I Had Other Plans Lord

How God Turns Pain Into Power

Several years ago, my life took a sudden and unexpected turn. I went from executive on the rise to unemployed and battling a serious illness. The illness, although potentially terminal, has not killed me. The heart-wrenching, soul-challenging battle to find myself almost did. I had to re-define myself. I had to discover what was left after losing the position in society that had previously defined me. Disability insurance and a buy-out agreement made it possible to care for my family, but caring for my devastated self-image was another story. It's the story I tell in I Had Other Plans Lord.

Some time back a bridge collapsed in Fairfield County, Connecticut. I remember seeing pictures of the gaping hole where the middle of the bridge had once been. At the time I didin't know I would experience a collapse and gaping hole every bit as devastating to me. I was traveling along in the fast lane, with the future mapped out clearly, when all of a sudden the road gave way and I found myself in a place I didn't like one bit.

As I began to put the pieces together I realized I might be able to offer a hand to those who would follow a similar path. And those are the people for whom I write. I want to say to you that no matter how dark it seems. No matter how lonely you feel. No matter how grief is tearing you apart, the God of all comfort is able to take you through. I know. I've received His comfort and it has allowed me to find my way.

This book was birthed in an experience of great pain. If you have experienced something similar I believe I can help. It was not a straight line to recovering my balance. But I did find it with God's gracious help. I understand what you are going through and I respect you enough to tell the whole truth. I won't give you false hope. I share the real hope you can count on. It's my heartfelt prayer that the pieces of your recovery can be found in I Had Other Plans Lord.