Anthology on Fate Surprises, Amuses, Encourages...

Bas relief of Atropos. Greek Goddess,
 cutting the thread of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropos

"Coincidence is God's Way or remaining anonymous.--Albert Einstein


The Mystery of Fate:


Common Coincidence
 Or Divine Intervention?


Edited by Arlene Uslander
 and Brenda Warneka




No matter how learned you become, there are certain things that continue to happen in life for which, sometimes, there is just no answer to the "Why?" When you add the "How?" it becomes even more a question that seems to have no answer. Sometimes the questions remain unanswered. Sometimes people say that what happened was just a coincidence...

But for many of us, we just can't accept that... especially when you hear or read stories about incidents that have occurred in the lives of people we know. Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka have had incidents in their own lives. Not only did it affect each of them, but it led to their agreeing to gather true stories from others  that may not have been similar in content, but ultimately always led to the question of "coincidence or Intervention." Personally, I'm quite willing to state I believe in Divine Intervention. But if you don't, I challenge you to read these stories and provide a valid explanation. Oh, and in my opinion, coincidence is not really a valid response...although I do believe in the word, coincidence, for many events...just not those where you can clearly see that an intervention must have taken place...


The cover is a beautiful photo collage representing some of the stories you'll find in this excellent book. If you're like me, I chose to read the book over a series of days, reading one or two stories, responding to them, admittedly many times in an emotional amazement of wonder. But for this review, I thought I'd spotlight the individual who initiated the planning for this anthology...Arlene Uslander.

And what better way to share her own stories is through a taste of her own words, first, from God Writes Straight Lines in Crooked Letters:

"My mother used the expression 'God writes straight lines in crooked letters.' often when I was a child, only I never knew what it meant. I think I do now.


"It all started with a rock--an ordinary, flat rock. My husband and I, both Chicagoans, were in Arizona visiting our friends Brenda and Dick Warneka. Little did I realize that God was going to lead me along a path (literally) that eventually would save, or at the very least, prolong, my life..." (p. 125)

From Some Kind of Miracle..."I saw Callie at the end of the hall, a look of amazement on her face. 'It's some kind of miracle!...Your mother's eyes are open!'


"Hurrying into my mother's bedroom, I was shocked to see that her eyes were open. She was propped up in the rented hospital bed, staring straight ahead. At first I thought she was dead, and my heart started racing. But then she shifted her gaze and looked straight at me. She had a puzzled, questioning look on her face, as if to ask 'Where am I?" Or perhaps 'Where am I going?'...


"I held her frail body gently and spoke to her softly, telling her how much I loved her. And then I could feel and see that she was gone..."  Thinking about...[everything that had just happened] I suspect that Callie was right. It was some kind of miracle." (p. 199)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Humpback_whale.jpg

I marked so many of the stories as I read...nearly all held my attention to ponder...and, yes, comfort me... but my personal favorite was called The Guide by Mary-Alice Boulter who shares a story that happened to her father and his friend in 1954, about getting lost in the fog, at sea and being saved...by a whale...

"Now, old feller," Paul said to the giant quietly floating just ahead of the boat. "You're the navigator." He saluted loosely. "I'll follow you."

"The great creature's carnacle-spotted body began to move slowly into the fog. Paul started the engine once again and pushed open the throttle enough to match the whale's speed. He glanced at the compass. The needle was still swinging erratically, useless...

"Together, the whale and the small craft advanced into the thick shroud of fog. Paul thought they must look like a toy following along..." (p.102)

It's interesting that the editors gathered stories through writers' sites...Just imagine the number of tales they might have received had they been able to solicit responses more broadly. These "Real Stories ~ Real People" are wonderful to read. Admittedly, we still have no answer as to why there are not stories such as these in everybody's lives. That is, indeed, the Mystery of Fate.


Highly recommended for those seeking answers or those who enjoy reading personal stories that amaze and thrill!

Book Received Via
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GABixlerReviews

Do You Believe in Fate? Check Out What Reviewers Are Saying About The Mystery of Fate!

“I wouldn’t want to judge which story is deserving of the first place award in this fascinating book. Each story is a winner. Because our modern society is slowly trying to push the spiritual world out of our lives, each story was refreshing. They made my heart come alive, realizing that the unconditional power from above protects us, and guardian angels do exist.”
Alberta Sequeira, author of A Healing Heart: a Spiritual Renewal  http://www.albertasequeira.com/.


“To anyone who has been down to their last dollar or the end of the rope, or in need of a new start, The Mystery of Fate: Common Coincidence of Divine Intervention? is a must read. From chance encounters to answered prayers, these stories are sure to uplift and give pause for reflection. I’ve cleared a place on my bookshelf to read and re-read The Mystery of Fate any time I’m in need of inspiration or my batteries are in need of a recharge.”

Richard Markov, author of One Thousand Shades of Gray  www. RichardMarkov.com


"The stories in this anthology often left me with goose bumps, many times with tears in my eyes, but always with a sense of wonder. Each account is colorful, heartfelt, entertaining and inspiring. Even the biggest non-believers will be in awe as fate weaves through time and continents in these amazing stories. I loved the diversity from one story to the next - different countries, different time periods....you really have a little of everything here! I loved the diversity from one story to the next - different countries, different time periods....you really have a little of everything here! How wonderful is The Mystery of Fate!”

Melissa Christensen, English and Italian Tutor, and writer of children’s stories and historical fiction.


“The Mystery of Fate is a must read for anyone searching for proof that there is a God and that God is truly in the details of our lives. I couldn’t put the book down as I read the true stories of lives being transformed by faith and prayers. This inspiring book takes the reader into the joy and the mystery of synchronicity. I highly recommend this book for anyone on the spiritual path.”

Pat Hastings, author of Simply A Woman of Faith.


"A fabulous book! Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka have compiled a moving and engaging collection of short stories in The Mystery of Fate. The co-authors take the reader through a journey of true accounts of people being profoundly changed by the hand of fate. Whether it was being delayed by time, meeting a particular person, listening to gut instinct or being in the right place at the right time, you will be enraptured by these stories. Even though I have always been a believer in the possibility of greater forces among us, reading this book solidified my beliefs. Everybody will love this truly uplifting book.”
Maureen Gaynor, author of Always a Place


“…. easy read, well constructed and thought out, which causes the reader to expand or reconsider one’s beliefs. The Mystery of Fate contains a little of all of us. Simply put, a must read!

Walter Luce, Avid Reader


“A reality show just waiting to happen.”   Sally Franz, Author of Boomer Humor.


“…. A non-stop read that only ended with the last sentence on the last page. The back cover says it best”: ‘The stories will make you laugh and sometimes cry, but all will inspire and motivate you.’

Tom Onstott. Author of Jardine and Sniper.


I view your collection of fate stories like eating at a dim sum (little jewels) resturant. Each story is like eating a new and tasty dim sum. They are like dim sum because each tale is a little jewel, which is what dim sum supposedly means.

Bobbie Smith (Sonora, California, artist).