Chieko N. Okazaki (1926–2011)

A friend gave me Sanctuary in a loving attempt to provide support for past trauma and abuse in my life. Although her motives were pure, this book was not only unhelpful but invalidating as well.

The author falls into the trap that religious scholars often do; that is to offer that dedicated faith and prayer alone can cure depression, PTSD and other psychiatric illnesses.

There is great danger in this fallacy, one that, thankfully, religion seems to be slowly awakening to. Unfortunately, much harm has been done in the meantime. I would not recommend this book.… (meer)

Sister Okazaki uses the familiar symbol of the cat's cradle made out of string to illustrate an important principle. In that little figure, no one segment of string can say it is the most important. The string works all together, as one piece, or it doesn't work. If we approach relationships from the same perspective, we can get so much more accomplished than if we are worrying about who gets the credit, who is doing more work, or which jobs are more glamorous.

She talks a lot about her life with her husband and lessons she learned as a teacher and principal. She told some great stories, but I felt that it got a little repetitive at times. But it was a very inspirational book. The most touching part for me was when she talks about change and how we should react to change. Last week, my daughter was admitted to the hospital for depression and the next day my husband lost his job. Talk about some changes! We have had a lot of tough experiences the last few years, and I am not excited about this latest batch. I needed a reminder that there is One who 'changest not' and I can count on Him. 3.5 stars… (meer)