C. S. Lewis's words on becoming perfect really resonated with me. He stated, "If we wish to be rational, not now and then, but constantly, we must pray for the gift of faith". This non-fiction book is an approach to understanding life's jolting events as our beliefs are being challenged by a variety of adversities. Remaining faithful and prayerful in the midst of the turmoil guarantees we experience spiritual graduate school.

Biographical, Drama, Memoir, Religious,

Focusing on adversities which expand the soul and broaden one's vision, the personal and scriptural accounts in this book speak to opportunity of remaining resilient while increasing one's faith in this sometimes complex life. The experiences described clearly demonstrate that going through the refiner's fire makes one stronger at the broken places. Through reading this book a person will comprehend that grief can be over-whelming. The loss of two children to Cystic Fibrosis, a husband's kidney disease and colon cancer, a son's mental illness, and financial difficulties are specific examples given. One can gain an understanding of the need for reflection while maneuvering through the ebbtides of life as they ponder this book. They will also recognize the need to remain gentle on oneself and others while coping with devastating conditions. Encouragement is offered as this book relates how an entire community of people with varying backgrounds and religions came together to bring physical, spiritual and financial support teaching the value of compassion and acceptance.

Having experienced the disease that ravaged Roger and Cynthia and observing Stan's journey battling kidney disease and colon cancer, I am of the opinion that mental illness is one of the most painful and protracted trials an individual can face. Experiencing depression and anxiety to some degree with Roger and Cynthia's journey I cannot imagine living with a brain disorder that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, feeling, perception and behavior. I am of the opinion that people enduring mental illness benefit most when nourished with tenderness. My final chapter describes our remaining son's afflictions that have haunted him a lifetime and brought him to the brink of death on several occasions. He was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in his early twenties and eventually with anxiety disorder. He has faced down demons that will continue to rear their frightening heads while also learning the need for self protection from public ignorance. Dennis's journey is a reminder that we all experience hidden frailties regardless of our personal denial.

Farmington, NM/Rocky Mountains

Yes

Quest

Meaningful Message, Philosophical Questions

Information not completed

Name: Judy Lloyd

Age: 30

Gender: Female

Role: Mentor

Key Traits: Honorable, Strong Moral Code, Aspiring, Faithful, Decisive, Empathetic, Flexible, Gracious, Obedient, Perseverance, Adventurous, Confident, Religious

Name: Stan Lloyd

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Role: Mentor

Key Traits: Adventurous, Confident, Engaging, Leader, Perseverance, Strong Moral Code, Decisive, Educated, Faithful, Heroic, Honorable, Masculine, Religious

Name: Roger Lloyd

Age: 11

Gender: Male

Role: Sidekick

Key Traits: Decisive, Engaging, Flexible, Gracious, Perseverance, Adventurous, Empathetic, Faithful, Honorable, Aspiring, Heroic, Confident, Funny, Religious

Name: Cynthia Lloyd

Age: 8

Gender: Female

Role: Sidekick

Key Traits: Adventurous, Aspiring, Empathetic, Engaging, Faithful

Age: 35-54

Target Gender: Universal

Information not completed

Status: No

No

Information not completed