Local first-time author Cheryl Goss is hoping to bring words of encouragement and empower the downtrodden by sharing her story.
In her memoir “Crossroads” — which was released today — Goss recounts how she was restored once she found God after experiencing abuse, addictions and depression in her childhood and as a young woman.
“It is my personal story,” Goss said. “I grew up in a home that was abusive, and I ran away at a young age, got into addiction, and then married at a young age and that was an abusive marriage.”
Goss, a mother of four and the founder of local non-profit Connecting Ministries, credits her current husband for introducing her to Christ, which has led her on what she describes as a “beautiful ministry journey” since that time.
Goss grew up in Alabama and moved to Owensboro about 10 years ago with her husband. Her involvement in ministries, working one-on-one with the local recovery group Friends of Sinners, and listening to stories from local women about the trials and tribulations in their lives inspired Goss to put her experience on paper.
“It was hearing the women’s hearts in Owensboro and knowing that there are so many men and women who are going through trials and losing hope in life,” she said. “They’re losing themselves and this book is an encouragement to find that hope and find purpose in that pain.”
Goss provides her perspective, adding biblical insight which she hopes will help people make peace with their past, view their experiences in a positive light and find purpose.
“Those individuals that think they can’t take another step or have no way out, this book is written to give (those) people hope and encouragement and to help them understand there is a purpose in their pain,” she said. “People need to claim their stories and use them to help others.”
