Sarah Mae Tells the Heartbreaking, Redemptive Story of Forgiving her Alcoholic Mother in ‘The Complicated Heart’

By Hallels News Aug 12, 2019 07:49 AM EDT

In the U.S. alone, nearly 14 million adults, or one in 13 adults, abuse alcohol or have an alcoholism problem. Nationally known author, speaker, podcast host and blogger Sarah Mae is often asked, "How did you forgive your alcoholic mother?"

For Sarah Mae, the answer is complicated and prompts additional questions, such as, "How do you forgive someone who carelessly brushed aside your pain, who caused such destruction and who doesn't show remorse? How do you know when to stay and when to go?"

In her compelling new memoir, "The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts" (September 17, B&H Publishing Group), Sarah Mae tells her story between ages 14-36, beginning with moving in with her mother at the age of 14 and wrestling with those very questions. For readers who have struggled with any dysfunctional relationships in their own lives, Mae's story reveals that light can always find a way in, and redemption and joy are possible in the midst of trauma and pain.

"'The Complicated Heart' is the story of how I learned to love and forgive my alcoholic mother, but really, it's more than that; it's about the truth that dysfunction doesn't have to be your legacy; victory is always on the table," Sarah Mae said.

"My hope for this book is that people will see themselves in the story, remember they aren't alone in the 'crazy' and believe that miracles still happen and impossible prayers do get answered, even if they look different than we imagined. On a practical level, I want women to learn how to grieve what they should have had, how to set boundaries and how to find joy even in the midst of their unmet needs."

In addition to Sarah's side of the story, she also includes her mother's journals and letters to give readers a glimpse into what goes on in the mind of the person who has hurt you.

Sarah Mae is the co-author with Sally Clarkson of the bestselling book, "Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe," hosts "The Complicated Heart Podcast" and speaks to women all over the country.

B&H is supporting the launch of "The Complicated Heart" with a presale campaign, national media tour, 300-person launch team, content campaign and webinar. Sarah Mae's podcast, "The Complicated Heart," further explores topics in the book, "messy heart topics and the strategies we can use to seek healing in the pain and restoration in the ruins" and includes interviews with trauma experts, counselors and other mentors.

"We are honored to partner with Sarah to bring this life-changing resource to readers and see how God uses her story to impact lives," said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising. "We pray this resource shows readers how to, as Sarah Mae so wonderfully puts it, 'forgive when the wound is still open, heal when circumstances don't change and become a generational bondage-breaker for God's glory.'"

For more information, visit thecomplicatedheart.com.