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About the Book
Book: God Did Not Do This To Me
Author: Lisa Stringer
Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/ Personal Growth
Release Date: May 4, 2020
Lisa and Doug Stringer were ministering in Massachusetts in March 2015 when a lump in Doug’s throat started to bother him. “I don’t feel well,” he told his wife. “The lump I felt in my throat a few days ago feels larger.” When they were able to see a doctor, they were horrified to learn that Doug had Stage 4 large B-cell lymphoma that was 80 percent aggressive.
Doug spent the rest of the day sitting in his car, alone in prayer. Finally, he called Lisa to tell her that he was on his way home and he wanted a family meeting and communion. Emotionally exhausted and noses still running from crying, Lisa, her mom, and Ashley gathered in the family room as Doug told them about his time with God.
“God did not do this to me—and if He did not do this to me, then it doesn’t belong to me!” he told them emphatically. It was just what they need to hear.
God Did Not Do This to Me is Lisa’s story of the family’s trials and triumphs through a cancer diagnosis. Putting on the armor of God, Doug was determined to turn his battle with cancer into an intercession for the country, even joking that the chemotherapy treatments made him resemble a bald eagle.
By the end of the year, Doug’s cancer was in remission.
“We know that the Great Physician heard the numerous prayers of our friends and spiritual family from all over the world, and blessed us all with a testimony of His healing power,” Lisa says. “We are forever changed through this experience. He has expanded my heart of compassion, taught me to pour out more grace, to be an even bigger giver, and to appreciate the little things all the more.”
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About the Author
Lisa Stringer is the wife of Doug Stringer, the founder and president of Somebody Cares America/International, a network of organizations impacting their communities through unified grassroots efforts.
Lisa worked in the secular radio and music entertainment industry for seventeen years, becoming the first female program director of a top-40 station in a major market in the United States. Later, she became the vice president of programming and promotions of a radio group. Lisa has received numerous awards, including gold and platinum records for her contribution to the success of many highly recognizable recording artists and entertainers.
She homeschooled her daughter, Ashley, who is now enrolled in dual programs at a local community college and working on the release of her second EP.
Lisa travels with Doug as they minister to many around the globe, ranging from those of the persecuted church to those suffering in the aftermath of human tragedy, such as the Haitian earthquake, the tsunami in Japan, and Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Lisa enjoys opportunities where she has been able to interpret for her husband as they minister throughout Central and South America. She and her husband are also regular guests on various television programs that air throughout the world.
Lisa has a heart for the less fortunate, widows, and orphans. She has served on various boards and has traveled to over thirty-four nations.
The Stringers live in the greater Houston area.
More from Lisa
Doug continued to listen to whatever the doctor was telling him. I could tell something wasn’t right because Doug’s countenance had changed. It was obvious he was not receiving good news. Whatever it was, at no time did I ever imagine it to be cancer. Doug would not look at me; his eyes were locked in a forward gaze. That alone had my heart beating a tad faster.
I then heard him say, “How bad is it?” Oh, my goodness, was my heart beating right out of my chest! How bad is it? How bad is what? This can’t be bad! I was not expecting bad! Then I heard the heart-wrenching, horrible “c” word come out of my husband’s mouth. He still had his eyes fixed forward. That in itself was painful, not because he wasn’t acknowledging me, but because he was hurting and I knew that if we made eye contact, one or both of us would break down at this point.
We had been on an emotional roller coaster and we were about to take a drop from one of the scariest peaks on one of the worst rides people can experience. I was struggling with everything in me to not allow tears to stream down my face. After all, I was still only hearing one side of the conversation. I recall Doug getting choked up and his voice cracking as he fought back the natural reaction to bad news. He then asked, “What kind of cancer is it?” My heart stopped. I felt like I had been shot and life was moving in slow motion. I could feel every nerve in my body. A deep pain set in…
My Review
A plethora of books have been written about cancer and illness from a Christian perspective, from how-to manuals to memoirs and everything in between. I will be the first to admit that, as someone with chronic illnesses, I am wary of which ones I pick up to read. I want to read something that is Biblically sound and life-giving, not assigning blame or promising cures, and that inspires and uplifts. If you have been through or are going through any kind of significant illness, you do not need depressing reading material. Of course the first Book to turn to should always be your Bible, because it doesn’t get any more hopeful than that, and nothing can ever exceed God’s Word! With that as our foundation, when we read other books, we can discern what lines up with Scripture and what does not.
When I began reading “God Did Not Do This to Me”, author Lisa Stringer’s story engaged me immediately. Rather than a mere factual account of her husband Doug’s journey through B-cell lymphoma, she presents an engaging story that details how their family turned a life-threatening diagnosis into a life-fulfilling opportunity for continued ministry. Her honesty about some of their difficult moments is refreshing in demonstrating that even the strongest in the faith still need God’s strength, which is “made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Doug’s revelation about the eagle in chapter 7 enhanced my understanding of the beloved Isaiah 40:31 with knowledge I had not known about eagles themselves. Also, the pillows of peace, a widespread ministry created from a single gift, shows how much can be achieved with a vision for sharing the love of Christ. And I had to smile while reading the story about the Rocky statue and running the steps to it, although my favorite part of this whole testimony is how Doug and Lisa continue to minister to as many as possible during their own trials.
We may never know the “why” behind the things we go through, but we can rest in the knowledge that God is always good, and that untold blessings lie ahead if we remain faithful to Him. As Lisa says near the end of her story, “Never take for granted what you are going through, good or bad. Allow it to be turned for the good because God has a greater story that comes out of your place of need. No matter what unexpected detours you encounter, God wants us to keep our focus on where we’re going, not what we are going through.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
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