Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

Wow. Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice is Kristen Jane Anderson's story of how she tried to commit suicide, but God saved her from herself. She literally laid down on railroad tracks at the age of seventeen and waited for a train to run over her. She got what she wanted in the form of a thirty-three car freight train traveling at fifty-five miles per hour. She should not have survived, but she did.This book is the story of her journey...all of it. Kristen explains what had been going on in her "all-American" life that led her to make the decision to take her life. She is also very candid about the details of coming to learn that God saved her life for a purpose. It was a long and hard, even after she gave her life to Christ. She is very open with her struggles with depression and recovery.Kristen has gone on to earn a degree from Moody Bible College. She has started a ministry, Reaching You ([…]), that God is blessing to reach people all over the world who are struggling with depression and suicide. Kristen tells her story whenever she has the opportunity and has even appeared on Oprah. She gives God all the glory for saving her life and is making all that she can with her second chance at life.As a school teacher, I have experienced two student suicides. I have always wondered how teens come to the decision that the only way out is to end their life. What could possibly be so wrong that all hope is gone? Having insight from someone who has made that choice and yet lived to tell is invaluable. Kristen includes letters between some of the chapters of things she wished someone would have said to her while she was struggling. At the end of the book, she includes a list of red flags that indicate the contemplation of suicide as well as tips for how to approach and provide intervention. I truly believe that God will use this book to speak to many youth who are experiencing hard times.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a favorable review.

At the age of 17 Kristen Anderson was bearing the scars of teenage angst, the death of a family member and being raped. Without any hope, she laid down in front of an on-coming train. Instead of ending her life, her legs were severed from her body. The months and days ahead were spent in hospitals and psych wards.This is the beginning of the story for Kristen Anderson as told in her new book, Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal ChoiceOne question lingered in her mind. Would she have gone to heaven had she died when the train ran over her? This question led to another question. What was life supposed to be all about?These issues and these questions caused her to try and escape into a fantasy world.I began to live in a fantasy world, hoping and expecting everything would turn out all right in the end (p. 52).But this fantasy world could not deliver. Not only did it not deliver, it was wearisome.My arms had grown tired from trying to hold my fantasy world together (p. 3).Kristen's story turned when she heard and understood the gospel. She discovered a life that was filled with purpose and meaning. That purpose has included sharing her story of hope. Many have heard her story and found the same kind of meaning and purpose.One of the things I so appreciated about Kristen's story, is that she communicates her setbacks as well as her victories. She did not simply meet Jesus, and life was suddenly void of any problems. Often Christian testimony accounts do not honestly mention the failures and struggles in the life of a Christian. This book does deal with these struggles.Anderson's account presents some other issues important for Christians to consider. For example, how should Christians deal with psychological drugs and medications. Anderson struggles with this issue and causes her readers to think about it.The role of intercessory prayer is pictured in powerful fashion. Anderson discovered some important connections from that night by the railroad tracks and later in her church life. These connections were important because of how people prayed for her that had never met her before. The reader will be encouraged to pray for those whom they encounter along life's way.Disclaimer: This book provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

I have read this book twice now because I have needed to but more so because I wanted too. I have been a born again Christian for 14 years and have struggled to accept God loves me just the way I am. Thank you Kirsten for sharing your story

One of the best Christian books I've ever read! It moved me deeply. If you want a really good read, and you want to see the Hand of God at work, this book is a MUST for you. Highly recommend it.

Absolutely fantastic book.

Fantastic book

Thanks Kristen.I'm always amazed how God can take our mess and make a message. Thank you for your courage to share. I know that your book and story is reaching many. We serve a powerful God. He always is amazing.