A recent entry for this column was entitled, The Clergyman Who Couldn’t Even Pray For A Cat. After I finished that interview article, I realized I had another ministry friend who had also written a book about (you guessed it) a cat. I’m getting a gnawing, clawing feeling that this column is really going to the… cats. Anyway, my friend and author, Barbara Hein, has published her first book. I’ll let Barb now tell her own story about life, ministry and (of course) her cat.
Barb, what prompted you to write this book? How long is it, and what is the full title?
I have spent 20 years working in university student services listening to and caring for students struggling with various types of anxiety disorders and depression. From those conversations I have observed that certain perceptions, attitudes and ways of thinking can be a hindrance to living a life of meaning, hope and peace. My book is entitled, Lessons from my Cat —Finding Peace in an Anxious World. It's a small book with only 12 chapters and 73 pages. It's a humorous and inspirational book with short, easy-to-read chapters.
What was your purpose in writing this book?
This book addresses some of the misperceptions and attitudes that can result in mental and spiritual anguish. It was written for those struggling with anxiety disorders, but it has been enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is my hope that these stories and the lessons that accompany them will be a source of hope, joy and peace that will comfort the mind and soul.
How is it different from other books trying to help people with anxiety issues?
It's a book of humorous short stories about my quirky cat with each chapter presenting a life lesson gleaned from the story. It is not another technical resource to reduce anxiety by promoting various relaxation techniques. Instead, its focus is on resilience by changing perspectives and misconceptions that can trigger anxious reactions. It is humorous, yet thought-provoking, and concise in a Chicken Soup for the Soul kind of format.
Your chapters have some interesting names — “Attack of the Hanging Plant”, “2 AM Hairball”, “Driving Miss Kitty”, “Bathroom Mystery”, and “Close Encounter of the Furry Kind”. And each chapter has a different lesson. What lesson topics do you cover?
The lesson topics cover a variety of themes that are presented to help combat the anxieties of life, such as: persistence, hope, trust, love, comparison, grief, worth, choosing life, failure, solitude, worry, and finally gratitude.
Great topics and very relevant for all of us coping with our Covid-impacted world. I like the way you end each chapter with a quote from the Bible and a prayer. What is your favorite chapter and why?
I really like all the chapters, some for the cat stories and some for the lessons. The first chapter which is about the trials of trying to get rid of cat hair is a fun one that has one of my favourite poems in it. The lesson is about not giving up when you have a problem. The poem at the end of the chapter is by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) and is entitled, Don't Quit.
Your epilogue is titled “Finding Peace with God”. How does that relate to the purpose of your book?
We live in a very anxiety-producing world right now. If you weren't anxious before the pandemic started, you probably have experienced it by now. This book will hopefully bring some peace to your soul as you read the humorous stories of my quirky cat and the lessons that come out of these stories. But even more than being an inspirational book, I also want those who are seeking real lasting inner peace to have the opportunity to know how to receive it from our loving Creator God, who loves each one of us with an everlasting love!
If someone reading this wanted a copy for themselves or as the purr-fect gift for a cat-loving friend, how can they get a copy?
It is available on Amazon as a paperback and as an e-book through Kindle on the Amazon website as well.
Thanks, Barb, for this e-interview and for sharing these valuable life lessons that you have gleaned from the Lord and your four-pawed friend.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who had two dogs growing up (sorry, Barb!).
