Throughout our lifetime, we will face grief or tragedy. Whether it be by watching a loved one slowly, painfully be overcome by disease/sudden death or by experiencing life changing events like alcohol and drug addiction/divorce/job loss/suicide. The list can go on and on. As a Christian, we can find ourselves battling questions (Why would God allow this to happen?; Is this really a part of God’s plan?) and/or feelings of pain, depression, anxiety during these difficult, dark times. I have personally dealt with these questions and feelings in my life.
I began writing this manuscript in 2010, and put it aside for a later date. Writing was something I did as a hobby to alleviate stress from working in the social service field. I don’t consider myself a great writer, but I like to write stories that the Lord places on my heart.
In 2017, I lost a very close relative suddenly to a massive heart attack due to a blood clot. What a shock wave for the family! I observed a dear loved one struggle with the many stages of grief as well as the healing process. It’s true that healing takes time and it’s different for each individual. Later that year, I felt the Lord pressing me to pick this manuscript back up, and finish it even while I, too, was struggling in my faith. Then, I became unemployed in December due to downsizing within the company. These life changes brought feelings of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty but writing became a healing tool for me.
You might ask why the name Strong, Independent Sisters? I will be honest with you. My best friend, Tonya, was the one who gave me the idea unknowingly. She is considered the strong, independent sister in her family and she would often say that she needed to form the SIS club. I think most families with siblings have one who is considered the strong one. I, too, often feel I must be the strong, independent one. I want to control the situation I’m in, and try to fix it on my own. However, as a believer in Christ, I don’t have to do that. He wants me to depend on His power, promises, and provision in everything. So, this is how the name and the faith-based group therapy organization in the book called SIS-Strong, Independent Sisters came about.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge that, if you are facing grief or tragedy in your life, seek help. As a believer in Christ, daily abiding in his Word has given me strength to move forward. If you feel you need more help to get past the darkness, I encourage you to seek outside counseling, either with a therapist or a pastor. Having an extra support system can help with the healing process. Just remember that we serve a Good Father who can take our tragedies and brokenness and make them beautiful again (Isaiah 61:3).
About the Book
When Grace Underwood’s thirty-something sister, Emma, tragically dies from breast cancer, Grace feels as if her life has been torn apart. Battling the deepest sorrow and grief, Grace soon learns she has been given custody of her sister’s sons … who themselves must deal with the most painful sorrow, and sense of abandonment. As Grace struggles to deal with her own bereavement—and the emotional and psychological stresses wracking her nephews—she becomes aware of a possible pathway back to life … a faith-based group-therapy organization called SIS—Strong, Independent Sisters. Can SIS offer Grace the support, compassion, and Scripture-based insight she needs to lift up herself and her sister’s sons? What life-changing heart-wisdom will she receive from SIS?
By reading Strong, Independent Sisters, readers will move to the heart of a story that will bring them close to God’s never-failing love—even in life’s darkest hours.
Tracy K. Sams, author of Precious Gift, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling, and has worked with adults and children in the social service field for 16 years. As a Christian author, Tracy believes that we are all called to be a light to this fallen world. She wants to be able to provide, as it says in Isaiah 61, ‘healing for the broken, joy for the mourner, freedom for the captive, and love for the lost.’ Her passion is to share God’s grace and love to this darkened world. Tracy currently resides in Seymour, Tennessee, where she enjoys time with her family and friends.
Strong, Independent Sisters is available from the publisher, BookLocker.com, as well as from Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and many other stores. If purchasing from BookLocker, use this discount code when checking out to get 10% off: Backstory
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