I Don't Know Who I Am Anymore
Restoring Your Identity Shattered by Grief and Loss
- Counseling, Grief & Mental Health
- Publisher: Nelson Books (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2023
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Publisher's Description
No stranger to heartache, Carole Holiday artfully braids together her story of overwhelming loss with biblical insights and delicious recipes from the little cottage on the lane--the cooking school she once owned. Carole's journey offers hope that after the ravages of grief and despair, God can bring good back to life through faith, food, and fellowship. How do you survive when everything that gave meaning to your life suddenly disappears? Grief can spark the question, God, when will you see me? Carole Holiday has weathered heartbreaking loss and the despair that whispers, "I don't know who I am anymore." Through her trials, including divorce, job loss, and heart surgery, she has learned that deep grief carves space for a deeper ability to love. Readers who have been shredded by suffering, who have lost hope in God or in life being good again will unpack what it means to be made in God's image; learn how to redirect doubts and despair toward a God-filled identity and purpose; understand that loss offers an enormous capacity to feel more deeply; discover that even though rejected by those they most loved, they still matter to God; and be reminded of the truth that sadness and faith are not mutually exclusive. In her unique, lyrical writing style, Carole shares her story of grief and explores biblical teaching that offers a God-given purpose after pain. As an extra dose of comfort, she seasons her story with savory recipes from a cooking school she once owned, where she learned firsthand the healing that takes place around the table. Carole's humor and warm encouragement gently remind readers that God has good for them--even in a season of severe loss.
Endorsements (15)
“PRAISE FOR I DON’T KNOW WHO I AM ANYMORE “This book is a gift to anyone who feels like they’ve lost themselves after heartbreak and loss changes everything they see. I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore is a warm hug you don’t want to miss!”
“I loved this book. Carole Holiday’s wonderful personality, wit, and wisdom come through on every page. Plus, there is help on every page for all of us who have experienced grief.”
“Carole Holiday’s that person who finishes your sentences, gives you the safe space you need to cry, and somehow makes you giggle out loud even when you’re hurting. You’re in for an adventure of healing through savoring these pages. In the presence of someone like Carole, who listens and understands, you’ll find who you are again.”
Dr. Sheri Keffer
“I was unable to put this book down. Carole’s writing is stunning and superb. A must-read for anyone struggling in their faith, struggling with identity after loss, or really anyone who seeks to better answer the question ‘why do bad things happen to good people?”
“In this thoughtful book, Carole helps us find our way Home by giving language to the voices that dwell in the deepest chambers of our wounded souls—a place where only God can commune with us through our suffering and in our pain.”
“Whimsically written but poignantly true reflections on grief and loss, this book isn’t a field guide to finding yourself but a map back to the very heart of God. Encapsulating the essence of the gospel—dead things being made alive—Carole’s words are a healing salve of truth and encouragement.”
“Carole Holiday understands how grief, heartache, and pain can make us feel invisible, unloved, or unworthy. But she also understands how God can heal our hearts and help us find our way back to who we are according to Him. With vulnerable wit and wisdom (and some really good recipes!) Carole takes your hand and walks with you toward the One who can give you hope.”
“As a pastor, I am aware that some of the most comforting words I can give (and receive) are ‘I’m with you’ and ‘I understand.’ Carole Holiday whispers this page after page in vivid, honest pictures of real life and divine hope and encouragement. Let her walk with you. Let her make food for you. And take courage—‘there is healing ahead.”
“Even if you’re not in the midst of a trial, you will count this as a good read and a book worth sharing with friends who are. Well done for a first-time author. Wounded but recovering.”
“If you or someone you know is ensnared in the grip of grief, Carole meets you where you are and walks alongside you on your path toward healing. Together, you’ll cry, laugh, and deepen your faith as you pursue wholeness and healing after loss, and enjoy some wonderful comfort food along the way!”
“Within the depths of grief and loss our identities can become unrecognizable, leaving us feeling adrift and disconnected from ourselves. By weaving together her personal story, biblical insights, practical learnings, and soul-nourishing recipes, Carole offers the reader solace, understanding, and hope that comforts like a warm embrace, reassuring us that we are not alone in our suffering.”
“Read this book . . . metabolize its contents (Thanks, Eugene Peterson!) . . . then SHARE this book. Grief is a journey . . . invite Carole Holiday to join you in your journey.”
“This book is the giant hug we all need while going through life’s toughest seasons. Carole’s approach is comprehensive and empathetic, and I love how she integrates scripture into the healing journey. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing grief or supporting someone who is.”
“Reading this book is like cherished one-on-one time with my friend. It’s a conversation—give and take. It is a gift. As is Carole Holiday.”
“I was hooked on the first page. This girl is real. Loss, discovering betrayal, going through it with her kids, grandkids, and coming out shining through her growing faith in Jesus Christ. Do yourself a life-changing favor and READ this book. I read it straight through.”
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