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It Had to Happen

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Have you ever asked yourself why? Why am I having sleepless nights? Why am I still dealing with this hurt, rather than escaping from it? Why do I keep going in and out of so many dysfunctional relationships? Why is everyone coming to you for the answers to their issues and you can’t even figure out your own?

It Had to Happen is an inspiring book that will heal wounds, restore your faith and dramatically change your relationship with God. After carefully retracing your steps, you will be able to identify with the direction you are heading and begin your journey with confidence and faith.

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First published February 25, 2011

93 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia A. Patterson

6 books6 followers
Author of the book, It Had to Happen - Understanding that everything you go through in life is for God's Purpose." Cynthia A. Patterson is Founder and CEO of Daughters of Virtue and Excellence Ministries, Inc. (DOVE Ministries). A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization offer mentoring, Christian counseling, and leadership development education to women of all walks of life.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia.
33 reviews13 followers
September 21, 2011
One of our biggest hurdles in life is letting go of our past. As humans we seem to want to linger in the past, especially dwelling on our times of illness, suffering, and loss. The question that repeats itself is: “Why?”, “Why did this happen?”, “Why now?”, and “Why me?”

In the book “It Had to Happen”, Cynthia Patterson assists us in moving past the “Why’s”, and moving forward with the understanding that our past is necessary for our future; even the rough past, maybe especially the rough past. In less than 100 pages Cynthia Patterson brings the reader to not only acknowledge the past, (the good and the rough), but to move forward from that past to the present life. A pathway that is unique to each reader.

Even when some of the author’s life examples, life wounds, did not directly apply to me, Patterson’s skilled prose led me to an alternative place – that was uniquely mine. I would suggest that it will be the same for any reader poised to move forward on their life’s spiritual journey.

When I read a book, such as this book, which has questions at the end of each chapter, I sometimes bypass those questions – and therefore the subsequent internal work those questions imply!! Sometimes.

However, you know the phrase: “She had me at `Hello’”? Well, Cynthia had me at the very first question at the end of Chapter 1. The Journal Reflections, which repeat themselves at the end of every chapter, fit together with the questions in unique and compelling ways. Cynthia calls her questions: “Discovery Questions” and they are just that.

“It Had to Happen – Understanding that Everything You Go Through in Life is for God’s Purpose” is fully realized step by step, leading the reader to the revelation that everything truly did have to happen – for you to journey your own unique path during this life.

For her biblical connection, the author chose a passage from The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9 – the woman with the issue of blood. Now, do not be put off by this scripture passage, it is simply referring to a woman with some sort of health issue. Basically referring to each of us, with our everyday health and spiritual challenges, whatever they may be.

Whether you are new to a quest of self discovery and personal faith, or seeking to deepen your connection with God and self, “It Had to Happen” is an enlightening place with which to move forward. It is a book that invites the reader back time and time again, with each reading bringing you closer and closer to your inner self and ultimately to God.

“It Had to Happen” is a definite `keeper’ on my personal bookshelf!

Cynthia Patterson introduced her book by stating that we would embark on a journey – that we would visit our past – and that we would see the direction of our future. And for me, it happened! “It Had to Happen”!
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
November 27, 2011
Let Go and Let God!

At one point or another on our journey throughout life we ask ourselves two important questions, how did we get to the point we're in, in our lives, and who are we really? In “It Had to Happen,” author Cynthia A. Patterson assists the reader in finding the answers to these two questions while providing the tools for the reader to connect with God.

Each chapter begins with a helpful quote to jumpstart the chapter and ends with questions and the reader journaling their response. The author provides detailed biblical passages to help open and close doors in a reader’s life and begin a future of empowered change.

Pick yourself up a copy. I’m certain you will not be disappointed. What is the saying? It’s easier to let go and let God. Happy Reading!

Reviewed by: Sabrina
Profile Image for Nakia Laushaul.
Author 9 books69 followers
June 27, 2011
I almost never read self-help books. I usually skim through the table of contents to quickly find what I need and I'm done. It Had to Happen, I read from cover to cover. The title alone makes an extremely powerful statement. This book was well-written and very necessary for women (men too) of all ages.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
September 14, 2011
In the introduction, the author explains to women why we are always changing our degree plans, careers, hairstyles, etc. is because we are seeking affirmation and praise. Moreover, we strive for love, security, protection, and assurance. Once a woman finds her divine purpose, this is how she becomes Satan's target and enemy. We are constantly masking our feelings and wearing blinders to how we truly should view things going in our lives. We have to discover them, unleash the possibilities, and dreams God has put inside each and every one of us once we tap into the Source (and others to surrender their lives to Christ, who are not saved). Overall, we will face challenges and consequences, "it will/had happen(ed)" but don't let it stop us from seeking God for solutions.

Biblical passages that stuck with me: "your faith has saved you" (Matthew 9:22); "your faith has healed you" (Mark 5:34). Do we stand on our faith that can save you, heal you, and shows that you believe beyond sight. There are also inspirational quotes per each chapter.

"Your relationship with your earthly father would be used as a blueprint in forming your relationship with God" (page 12). Our fathers need to stand up to the plate be leaders, head of the household, and modeling what a godly husband should look like for his daughters as well as be a person to look up to for his sons. I love this line too, "He is in the salvation business, not the satisfaction business" (page 29). "You are created by design. God does not call only the qualified, He qualifies all those for whom He calls" (page 71).

She shares insightful, well-researched, and questions to arise the reader with some biblical stories/concepts to see how other women were hurt, bleeding, or seeking help from isolation, depression, and other disruptive behaviors that are ungodly. When she shared the story about Tamar, who was violated sexually by her brother Amnon and to keep hidden by her other brother Absalom, as her father and King David never punished his son and renewed her honor. I cannot imagine all those years she was isolated, never married, or bore a heir because of losing her virginity of which was the most disgraceful thing in the Old Testament.

Moreover, we need to follow Naomi's action, decisive faith, where we make the decision to get ourselves together! We receive a word from God and take a step of faith towards our destiny. Step in position and stop allowing things to block the blessings. Shift your focus. Start living a life of expectancy.

Other resourceful books: "Every Woman in the Bible" (I have a copy somewhere); "Discovering God's Purpose for your Life" and other books in the back of the book. Additionally, after each chapter is "Discovery Questions" to reflect on your own issues in relation to the concept delivered in each chapter.

*I hope to someday get this author and minister on my online ministry radio program: DYRP Midnight Hour (http://dreamyourreality.webs.com).

*Received a copy from the author for a book review in the Goodreads Self-Published Authors Group.

Adrienna Turner, author of "God is in the Equation" and award-winning book, "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.AdriennaTurner.webs.com
Profile Image for Lit Convos With MP.
40 reviews12 followers
August 7, 2013
In the book the author dissected the Mark Chapter 5, which is about the woman with the issue of blood. She uses this story to teach her readers how to persevere when they have trials and tribulations in their life. Throughout this book Cynthia Patterson teaches us about faith and the power of positive thinking. She also expounds on having personal self worth.

To be quite frank I have never read a self-help book therefore by reading this book, I really stepped out on a limb and was literally broadening my horizons. I have read several books over the years, my favorite genre being urban fiction. With that being said, although this book was quite short, it started off really slowly for me and I had to force myself to read it. The reason being is I could not identify with the woman who had the issue of blood at first because I personally have not had any real hardships in my life, which made it even harder to identify with her. But when I got to chapter 5, Don’t Give Up, it all turned around for me. I began to think of other aspects of my life such as dealing with people, work, etc and trying to see how I could use the tools the author gives us in the book to help me on a daily basis; professionally and personally.

In summary, in the last paragraph of the Introduction, the author does state this book was meant for those who are ready to read it. In the end, I am glad I read the book although in the beginning I was not sure if it was meant for me. Not only did I read it, I purchased another book for a very close friend and mentor.

~ Sophia, BBC Secretary
Profile Image for Tracy Smith.
212 reviews48 followers
August 22, 2011
Letting go of the past and working through to a new spiritual beginning, you need to learn that "It Had To Happen. "

Seeking spiritual guidance? Looking for the right steps to take to even begin? Come with Cynthia Patterson as she takes you step by step on a guiding journey to living and walking with the Lord. In this book, she paralells the meaning behind the "Unclean Woman" in the Biblical books of Matthew and Mark, to the struggles and strife that the modern woman of today can go through and how having and gaining faith can change their lives. Ask yourself the questions posed at the end of each chapter ro see where you are in your journey.

This is definitely an important spiritual book for many women these days. The writer is very good at sharing her own struggles along life's path and putting in perspective how important letting it go and learning from it can make a life filled with hope and faith for the future. Ms. Patterson has put all this in a one sitting format that is very easy to understand and really poses a lot of good questions to ask yourself to see how things had to happen to get where you are today and how to move forward for tomorrow.

I would highly recommend this book to any woman searching for a good, spiritually uplifting guide that will help in their personal journey to finding and keeping their faith in the Lord.

This book was kindly provided to me by it's wonderful author for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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