WORD FOR THE DAY "authenticity" (n.) "the quality of being authentic; genuineness;" "authentic" (adj.) "not false or copied; genuine; real." (dictionary.com)

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36 chapters speak to Gaye Lindfors' authenticity

Two intense weeks of editing was this writer's contribution to Gaye Lindfors' motivational memoir collection God, Girlfriends, & Chocolate - Encouraging Stories from the Heart. The words that supplied the substance of the book came from Gaye and six girlfriends, each of whom contributed their own short chapter. They represent the authentic manner in which this group of girlfriends live their faith in Jesus and the Father throughout the chapters of their lives.

Gaye Lindfors is an author, motivational speaker, owner of Significant Solutions, Inc., a human resources consulting and training company. She believes in the faithfulness of God toward His people. She gives examples of a range of human pleasures, pains, and predicaments that she's encountered in her lifetime. Many of these we can relate to because they're very representative of the average human being's encounter with life on earth. I certainly can relate.

One chapter especially resonated with me – "I Will Give You Rest." This is chapter 21, and it deals with the experience Gaye and her sisters had of helping their newly widowed mother downsize prior to a move from the family home. Here they all are, fresh with the grief of Dad's death, trying to be sensitive to their Mother's desire to hang on to ALL THE STUFF, but knowing that this change, this new chapter to their Mom's life, must unfold. Each daughter makes her contribution to the effort. But, what happens when fatigue, grief, frustration, and fear of change unravel their best intentions? Laughter and their love of the Almighty save the day. So does the contribution of a visiting Godsend – their friend from next door, Harlow.

(My siblings and I moved my father from northern Minnesota lake living in 2006 to assisted living and finally, to a nursing home in St. Cloud. After his death in 2009, the disposal of his personal effects also brought my mother and my five siblings together in grief and shared memories as we sorted through dusty and moldy "stuff." It was a time of healing.)

The book is definitely worth the read because you'll relate, too. Have you ever been terrified as a child with a new experience, like swimming in deep water at summer camp? Have you had a prominent role at a funeral of a loved one and had to steel your emotions? Have you ever messed up at work and been taken-to-task? Gaye has. Her honesty pulls us right into the experience. Her empathy with our stories is evident. Very generously, she shares with us her human reflections about moving through the "growth experiences" that comprise our lives and shows us how she did it, with God's help. Finally, she gives us prayers of asking, thanking, praising, and reflection that we can use as we strive to live authentic lives of Christian faith.

As a fellow Christian, I appreciate the authenticity of her insights as well as those of her girlfriends. (And, the thoughts of her parents upon the death of one of their children will tug at your heart.) I am most appreciative of the testimonial she gave me about my editing services – "Mary MacDonell Belisle provided more than exceptional editing skills. She understood my spirit and intentions, and offered suggestions that helped me write better stories. What a joy to work with her."

Well, it was a joy for me to meet and get to know Gaye through our collaboration. If you're interested in getting to know Gaye and her girlfriends and family, read her book, God, Girlfriends & Chocolate. Contact her at Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com. Or, visit her company website at: http://www.significantsolutionsinc.com/