness is told with humor, transparency and dignity and throws a spotlight on the darkly kept secrets of childhood sexual abuse. His story will serve as an inspiration to anyone who longs to claim their rightful voice and embrace their own healing journeys.
You can learn more and support John's cause by writing me, or visiting his site at johnmarkclubb.com.
I have ordered his book, and you have my promise I have no financial vested interest. I do have a deep interest in supporting a friend. Thank you all.
.... Mark
SummerAngel # Tuesday, April 7, 2009 3:33:31 PM
Do you know if BAM sells his book, boys cry too? I thought I would check there before purchasing it online.
MarkCytoMark # Tuesday, April 7, 2009 3:41:44 PM
I don't think it's available at BAM..but I'll check with John to make sure. Thanks again.
SummerAngel # Tuesday, April 7, 2009 3:43:06 PM
MarkCytoMark # Thursday, April 9, 2009 12:27:54 AM
SummerAngel # Thursday, April 9, 2009 2:40:34 PM