LAC LA BICHE - Teacher Shelley Thody wrote her second book, Miracles Unfolding, this year with the intention of only sharing it with her family and close friends. However, after seeing and experiencing the impacts COVID-19 caused, her outlook … and distribution plans… changed.
“I was moved towards thinking I should share these wonderful and amazing stories with as many people as I can,” says Thody, who says her faith-based view of life and its lessons is an inspiration for the book.
The 18-year relationship with religion at Lac La Biche’s Evangelical Free Church, along with her own experiences coping with a bipolar disorder and depression helped shape her story, she says.
“My book is about modern miracles, it highlights incredible miracles that have happened to my family and close friends recently. Miracles Unfolding gives the reader hope that through faith, God can do amazing things in our lives.”
Not only does her book discuss faith, but the author’s own experience with her bipolar disorder and mental health.
Teaching in the community for 25 years has also given her insight into the issues people are capable of encountering in life.
“I have had so many struggles, but I have been able to come through them with God’s help. If I can share my story and possibly help a few families along the way…I think It would be incredible. I have seen a lot of tough things, a lot of broken homes, a lot abuse and addiction being a teacher,” she said, explaining that she’s also witnessed the positive effects that come with compassion, caring and understanding. “It’s pushed me a little bit further in wanting to share these stories.”.
Balance
Thody hopes her book will help readers find balance, hope and faith, especially as the new realities and challenges of a global pandemic continue to create personal and social upheavals..
“There is still so much peace to be found that we don’t know about and I hope my book can do that,” she tells Lakeland This Week.
Miracles Unfolding is available at the Vitality Centre Health Foods in the Lac La Biche, Straight & Arrow Boutique in Plamondon and online at Amazon. Thody can also be reached on Facebook for updates on future books.
