Spiritual Topics

Leslie McKee’s Hope Amid the Pain: Hanging On to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Pain and Illness is a devotion book for people with chronic illness. She writes as a chronically ill person herself. Her experiences parallel mine, even though our problems differ.

Each of the 60 days examines one subject about the pain and disabilities we endure. She speaks of the need for patience, talks about how God sees us, and the protection God offers us. These are just a few of the matters she covers.

She writes comforting and thought-provoking daily devotions, including questions for us to dwell on.

She lets her beliefs show when she states, “Chronic pain and illness are always changing. Blessedly, the Lord is constant.”

Who Leslie Is

Leslie is an editor, author, and reviewer, but editing, writing, and reviewing are not merely jobs—they are her passions. She is an avid reader with an eye for detail. Leslie has been a chronic pain warrior for more than twenty years, so she is familiar with the peaks and valleys associated with living with a chronic illness. She has felt God come alongside her through His Word and remind her that the battle is His and she’s not alone. Leslie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and The Christian PEN. She has had devotionals published in Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing compilation books. She’s also published flash fiction stories. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants.

HOPE

 I love Leslie’s acronym. “It’s possible to Hang On to Positive Expectations (HOPE) even amid the pain.”

Quick summary

• “You are not defined by your pain, illness, or disability.
• Your hope does not depend on your physical or mental health.
• You are perfectly imperfect.
• You are unique and special.
• You are never alone.
• You can do everything with Christ.
• You are loved by the Lord.”

From the back cover

“Why me? Is God punishing me? Is my faith not strong enough for God to heal me? How can I achieve my dreams? What’s my purpose?

If you’re someone living with a chronic illness or chronic pain, these are just a few of the questions you’ve likely asked on more than one occasion. You may feel overlooked or even resentful. You try to stay positive, but some days it’s hard. It’s natural to feel this way and grieve, but it’s still possible to have a hope-filled life. God has a purpose for the pain.

Christians aren’t immune from pain and illness, but we don’t have to go through it alone. Jesus promised that He would “never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).

Find her book at Amazon.

Check out Leslie’s website for more information.