Jakes’ Latest Book Addresses Post-Traumatic Stress
"The Crossing" Tells the Story of How PTSD Impacts the Lives of Two Texas Students Who Witness the Murder of Their Teacher in a School Bus Shooting
The Department of Veteran Affairs reports that approximately 800,000 soldiers are suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).* But the problem extends well beyond the military and is now impacting the lives of more than 5 million** Americans —many who have witnessed brutal situations in places we expect to be safe. After decades working in church ministry, Serita Jakes, wife of Bishop T.D. Jakes, has witnessed first hand how traumatic situations can result in the mental anxiety that can lead to PTSD. Jakes tackles this issue in her first fiction novel, The Crossing (Waterbrook Press), which is scheduled to be released Sept. 6, 2011.
PTSD is an emotional illness classified as an anxiety disorder and for many years was primarily associated with soldiers returning from war. But mothers, fathers and children are now experiencing how traumatic situations such as abuse, natural disasters and murder can lead to the destruction of families. In The Crossing, Jakes explores how relying on faith can help families to heal.
The Crossing tells the story of two Texas high school students who witness the murder of their teacher in a school bus shooting. Ten years later, their lives remain stuck on that day - a situation that carries added tension because the murder remains unsolved. Claudia Campbell had been a happy student and popular high school cheerleader. But the shooting continues to haunt her. Claudia's husband is an assistant district attorney who re-opens the cold case hoping to find the murderer and help his wife recover. Meanwhile, Casio Hightower, the school's star quarterback who had dreams of becoming a professional athlete but was wounded in the gunfire, lives each day with the frustration of knowing that his life could have been much different.
The Crossing tackles how victims of trauma can turn to violence, alcoholism and overspending to deal with their pain and unresolved emotional conflicts. To shape her story and characters, Jakes relied on her experience ministering to thousands of people dealing with the similar buried pain.
"My hope is that readers will see the strength in the characters and it will encourage those suffering from PTSD to seek help and work through their own unresolved conflicts," said Jakes.
Book Details:
- The Crossing
- By Serita Jakes
- ISBN # 9781400073030 (paperback)
- Pages: 320
- Suggested retail price: $14.99
- Info: TDJakes.org/TheCrossing
- Release date: Sept. 6, 2011
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An e-book will simultaneously be released
E-book details:
- The Crossing
- By Serita Jakes
- ISBN # 9780307730343
- Info: TDJakes.org/TheCrossing
- Release date: Sept. 6, 2011
About Serita Jakes
Serita Jakes is the author of The Princess Within: Restoring the Soul of a Woman (2011); Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing by Him (2008); co-author Speak to Women with her husband Bishop T.D; and the host of The Potter's Touch. Jakes. Serita Jakes has been involved in Christian ministry all of her adult life and has served alongside her husband throughout their entire marriage of nearly 30 years. In addition to raising three sons and two daughters, Mrs. Jakes is executive director of the WoMan-To-Woman Ministries of The Potters House of Dallas where her husband is senior pastor.
About TDJ Enterprises
Bishop T.D. Jakes is a charismatic leader, visionary, provocative thinker, and entrepreneur who serves as the senior pastor of the 30,000-member church The Potter's House located in Dallas. Under the T.D.J. Enterprises umbrella, a for-profit organization, are film, music, best-selling books and other products helping disseminate a faith-based message to a wide audience. Visit TDJakes.com for more information.
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