A Life Just Like Mine: How God and Nursing Turned Past Pain into Present Peace

by Donna D. Kincheloe

In A Life Just Like Mine Dr. Donna D. Kincheloe connects significant life scenes from her childhood, high school, nursing school, and adulthood, to depict events that caused deep pain, while extracting nuggets of meaning and highlighting the positive take-aways along the way. Dr. Donna engages the audience with an open heart to stimulate emotional self-evaluation and thoughtfully showcase God’s abundant grace. 

She shares experiences blended with gems of wisdom, tears of sadness and humor, and subtle scenes of God’s interventions, with powerful transparency. Ultimately, Dr. Donna passes on her realization that the imperfect life God gave her, is the exact life that shaped her into who she is today – a compassionate, empathetic, respectful, God-loving nurse, mother, and wife. A fierce storyteller who uses her own experiences to help others transform their past pain into present peace.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[James C Magruder · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this moving book, the author revealed a parade of events that shattered her life, her entire life, into pieces, and the glue that bonded them back together—her faith and a nursing career. It makes sense that her faith in God gave her an upward look—and her nursing career gave her an outward look.

When I read this book, I was astonished by her strength, courage, and vulnerability, to put herself out there for all the world to see. But after reading it, I knew why she wrote it. If she could survive and thrive through a fractured life, so can we.

As a reader, that’s what I want most from a self-help book like this; an author that understands the struggles of others—and brings hope—to “lives just like ours.” I highly recommend this book.

James C. Magruder

[Lori Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in just a couple of sittings because I related to so many of the stories. The ones I couldn’t relate to still had such rich lessons that applied to my current life., and a perspective to view my experiences and memories through a better lens. I loved Chapter 10: Transitions, that begins, “Anger, like a prickly weed with hidden sharp thorns, pops up in the garden of life, and tears the most protective coat or skin.” And at the end of Chapter 39, “And I am thankful for my less than perfect life. My choice is to live like a person who is loved, for I know that I am.” I’m grateful to have found this book and a new way to view even the hard parts of my life.

[Lindsay Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A close friend recommended this book to me & I started reading it on an international flight. I didn't know what to expect since I'm not a medical profession. I'm glad I took her recommendation! Do you enjoy authors that are vulnerable, tell relatable stories, and how faith & dedication to God can truly direct your path? If so, I'd add this book to your library. Everyone can relate & gain insight from the stories relayed in this book! 5 out of 5 stars!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir about the difference God can make in a life. It showed resilience and the ability to transition, even through unwanted ones. It also showed how following God's will in one's life and showing both grace and love even when the world would say it was unwarranted makes a difference in not only other's lives but your own.