We recently met with Pastoral Counselor, Andrea E. Woodward, to chat about her new book, “Becoming A Soul Made Well: Moving Beyond Brokenness to a Renewed Mind, Recovered Life, and Restored Soul“. Thank you, Andrea, for chatting with us!

Why did you write this book?

When I stepped into January of 2022, I clearly heard the Lord tell me that it was time to write my story and to title it, Becoming A Soul Made Well. For years, I’d journal things like, “God, please use me, my life, and my story to impact others.” However, I wanted to write from a place of wholeness and this was not an overnight process. In fact, it was an 8 year journey before I felt ready to take on the enormous task of publishing a book. My ultimate goal, above and beyond sharing my own story, was to write from my present-day role as a pastoral counselor and help a larger audience of broken souls move beyond their places of pain, heartache, and dashed dreams toward a renewed mind, recovered life, and restored soul.

Can you tell us about the book?

I write in an enthralling and candid storytelling manner, with a dash of humor, about a “fall” that left a gaping wound deep within, that of betrayal and a shattered marriage, as well as steps I took to move beyond defeat and despair. There are many raw human emotions that unfold throughout the pages of my book that others will be able to resonate with, no matter their dark, gut-wrenching road traveled. This book is ultimately about hope! Hope found in no other place than Jesus, for redemption and restoration in the aftermath of unfathomable, overwhelming, and uncontrollable life circumstances.

“For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

~ Micah 7:8, NLT

What makes this book different from others that are available?

My book is set apart from many other books in that it’s both a memoir and a self-help all rolled up into one. Those reading my book get a front row seat into my desperate, fragile, and broken season, and onto the other side of the wreckage, to one who is a soul made well. I love the power of stories so each chapter begins with a story from my childhood, teen, or young adult years. This intro story serves to bring out the theme for that chapter and leads into my continued story of walking through my divorce. At the end of each chapter, like a compassionate friend lending a helping hand after a tumble, I offer biblical application and practical tools, to equip, enable, and empower others to wholeheartedly connect with their brokenness brought on by grievous happenings, while also rising in pursuit of healing.

What are people saying about the book?

“This book, including the tools and soul refreshment section at the end of each chapter,are such an encouragement to anyone going through any type of trial…Andrea’s honesty and vulnerability in sharing her own weaknesses and human struggles helps you to relate and you can see her heart to serve the Lord in the middle of the muck…Not only did she have to deal with her own heartbreak, confusion and deep grief but she had to walk her girls through each step and learn how to trust God to take care of them. She is very brave and strong but her strength comes from knowing that God will never betray her or leave her. She is not just sharing her story. She is giving you tools to help you sort out what you are going through.” -Bob J.

“This book is a treasure for a broken heart. Andrea’s heart and intentionality is written through every word on this page. She takes you through her painful journey like she’s a friend sitting in your living room couch with you. She uses stories from her past to help illustrate the chapter topic, and her use of humor is so great and hilarious to read! Each chapter she includes a ‘soul refreshment’ biblical story from the Bible and lets the story breathe so you can pull the themes she talks about from each chapter. I’ve LOVED reading these and have learned so much. Additionally, she includes tools after each chapter that are introspective and interactive that you can immediately begin diving into and applying to your life. I know I will be going back to these frequently in my own journey of healing…” Marrianne G.

You can download the introduction of Andrea’s book here.

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Bio:

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Andrea E. Woodward is a Bible college graduate, pastoral counselor, author, and self-proclaimed comedian. She has a love for the Word of God, Thai food, paddle boarding, kombucha, getting out in nature, walking, worship, weighted blankets, naps, deep and meaningful conversations, authentic friendships, candied pecans on her salad, oat milk steamers with honey and cinnamon, scripture wall art, laughter, and spending time with her three daughters, whom she’s been privileged to homeschool since 2009. Special areas of focus in her counseling practice include: abandonment, addiction, anxiety, betrayal trauma, blended family challenges, covert control, divorce, domestic abuse, emotionally destructive relationships, family conflict, grief, life direction, and singleness issues. Connect with Andrea on Instagram @becomingasoulmadewell or on her website.