A story that will leave you speechless and hopeful.
Explore newly released book, The Devil Came Dressed for Preaching, a thrilling memoir by Alishann Simon. Click here to learn more about the book and the author.
About the Book
This memoir is the product of a profound journey of trust. Although the journey takes place in the deep rural south of Alabama in 1967, this story could unfold in any place and at any time.
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Alishann was only 11 years old when she was first violated by a man she loved and honored — a man who was revered as a spiritual leader and respected as her own Godfather. One of 13 children raised in a devoutly Christian home, she was taught that respect and honor could only be found through trust. At her core, she was grateful to have God-fearing parents who lived what they preached in front of their children. But was it enough?
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Quickly caught in a web of deception, she didn’t know how to tell others that the person who came dressed for preaching could not be trusted. How could she reconcile her true self with the person she had become? What would happen if she told someone? Would others think she had somehow brought this upon herself? No, she would have to carefully hide her secret or the world she knew would come crumbling down.
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But secrets have the power to destroy. And the decision to hold her secret would drastically impact her everyday life for years to come. In the wake of broken trust, Alishann began to question church leaders and the very people who claimed to have her best interests at heart. It would take years to realize that healing only comes through the practice of forgiveness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alishann Simon is a native of Koenton, Alabama, a small rural town in north central Alabama. Raised on a farm as one of 13 children, she grew up with God-fearing parents. She came to know Christ at a young age at a small revival in 1969, and from that moment on, faith and family became the pillars of her life. A graduate of Washington County High School in Chatom, AL, Alishann attended S. D. Bishop State Junior College (later named Bishop State Community College) majoring in Business Education in Mobile, Alabama.
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She identifies as a rape survivor, and after coping with her trauma for 50+ years, decided to bring closure through the sharing of her story and beginning a healing journey by writing her book The Devil Came Dressed for Preaching – a memoir to show rape victims that they are not alone in their struggles. She hopes to inspire others to share their story and gain the freedom they deserve.
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A resident of Mobile, Alishann is a mother of three and a spouse of 45 years. When not spending time with family and friends, she can be found worshipping and giving God praise.