Shelley MacDonald, the main character and narrator of And Yet, You Still Chose Me, opens up her life for you to view and experience in such a way that you will never forget her. From early childhood through adulthood you will see a life full of such extraordinary circumstances that it would seem inconceivable, if it were not for the fact that this novel is based on a true story. You will experience a roller coaster ride that runs the gamut of emotions from sorrow to joy, from tears to laughter, and from stunned silence to rousing ovations as Shelley draws you into the whole of her existence, mind, body and soul, resulting in your truly caring about her from the beginning to the end of this narrative. The depiction is so descriptive and transparent, and Shelley so compelling, that you will have a hard time putting the book down.
"Kimberly Ray's life was marked with tragedy from the start, but it's her undying will to survive and tell the truth that makes this book a page turner. In this painfully gripping story about a little girl who's robbed of any kind of normal upbringing we learn from Kimberly that only through honesty and forgiveness can the human spirit truly thrive."
Andrzej Bartkowiak - Renowned Film Director and Cinematographer
"This book is a timely and piercingly relevant tour de force, one woman's journey to redemption and salvation after a childhood of sexual assault and abuse. A teachable moment for us all."
Takashi Bufford - WEG Screenplay writer
"Heart-Pounding, Nail Biting, Hopeful, Brilliantly Written."
Michelle Wilson - Senior Reporter/Producer - CBN, The 700 Club
"Within these pages is a treasure of wisdom awaiting those who wish to gain a better understanding of how God can 'cause all things to work together for the good.'"
Bishop Millicent Hunter - Author of Don't Die in the Winter
Kimberly A. Ray is a sought-after keynote speaker throughout the U.S., using her life story to transform lives across the country. Her story is one of brokenness to bravery to breakthrough. Kimberly was born in St. Louis, Missouri. At the tender age of three, she began being sexually abused daily at the hands of her mother's live-in boyfriend, a well-known deacon in the church. After a powerful transformation in her life, she began the process of threading her life back together again piece by piece through intense therapy, coupled with her faith and revisiting all the places that brought her pain to bring about closure. Today, she is setting many captives free by breaking the silence of sexual abuse.
As the author of her book And Yet, You Still Chose Me, Kimberly was able to capture every moment of the gut-wrenching experience of molestation she endured for many years, including the multiple rapes by various individuals in her past. She stands firm in walking in her truth and has the boldness to expose the "dirty secrets" of predators in any setting. Therefore, she is dedicated to telling her story across the globe, from interviews on CBN, to ministering in South Africa, the UK, and at Columbia University and other universities. She is a graduate of The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a degree in pastoral counseling. Kimberly also speaks to the heart of women in churches and conferences, including women who are incarcerated.
She is the co-founder of Beauty For Ashes Counseling Center, established March 2019. She's co-executive producer of Tquita and Kimberly Podcast Show. As a businesswoman, Kimberly also is a Real Estate Investor and the Owner of BrownRay Property Investments, LLC. She currently resides in Houston, Texas.