Author: Elaine Kennelly
Located in: Loveland, CO
Submitted: September 01, 2021
Tell us a little about yourself. I call myself a Wounded Healer because I have survived the suicide death of our 18-year old son. It was awful at first- heartbreaking and complicated. For years, I found myself in the pit of anger, self-pity, bitterness and envy. It was a horrible way to live! And then one day, I asked myselft a life-changing question, "Elaine, do you want to get well?" And I did. It took time. It took changing the way I was thinking, but I did heal! I found my way back to God and joyful living.
Yes, I was wounded, but I have healed, and I write about my three-part process to peace after a personal suicide loss. I write from a Christian perspective, and I am honest, vulnerable, without trite answers, and I give hope for your personal healing!
What was your motivation behind this project? My motivation is very simple: to help others heal after a suicide. I have a heart of compassion and love for the Lord, and I made it through a tragic time in my life. I have a life of peace with everyone around me, even joy, and I have reconciled my relationship with God. I have been a Bible teacher my entire life, so I am able to use Scripture to mend relationships, learn about forgiveness, and have a heart full of love again.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? Healing, genuine understanding, peace, ¦even joy again in their lives after the suicide loss of a loved one in their family or a close friend, co-worker, neighbor. The reader will better understand the impact of a suicide and the pain it produces, so that they can perhaps help someone they know and care for. Currently, fifty-four per cent of all Americans have been affected by a suicide. This book is a helpful guide.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Oh, with all honesty, I cried a lot during the process of writing. You see, I had to go back into the pain to describe the battles I faced and the actual steps to healing. I write with specific how-to's and truths that help the process to peace. I have honestly been praying for all who read this book since I put the words to paper in 2018.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I am a Christ follower, so naturally I use God's words to teach and encourage. All of my education has been in Christian schools, and I graduated from Concordia University, Chicago, so I write from a knowledgeable Scripture base, but with the honesty of someone who has suffered. A writer that touches my heart is Henri Nouwen, and his book, The Wounded Healer, is one I read over and over. Other writers that I allow to influence my life are Rick Warren, Chuck Swindoll, Sarah Young, Max Lacado, and Stuart and Jill Briscoe.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: This book, Finding Peace After a Suicide Loss, is written straight from my heart to anyone hurting after losing someone to suicide.
