Welcome
A Book That Ask: How Has God Transformed You During Your Journey?
Shirley Smith BS, MDiv, ABR-Realtor, Leadership Coach, Author
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Shirley Smith BS, MDiv, ABR-Realtor, Leadership Coach, Author
Shirley Smith is a John Maxwell leadership coach who specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges. She is an author, experienced minister who happens to be a licensed real estate consultant, facilitator of graduate student vocation formation and spiritual formation small groups, former global market Development and published author, "Life After Death: Resilience, Identity, and Revelations During Grief and After Death," who offers guidance and support for those who have experienced the loss of loved ones, unjust treatment, undervaluation, divorce, and lack of acknowledgment for their accomplishments. Can you identify with one or many of these type losses? Welcome!
Hi Shirley
I am a slow reader. So I have not finished chapter one yet! I'm really emjoying your book. The depth of spirituality is such that I underlined many things with my highlighter. So grateful to have your share from such depth.( CS Spiritual Director & Retired Missionary from China West Sacramento, CA.)
Hi Shirley
I finished the book in 1 day as I couldn't stop. Your book brought me to my knees before God who cares intimately for us. I found it profoundly insightful how you connected the themes of suffering, loss, and pain with our identity, instead of providing "how to" guides.
It reminded me of Romans 5:3-4. ( YJ Attorney in Japan )
Shirley Smith weaves together a compelling narrative of her lived experience relating to loss and grief. As she recounts the reality of being the only surviving member of her family of origin, she does so with candor, challenging the reader to start looking for hidden blessings.
This book will inspire you… give you hope… and show you how to change your perspective on how you look at loss and grief.
What stood out for me the most is Smith’s experiences of world travel and how the knowledge gained through them informs her point of view about death and loss.
Instead of thinking “why me” or “what did I do to deserve this?” Smith shares her journey to help others face their losses which can be diverse…like injustices, dreams deferred, relationship losses or even loss of inheritance. (Pastor in Mississippi)
The vibrant, colorful photographs are a beautiful peek into Smith’s world. They make her stories more relatable and offer a unique perspective.
The book’s title gives a hint that there is life after death. It’s far from telling only depressing stories. The photographs serve as a comforting companion against the rawness of loss.
What stood out for me is her lesson learned: to listen carefully in all situations.(Journalist in Jackson, MS.)
Life After Death is inspiring for many reasons. It is an ideal read for anyone who is searching for meaning while anticipating grief as Smith did with her family.
As she introduces the five stages of grief per Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, her real life examples and compassionate insights show how she navigated them.
Her corporate background as well as her theological training provided a framework structure for her way of handling grief.
This well-rounded book is suitable for teaching or personal learning. Hospital chaplains, clergy persons, and those laypersons in the midst of the grief process can benefit. ( DB Retired Pastor in MS)
Just ordered your book. Looking forward to reading it!
I am enjoying your book.
love your information about the pyramids.
And the various Egyptian figures.
I would love to see all of that.
Yes. You've always been able to lean into your faith. That's a wonderful thing. I recall you sharing about the pain of losing so many family members in such a short time. That is unfathomable to me. It took me years to get over losing my mom. Your pain would completely undo most people. You have truly persevered.
I did finish your book! It was wonderful to learn more about your background and understand the roots of your Bible scholarship. You were blessed to know so many of your family elders. I understand better where you find your inspiration and grace in life. I would think anyone who knows you personally would find your story very engaging and inspiring.
"...your strong beliefs stood out the most...I was inspired to reflect on my own sources of strength and inspiration. I could relate to being the "only" in the room. I agree with your observations about how life-giving family connections are. And I will have to give some thought to whom to gift the book to.😘 (LZ Retired Marketing Professional, Rocklin, CA.)
5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt and Uplifting Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
When I picked up Life After Death, I was searching for something to help me see the light at the end of a difficult period in my life. What I found within these pages was so much more—a true gift of perspective, hope, and healing.
The author, Shirley Smith, has the ability to weave personal stories with profound insights that made me feel seen and understood. Each chapter gently guided me toward a new way of thinking, encouraging me to focus on the small, everyday positives rather than dwelling on what I’ve lost or endured. I especially appreciated the practical tips and exercises that made the ideas easy to apply in my own life.
What struck me most was the book’s tone—compassionate yet empowering. It didn’t gloss over the challenges of life, nor did it feel preachy or unrealistic. Instead, it struck the perfect balance, offering both acknowledgment of my struggles and a roadmap toward a brighter future.
This book left me feeling lighter and more optimistic. It reminded me that even after the hardest storms, there’s still beauty to be found in the sunrise. (RM Realtor in Georgia)
Reunited Bookclub Comments During the Book Review February 23, 2025
Members comments: The author was encouraged to serve as she went through pain. Her advice to "be" as oppose to "doing" continuously "doing", thereby taking the time to listen. The author found that "acts of kindness" are sometimes the desires of God,So do them. God can communicate through dreams about those who have moved on. Conclusion to take our mines of ourselves and realize that now is the time for faith.
2nd member: The author's levels of faith and strength while going through injustices are surprising.
3rd member: Our family is getting smaller. We need to think of capturing our family history. Within my country people have strong faith but sometimes I think we have loss our faith.
4th member: My family seem to lose members every two years. Very interesting book. With faith and spiritual awareness the author found that language is not a problem in prayer.
5th member: What stood out is how much the author knew about family and how much more she learned about family when talking with others after the family had passed away. Her father had encouraging words.
6th member: When I loss family, I felt helpless. When II loss my job I felt a loss of identity. I had gone to college and was working for a Fortune 500 corporation. What happens when you are proud of your job and your company and you are laid off? We assume we know and we do not know their stories. We adjust to functions/jobs and we think that is our identity. When the author was let go of her job she was the only income in her home. Yet, living as a single parent she does not appear to fit the negative sterotypes that people assign to single family homes.
7th member: The author saw her travels even by herself in other countries and being the only woman in meetings as adventurous rather than intimidating. She seem to fit in where ever she went.
Author: This review was quite emotional for me as everyone shared about the book and how it caused them to reflect on their own family, life, identity, faith, and so much more. What a wonderful group of women! I am honored to "sit " among you.
The author's writing was very informative and captivating. Her writing skills are awesome and connected
with me right away. The cover "Resilience, Identity, and Revelations During Grief And After Loss" caught my attention as I am looking for ways to deal with grief and loss now. Her writing skill is engaging with a sense of voice and clarity. I will keep this book as a reference. ( JWB CHICAGO, IL )
I purchase the book and was very drawn to the the characters in the book and the things that went on and the Authur‘s life I really appreciate her putting this down on paper because you never know what you may go through with a job on loss of a family member. She was very strong and courageous, and I would recommend this book to anyone. AN Librarian
AS I WROTE MY LIFE STORIES IN THIS BOOK "LIFE AFTER DEATH" I WAS FORCED TO REFLECT OVER MY LIFE EVENTS, MY FAMILY, GOD'S PRESENCE, AND HOW I WAS SENSING MY TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST. THE REVELATIONS FROM EXPERIENCES ARE SO LIFE GIVING. I FIND HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE AS I RELIVE EACH LIFE EVENT, REMEMBER LOVED ONES, AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES WITH GOD ALONG MY JOURNEY !
When you purchase your books from this site, I sign your copy myself and send it to you. This book is an honor to God and an honor to my family of origin who have transitioned. While going through grief I did research on my father's 1883rd Engineer Aviation Battalion and oh boy ! what I learned see chapter 6!!
Welcome to my Life Coaching website! My name is Shirley F Smith. Whether you're looking to improve your personal growth through: Spiritual Formation, Real Estate ownership, Leadership Quality, desiring to improve your Cultural Competence, or just read a great book. I can offer guidance to help support your journey as you choose a direction.
Check out this great video which is a short synopsis of the book.
If you would like the author to sign your book order here. Or feel free to order on Amazon.com. Business hours.(M-F 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m. PDT)
P O Box 348115 Sacramento CA 95834
TEXT: +1.9162450340 WHATSAPP:1.770.715.5935
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for our newsletter!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.