THE CUTTING EDGE
Clinging to God in the face of self-harm
By Jess Wilson. Authentic Media. 74 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978-1-85078-773-0
This refreshingly honest account by Jess Wilson of her struggle to overcome self-harm makes for compelling reading. From the off, it strikes a healthy balance between the descriptive and the analytical, without at any point becoming over indulgent and unhelpfully sentimental. The style is straightforward and engaging as Jess recounts those painful days when she struggled with issues of low self-worth, battled with a crippling dread of failure and led a life that was characterised by panic and fear.
Rather than providing simplistic solutions, it explores some of the complexities of self-harm, highlighting the negative pressures on our contemporary culture as young people, in particular, search for value and meaning. Jess is perceptive in her analysis of human behaviour and gives down-to-earth advice, interspersed with ample practical suggestions for those who face similar difficulties. Grounded in Scripture, it has helpful sections on improving our prayer life and deals with issues like perspective and accountability, but it never leaves us in any doubt as to the power of God to break through in the darkness.
