Self-Help

The Weight of a Feather chronicles the relationship between a mother and her son on his journey into the dark world of addiction to his final recovery years later. Lynda Araoz is ruthlessly candid about the deception, betrayal, and violence inherent in the world of addiction, as well as the pitfalls and potholes on the pathway to recovery. However, she balances out the weight of her family’s struggles with lighter moments of connection to the son she once knew and the absurdities they encounter along the path to recovery. Above all, The Weight of a Feather is a testimony to the enduring strength of relationship. It brings comfort and hope to others who are going through a similar ordeal and provides insight for those who wonder why recovery seems to be so elusive. Lynda urges a fresh look at the world of addiction and a new model for its treatment in light of its impact on families across the country.

James Tillman was stretched out on his basement couch, relaxing after a long day of work at the car wash, the smell of sweet onions and simmering steak filling the air of his modest apartment in the projects of Hartford, Conn. His mother, a bible perched nearby, was softly singing a hymn when she was shaken by the thundering sound of pounding on the front door. It wasn’t a knock; it was an act of sheer force. In an instant, the police burst in, lifted James out of his home and shoved him into prison, arresting him for the brutal rape of a young corporate executive. For over 18 years, James professed his innocence, through the investigation, trial, appeals, and to anyone who would listen. Finally, after a series of extraordinary events, the Connecticut Innocence Project took up James’ case, eventually winning his freedom—the first person to be exonerated in the state through the use of DNA.

This is an inspirational story about the power of conviction: the wrongful conviction that sent James Tillman to prison for over 18 years, and the power of his own conviction that helped him persevere, offer a transformational forgiveness and earn a redemption that is so valued he remarkably calls his experience in prison, “a gift.”

"The Power of Conviction" is for people who are facing tough times. You will understand that you’re not alone, that things can be brutally bad and we can react poorly at times, but where there is love, there is always hope.

How did James Tillman endure 18 years of hell in prison? What specific lessons can you learn about the transformational power of forgiveness, love and conviction? When faced with your own challenges in life, what will you choose?

James Tillman was stretched out on his basement couch, relaxing after a long day of work at the car wash, the smell of sweet onions and simmering steak filling the air of his modest apartment in the projects of Hartford, Conn. His mother, a bible perched nearby, was softly singing a hymn when she was shaken by the thundering sound of pounding on the front door. It wasn’t a knock; it was an act of sheer force. In an instant, the police burst in, lifted James out of his home and shoved him into prison, arresting him for the brutal rape of a young corporate executive. For over 18 years, James professed his innocence, through the investigation, trial, appeals, and to anyone who would listen. Finally, after a series of extraordinary events, the Connecticut Innocence Project took up James’ case, eventually winning his freedom---the first person to be exonerated in the state through the use of DNA.

This is an inspirational story about the power of conviction: the wrongful conviction that sent James Tillman to prison for over 18 years, and the power of his own conviction that helped him persevere, offer a transformational forgiveness and earn a redemption that is so valued he remarkably calls his experience in prison, “a gift.”

"The Power of Conviction" is for people who are facing tough times. You will understand that you’re not alone, that things can be brutally bad and we can react poorly at times, but where there is love, there is always hope.

How did James Tillman endure 18 years of hell in prison? What specific lessons can you learn about the transformational power of forgiveness, love and conviction? When faced with your own challenges in life, what will you choose?

Young people today are tech-savvy, confident, and positive. They are also stressed, anxious, and depressed. One in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 has a diagnosable mental illness, and the number is growing. So what is the problem and how can we help?

A motivating story of triumph over anxiety and depression, "Escape from Dark Places" shares a mother’s journey to find answers to her son’s anxiety and depression. Her discoveries offer a new framework for intergenerational dialogue that will enable all of us---parents, grandparents, church leaders, and mentors---to be part of the solution. 

Moms and others traditionally sidelined from the recovery process can learn how to play a critical role in empowering young people to:

Accomplish a more stable sense of self to enable feelings of contentment and fulfillment

Filter out the noise of technology and the Information Age to reduce stress and anxiety

Initiate a stronger conversation about prevention and recovery that can better drive attitudinal change

Think about the big life questions that enrich lives with meaning and purpose

Attain real world life skills that enrich interpersonal relationships and promote success in the workplace

"Escape from Dark Places" offers guideposts toward mental and spiritual health that will inspire societal and spiritual reconnections, fight indifference, stop the stigma, and spread hope.

Waking Up Grey offers readers ways to reconnect with their God-given capacity to create. Join others in an intimate journey of rediscovery. Experience how God has wired many to participate in and enjoy the creative process. Readers include professional artists desiring more fullness, those pondering the question of their creative existence, and everyone in between. Waking Up Grey be read as part of group study or individually.

Waking Up Grey offers readers ways to reconnect with their God-given capacity to create. Join others in an intimate journey of rediscovery. Experience how God has wired many to participate in and enjoy the creative process. Readers include professional artists desiring more fullness, those pondering the question of their creative existence, and everyone in between. Waking Up Grey be read as part of group study or individually.