In a world where personal tragedy often leads to spiritual crisis, author Allison Shawn's new memoir, What On Earth Are We Doing?, arrives as a testament to faith's restorative power. Published by USA Book Publishers, the book chronicles Shawn's journey through a life-threatening accident, a failing marriage, and devastating health battles that left her broken physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Rather than succumbing to despair, Shawn chose to rise, and her story offers a roadmap for others navigating similar valleys. The memoir's significance lies in its unflinching honesty and its rejection of formulaic self-help in favor of authentic, hard-won wisdom.
At its core, What On Earth Are We Doing? is not a preachy guide but an invitation to examine one's own crossroads. Shawn shares seven life-changing decisions that became the framework for her healing, emphasizing surrender and intentional faith. "I didn't write this to preach," Shawn says. "I wrote it as encouragement, that as long as you are still breathing, then God has a purpose and good plans for you, if you choose to accept His invitation." This message is particularly poignant given the rising rates of anxiety and hopelessness in contemporary society. By framing her recovery as a series of choices rather than a miraculous instant fix, Shawn empowers readers to take active steps toward restoration, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
The book also introduces Shawn's concept of being F.I.T. for Real Life™—living with Faith, Integrity, and Trust. This framework extends beyond the pages, as Shawn offers mentoring and faith-based resources through her website, www.allisonshawn.net. Her willingness to engage personally with readers underscores the memoir's practical intent: to walk alongside the brokenhearted rather than simply instruct them. In an era of curated social media lives, such vulnerability is both rare and needed. The implications of this announcement extend to anyone who has felt sidelined by suffering—whether from health crises, relationship breakdowns, or spiritual doubt. Shawn's story asserts that trials can shape legacy and purpose, not just pain.
Moreover, the memoir challenges the notion that faith is a crutch for the naive. Instead, it presents faith as a rigorous, decision-based practice that coexists with doubt and struggle. By sharing her own failures and setbacks, Shawn avoids the trap of prosperity gospel or toxic positivity. Her seven decisions are not magic bullets but disciplines that require daily commitment. This resonates with readers who have grown weary of simplistic answers. The book's availability on Amazon and other major platforms ensures broad accessibility, while Shawn's offer of interviews suggests a desire to spark wider conversation about resilience and belief.
Ultimately, What On Earth Are We Doing? matters because it refuses to tidy up suffering. It sits with the rubble and shows how faith can rebuild from the ground up. For those who feel their lives have been derailed by tragedy, Shawn's memoir is a reminder that breath itself is evidence of purpose. As she writes, God still has good plans—plans that unfold through choices made in the darkest moments. This is not a promise of easy answers but an invitation to a journey where faith, integrity, and trust become the foundation for a life that rises again.
