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A girl grew to womanhood with some solid values in place after "weeding out" certain problems that once bound her in a state of moral perplexity. Thomas was the child of a woman whose own life was filled with sorrows and true danger. But she managed to implant a work ethic in her children and keep them attending church through many trying events, which gave Thomas a means of talking to God even in the most difficult circumstances. She often noted warnings from that source and miraculous turnarounds.
Growing up without a father at home, Thomas was occasionally abused by her mother's boyfriends, but trying to tell anyone about this proved fruitless. One boyfriend shot her mother, though not fatally. By her teens, Thomas was living in foster care. She became pregnant and would have children with a man who remained in contact, partnering with her but providing no real support for the family. Finally, through church membership and a strong will to improve, Thomas found a trusting relationship and attained a college degree.
Author Thomas candidly shares the many kinds of pain and trauma she has experienced and encourages others to do what she calls "weeding." As a child, she learned a parable of a plant trying to thrive while surrounded, choked, and stunted by weeds that needed to be pulled out by the roots. This idea has inspired her, both in active struggles and now in her recollection of tougher times. Her short book expresses a strength that she has cultivated over many years. A few salient biblical quotations support her sometimes harrowing narrative. Readers will find themselves agonizing and then cheering for Thomas, whose character, created through various ups and downs, can offer a sound example for others to follow.