Book Drawing! “What About Me? How to Survive Your Parents’ Divorce” by Kim Johnson 
Divorce is devastating for every member of the family. Kim Johnson has written an important book to help the children who suffer from divorce. I’m so glad to make a copy available to the winner of this book drawing. Read below for the details.
Here’s an important excerpt from the book.
Now That Your Parents Are Divorcing
by Kim Johnson
Now that your parents are divorcing, are you in a place that never feels quite right? Maybe you are so mad you could hit something. At the same time, the hurt makes you want to disappear. Although you constantly push the divorce out of your mind, your feelings inside don’t change. They never go away even when you put on your I’m okay face. Everything is so messed up you feel paralyzed and helpless.
Under these circumstances, your emotions are normal. You may feel no one understands, but, in reality, you’re not alone. Your heart wishes the situation was different, but this is your story now.
Almost everyone at one time or another has experienced something they wish hadn’t happened. Maybe you forgot an assignment. Or, you missed a great basketball game. Whatever happened, you said to yourself, “I wish it hadn’t happened.” “I don’t like this.” These feelings can be exhausting and make you feel powerless. However, two things are within your control—your attitude and your response to the unfairness in your life. Start by working to change what you can control. This doesn’t mean giving up or putting up with inappropriate things. Rather, it’s taking charge and deciding what is within your power. That’s exactly what happens in a boxing match.
When a boxer gets in the ring and just stands still with his gloves covering his face, he’s not handling the blows from the other boxer. That’s giving up. However, the boxer who moves and tries to punch, even if he misses, is taking control by acting. Allowing yourself to be helpless is giving up. Then you become like the boxer standing in the ring getting pounded because he won’t try. Sure, there may be a swing and a miss, but that isn’t the point. It’s about moving, not standing still. By taking control and doing something—like reading this book, talking to a trusted friend, checking your attitude, or journaling—could be what wins the fight.
If you don’t know where to start, begin by thinking about the negatives impacting you. Next, consider the positives. What you discover might be surprising.
Look for the good in your current circumstances to balance out the not-so-great ones.
Another step in the right direction is to write your thoughts in a journal or on your computer. It doesn’t need to be long. It can be short—like a hashtag statement. #SadDay. #MissMyLife. #MadAtTheWorld. #WhyMyParents? You may not want to talk about the hurt with anyone right now, so keeping a journal, a diary, or making notes on your phone can make sorting and organizing your feelings easier.
Struggling in unfamiliar territory is normal. Everyone does in some way. Yet, how long you struggle is up to you. Rather than wrestle with circumstances beyond your control, put your energy into what you can change—your attitude, opinions, feelings, and how you respond. Just like the boxer, if you do nothing you will continue to get pounded. Courage and strength are the best way to handle your parents’ breakup.
Many people in God’s Word struggled with hardship. The apostle Paul was one of them. He says in Philippians 4:12–13: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything, I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Just like God empowered Apostle Paul, He will come through for you.
Thank you, Kim, for this important example from your book. My readers: to put your name into the drawing to win “What About Me? How to Survive Your Parents’ Divorce,” make a comment on the blog post of this post. I will draw the winner on Sunday evening, January 10th, 2021. Only USA addresses can win. UPDATE: Terri is the winner! Congratulations!
Kim Johnson is an author and speaker with extensive experience in church ministry and a career as assistant to the Chief Counsel for the Disneyland Resort. She was a pastor’s wife with two teenage daughters when she suffered a devastating divorce. Through this experience God equipped her to lead adult divorce recovery classes for many years. After constant requests for information to help teens cope with their parents’ breakup, Kim created What About Me? based upon her daughters’ journey. It has been used in conjunction with her adult classes. She and her husband reside in Southern California and serve as volunteer Ministry Partners at their local church. They enjoy camping, hiking and fishing, and have a blended family of four married adult children.
Reach Kim at:
Facebook: facebook.com/pg/TipsForTeensWhenParentsDivorce
Facebook.com/Author_Kim_Johnson
Instagram: kim_d_johnson
Twitter: @KimJohnson00111
Email: [email protected]
Although my family has not gone through a divorce, my brother is right now and this would be so helpful for my nieces.
Hi Linda, I’m glad you entered the drawing and now know of this book. I hurt for your nieces and hope they can heal. I know Kim’s book would really help. Blessings!
Hi Linda,
I’m so glad you entered this drawing. Teens are often the forgotten ones when parents divorce. They are so good at putting on the “I’m OK” face when inside they are shattered. Even without the book you can love and encourage them to be open with their feelings. Pray for God to give you wisdom in how to help them. Many Blessings! Kim
This book would be great for my grandkids ages 8 and 11. Since the children were very young when the divorce happened I feel this would be very beneficial for them
Hi Louise, thank you for entering the drawing and seeing the value of this book. I know it will help your grandkids. Blessings to you.
Hi Louise. While this book would be good for your 11 year old grandchild, it would be good for you to read as well. Many times we are unsure how to help kids and the information would give you some insight. I trust the Lord will bless you as you keep them close to your heart. Kim
My daughter is going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. The Lord saved their marriage 9 years ago but again my son-in-grace has made his choice to leave for good. Their 14 and 9 year old boys could use this wisdom on how God will now work in their lives.
Mary Ann, I’m so sorry to hear of this trauma in your family. Thank you for entering the drawing.
I am currently going through a divorce and this would be helpful for my kids
Hello Theresa, I’m so sorry to hear of your divorce. I pray the Lord will strengthen you and give courage to your children. Thank you for entering the drawing.
Hi Theresa,
I’m so sorry you are traveling this difficult path. It is so painful for everyone and especially your teens. And when we are in pain it is sometimes hard to have the strength to even get through the day. So, thank you for entering this drawing. I know God will give lift you up and carry you on this journey. Kim
What an important and timely book. Kudos to Kim for writing this book.
Thank you for entering the drawing, Terri. I know Kim will appreciate your support.
Hi Terri,
Thank you for your support. As always, God will use our pain when we allow Him to lead us. Kim
Congratulations, Terri! You are the winner of Kim’s book. I will connect you two by email. Thanks so much for participating!
My 12 year old grandsons parents are separated and have plans on divorcing. It’s very difficult for him, they sold the only home he knew, the parents live close by each other so it’s easier for him to transfer from one home to the other. I read the inserts and he does love to read, I’d love to give him this book so it could maybe help him over this big bump in his life
Hello Sandra, I’m sad to hear of this sorrow in your family. I know your heart is concerned fro your grandson. Thank you for entering the drawing and becoming aware of this book.
Hi Sandra,
I’m so sad to hear your grandson’s parents are divorcing. It is difficult for the whole family, but especially for kids. And at 12 they are sometimes at a crossroads. So, it’s a blessing that you are doing what you can to help him navigate such a painful experience. My prayer will be that he does read it and he will learn to rely on God. Blessings! Kim
As my own divorce just finalized, I know this has been so very difficult for my son. He has no place to call “home” with his life split 50/50. My hope is that he will gain empowerment to change his outlook. The Serenity Prayer in a book!
Lisa, we are so saddened to hear of your divorce. Our hearts grieve with you and your son. Thank you for entering the drawing. May the Lord strengthen you during this difficult time.
Hi Lisa,
I’m so sorry you have gone through this. I remember the pain well. And, I know that it’s difficult for your son as well. Being between two “worlds” is one of the most difficult parts of this process for kids and teens. They feel like they no longer fit anywhere. Stay aware of his feelings and needs. Give grace where needed while at the same time keeping boundaries as firm as possible. And keep trusting God to give you wisdom. Many blessings!
Oh, I am so proud of my friend, Kim and her book. This is going to be a blessing to so many. I am actually going to purchase her book, so please don’t enter me in the drawing, but I can give a true testimonial on Kim and her wisdom and love through difficult times. My sister just went through a divorce and her three kids are struggling, so I am praying that this book will be as helpful to them as Kim has been to me. God bless!
Thank you for commenting, Rebekah, with your endorsement of Kim Johnson. And thank you for purchasing her book. I’ll be joining you in prayer that your nieces/nephews will be strengthened to trust in Christ in this sad journey. Thanks again.
Hi Rebekah!! Wow! I so appreciate your endorsement. AND, I will be praying for your sister’s kids. We know how hard it is and it is my hope God will use this book to give them hope and encouragement. Thank you for taking the time to write. XOXO Kim