Overview

Why did God allow such pain and trauma in my life? What good could possibly come from it? And will I ever get free? When Karen Sjoblom relocated to her Midwest birthplace after her daughter left for college, she anticipated exciting possibilities. Instead, she found herself on an unexpected pilgrimage through past trauma and family fractures, discovering she'd have to cross a wilderness of pain if she wanted to reach her own promised land. Mirroring the biblical Exodus in which the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt-a place familiar but enslaving-Sjoblom's reflections on her healing journey illumine the unique losses, lies, and failings we can stumble on, especially at midlife. And yet, they also point to healthier beliefs, relationships, and possibilities to carry us forward. With humor, hope, hard-won wisdom, plus study questions for self-discovery, Gone for Good will help you: - Understand the healing reasons for your desert seasons - Trust that God is a good guide who wants to redeem your pain - Walk in authentic freedom from the pain of what's been to the promise of what might be Sjoblom poignantly captures the exhilaration of new beginnings, the longing for what's left behind, the grief over our wandering years, and the truths required to leave ""Egypt"" behind. A good God does indeed allow hard journeys, but there's redemption on the other side: renewed trust in his character, freedom from the past, and knowledge that it's never too late to embark on a soulhealing expedition. As Sjoblom demonstrates, when we stay with the lessons until the lessons are learned, God enables us to release our wounds and losses so they're gone-for good.

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Reviews

The authenticity and relatability of Karen's journey greet those of us wandering in this midlife wilderness like front-porch coffee with a favorite friend. In her transparency, we feel seen, and in her stories of struggle and grace, we find ourselves a little less alone. This book is a beautiful gift to all of us who have taken an unexpected detour in this pilgrimage toward home. There's no substitute for the encouragement of honest laughter and the life-giving strength of wise words, and Karen's story offers both in equal measure. -Dr. Amy Linnemann, Pastor, Ohio Chapel United Methodist Church, and Director, Beloved Bags, a nonprofit serving children, families and community professionals around foster care Karen and I have worked together creatively on a couple of projects over the past few years, and she has an amazing, eloquent way of getting complex thoughts on paper that evoke deep emotion in her readers. As I read her work, I find myself magically in the frame of the pictures she so effortlessly paints, able to reflect her experiences against my own. She and I have had many discussions about our faith walks as well, and her words, while coming out seemingly so easily, have been shaped from journeying a well-worn path. She knows firsthand of life's challenges, but also of the value of hope, and is able to encourage others readily. -Keith Hurst, award-winning author of The Ride Home and Lessons from a Dirt Road Gone for Good is a compelling memoir of both healing and hope, doused with Karen's delightful humor and solid biblical wisdom. She understands the reality of pain, loss, and trauma and is willing to brave it. For those who have experienced the same, or are in the midst of a season of struggle, walking along with Karen on her journey into (and out of) the wilderness will remind you God is with you as well, and wanting to give you a deep awareness of his abiding love and goodness. Her story is a source of honesty, hope, and humor and reminds each of us we are not alone. -Rev. Lindsey Smith, M.Div, Clinical Chaplain, Providence Portland Medical Center In a lifetime, each of us encounters a pivotal exodus-a moment where we break free from the chains that bind us, stepping away from comfort into the unknown. Often, what seems comfortable is not what's ultimately best for our growth. Karen Sjoblom skillfully navigates her own exodus, offering readers a profound roadmap to deepen their relationship with God. Through her journey, she imparts invaluable wisdom, understanding, and the joy that blossoms from placing complete trust in him. Amidst the chaos, doubts, and uncertainties of our time, I wholeheartedly invite you to embark on this transformative exodus journey with Karen. The other side awaits, and you will emerge profoundly changed. -Jeff Lupinacci, Co-Founder, Evolve HR Solutions, and Author of Only Ten: Lessons from Lot on Living a Life of Influence In Karen Sjoblom's Gone for Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus, we find in both her life story and the biblical story that amidst the desolate landscapes and seemingly endless wanderings, there exists a profound purpose. In weaving her personal story with the biblical story of Exodus, the book creates an invitation for readers to consider what lessons God desires to impart through the desert sojourn. In a world where resilience and faith are often tested, Gone for Good is a testament to the transformative power of God while walking alongside us during life's uncertainties. -Tyler Braun, Pastor, New Harvest Church, and Author of Why Holiness Matters (Moody)

Author Information

Over a forty-year career, Karen Sjoblom has written on healthcare, science, technology, and nonprofits for myriad clients such as American Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Scottsdale Institute, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others. Further, as a divorced mom living near Portland, Oregon, she and a friend co-founded and ran Eve's Daughters-a nonprofit for single moms and their children-for nine years.In addition to Gone for Good, she's published One: Single Mothering, Full Circle from her time with Eve's Daughters; two short parenting books with New Leaf Press as part of the Mom2Mom series; plus a patient and family handbook on living with Lou Gehrig's disease. She also has edited several books by multiple authors.Since 2007, she has written extensively on matters of life and faith and loves to talk about hope, grief, resilience, re-creation, and God's wily ways of disentangling his people from the aftereffects of abuse, trauma, and addiction. Her heart's desire is to help others see the beauty of their scars and stories so they can remember where they came from, celebrate the redemption of their worst wounds, know in their bonesthat God is for them, and get excited about where they're headed next. She lives in southern Indiana.For information about speaking engagements, small group facilitation, or creative writing seminars, visit www.karensjoblom.com or email midlifeexodus@gmail.com.

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