Lisa and Doug Stringer were ministering in Massachusetts in March 2015 when a lump in Doug’s throat started to bother him. “I don’t feel well,” he told his wife. “The lump I felt in my throat a few days ago feels larger.” When they were able to see a doctor, they were horrified to learn that Doug had Stage 4 large B-cell lymphoma that was 80 percent aggressive. Doug spent the rest of the day … day sitting in his car, alone in prayer. Finally, he called Lisa to tell her that he was on his way home and he wanted a family meeting and communion. Emotionally exhausted and noses still running from crying, Lisa, her mom, and Ashley gathered in the family room as Doug told them about his time with God.
“God did not do this to me–and if He did not do this to me, then it doesn’t belong to me!” he told them emphatically. It was just what they need to hear.
God Did Not Do This to Me is Lisa’s story of the family’s trials and triumphs through a cancer diagnosis. Putting on the armor of God, Doug was determined to turn his battle with cancer into an intercession for the country, even joking that the chemotherapy treatments made him resemble a bald eagle.
By the end of the year, Doug’s cancer was in remission.
“We know that the Great Physician heard the numerous prayers of our friends and spiritual family from all over the world, and blessed us all with a testimony of His healing power,” Lisa says. “We are forever changed through this experience. He has expanded my heart of compassion, taught me to pour out more grace, to be an even bigger giver, and to appreciate the little things all the more.”
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Cancer wreaks havoc and devastation in its path typically. Families have to deal with heartbreak and more. Lisa Stringer does an excellent job of sharing her family’s path through a cancer diagnosis for her husband.
The way this book was written brought me in and made me feel as though I were a part of the family. She illustrates how God did not do this to their family and how we can find comfort and strength by walking closer to God.
Having lost my grandfather to cancer about 15 years ago, I was able to relate to this heartfelt memoir. The book clearly demonstrates the importance of relying on God and recognizing our eternal home is in Heaven rather than here on the earth. I appreciated seeing cancer from the side of the caregiver. When my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, my mother, his only child, spent much of her time caring for him.
I truly recommend reading this book. It is a moving look at life with cancer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This is quite a unique book. I enjoyed reading it and getting the ministers perspective on how God did not give him cancer. God did not set out to make his life miserable. I tend to agree with this in that God doesn’t give us the bad things yet He does allow them to happen.
I appreciated that this was written as more of a story and less of a when you get cancer here is what you should do type of book. It reads well and flows smoothly. When you’re reading it you almost can forget that it’s the story of a real man because it reads so smoothly. Most non-fiction accounts like this tend to be stilted because the author doesn’t know quite how to put their passion into words.
This is a good book that I recommend. I think you’ll enjoy reading it and it will change your outlook on life and really draw you closer to God if you’ve strayed because God did not do it to you and you should remember that!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
There are many books available to read about cancer. It is not my favorite subject to read because it hits home. My brother was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. I remember the day in the hospital when the doctor asked me to step out in the hallway. He told me that my brother only had at the most two months to live. I felt like someone had hit me in the heart as the pain was so horrific. I went back into the room and held my brother’s hand as I told him the news. He asked me to promise him that he would not stay in the hospital. I took him home and became his full time care giver until he passed away with me by his side in March.
I appreciate the author’s story because it shares what it is like to be a care giver. Lisa wanted to be there for her husband but there were times she needed to just fall on her knees and cry out to God. The scriptures used in the book are very helpful and I love how so many people surrounded them in prayer. The author lets us inside her journey with realism. I remember meeting the author and her husband right here in Houston. I was familiar with their ministry and how dedicated they are to ministering to others.
People want to be helpful during difficult times and most mean well. As the author states there were some not so nice emails. It is hard at times to keep going when it feels like everything is against you. My brother chose not to do chemotherapy but rather to go home to be comfortable. I am thankful for the hospital who never once told him he should try something. They did however show him compassion as he left the hospital to begin his next journey. M.D. Anderson hospital is very well known for its treatment of cancer. I enjoyed reading how the Stringer’s used their time there to pray for others.
I loved reading how steadfast their faith was during this journey and how supportive their daughter was as well. There were times while I took care of my brother that I held back tears so he wouldn’t see me upset. We never know why we go through things but I know God had a divine appointment for me and my brother. A few days before he passed away, I lead my brother to Christ. As tears streamed down both out cheeks I heard him say, “Jesus I love you. Come into my heart.” Reading this book has comforted me and has helped me know that God is always there holding our hand as we walk through trials.
One of the things I really liked was how strong this couple was and how they continued to help others. I loved the pillows of peace ministry they continue even today. What an expression of love to receive one as you struggle through illness. I appreciate the outpouring of love this couple shares as they walked into a new ministry. This is a well written first hand look at cancer and the journey one family took. It is encouraging and honest and one that others could benefit from.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A plethora of books have been written about cancer and illness from a Christian perspective, from how-to manuals to memoirs and everything in between. I will be the first to admit that, as someone with chronic illnesses, I am wary of which ones I pick up to read. I want to read something that is Biblically sound and life-giving, not assigning blame or promising cures, and that inspires and uplifts. If you have been through or are going through any kind of significant illness, you do not need depressing reading material. Of course the first Book to turn to should always be your Bible, because it doesn’t get any more hopeful than that, and nothing can ever exceed God’s Word! With that as our foundation, when we read other books, we can discern what lines up with Scripture and what does not.
When I began reading “God Did Not Do This to Me”, author Lisa Stringer’s story engaged me immediately. Rather than a mere factual account of her husband Doug’s journey through B-cell lymphoma, she presents an engaging story that details how their family turned a life-threatening diagnosis into a life-fulfilling opportunity for continued ministry. Her honesty about some of their difficult moments is refreshing in demonstrating that even the strongest in the faith still need God’s strength, which is “made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Doug’s revelation about the eagle in chapter 7 enhanced my understanding of the beloved Isaiah 40:31 with knowledge I had not known about eagles themselves. Also, the pillows of peace, a widespread ministry created from a single gift, shows how much can be achieved with a vision for sharing the love of Christ. And I had to smile while reading the story about the Rocky statue and running the steps to it, although my favorite part of this whole testimony is how Doug and Lisa continue to minister to as many as possible during their own trials.
We may never know the “why” behind the things we go through, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is always good, and that untold blessings lie ahead if we remain faithful to Him. As Lisa says near the end of her story, “Never take for granted what you are going through, good or bad. Allow it to be turned for the good because God has a greater story that comes out of your place of need. No matter what unexpected detours you encounter, God wants us to keep our focus on where we’re going, not what we are going through.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.