And so began my journey—as painful as it had been sometimes—to deal with scars and open wounds left by rape, abortions, a failed marriage, an abandoned son, and the lifestyle. I had to go to God because it was too deep and the inner pain was too great. … I started praying constantly, reading all I could about God, asking questions, watching other people who walked in faith and trying to emulate them. Even in my new faith-walk, I only meant to wet my feet—but it pulled me in—the waters of God’s love for me ran deep—even deeper than drugs. [Page 10]

This book documents Stanice Anderson’s journey from a drug addict to the wonderful Christian speaker and writer she is today. Some parts are painful to read. Other parts seem incredible to the person who has never experienced the horrors of her prior lifestyle. She shares the painful details of fighting to stay alive because of an abusive boyfriend and later an abusive husband. The details of her illegal abortion as a young college student are revealed.

Stanice freely shares her thoughts as she becomes a new Christian and begins walking a new path in life. It wasn’t easy to turn her back on many years of living the alternative lifestyle. She had to learn to walk by faith through counseling from wise friends, study of the Bible, and Prayer. She shares how God can heal the worst wounds a person has and turn them into a triumphant Christian.

I Say A Prayer for Me may be difficult for some to to read simply because it is almost mind boggling to think that people are willing to live the lifestyle Stanice describes. Yet, we only have to look around our neighborhoods today to find some young person that has started down the path that leads to drug addiction or alcoholism or promiscuous sex or an abusive relationship. If you do nothing else to help that person, hand them this book. It shows how God is willing to reach down to fallen man and make them into a new creature in Christ.

Anderson’s writing style is outstanding. You feel like you are right next to her living through every detail. It’s clear the author shares her heart with the reader. Appropriate scripture and a prayer follow each chapter. This book could easily be used as a devotional by someone struggling to break free of the lifestyle described inside the book. Every chapter points the reader to the Lord as the only answer for our problems.

Recommendation

This book should be on every pastor’s shelf for the day a drug addict walks through the church doors. Too many of our trained leaders really don’t understand what the addict has been through. All too often they simply refer the person to some public agency for help without trying to show the addict that Jesus Christ is the only true help.

It will be difficult to put down this book once you start reading it. You’ll want to know what happens next and how God solves the next crisis this new babe in Christ experiences. I am sure you will rejoice as you see God clean up a person most people simply would have given up as being hopeless. God has proven faithful in Stanice Anderson’s life. He will be faithful in your life too. If you are not a Christian, pick up this book and read it through. I really don’t believe anyone can continue believing that God doesn’t want to intervene in the affairs of any single person after reading this incredible story.