Why I Tried to Die: A Story of Trauma, Resilience and Restoration

by Lisa Kessler-Peters

Come walk with Lisa as she takes you on a journey from death to life. Her testimony of how she was delivered from a life of addiction and trauma will inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with God. Why I Tried to Die will grip you from the beginning through the end. Lisa's courageous transparency throughout the pages of this book reveal the glory of God and His redemptive healing and restorative powers. It is a must- read for all who are currently going through or dealing with trauma from the past. You will not be disappointed.

-MB Busch President, Heartbeat of Heaven Ministries

Lisa invites the reader on a journey. This journey is the story of her life, full of hopelessness, tragedy and trauma. Yet, in the midst of the most difficult and hopeless of moments, she encountered the living God who repositioned her with a hope and a future. No life is beyond the reach of a loving God, and Lisa's story is a great reminder of this truth.

-Pastor Ruth Hendrickson, Ruth Hendrickson Ministries 

A riveting page-turner! Lisa's story is one of how heartbreaking trauma kept her world from being safe. But, God had other plans! In the most surprising of places, He set her free. Her trust, resiliency and transformation are a testimony of God's power that speaks profound truth.

-Mary Whitman Ortiz, Founder, Limitless Intimacy

When reading Why I Tried to Die, I instantly was able to connect to the author. Her ability to capture and articulate her story to the reader was simply amazing. As someone who dealt with abuse for many years, I was able to identify with what Lisa described. As an author myself, I understand firsthand how difficult it is to not only keep the reader intrigued, but also create an imagery for the reader to experience. Lisa was able to do that as well. I believe that this book will not only transform lives, but also change the minds and stereotypes that have been in place. The author is an amazing woman, and I am blessed to have her in my life.

-Veronica Dixon Co-Pastor, Elevated Life in Christ Community Church

What comes through for me in Why I Tried to Die is Lisa's amazing courage and resilience. I read her words but cannot fathom how she endured persistent childhood trauma in her home, the shuttling back and forth to foster homes and a different school every year, and exposure at such an early age to drugs, alcohol, sex and sexual abuse. On several occasions, I have had the privilege of hearing Lisa eloquently summarize her life's journey, but the book captures what a ten-minute talk cannot-the depth of the harm she experienced and her battle to overcome the pain and trauma against all odds. Speaking with her before her initial talk, I had no clue that she was so horribly mistreated by too many for so long.

Lisa is truly a remarkable woman. Her work is an inspiration to all who read it that even the most inhuman challenges can be overcome with faith and the love of life as expressed by her devotion to her children.

-Robert K. Reed Executive Deputy Attorney General for Special Initiatives

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Taylor Beam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate the author’s honesty in this book. In telling her story So openly, she offers for others to relate and educates Those who may not no a thing about any of these topics.
Great read

[Kimberly Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller Coaster ~ great read

I am so honored to know this loving, resilient, powerful, seeker of souls for the Kingdom, on fire Woman of God. Never knowing Lisa's life story, as I am midway through reading her book titled Why I Tried To Die (avail on Amazon.com), she had me on an emotional roller coaster. Initially reading the book, I feared turning the pages for fear of what was going to happen to little Lisa. Then I smiled and quickly turned the pages in Young Lisa's good times and then back to fear again. I highly recommend it for those hard conversations that people cannot have with those they know.

[Bjpcministriesgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so proud of Lisa, and how she truly opened her heart and allowed God to use her in Kingdom Building. I never knew her whole story until reading her book. In serving those in prison and those that are re-entering the community or from a dark place in their life, this book gives hope. Lisa is an example of a disciple of Christ inspite of her past challenges. The love of Christ redeemed her so she could fulfill her purpose in life...helping those who feels there’s no hope...BUT GOD is always there. I recommend her book as a ministry tool and a book that inspires.

[Mark Frailey]

Most text books are written by a person who studies a subject and then writes what they learned, not this one! Lisa covers so many topics from the view point of an expert - she knows the subject matter first hand because she experienced it. She covers so many topics, like: consequences of being neglected by parents, abuse, foster care, being homeless, being desperate to the point of doing anything she could to have enough money to survive and provide for her children, what it's like to be arrested, the difficulties of life behind bars on suicide watch and then in general population, consequences of incarceration, and PTSD. For me, she writes about redemption. Her life changed in an instant while in a jail cell. I know her story and wish she would have spent more time writing about how God is using her now to help so many people. This is a must read! Another must is to meet her in person and see first hand what God has done in her life and how He is using her today.

[Nicole Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa’s story takes you into a child’s life full of trauma And how that affects her life as a young adult in choices made just trying to survive. Its shares her journey and how she completely changes her story. It It talks about how our justice system fails the ppl. Everything from Drug addiction, mental health, prison system, physical abusive, how the system works and Lisa’s struggles to be reborn again, finding God and actually feel alive. Great read for anyone!!!!!

[Katie Flather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MuST READ! This book is inspirational, emotional, heartbreaking at times, and it is uplifting! I am sure we all could identify with Lisa in some way, be it what she went through, or the emotions she felt. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!

[Flo Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! Lisa's story of her life was so raw and emotional I don't know how she survived at times. I know it was only by the grace of God that she did survive, and now to see how God is using Lisa's past for His honor and glory is nothing more than amazing!

[Ashley Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author did a amazing job! There were times I teared up but it was also encouraging and inspirational! I fully reccomend this book!

[Thomas Corker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book for everyone wether you are going through hard times, or have been through them in the past or even if you have never been through bad things.Very good book to encourage yourself that no matter what comes your way you can overcome it and become whatever you want to in life.

[Donna Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent and poignant truth. Lisa's truths will reach many a wounded souls and give them the strength to forge ahead and accept the deliverance that God provides.

I am honored to be a friend and confidant of this most courageous woman. I praise God for her, her openness and desire to see others healed, delivered and set free.

Rev. Donna Humphries

[Seth Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well told story of how life threw everything it had at Lisa and how she managed to overcome. At times heartbreaking, inspirational, and highly relatable.

[Matthew Coover · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband gave me Lisa's book "Why I tried to Die" after a training he attended where she was the guest speaker. I read it in two days! After inviting her to speak at a recovery group last week, I realized she writes how she speaks - clearly, plainly, and with compassion. Certain aspects of her childhood, mental and physical struggles overlap with my story. I was encouraged and inspired by her story and her vulnerability. There IS hope in Jesus Christ! We all have a story and no matter how far "gone" you think you are, Jesus redeems it all. Thank you Lisa for sharing your story with encouragement and hope. God Bless!
- Dia, Perish No More Ministries

[Sherri May]

We don’t get to choose whether we come into this world. But we are here by intention, by divine design. There isn’t always evidence of the divine, however. As Lisa so vulnerably shares, often it looks more like evil. Living can feel painful, confusing and pointless. In telling her story though, Lisa shows how every single event, and the specific order in which they occurred, has meaning and purpose. She lived chaos and dysfunction from day one, until she was mercifully set aside to a space where she could hear God’s direction clearly – clarifying what didn’t make sense before. She then walks through the untangling where her faith was thoroughly tested and proven, to a soul-stirring, still evolving, victory. She shines the light on divine purposes that look anything but meaningful, in her darkest moments. Revealing how there is nothing haphazard or random in our life when viewed through His eyes. Lisa could not advocate for those considered lost without hope; and stand against the systems that perpetuate further damage on the already damaged, without living every experience just as it occurred. Her passion for change burns deeply because she lived what no one talks about. God showed her, because it needs to be talked about. Forever my hat will be off to those like Lisa, who have, by the grace and mercy of God, fought back from the pits of hell and instead of looking for praise and adoration or someone to blame, look for others fighting the battle. There is no better person to empathize and advocate for another, than one who has already walked in their shoes. God has called Lisa to deliver a message of hope, healing and victorious living. In order to use her life to make a difference, He first needed her to live it, then He showed her why. Lisa – thanks for sharing your why, the story of a broken road that led you to His purpose.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently met Lisa as part of a board for a new nonprofit reentry ministry. I had never heard her story before. And I am new to prison ministry, especially reentry ministry. But I can tell you that you want to hear her story.

Lisa's life is an amazing story of ups and downs. She has a powerful testimony to tell. Especially for anyone who has never experienced through the eyes of someone who has been incarcerated, her story tells a lot about what it means to be free by Jesus' power.

You don't want to miss reading this book. It's honest about the lows in life. But he brings an unspeakable and unquenchable joy to hear the whole story!

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Lisa Kessler-Peters, in her book, “Why I Tried To Die,” reaches out to the heart of the reader with her personal story of ups and downs. As the reader goes on the journey with Lisa, there will be heart-moving moments the reader will experience. Others will connect because of similar circumstances in their lives.
Personally, this was not a quick read. However, the reason was, it was more than a story; it was an experience. There are times the material needed to be digested and processed before moving forward. A sermon was birthed from portions of this book. One of the powerful statements that jumped from the pages was: “The devil is not creative. He finds what your weakness is (mine was rejection), and he plays on that weakness in as many ways as he can” (73). There were also three mind-sets discussed that every reader could connect with at some point. 1. “The orphan mind-set, 2. The victim mind-set, 3. The poverty mind-set”(88-89).
This book is undoubtedly a valuable read for anyone but significant value for those in counseling, rehab, prison, or recovery programs. Every pastor, counselor, rehab leader should have multiple copies to share with those going through trauma in their lives for direction and healing.
The story of Lisa’s life will strengthen every reader, so be encouraged to get a copy today and be blessed.

A copy of this material was provided by Orison Publishers, Inc., for my unbiased review.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa I read your book, you are a true inspiration. I am currently going through a divorce and your story on Kurt reminds me so much of my relationship with my husband. I cried the entire time reading your book. I am gaining a closer relationship with God through this and finding strength each day. I want to thank you for putting your story out for the world to hear. I have learned some things from your reading and although I struggle at times, I am working on putting Him first. Thank you again for your story and inspiration. Have a blessed day!

[Geri Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Tried to Die is an amazing true story that was beautifully written by Lisa Kessler Peters. I read it in two sittings because I could not put it down. I found myself settling into a quiet place in my home to read it so I could truly feel what she had so descriptively written. This book will help many women to have hope after being through major trauma as a child and young adult. I am so proud of you, my friend for sharing this story of hope.
Geri Forrest

[Lisa Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an eye opening account of what it is like in part to be in the system. Foster care, drugs, prostitution, jail, etc... What a powerful story of a little girl to woman of faith. A must read for anyone who wants the truth of what it takes for restoration.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Your strength, determination was always with you....
Sometimes it just takes a little time to get it right!
Proud of you! Tracy

[Anushka Persaud ☁* ✨☁** ☁✨✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice