This memoir is a profound and deeply moving memoir that explores the intersection of faith, fear, and resilience. Josh Akridge invites readers into his world, where religion was wielded not as a source of comfort, but as a weapon of control. Raised under the harsh rule of a father who cloaked his cruelty in scripture, Akridge's childhood was a battleground of twisted teachings and relentless fear. With raw honesty, Akridge recounts his journey through a life where every step was dictated by a distorted interpretation of faith. The church, which should have been a sanctuary, became a place of judgment and punishment. Scriptures were twisted to justify emotional and physical abuse, leaving Akridge to question the very foundations of the faith he was taught to revere. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there were glimmers of hope-small acts of kindness and brief escapes that offered a glimpse of a world beyond his father's control. As he grows older, Akridge begins to search for his own understanding of God, love, and redemption. Through the steadfast love of a remarkable woman and the gentle guidance of those who showed him what true faith looks like, he slowly begins to rebuild his life. He learns that faith is not about submission to a tyrannical interpretation of scripture, but about finding a personal relationship with a loving God who offers grace and forgiveness.