Consider It Pure Joy: Not What I Wish to Be

Divorce is one of the most painful experiences author Mary Slankster has ever had. The divorce decree brought death to the marriage but no closure to her heart. Her former way of life was over, and her pain went deep, leaving her wondering whether she would ever heal.

When divorce shattered her dreams and tore her family apart, she had a choice: become bitter or better. She chose the latter, and that has made a huge difference in her life. Since that day, many hurting people have come her way, grieving over various types of loss: divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, abandonment, abuse, loss of health, loss of finances. God has used her experiences to give her greater empathy and help her minister to others. Through the various stages of her three-year separation and then divorce, her feelings ranged from denial to acceptance. She had to give herself time to heal and accept a new identity in society. Instead of being swallowed in a sea of self-pity, she chose to mourn positively, feeling the loss and sorrow and yet still remembering the good times of her marriage.

An inspiring story of overcoming loss, Consider It Pure Joy seeks to bring hope and encouragement to those dealing with a journey of personal grief.