In this, my first anthology since Chicken Soup for the African American, I celebrate the unshakeable, unbreakable, indestructible Woman’s Soul power that is the human spirit. I chose to title the book Living Proof after reading the more than thirty-five transformational true stories of ordinary people who made the extraordinary decision to believe again, in spite of their circumstances.

The co-authors of this book truly are living, breathing examples of faith, resiliency and the human spirit.

 

I have met every author in this book; most at a conference, or at one of my workshops. Each one of them wore a stylish outfit and carried beautiful business cards, and each one of them spoke with passion about
their hopes and dreams. Little did I know that they had fought for their lives. Little did I know that some of them endured tremendous suffering—in the killing fields of Cambodia, in hospital waiting rooms and in their
own bedrooms; at the hands of lovers, spouses, parents and strangers; by choice or by a twist of fate. Little did I know that some were once so sick, so lonely and so heartbroken, they had lost their will to live.
And, little did I know how much joy, success and sheer beauty they created for themselves and for others— improving the quality of life for residents in long-term care living environments; building schools; advocating
for children with special needs; and, through their coaching, speaking, writing and training, helping people find and live in their own authentic power.