Hell If We Don T Change Our Ways

A PEOPLE magazine pick, Best Books Fall 2023: “A breathtaking memoir about surviving a horrifying childhood; Means...transforms memories...into a work of art.” Starred review from Kirkus: “This book is an outstanding debut...A harrowing and soulful memoir to be read, savored, and reread." “Brittany Means has pieced together the shards of a devastating childhood in this powerful memoir. It’s gut-wrenching but at the same time triumphant, harrowing yet exquisitely told. Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways is a story of survival that left me choked up and cheering.” –Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle “The book's lasting impact might be what it demands of the memoir genre. Brittany Means has, at once, created the most readable and the most psychologically rigorous book I've read in decades. I needed the reminder that art can do this.” –Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy “I can’t write a story about myself as the sad, quiet child of two drug addicts. That’s not how it was, even when it was. To me, sleeping in the car was normal. Better, it was comfy and fun. I loved my bed made of clothes inside a trash bag that I sank into slowly like Uncle Fester from the Addams Family movie. . . . I loved the motels and their swimming pools and trashy daytime TV channels. . . . Nobody could tell us what to do.” Brittany Means’s childhood was a blur of highways and traumas that collapsed any effort to track time. Riding shotgun as her mother struggled to escape abusive relationships, Brittany didn’t care where they were going—to a roadside midwestern motel, a shelter, or The Barn in Indiana, the cluttered mansion her Pentecostal grandparents called home—as long as they were together. But every so often, her mom would surprise her—and leave. As Brittany grew older and questioned her own complicated relationships and the poverty, abuse, and instability that enveloped her, she began to recognize that hell wasn’t only the place she read about in the Bible; it was the cycle of violence that entrapped her family. Through footholds such as horror movies, neuropsychology, and strong bonds, Brittany makes sense of this cycle and finds a way to leave it. While untangling the web of her most painful memories, Brittany crafts a tale of self-preservation, resilience, and hope with a unique narrative style—a sparkling example of the human ability to withstand the most horrific experiences and still thrive.

“Alf,” I said, “What is it you want me to do then?” He replied simply, “To spread the word of something big that’s going to happen to the sheeple of Planet Earth if they don’t buck up their ideas.” In his new book Paranoid Sheep, author Lord M. A. Fricker continues his rant against the establishment, believing that we’re all influenced to think the way we do. “I reckon it’s time for you sheeple to open your minds to an alternative way of thinking. What if all is not as it seems?” he asks. With the help of “the voice in his head” Alf, the author takes readers on an incredible journey of discovery. Along the way there are sexual encounters with aliens, incredible predictions, amazing conspiracy theories, and the man in the middle trying to make sense of it all. Paranoid Sheep(What if) also looks at what we have learnt (or not learnt) from ancient civilizations, prophecies, war and religion, all wrapped up in a uniquely written book brimming with adult humour, rage, anarchy, and ultimately, hope. Find out why we should start growing our own, hugging trees, ditch our cell phones, and discover why June 15 could be a life-changing annual event. It’s all in this highly anticipated sequel to Programmed Sheep: Do You Control Your Mind or does Somebody Else Control It for You?

In just about every book you pick up to read, information is set forth that has the raw potential to affect you, the reading inquirer, in a variety of ways. This particular book is perhaps especially like that, since it covers a wide range of topics, and spans a plethora of perception. And it will frequently swerve far from the mainstream of conventional thinking. As to the general thought presented, some of it contained herein will no doubt make you want to yawn. You will already personally know what I am suggesting about something, and maybe even considerably more on it than I do. You will wonder why I bothered to express an idea that was so obvious, so basic, so simple. Perhaps the very next thought will cause you to bristle; you wont appreciate or respect the point. You will not agree. You will see it differently. You will object to the very insinuation that I would have thought to write it down. At some point, you might start to wonder about me, the imperfect amateur writer-thinker-theorist-philosopher that I am. Still other thoughts will mildly pass in your book as either amusing or entertaining or at least worth as much time to you had you spent the same amount of time petting your cat. Every book has plenty of that, this one no doubt, included. Finally though and this finally is why I applied myself very diligently to get this quite lengthy work written there will be the occasion when you will feel refreshed with the breeze of an enlightening concept; it will smack you in a soft spot, as you experience the euphoria of having had your mind stimulated, and your spirits lifted. For these times, the book was written, and in those (few or many) instances, you will openly be openly thankful, just as I was grateful to the Universe for showing to me these things in the first place. Living a full life is, in many ways, a matter of simply passing on intelligent logic and inspiring hope, doing so in the form of core concepts, to those who come after we do. I sincerely hope we are able to do some of that for you here.

In the mind of each person on the planet, a set of notions and ideas of God or gods reside. Some of these systems are basic and simple. Others are highly complex and complicated. Some borrow their God/god notions from authority, or from others they know. Others are much more original - eclectically piecing together many separate parts from multiple sources. No two people in the world experience and translate God/gods in the same way. And this is what makes things so interesting! As I have encountered this wonderful life, I have also bumped up against countless people who were in the position to explain exactly who God was and was not. They were quite sure of themselves, and anxious to impart this wisdom to me. But because I had a mind and heart of my own, this put me on the outside looking in, for much of my life. We all come to a place where we realize we must make our minds up as to what we will and will not do, how we will think and who we will be. As I have encountered “them” and their God/gods, I have found my own way through this foggy maze, and discovered a modicum of peace and reconciliation in the process. This is the massive task of all of us, as well as why I needed to lay it out to you, in this lengthy, 2-part book.

Living Hell presents the uplifting and inspirational stories of some of the AIDS patients with whom author Josefina Guardia worked as a nursing assistant. She opens the door to the reality of AIDS and its victims, as well as that of the families who dont always know how to be supportive in the face of such devastation. She shares in their pain and acknowledges how alone some AIDS patients find themselves during the fight of their lives. This collection of stories recounts their battle to die with dignityto take their last breaths surrounded by loving kindness. She discusses how some families struggle with the reality of this frightening disease and offers the reminder that, with a little love and understanding, its possible to make the last days of an AIDS patient less scary. Guardia encourages families to gain knowledge about the disease that their loved one is facing and provide as much support as they can. The touching stories compiled here remind us not to be afraid to hug these courageous people so that they know that they are loved.

The Sermons contained in this book have been written by the author and preached to a live congregation. They can be used in their original form or as part of a sermon. Some of the Sermons are as follows: Because I Live A message delivered by Jesus Christ to his disciples concerning his return to heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Cleanse me of my Sins A message based on the story of David and Bathsheba and the dreadful sin of adultery and murder. More importantly, it focuses on the love and forgiveness of the Lord. Lay Hands on Her A message that demonstrates the importance of having faith in God when we seek his intervention in times of need. This message addresses two versions of faith. One that has to be encouraged; and the other that operates in desperation. Holy Spirit Baptism A message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It addresses the types of Baptism as taught in the Bible and how they are administered. Who is Jesus? A very controversial message concerning the deity of Jesus Christ. When we ask the question, we still get conflicting answers which have even caused division among those who claim to be Christians. This is a very enlightening message. The Sower & the Seed A message about the Word of God and the heart of man.

“Message of Faith” is the second book co-authored by Retha McPherson and her teenage son Aldo. It tells of Aldo’s miraculous healing and their supernatural journey since a car accident almost claimed Aldo’s life in 2004. The book contains journal entries in Aldo’s own handwriting wherein he warns the bride of Christ to be ready for the soon arrival of the King. During Aldo’s coma Jesus took him to heaven and hell. “Aldo rarely wanted to talk or write about hell. Jesus said he had to wait for the right time,” Retha explains. She goes on to say, “That time is now here. He recently told me Jesus said to him, ‘Aldo, tell My bride – BE PREPARED, I am coming soon.’” Aldo’s letters will open your eyes to the reality of heaven and hell and the implications of your choices here on earth. The book explains that the road of dying to self and living in Christ is what purifies the bride, and this can only be done if you walk by faith and not by sight – believing that God is who He says He is.