Local author’s new book attempts to remove the stigma from stigmata

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Conroe resident and local author Erin Carling is currently promoting her new book, ‘Nail Scarred Hand,’ a nonfiction piece that is billed as being filled ‘with medical documentation of proof of the wounds of Christ.’

“It is important to show the world that God still exists and is needed in these times,” said Carling. “I have the most documented stigmata at this time in history.”

Carling’s theological path started in the Lenten period leading up to Easter in 2013. “I was on my deathbed with no formal religious background. I had only the Bible to turn to for the first time.”

Her fascination with stigmata – which, in Catholicism, are bodily wounds or scars that appear in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Christ: the hands, wrists, feet, near the heart, the head, and back – began as she recovered from an accident caused by a drunk driver.

“I was clearing up the debris from a car accident due to a drunk driver when I was 18 years old that left wounds in my nail-scarred hand.” This incident also gave genesis to her professional life, which is devoted to helping others in addiction. She herself had suffered the addiction to pain medications prescribed by the doctors due to the car accident. “My twelve years of addiction to prescription medications led me down paths of destruction to the point of death for only me, the word of God, and Jesus to save me from a life of pain and misery. I am the President of a small non-profit organization called Universal Recovery Studios in Conroe.”

Universal Recovery Studios’ purpose is to aid in helping others in addiction and addiction traumas to bring forth restoration out of the suffering. The organization also assists in providing community resources through community-impacted efforts. We have had the honor of serving our communities in chili cookoffs and connecting with other local organizations with booths at The Belly of the Whale Conference and The Wellness Expo.

Her book includes the medical documentation of the open wounds, accompanied by photos, to show the apparent appearance of stigmata on her hand in April of 2020 at the onset of the COVIS crisis. “I experienced the reopening of my stigmata wounds three times during the pandemic. My health record encompasses all medical documentation, which includes notes taken by scribes, doctors, and other medical personnel.”

According to Carling, the glass that was embedded under the skin of her hand as a result of the accident in her hand remained closed until the wound opened up seemingly on its own accord.

“I did not understand what was happening with the many MRIs, X-rays, and doctors saying it was a bone or other belief systems. How the glass stayed logged under the bone and did not cut any veins that it was very close to is still a mystery to me. Every time I thought I was healed, my hand would open the wound again.”

When asked about the ages-long battles that are sometimes waged between science and religion, and how members of the medical profession reacted to her claims, she replied, “During the healing process during the pandemic, many medical personnel were very open to aiding me in healing. All were receptive to God’s word, and I finally received the healing I deserved.”

‘Nail Scarred Hand’ by Erin Carling is available on Amazon in paperback and digital formats. Available for signings and appearances, she can be reached by emailing erinsgalaxy2022@gmail.com.