Say Yes When Life Says No by Dr. DeForest Soaries Gives Hope to the Bereaved

 

Say Yes When Life Says No written by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, details how he dealt with his cancer diagnosis and the loss of his father who he said was his best friend and serves as an inspiration to others going through trials.  In this book the former lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln, Gardens based out of Somerset, NJ, gives comfort and sage advice to those who are grieving. 

“People may have lost a loved one two years ago and they are still grieving. A mother who lost a child, every year around the child’s birthday it’s like it’s happening all over again,” Dr. Soaries said.  “Whoever you love, a spouse or parent the holidays are horrible. While everybody else is celebrating you’re depressed. Mother’s Day is the worst day of the year, especially the first two or three Mother’s days after losing your mother or your grandmother.”

Dr. Soaries was still leading his church when doctors informed him that he had prostate cancer ten years ago. He was shocked when he got the news because he made healthy living a priority. This included taking a four-mile daily walk, avoiding alcohol, and adhering to a healthy diet. He says he didn’t feel sick when he was diagnosed and wouldn’t have known about the cancer if he hadn’t been going to the doctor for regular appointments.  In Say Yes When Life Says No he turns to the book of John and in particular the story of the blind man who he terms “Mr. Blind Man,” a man who was healed by Jesus. During this difficult time in his life this text took on a deeper meaning making his faith stronger sot that he was able to face his fears. 

“In my book I talk about the fact that we have so many euphemisms for death,” Dr. Soaries said. “We don’t like to even use the word die. We talk about passing away. We talk about transitioning. We talk about if anything happened to me, that’s the one the I like. We say if anything happens to me. Well, something is going to happen to you. What is the option?”

Death is a part of life and when Dr. Soaries found out he had cancer wanted to make sure his twin sons who were 21 years old at the time knew what to do if he didn’t survive his cancer treatment. Dr. Soaries followed his father’s example and provided information to his sons about his financial matters. His father had everything organized included having a will, insurance policies and a list of all names and balances he owed.

He encourages readers to prepare for deaths to help our families as death is inevitable and people who plan for it make it easier for their families. Say Yes When Life Say No has an accompanied workbook that will help people plan for their dreams.

“Life insurance, a will, and advanced health directive are the three most importance documents everyone should have,” said Dr. Soaries. “Put everything in writing so you get what you want.

It’s a healthy way to live because its reality-based living. We live in a culture that promotes fantasy so much. It is so inspiring to see reality-based living. People who accept reality and move on. I think religion should do a better job at that. I think sometimes religion promotes mythology and fantasy in a way that facilitates non-reality based living.”

Click Say Yes When Life Says No to read more about this book and/or purchase it on Amazon.

You can follow Dr. Soaries on Twitter and Instagram at @dbsoaries or learn more about him by going to his website https://dbsoaries.com.

Candace Waller is a Christian romance author. She interviewed Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries for her book, Lessons I Learned From Loving You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Healing that will be out later this year. Please check out her website to learn more about Candace and her new book by going to her homepage.