This is Not the Life I Ordered

This is Not the Life I Ordered

50 Ways to keep your head above water when life keeps dragging you down

By Deborah Collins Stephens, Jackie Speier, Michealene Cristini Risley,

and Jan Yanehiro

Reviewed by Angela Hutchinson

Spirit-Works.net

The authors of This is Not the Life I Ordered found support in a place that has historically given more encouragement and life saving inspiration than any other program or institution; they found it in each other. We are all social beings living on a social planet, but it seems our ever expanding society can sometimes, unfortunately, lead to isolation and a feeling of hopelessness. These ladies found a vessel of hope and were able to give as well as receive. It is the perfect reciprocal relationship and situation, even the bible encourages the gathering of people…”where two or more are gathered in His name” there is power.

Each author shares moments of challenge and utter despair with such honesty and integrity, the reader is touched to feel included as if sitting in the sacred circle. “Our kitchen table conversations were always therapeutic. Inspiring and supportive, our conversations gave us hope and inner strength. We knew that together, as friends, we would never walk alone in our life’s journey.” What an amazing gift of grace to receive. They now extend the concept and their stories to you, the reader, through this work.

This is Not the Life I Ordered contains a beautiful collection of quotes, quick humored illustrations by John Grimes, and a Wit Kit at the end of each chapter which contains corresponding exercises and tools. The book is thoughtfully organized and easy to attend to each principle of moving forward in life past challenge. The authors help the reader to begin this daunting task of telling his/her story and offer 7 steps to form a “Kitchen Table Group”.

Senator Jackie Speier tells her harrowing story of surviving an incredibly dangerous trip to the South American jungle as she assisted Congressman Leo Ryan in investigating the People’s Temple, the community that the Rev. Jim Jones organized and led. She writes about her survival of being shot multiple times at point blank range on an air strip tarmac and living with a body that resulted from the devastation it endured. I could feel the strength exude from the page as I read the following passage: “I want women to remember that when life leaves them alone on the tarmac- whether it be the devastating loss of a loved one, the shattering of a lifelong dream, the loss of a job, or events that turn the world upside down-women can always learn to walk again. I am living proof that women can reinvent and rebuild their lives, no matter what hardships they have faced.”

Television host Jan Yanehiro lost her husband to a brain tumor when he was just 46 years of age. She tells of the aftermath of lawsuits and financial complications that accompanied the absolute grief of losing a spouse. Her perseverance is quite simply inspirational as she garnered her strength to rebuild her life.

Author Deborah Stephens shares her memories of the kindness of her grandmother and how it touched her life and continues to this very day. She also writes about the health challenges of her husband Mike and his devastating diagnosis of dermatomyositis and polymyositis resulting in severe muscle spasms and diminishing lung capacity. “Illness teaches many lessons-lessons in love, faith, courage, optimism, and hope. The experience has also taught me much about the role of patience and the mysteries inherent in life.”

Producer/Director Michealence Cristini Risley shares how her childhood abuse and traumas helped her to become who she is today. The healing power of forgiveness is beyond the pain of this world. “I had made a choice some time ago to hide myself, and by continuing to hide into adulthood, I became the abuser…of myself.” She learned to redefine who she is and to realize she deserves not only the ordinary but the extraordinary as well.

We are introduced to a variety of amazing women and unbelievable spirits of strength. They do not stand on pedestals, rather they reach out to the reader absolutely believing that the strength they found is within us all. It is about touching and embracing soul to soul. We can get what we need if we reach out to each other and offer what we can, leaving us rich in support and allowing ourselves to spread our wings of generosity. This is Not the Life I Ordered is nothing short of soul nourishment and hope. For the reader who feels alone and drug under the tide…this is for you.