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About this item
Highlights
- About the Author: Lisa Appelo is a widow and mom to seven amazing children.
- 208 Pages
- Religion + Beliefs, Christian Life
Description
About the Book
When life unexpectedly shatters, we're left navigating a sea of emotions, unwanted change, and an unknown future. Lisa Appelo helps you lament what's been lost, brave the broken places, find your footing, and anchor hope in God's promises to flourish again. Your unexpected future is God's purposeful chapter two for you as He reshapes your shattered heart.From the Back Cover
"One of the best books I've ever read on suffering!"--BRITTANY PRICE BROOKER, speaker"Lisa Appelo is the wise and trustworthy friend we all need to help us navigate life on the other side of devastating circumstances."--BECKY KEIFE, author of The Simple Difference and No Better Mom for the Job
Life has shattered all around you. Now what?
What do you do when you are suddenly navigating a life you didn't sign up for? You never saw this pain coming, and you're facing a future you'd pass up if you could.
Lisa Appelo understands deeply. She has experienced the raw emotions and uncertainty that come when everything falls apart. Lisa went to bed married and woke up a widow and single mom to seven children. She wrestled with impossible questions about her future--and then found life-changing answers that gave her the strength to move forward with true joy.
With compassion and rich biblical insight, Lisa will help you
- find your footing when circumstances bring massive change;
- process hard emotions with God, who welcomes them;
- overcome paralyzing fear with three scriptural steps; and
- anchor your faith when your hope seems threadbare.
Your unexpected future may feel like Plan B, but it's God's purposeful Chapter Two for you as He reshapes your shattered heart. With each tender, intentional step, you'll see you will not merely survive this, but that life can be good again.
About the Author
Lisa Appelo is a widow and mom to seven amazing children. As a founding member of Widow Mama Collective, a Facebook community for young widows, she helps women find hope in the hard places of loss. A popular blogger, Lisa loves seeing women flourish in the strength of God's promises. You can connect with her at www.lisaappelo.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.5 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x .44 Inches (D)
Weight: .55 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Religion + Beliefs
Sub-Genre: Christian Life
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Format: Paperback
Author: Lisa Appelo
Language: English
Street Date: April 19, 2022
TCIN: 84909361
UPC: 9780764239281
Item Number (DPCI): 247-33-3263
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.44 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.5 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.55 pounds
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5.0 out of 5 stars with 17 reviews
100% would recommend
16 recommendations
A hope-filled companion during great suffering
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
JulieS - 3 years ago
The author of "Life Can Be Good Again" knows what it's like to have life fall apart. She's struggled with the aftermath of shattered circumstances. She understands how it feels to desperately wish God would change the plan to something more palatable. The author of "Life Can Be Good Again," Lisa Appelo, has dealt with hard in her life, but in that hard, she's seen God's faithfulness like never before. In the pages of this book, Lisa vulnerably shares how difficult life became after her 47-year-old husband died suddenly, leaving her to raise their 7 children as a single parent. She reveals the emotions she felt, the questions she had, and the hope she found in God's promises and in His grace. She shares engaging stories, biblical applications, prayers, and practical suggestions for finding our footing following such shattering circumstances. "Life Can Be Good Again" is a hope-filled companion for anyone going through a season of great hardship. With insight won in the depths of suffering, Lisa teaches fellow sufferers how to smile again.
Practical and Encouraging
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Christine - 3 years ago
I am a new young widow and a chronic pain warrior. I found understanding and fresh hope and comfort in the truths of God that Lisa so gently and clearly explains. It is full of encouragement for all of life's difficult seasons.
One of the BEST books I've read on loss!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Becky Beresford - 3 years ago
This book is beyond incredible, and I will recommend it to everyone going through grief or disappointment! Lisa shares about the heartbreaking loss of her husband and how she never thought her life could resemble anything good after his death… And yet, God was near and tender. Throughout this book Lisa guides the reader as a friend who has experienced one of the deepest losses but has seen the redeeming hand of God in the midst. This book helps you give your disappointments over to Jesus and believe that yes… LIFE CAN BE GOOD AGAIN! Such a good book!
picking ip pieces...
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
MamaR - 3 years ago
If you are looking for a book to add stability where you feel the rug has been ripped from beneath you you will want to read this book. Full of profound statements, sound faith, little nuggets of hope and truthful encouraging words Lisa comes along side like a friend wanting to help you start rebuilding. I was wanting a book that would help me create beauty from the ashes after my husband suddenly moved to heaven. I had no idea how to process what had just happened and yet I knew I wanted live and live well. "This is not God's plan B for my life" and not for yours either.
Full of Hope
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Marianne - 3 years ago
It feels like you are sitting across the table talking to Lisa as she shares her personal journey through the loss of her husband and the grief that followed. She speaks to the heart of grief and loss with such wisdom and compassion. I would highly recommend Lisa’s book for anyone facing ANY type of grief or loss.
A great resource for those lost in the trenches of grief
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Surge - 3 years ago
This book has been such a blessing in my life at just the right time. Lisa's writing style is easy to read and comprehend and welcomes anyone who is grieving to fall back to lean on God's love and not just be mad at Him for being put in the current set of circumstances. She gives applicable lessons on how to handle the hard emotions and applies scriptures to point the way back to God's unending support, even if He is not felt in the circumstances. Grief hits everyone differently and at different times, but Lisa had provided such a resource in this book that I am able to find comfort in it even after nearly a year of unexpectedly losing my mother.
Thriving after shattering loss
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
SHANBon - 3 years ago
If you're looking for superficial solutions to cope with painful loss, don't read this book. Lisa does not follow the pattern of this world by either blaming others (including God) for her suffering, or by slapping a platitude "band-aid" over pain and hoping it will just go away. She has experienced deep loss and endured it by embracing deeper truths from the Savior who walked with her through it. Lisa graciously shares her story and the lessons it is teaching her in the hope that you, too, will find Him faithful. "Pain doesn't get the final say in your story. God does."
Faith Guide for When You Feel Lost After Loss
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 3 years ago
I'm so thankful for Lisa's wise words - from a place of experience - when life falls apart. As a woman of faith, I've been afraid of reacting "wrongly" to personal suffering. But Lisa uses scripture and her own journey of widowhood to reassure the reader that all emotions are safe with God, who longs to walk with us and comfort us in our trials. She leads the reader to fight fear and despair with God's truth and gratitude. She offers real hope for those with a shattered heart. Lisa says this book isn't just for widows - and she's right. The themes apply to anyone who needs grounded in the truth when life has trials that send a ripple effect through your faith and everyday life. I'm sure I'll refer to this book often when life brings unseen hurt (including the 40 Promises of God section) - which includes chronic illness for me. Lisa's book offers needed encouragement to persevere so you can see "Life Can Be Good Again" after such deep loss.
Full of hope. I am so glad I read this book!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lyli Dunbar - 3 years ago
I can't tell you how much I needed this book. I'd lost my joy and thought life was over, but Lisa's words of hope reminded me that God is not finished writing my story yet. I can't thank her enough for putting into words exactly how I feel and standing beside me and gently nudging me to trust God has a plan for my tomorrow. It may look different than I'd planned, but God can bring beauty even after devastation. I was especially encouraged by the chapter Lisa wrote titled "Your Emotions Are Welcome Here." I have cried so much this year, and sometimes you wonder if you are ever going to stop crying. But Lisa let me know that tears are part of the healing process, and that I need to process my emotions. I don't need to apologize for crying. God is counting my tears in a bottle, and He weeps with me. If you are in a dark place, this book will help you move forward and overcome bitterness and discouragement. After reading this, I know I have not reached a dead end. God is with me and will give me courage as I trust Him with my disappointment.
Help for Grief
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Stephanie - 3 years ago
Lisa captures the heart of those of us who have faced unexpected pain and disappointment along life’s journey. She gently points the way to a brighter path and the often overlooked beauty found in total dependence on God for our next step. This book contains life-giving truth for everyone.
Helpful and Encouraging!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Brenda S - 3 years ago
This book is an excellent read for anyone experiencing grief. As a widow myself, I related to the journey God has taken Lisa through in so many ways. She has a unique style of writing the hard things in a gentle way that directs the reader not only to seek God for the answers, but also provides scripture as the guide. Lisa’s writing is fantastic and leaves you feeling like you have just gained a friend with the turn of every page. This book is special and a must read!
Overflowing in Hope!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Tracye G - 3 years ago
Absolutely fantastic book! There is so much encouragement in Lisa's book on navigating loss and hard seasons. It's not just "words" and emotional fluff, it's packed full of Scripture and Biblical hope from someone that has been deep in the trenches of loss. It's not just a "feel better" book, it's truly transforming. "We have a choice with our hard emotions: buy in to the lies and grumble against God, or exchange the lies for truth and trust God." "There is a difference between grieving what’s lost and grumbling over what’s lost. In grief, we cry out to God; in grumbling, we cry out against him." Throughout her book she shows us how to run to God with the hard emotions and painful brokenness. I love how she helped me reframe so much of my loss and how it's opening up healing in those deep wounds I carry.
A helpful read!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
SDGirl - 3 years ago
Are you hurting today? Stinging from the pain of what could have been or what will never be? Grasping for answers or simply looking up with tears and saying to God, "Why?" This book gently guides you through all of those things and more. Unlike the author, I didn't unexpectedly lose a spouse; however, I have experienced the profound sadness of dreams that were not realized and wondering where God stood in it all. Your grief could come from the death of a loved one, the loss of a career, loss of a relationship, financial loss, a devastating illness, or any number of experiences. What makes this book so readable is that Lisa walks us through her story in a relatable way. I was able to follow her story of grief over the death of her husband while also navigating my own story of loss. All the while, she pulls in Biblical stories and principles to help illustrate God's plans and purposes for our lives. I'm not a Biblical scholar or academic; so, I appreciated her easygoing approach to showing us how God acts on our behalf and offers us healing right where we are today.
Excellent resource on grief
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Skemp - 3 years ago
Lisa is the real deal and will speak directly to your heart. She has experienced deep, devastating and unexpected loss. With masterful writing and storytelling, she weaves her story and experiences into a captivating read filled with hope and faith while pointing the reader to Jesus on every page.
An Important Book for Help with Grieving
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
lmackill - 3 years ago
Lisa Appelo endured my worst nightmare, waking up to discover her young husband and high school sweetheart had suddenly and unexpectedly died in the night, leaving her a widow with seven children. Life Can Be Good Again is her story of finding the way through the darkness of grief back into the light of day. With honest words, she writes as someone who has touched the grip of death and returned to a flourishing life. Her great knowledge of Scripture and reliance on God gives her the ability to walk beside readers in their own dark moments. This book is perfect for anyone whose life has taken an unexpected turn, whether a loss of a loved one or loss of a dream. With the inclusion of other life altering loss, Appelo brings a team of witnesses to encourage the brokenhearted, writing with boldness and bringing hope to proclaim life exists on the other side of grief. I highly recommend her book.
A Must Read For Life's Curve Balls
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Linda - 3 years ago
Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo is a must-read for anyone going through any kind of loss, be it death of a loved one, divorce, financial crisis, medical diagnosis, etc., that changes one's expectations of his/her life's path. Lisa writes with genuine compassion and understanding that can only come from someone who has travelled through the dark times and made it to the other side where the sun shines. For me, this book hit close to home having lost my husband at the early age of 47. I desperately needed something to give me a glimmer of light in the midst of the heartache. With two sons (14 & 20 at the time) going through their own journey of grief, I wasn't sure how to process my own. A lot of patience, love, and grace from God, family, & friends helped me keep putting one foot in front of the other one day at a time. I honestly did not think life could ever be filled again with laughter or joy. But it was possible and continues to be possible every day. This book is insightful, encouraging, practical, and a valuable source of strength and hope for a joy-filled life in spite of a devastating change in plans. I highly recommend Life Can Be Good Again to anyone experiencing loss (and isn't that all of us in one way or another?). I rarely give books a 5 star rating, but these 5 stars are well-deserved.