Synopsis: No matter how strong our faith, we will all face issues and events that will challenge the mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of our lives. Sometimes these difficult times may be so dramatic, so severe, that they will come to dominate our everyday lives and have consequences to our relationships.
Using a hope-centered writing style, Dr. Stephenson relies on his extensive counseling experience to share Teachable Moments that encourages personal growth and guide others to discover a hope that despite their situation they carry with them through their journey.
His Teachable Moments are illustrated with powerful true accounts that will make your heart ache and inspire you at the same time. Scripture is often included as part of the lesson since many with a faith-based lifestyle find strength and solace in the scriptures. Each chapter also ends with some questions to journal as well as for discussion in a group setting.
The first section is the "hot button" in our lives... Forgiveness. Is there such a thing as an unforgiveable sin? How many times can one be given forgiveness? What about the forgiving of oneself? This "f" word is given pages that will challenge the reader's capacity to avoid falling into an attitude of cynicism.
Regret, betrayal, neglect, boredom, cynicism, revenge, and many other challenges that tear at our hope, faith, self-esteem, and quality of relationships are all content that will hopefully give you the confidence to move from saying, "I don't know how I'm going to survive this?" to saying, "What can I learn from this crisis that will make me stronger and healthier mentally and spiritually?"
Autobiography: Dr. Stephenson has been an advocate and counselor for those who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that would give them less than six months left to live. His counseling practice was especially directed toward children, youth, and young adults and their families. He has also assisted in the development of four hospices in California, Colorado, Tijuana (Mexico), and Washington. He also served as a clinical investigator for the largest health insurance company in the world, which included investigating attempted and completed suicides. In retirement, he continues to be available for consultation to the medical and mental health communities. He is also very active in lecturing and teaching on the subject of giving people a new understanding of hope in the face of a terminal illness diagnosis.
