A writer and stay-at-home mom of two very young children, I’m in a growing period of life that is hard, and hard to examine with much distance or perspective right now…hence the dearth of blog posts lately. However, reactions to my book, Ending the Pain—which chronicles another hard growing period—are trickling in, and I am proud to share these with you!
Here is a sampling of the comments, messages, and book reviews I am getting via Facebook and Amazon.com most days of the week now.
I just want to say how much I love your book. I am recommending it to everyone I know; I wish it was required reading for all living humans. I cried. It is a life-changing book for me. Thank you, thank you! –Jodie
I just finished reading your book and I literally couldn’t put it down. I laughed and cried through the whole thing and feel like I know you already. Thank you for opening yourself up and letting God use you to bless others. I can honestly say, your message of depression and forgiveness touched me deeply. I have recently dealt with both of these issues myself and your words brought me healing. Thank you. –April
Your book was absolutely Amazing. What a tremendous story and pathway to healing. I just don’t have words, Lindsey. It was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. –Connie
I finished your book today; I couldn’t put it down! Lots of tears and Identifying with your pain. Thank you. –Grace
I finished Ending the Pain in two days; recommend this book to everyone. Thank you, Lindsey, for writing this. -Janice
Hey! I have stayed up way too late reading your book the last few nights. 😉 (Too bad I can’t tonight, both kids woke up lots last night). I just wanted to say that you are a very talented writer, which is weird to say because it’s so hard to read this about at good friend. –Jess
Ending The Pain is a very well written book. I enjoyed the story of Lindsey’s life. I think many people will relate to her story and enjoy reading this book. It is worth it. God’s Word has power and Lindsey’s life bears witness to that! -Leah
Riveting! I couldn’t put it down. I could identify with Lindsey’s pain. I’m very glad that she found God through Straight2theHeart. I have had considerable healing myself. Jesus really did come to “heal the brokenhearted and set the captive free.” -Amazon Review
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I couldn’t put it down. I would really recommend it! -Amazon Review
Thank you to all who have taken time to reach out to me or review my book. Whether you are a friend, family member, or (previously) a stranger, your words have invigorated me, validated my story, and encouraged me to work (however slowly) on a second book. Please, keep the feedback coming!
Lindsey Gendke 
Wonderful! Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Michael! If you get some free reading time…(hint, hint:)
Haha! I’d love some pointers on your road to publishing. Post it!
Great idea for a post! I have a bit of an interesting story on how I got this manuscript into the publishing house. I will put this on the list of posts I don’t have time to write right now. At some point I will share. I’ve even written down some thoughts for an e-book on this. Someday…
What a boost! That’s great, Lindsey. I’m so glad that people are responding to your writing and then choosing to actually let you know. That’s rarer than you might imagine, given that we have the internet now! Keep writing! Cinda
Yes, Cinda, it’s wonderful to hear from readers. This makes me feel bad for all the times I’ve loved a book and NOT told the author. I’m going to start doing that. I’ve learned it’s important to hear from readers! Keep writing yourself. Best wishes on the current projects!
I bought your book at camp-meeting and zipped through it (unusual for me since I have so much more to do than reading). It is amazing! You are a gifted writer. I have a 17yr old daughter who struggles with severe anxiety and depression. In addition, I have a husband, three sons, and a daughter-in-law who have all struggled with anxiety & depression to varying degrees. Thank-you for bringing this into the open and addressing it from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective! Ignoring it will not make it go away! Is the other book “The Hidden Half of the Gospel” out of print? Amazon lists it for $285.79!! I’m sure it’s good, but not THAT good. Can you tell me how to get a copy? Thanks, Dee
Dee, thanks so much for taking time to write this comment. I am so blessed to hear how my book is impacting readers, and you are right: ignoring these problems doesn’t help anyone. It was my hope to get that very necessary discussion going in SDA circles, and I am glad to hear it starting to happen.
The Hidden Half of the Gospel is still in print and available to buy directly from Paul Coneff at http://www.hiddenhalf.org (click the “buy the book” tab and it will prompt you through the steps). Right now it is in the second printing and selling for 24.95–or it’s available as an e-book for 9.99. It’s unfortunate it is up for such a ludicrous price at Amazon! These are from second party sellers, but I don’t know who would have the audacity to sell at that price (or who could afford it)! I wish the book were more widely available, but Paul self-published (the high-ish cost reflects the long and arduous and costly price of self-publishing) and he is primarily getting sales from his speaking engagements and trainings. I am all out of copies to sell myself and am working on getting more to have available when I am doing my own speaking engagements (a new thing for me…but requests are slowly coming in!). That said, I hope you will get a copy; I think you will find it worth it. Many blessings to you and your family. I pray healing and growing closer to Jesus for all.
Thanks so much Lindsey for sharing your story. I’ve had a lot of struggles in spiritual and emotional areas that fall closely in line with issues that you’ve faced in your life. Thank you for providing hope that God can still work for people that have been going through depression and anxiety because let’s face it, sometimes it feels like there’s no way out. Thanks for providing a bit of hope to people like us! Please don’t forget that no matter what you may be doing as a stay at home Mom, your ministry is filling an important void that’s not often covered as Adventists.
Thanks so much for this comment, Lance. So glad you found some hope in my story. There is always hope…and I’m so glad, because I face new and different struggles every day. Thanks for the encouragement in my ministry; it’s tempting to let that part of life get swallowed up in motherhood, but I am excited to be charting unfamiliar territory in Adventist literature and discussion circles. I have so much more to say and write as I find the time. God bless you in your struggles and your walk of faith. Never give up. There may be an awesome plot twist just around the corner!
Thank you Lindsey for writing and sharing your story! Your testimony is amazing, it demonstrates the love of God, very encouraging and practical. You are a gifted writer.
Thanks so much for this encouragement, Dana! I am so glad you were blessed (and glad to know you!)