New Book Unpacks How Emotional Immaturity Can Sabotage Spiritual Growth, Even for Devout Christians

Joy Wright Dendy blends personal story and biblical wisdom to help readers uncover root causes of unhealthy patterns and embrace lasting transformation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At 33 years old Joy Wright Dendy found herself reflecting on her life, realizing that the behaviors left behind by the trauma of her past were keeping her from living an abundant, fulfilling life. She now shares her journey and the lessons she learned in her new book, "You Did What? Why?: Finding Hope In Breaking Painful Patterns That Keep You From An Abundant Life."

"You Did What? Why?," is a deeply personal, biblically rooted guide to healing from past trauma and breaking the cycles of pain that prevent individuals from experiencing the "abundant life" promised by Jesus. Blending memoir, Christian counseling insights, and scripture, the book offers a framework for understanding and changing destructive patterns that stem from unhealed wounds, unresolved grief, and emotional immaturity.

The book opens with Dendy's confession that, despite her faith, she remained emotionally immature and trapped in unhealthy patterns. Shaped by abuse and disappointment, her story shows how early family dysfunction can impact adult choices and spiritual growth. She challenges the notion that Christians must remain stuck in the past and instead offers hope for healing and transformation through Christ.

Emphasizing that healing takes time, Dendy explains that it does not have to take as long as the years of dysfunction did, stating that with God's help, growth and maturity can come faster than expected. She equips readers with "tool belts," which include lists of resources, reflection questions and journaling prompts, inviting readers to pursue, with God's help, a life of peace, purpose, and renewed identity through the "soul work" that leads to freedom

"I wrote this book as God gave me words and insight into my life as a woman, mother, wife, counselor, and believer," Dendy said. "I knew I was lacking completeness in Christ and maturity in my relationships. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let those who love you support you without judgment. Make room for Jesus, for growth, and for change. Only you can do that. No one else is responsible for your growth—only you and the Holy Spirit revealing truth within you can lead you to an abundant life in Christ and the purpose he designed for you."

"You Did What? Why?: Finding Hope In Breaking Painful Patterns That Keep You From An Abundant Life"
By Joy Wright Dendy
ISBN: 9798385040001 (softcover); 9798385040025 (hardcover); 9798385040018 (electronic); 9798385050772 (audio)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

About the author
Joy Wright Dendy was born on an Indian reservation near Taos, New Mexico, the fifth child of missionary parents to the Navajo and Tewa Indian Nations. She was an educator for 24 years, including teacher, school counselor, and administrative assistant. She's been a Christian counselor for nine years working with women, children, and couples. Dendy serves as the worship leader and choir director at her church. She lives in California, where she enjoys her family. To learn more, please visit http://www.kcmcounseling.com.

SOURCE WestBow Press