If you chose to end your life today, would you be OK with the decision? Would you feel proud that you broke the hearts of your friends and family members? Would you wish that you never did what you chose to do? Kristen Jane Anderson, the author of Life, In Spite of Me wished that very thing. The wish that she never would have laid down in front of an oncoming train.
Within her novel, Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares the journey of her life, both before and after her accident. Kristen was a fun, loving, and outgoing young woman. Her life quickly began to fall apart when she faced the death of her grandmother and 3 close friends, along with being raped by a friend whom she felt that she could trust. She fell into a deep state of depression. Unfortunately, the depression took hold of her life. While walking through a Chicago park, late one night, Kristen heard a train whistle blow, and realized that laying down in front of the train could end all of the pain and sorrows she was dealing with. She laid down.
She survived.
Kristen's survival was seen as both medically impossible and miraculous. 33 train cars rolled over the top of Kristen's body, which severed both of her legs. After the accident, Kristen underwent several reconstructive surgeries and therapy sessions. She battled physical pain and emotional distress. But, most importantly, Kristen found God. She realized that she couldn't live her life on her own terms, or in her own way. She needed someone to lean on -- and God was just that.
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Kristen's story was simply astounding. Not only did her perspective on life drastically change, but she was able to discover and experience a love that is nothing like that of an earthly being. Since her accident, Kristen has founded a ministry, Reaching You Ministries. Through this ministry, Kristen is able to help those who feel that suicide is the only way.
Please know that suicide is not the only way. You have friends and family members who love you. God loves you -- more than you could ever imagine. He wants to live your life with you. He wants to show you the beauty of the world that He has created just for you.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
