The Positive Thinking Secret by Aaron Kennard. Author Kennard begins the first chapter telling us his secret: “We are truly amazing and every day is a good day, and every event in our lives is good. All things work together for good.” Kennard repeats those words throughout his book so often I am led to believe that this is not only this his secret, but his daily mantra.
His life is everything he ever wanted. He is a hardworking, loving devoted husband, father, worker and community leader who is happy and never encountered any personal hardships; life was good, his faith unshakable, his spirits high. He loved life and living.
Then life began to test Kennard’s faith. He triumphed over adversities: first, the unexpected painful breech birth of his fourth child, who took twenty-one seconds to release a resounding wail. After that victory, his faith continued to be tested. Kennard contracted a sudden traumatic illness: ulcerative colitis. Through it all, this author candidly narrates his inspiring story.
At the onset of Kennard’s illness, he remained steadfast in his faith. He believed he would be healed and he believed the illness was for a good reason, embracing the moment and seeking for the best possible message. As the scripture says: God works all things for good.
Kennard sets up each chapter taking his readers on his journey to recovery. He uses sensory words, vivid descriptions, and raw details to describe his battle with tragic illness. At times I was on the verge of puking. Yet I continued to read. To my amazement I was so invested in his story I almost forgot he was literally writing about his untamed waste. He sparks curiosity with his intriguing cliffhangers at the end of the chapters.
However, I understand why the author so graphically described his experiences. He did it to demonstrate that he could have chosen to see his situation as doomed and himself as a victim, or he could choose to see the circumstances as Napoleon Hill states, “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” And he chose the latter.
Kennard’s use of sensory words takes you to the edge of his experience and he pulls you back in with biblical scriptures and words of hope. The reaction to your adverse circumstances is yours. Kennard reminds the readers of this on almost every page and it appears so frequently it plays like a mantra, “You are truly amazing. It’s your choice to believe and receive it or not.” Kennard also supports his mantra in Romans 8:28 that all things work for goods to them that love the lord.
As the days passed, the gravity of his situation worsened. Then life handed him another situation over which he had very little or no control. His illness affected his son. The child displayed horrific emotional outbursts. Kennard confessed to feeling powerless and at one point he gave in. Kennard’s faith coupled with his confidence began to wane, and he even prayed for death. Instead, he received life…A full recovery.
Kennard believed that experiencing the devastating tragic disease provided him with passion, empathy, and understanding for others enduring a traumatic hardship in their lives.
Reading Kennard’s inspiring story, I don‘t doubt that readers will connect to his life: praying and rooting for his family and, in the end, rejoicing about his transformation. This book provides hope, faith, and motivation for people seeking a transformation.
