Inspirational Story of the Month - June, 2008

Dear Pat
"I'm writing to tell you how much your book has changed my life. It's helped me through some very difficult times in my life. I have read your book at least 4-5 times and keep rereading it because it gives me hope that I am not alone.

My husband died 5 years ago of cancer. It was a slow process and I was with him every step of the way. I am a nurse and took care for him in our home until he died. I have been angry at God for a long time for taking him from me.

When I read your book for the first time last year, your honesty about what you have been through gave me courage to deal with my grief. The pain was still there, but I felt comforted by your words and knew God was with me and gave me strength to go on with my life.

My fiancé past away suddenly a couple of months ago. I wasn't ready for this because he was in good health. I've turned to you for your strength and guidance. I am blessed I have you in my life. Again, I grabbed your book and have been reading it cover to cover. It still touches my heart and brings me comfort even though I have read it so many times. I have always felt your strength and it has enabled me to deal with my personal losses. I believe your book is an extension of you and what you have dealt with in your life.

Your faith in God and how He provides for you has shown me that God is there for me too, especially in times of darkness and grief. Even when I am feeling doubt and not understanding why he again has taken someone I love, I trust Him. I am not sure what path God has for me, but I am now able to accept God's will.

I have shared your book with all of my friends and family. They also love the book and have been touched. Thank you Pat, your words have been my life line to God. May God continue to bless you and may your book continue to touch lives and hearts."

~ Ruth B.

Monthly Inspirational Message From Pat

Have you ever wondered "How did I get to where I am today?" I marvel at where I am and who I have become - free to be myself and create my dreams. I know, without a doubt, how I got to where I am - It's through God's grace and His healing power.

Growing up in an alcoholic home, I became a people pleaser. I didn't have a voice and always focused on what others wanted. I couldn't be "me" because I had no idea of who "me" was. My needs weren't important because I didn't feel deserving. My self esteem came from pleasing you. If I pleased you, you would love me. There was no self love or self acceptance.

I found the doors to a wonderful therapist many years ago and began healing from the trauma and abandonment issues from childhood. It was a long hard road at times that seemed like it would never end. It wasn't easy digging down and getting in touch with my feelings, letting go and forgiving. But it was worth every minute of it. Today, I am transformed, whole and healed. I know who I am as a child of God and I love and accept myself.

The greatest gift that God has given me is the gift of a daily spiritual practice. Plugging into the Power every day has enabled me to become the woman I want to be and the woman God created me to be. Many search outside of themselves for peace, love and joy. All that we need is inside of us waiting to be birthed. The divine presence is inside of us and miracles will happen when we connect with the God within.

Author, Iyanla Vanzant writes in her book, Until Today "I live out loud and no longer hold myself back. I take my gift and live it out loud. I have faith in myself and the process of life. I stand up in myself. I stand up and be myself."

God wants to do for you what He has done for me. We have to ask and take the time to plug into the Power on a daily basis.