The sentence for being gay and Arab is death-even when the punishment is self-inflicted. Living a closeted life in a Middle-Eastern culture is brutal-and potentially deadly. Add to the mix mental illness and your odds of survival drop to near zero. How I Lost My Mind and Found Myself is the true story of how one man lived to tell the tale. Gay Arab, David Rabadi, had been taught from a very young age that there are no genies and no gay Arabs. But while David might accept the fact that genies might not exist, he knew from a young age there was at least one gay Arab and it was, in fact, him. The fear of losing the love and respect of his family kept David in the closet for more than twenty years, but living with undiagnosed mental illness kept him a prisoner in his own head for what seemed an eternity. How I Lost My Mind and Found Myself is a touching, sometimes funny story of David's struggles and eventual triumph in overcoming not one but two stigmas still judged, misjudged, and misunderstood in today's society. Told with poignant honesty, David shares his inspirational journey from a fresh perspective and gives the reader a rare view of what it means to be living as an openly gay Arab and coping with mental illness. David Rabadi is the first Jordanian to come out publicly in Yonkers.

I was sexually abused as a young child and spent many years trying to remember and then trying to forget, while dealing with the aftermath. I struggled with relationships and intimacy, had multiple psychiatric ward stays, several different diagnoses, suicide attempts and periodic unprofessional psychiatric care. How could I become an authentic whole woman? I spent close to 30 years as a counselor facilitating both small and large groups. I also volunteered as a Peer Support Worker, both at the Canadian Mental Health Association at their Clubhouse and on the In-Patient Psychiatric Unit. For most of those years I was part of the "walking wounded." I came out to to Vancouver after college, and fell in love with the West Coast. From the age of 21 I never lived anywhere else. I currently live on scenic Vancouver Island with my tortoiseshell cat among my book shelves and piles of books.

The days are long, but the years are short. No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood. Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake. Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down. Nichole Nordeman has sold more than 1 million albums as a Christian music artist and has won 9 GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nichole released a lyric video for her song “Slow Down,” and it struck a chord with parents everywhere, amassing 14 million views in its first five days. She lives in Oklahoma with her two children.

What happens when 21 university students encounter the teachings and practices of Zen for the first time? Most writings on Zen have come from Zen masters, scholars, and experienced practitioners. Here, a cross-section of American students with no prior experience of Zen read contemporary Zen texts, engage in meditation practice, and participate in in-class inquiry, documenting their emerging understandings, challenges, doubts, and questions over the course of a fifteen-week semester in a college course titled Non-argumentative rhetoric in Zen. Despite the common framework of texts, meditation practice, and class discussion, each chapter is a unique and fresh account of this work.

A novel.

100$ REWARD ON MY HEAD Powerful & Unflinching Memoirs Of Former Slaves: 28 Narratives in One Volume is a monumental anthology that sets a cornerstone in the exploration of American slavery, freedom, and resilience. This collection spans a wide range of literary stylesfrom raw, unedited testimonies to meticulously crafted memoirsencompassing the profoundly personal experiences of individuals who endured the unimaginable. The anthology stands out for its diversity, presenting a polyphony of voices that together articulate the inhuman complexities of slavery. Each narrative, while deeply rooted in the personal, serves as a testament to the collective struggle for freedom and dignity, making the anthology a significant compilation in both literary and historical contexts. The editors have meticulously curated stories that not only recount horrors but also illuminate the indomitable spirit of resistance and survival, embodying a crucial piece of the mosaic that is American history. The assembled authors and editors are a formidable collective of voices, hailing from vastly differing backgrounds yet united by their shared experiences of enslavement. Their narratives correspond with important historical, cultural, and literary movements, spanning from the late 18th century to the post-Civil War era. This anthology aligns with the broader discourse of abolitionism and the fight for civil rights, presenting a nuanced exploration of these movements through personal recollections. The diversity of the authors ranging from renowned figures like Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth to lesser-known yet equally impactful individuals provides a rich, multi-faceted perspective on the realities of slavery. This collective contribution deepens the reader's understanding of slaverys impact on individuals and society, showcasing the powerful human capacity for resilience and the relentless pursuit of freedom. 100$ REWARD ON MY HEAD is an indispensable read for those seeking to comprehend the full scope of slaverys legacy. It offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of memoirs, each contributing a distinct voice to the chorus calling for recognition, remembrance, and reflection. By delving into this collection, readers are invited to not only bear witness to the harsh realities of the past but also to appreciate the nuances of human strength and spirit. This anthology is a vital resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in the enduring quest for justice and equality, providing a profound educational value and fostering a deeper, more nuanced dialogue about Americas fraught history.

Teens, and children growing into adulthood, in non specific geographical locations. A story of growing up through different life challenges, all of us have some. Whether just a big move, divorcing parents, being totally upturned in life from one extreme to the next not knowing or realizing that anything is even wrong. Then believing it’s too late. Bad adults will threaten you, so you won’t speak. Speak up anyway. I did not. I was afraid. If I had only spoken up all of it would have stopped a lot sooner. You recognize things aren’t right, but having no skills to deal with them so you hope for the best. No, speak up. Ask for help. Doing the best you can with what you have, can bring in much more than we can handle. Knowing that in life we all have different circumstances but we can navigate those with help. No ones situation is the same. But know you aren’t ever alone. Pain pushes us to grow, to become stronger. Use it. Always ask for help.