Awakenings from the Light

by Nancy Rynes

Nancy Rynes was riding her bicycle when a large SUV approached. The vehicle’s driver, absorbed in texting while driving, plowed right into Rynes.

Suffering from severe spinal and head injuries, Rynes knew she was dying. At that moment, she underwent the first of two life-changing near-death experiences—her consciousness split between her frightened, injured self laying on the road, and an impartial, peaceful observer-consciousness who watched as first responders fought to keep her alive. Her second, more lengthy near-death experience came days later, during the surgery that attempted to repair her traumatized spine.

Rynes, a scientist and confirmed skeptic, was shown the wonders of Heaven, experiencing joy, love, and beauty on such a grand scale that she wept at its magnitude. She then met and spoke with a Being who gave her insights into life, love, and the wonders of Spirit. After her tour of Heaven, she was returned to her body to begin the long, slow process of recovering from injuries her surgeon affirms should have killed her.

In Awakenings from the Light, Rynes recounts the amazing sights of Heaven, and explains the remarkable insights into life she returned with to share with others. She was gifted with a second chance—a precious opportunity to bring a little bit of Heaven into her life on Earth. The wisdom she passes on could well change your life as well.

“You have expressed your story so clearly, and positively that I can feel that love floating off the page. Bless you. “ Richard V.

“Nancy, thank you for sharing this. I have heard a number of NDEs before but have believed none to this point primarily because they were told by attention seekers. I don't believe that is the case here. I've never heard it explained so well…Thank you for bolstering my faith.” Lou B.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2015

About the author

My friends call me "The Atheist Who Went to Heaven." Until my near-death experience in early 2014, I was a scientist and confirmed skeptic. Born Roman Catholic, I became an atheist, and later an agnostic, beginning in my late teens when I went off to university to study geology and archaeology. The sciences taught me to base my views on things I could measure, and since spiritual matters were not measurable, for me they did not exist.

During most of my adult life, though, a part of me hoped there was something more than just physical reality but I never saw evidence for it. The skepticism remained until January of 2014, when Spirit gave me a wake-up call! Since my near-death experience, I have returned to a more spiritual and creative life based on the wisdom I learned in Heaven.

In the past, I have been an archeological artist, geologist, data analyst, and science/technical writer. But then Heaven threw me a curveball, one I desperately needed. Now I am writing books about Spirit, what happens when we die, and how we can bring a little bit of "Heaven" to our lives on Earth.

Reviews

[Irena Hayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully told story of a scientist who doesn't really believe in anything, who suddenly finds herself and her bicycle underneath an SUV. On the operating table she wakes up in heaven, and I just love the way she describes every single thing. She wants to stay, but agrees to come back and tell people what she has learned. I am still trying to wrap my mind around the amount of love she describes in Heaven, and the idea of being loved unconditionally, in spite of everything, by God, or whatever word you use to describe the higher power above. As she went through her story and the lessons that she was taught, I nodded at some of them and said, "I think I do that," and I nodded at others and said, "I could do a better job at that." It all makes you think hard about what you still want to do in this life, and about the people around you. The author has a gentle way of prodding us: while we're here on this earth, why not deal with some of these things that we know we need to deal with? So what if it's hard. You're already here, right? Why waste it?
I also love how she describes gratitude as being a super-speed shortcut to love. I never thought of gratitude really being love.
So grateful for these messages!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw a TV interview with the author about a month ago where she spoke about being hit by an SUV while riding her bike and the near death experience that followed. She was severely injured and, while having surgery on her spine, went to a place she calls Heaven. After wondering where she was and why she was there, a voice said, “you’re here because you are my child; welcome home.” This was all a surprise to her because she was an atheist. There were certain aspects about her story that resonated with me at the time: that Heaven is full of such a pure love that it’s indescribable; that we came to this earth knowing that it wouldn’t be easy and that we volunteered before we were born for certain tasks or difficulties to happen while here. I found her story absolutely fascinating and decided that I wanted to read her book. I still find her NDE story fascinating, but the longer, middle portion of her book - the lessons - just didn’t interest me as much. Not to say they aren’t important lessons, but the commandment to love and care for yourself and others isn’t a new concept.

[John Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you dispute the NDE premise, the book is still a great guide on Living in the Spirit as required by the Commandment to Love Your Neighbor as I have loved you. Awakenings gives special attention to the often neglected topic of how to love yourself, and keep in mind the alternative version of the Commandment is to Love Your Neighbor as you love yourself. Most amazing of all, when you see the word "love" in the New Testament (including 1 Cor 4-13), it is practically always referring to "agape", the relationship between ourselves and God. Learning agape is what this book is all about!

[Chris B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me so long to read because it was so insightful that I wanted to digest it slowly. If you want to read a story about one woman’s near death experience and what she learned from it, I would recommend this book.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, I would say the book was, "Ok" but I don't want to belittle her experience. It seems to me that this book serves more as a cathartic memoir for her, to help her sort through her experiences rather than the typical NDE account. But I do believe she published it in hopes that it would be helpful to others as well. So for that I gave it an extra star.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book was so special to me. I started it at a time in my life that I needed to feel loved and found that I should love myself first. It teaches so many things you don’t even think about doing. I’m so glad I found it. Everyone should read it. I have the Kindle version which I can’t share with my kids. Wish I could! Thanks Nancy!

[Figgle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a beautiful and inspiring account of her NDE, plus messages from Spirit on ways for us as humans to enhance and live our lives in positive ways. What is not to like? Thank you for sharing your story!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information is clearly written to help people. Nancy is an inspiring speaker, but I wanted more about her NDE in this book. That's why I didn't give it five stars. I think for someone just starting out on the spiritual journey, she offers some good advice.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Near death experiences are a bit of an obsession with me. This was no exception to that.

[Susie Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good messages for life.

[Susie Besecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her story is powerful, her experience amazing. Kind of a lot of extra fluff in this book but I am grateful for the shared experience all the same as it provides validation for others.