About the Author
I was beaten by an alcoholic father, burned with cigarettes by a mother, and abandoned by both at
twelve. Thankfully, my paternal grandmother took me in and raised me. I have been divorced twice, but
have raised three wonderful children, at times on my own, with whom I enjoy excellent relationships.
On August 14, 2005, I was at a very low point in my life. I begged God to give me a reason to live. He
answered my plea on October 27, 2005 when I attended the California Governor and First Lady’s
Conference on Women and Families in Long Beach, California. It was there I met Erin Runnion, Marilyn
van Derbur, Mariane Pearl, Trisha Meili,and Alison Levine.
As I sat in a darkened auditorium and heard these women speak about their tragedies, I realized they felt
no self-pity or sought revenge on the people who had devastated their lives. They did not deny, blame
or hate God. They not only survived, but also give back, not wanting others to experience the tragedy
they survived.
It was at this conference, while listening to the extraordinary women that my Divine Obsession was born:
the seed was planted to discover how these women “rose” and that would become my "heroine's
journey through the dark night."
Over the past six years, the project has transformed my life and became From Ash to Flame: Women
Rising, a book I hope will inspire others to rise.
I was beaten by an alcoholic father, burned with cigarettes by a mother, and abandoned by both at
twelve. Thankfully, my paternal grandmother took me in and raised me. I have been divorced twice, but
have raised three wonderful children, at times on my own, with whom I enjoy excellent relationships.
On August 14, 2005, I was at a very low point in my life. I begged God to give me a reason to live. He
answered my plea on October 27, 2005 when I attended the California Governor and First Lady’s
Conference on Women and Families in Long Beach, California. It was there I met Erin Runnion, Marilyn
van Derbur, Mariane Pearl, Trisha Meili,and Alison Levine.
As I sat in a darkened auditorium and heard these women speak about their tragedies, I realized they felt
no self-pity or sought revenge on the people who had devastated their lives. They did not deny, blame
or hate God. They not only survived, but also give back, not wanting others to experience the tragedy
they survived.
It was at this conference, while listening to the extraordinary women that my Divine Obsession was born:
the seed was planted to discover how these women “rose” and that would become my "heroine's
journey through the dark night."
Over the past six years, the project has transformed my life and became From Ash to Flame: Women
Rising, a book I hope will inspire others to rise.
I have been interviewing people for almost two decades. I have a passion for
learning how others triumphed over tremendous odds having been through
many of my own.
I am not a therapist, a spiritual leader, a doctor or a psychiatrist. I am not a Dr.
Phil, Dr. Laura, or a Joel Osteen, but my life mirrors many of those I have
interviewed.
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, known for its street gangs and violence.
I saw a drive-by, gang-related killing at ten.
| Copyright 2006-11. Basia Christ, Women Rising Now. All rights reserved. |
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949/690-1257
Fax:
949/830-8881
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32 Donatello, Suite A, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Office: 949/690-1257
Fax: 949/830-8881
Office: 949/690-1257
Fax: 949/830-8881
From Ash to Flame: Women Rising