Neal Fisher

Beyond the Pain... Memoirs of an Abused Child Neal Fisher

Beyond the Pain... Memoirs of an Abused Child, is a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles the childhood of Ben Fields, a precocious, highly spirited boy whose father was a serial physical abuser. This novel also exemplifies the power of prayer! At a very young age, while being beaten by his father, Ben seeks guidance from God, and prays for assistance in alleviating the pain he was experiencing. His prayers seem to have been answered, as he learns to look beyond the pain to more pleasant times in order to diminish his suffering. As Ben enters the first grade at Catholic school, he expects that his time spent there will offer him a respite from his abusive treatment at home. However, he quickly learns that the nuns who teach at school are capable, and all too willing, to deliver their own brand of malevolent treatment. He later discovers that the priests from the church adjacent to his school are anything but the venerated pillars of Christianity that most people consider them to be. To Ben, it seemed as if everywhere he turned, people were trying to break his spirit. However, Ben's zest for life, combined with his indomitable spirit, was regularly reinforced by the parade of remarkable people in his life. Through all the adversity that Ben encountered, he was able to use his wit and wisdom along with the lessons he learned; eventually thriving in this world of uncertainty.