Thank God for the Shelter - Memoirs of a homeless healer [Paperback]

Versandra Jewel Kennebrew (Author), Diana Mc Nary (Editor), Brian McKissick (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2008

This is the story of Versandra Kennebrew, a massage therapist, who dreams of becoming a successful business owner. But her dream turns into a nightmare when she becomes homeless. What she doesn't know is her homelessness actually is a blessing that propels her into a life of wealth beyond her imagination.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Thank God for the Shelter touched, moved and inspired me. Your experiences have made me even more grateful for my health, strength and shelter."
Kimberly Hayes Taylor, Health Writer, The Detroit News

"Memoirs of a homeless healer will empower and inspire you to the road of recovery. Versandra's story will force you to face your past and give you the tools you need to move on."
 - Cynthia Williams, President, Sistuhs on the Move

We all experience in our lives a need for a "safe place" where we can learn, grow and discover our life's purpose. The soul-searching techniques provided in this book will help every reader find strength, courage and hope."
 - Reene' Ferguson, Television Producer

"Sometimes, our darkest moments become our greatest blessing. Versandra has written a book that shows us how to turn our despair into joy one positive affirmation at a time."
 - Ann Askridge, Writer

--Book Backcover

About the Author

For more than a decade, holistic health educator and author Versandra Kennebrew has assisted the masses with options for optimal health and well-being. Kennebrew received the Spirit of Detroit Award in recognition for her leadership and commitment to enhance the lives of Detroit residents and heading wellness projects like C.A.M.P. Lifesavers, The Great Body Walkathon and the Touch Is Great Campaign to eradicate touch deprivation.

Depression and despair led her to a Detroit area homeless shelter in the winter of 2003 however after emerging from what she calls her "place of refuge," renewed and inspired, Versandra proceeded with her personal mission to touch the world with love and this time, not just with her hands. Kennebrew also touches the world by sharing her message of healing and restoration at shelters, transitional housing facilities and churches all over the country. Ms. Kennebrew's compassion for the growing teen homeless population is the driving force behind providing safe supportive homes where teen girls learn self-sufficiency and  entrepreneurship.

"Thank God for the Shelter" is not just a book, it's an action plan for those wanting to release the self imposed chains that have kept them from following their dreams and living in their divine purpose. Its accompanying journal helps participants write, speak and visualize their new realities. --Author Bio --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 118 pages
• Publisher: VKI (November 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1615398503
• ISBN-13: 978-1615398508
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,595,921 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Versandra Kennebrew, Life Changer

For more than a decade holistic health educator and author Versandra Kennebrew has assisted the masses with options for optimal health and well-being. After losing everything she owned she emerged from the darkest days of her life to become a community leader and personal development coach.

This memoir shares the principles Kennebrew embraced in order to reach her divine greatness. She knows the struggles of becoming homeless and she also knows the joys of using your gifts and talents to add value to the lives of others. Anyone experiencing a life transition would benefit from reading this inspirational story of triumph over adversity.

*Spirit of Detroit Award Recipient
*Who's Who of Black Detroit Inductee
*Distinguished Service Recipient

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Push Nevahda Review: Thank God for the Shelter: memoirs of a homeless healer, June 4, 2010

By 

Push Nevahda Review (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thank God for the Shelter - Memoirs of a homeless healer (Paperback)

I met holistic health educator and author Versandra Kennebrew at a popular Downtown Detroit breakfast spot to discuss her new book, Thank God for the Shelter: memoirs of a homeless healer. She was 30 minutes late.

Over a supple breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, English muffin, grits, hash-browns, coffee and cigarettes - and Kennebrew's vegetarian omelette concoction, I listened to her ramble on endlessly about her new paperback book (while I periodically zoned in and out, remembering the time I was homeless, broke, cold and hungry, stammering out of the Erma Henderson Recreation Park in search of the origin of a McDonalds sausage Mc Muffin smell. It was like following the sounds of an invisible Pied Piper.)

"wa wa wawawa wa wa," Kennebrew explained while handing me a copy of her book.

"Certainly, VK, I'd love to review it!"

Several years ago, life's imminent struggle had placed Kennebrew between a rock and a hard place, leaving her homeless, broke, cold, and hungry. Faced with crippling despair, no resources, emotionally bruised by the wicked wrench that life had thrown into the spokes of her once prosperously spinning wheel, Kennebrew eventually fastened her bootstraps, restructured her life, got it together, and made a vicious comeback.

Today, Kennebrew is quickly becoming a successful business owner and an acclaimed holistic health educator and healer. She recently returned to school, founded the `Touch is Great Campaign', and joined a vibrant network of other women with similar goals to heal, motivate, and uplift. Recently inducted into the International Honor Society, Kennebrew says that part of her mission is "to encourage each of my friends to reach, fight, strive for their goals in life but never forget that education opens the door to true freedom."

So, Kennebrew's paperback story is a good one because it grapples with an issue that is often overlooked, and the book actually engages the community and provides relief and comfort to those dealing with similar issues.

On that note, everyone loves a winner's tale, and in these perilous times of economic and spiritual conflict, Kennebrew's book is just what the doctor ordered. And that is why Thank God for the Shelter: memoirs of a homeless healer is a necessary and worthwhile read.


Push Nevahda and the Vicious Circle: scenes from a random life
Detroit:: The Black Bottom Community (Images of America)

4.0 out of 5 stars Make moves toward the reality you desire and buckle up for the ride, May 10, 2010

By 

Ardannyl "Live Ladies of Literature" (Detroit, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thank God for the Shelter - Memoirs of a homeless healer (Paperback)

Self help books come and go. In my opinion some leave you thinking differently and others don't. I have read everything from Rich Dad Poor Dad,to The Secret. Both of these books encouraged me to grow.

I would've never thought that a memoir pertaining to woman overcoming homelessness could make me see my dreams in such a full light.
Reading this book made me feel like I could achieve anything in life I've ever wanted and dreamed of.

Author Versandra Kennebrew takes us on Journey into her world revealing the occurrences that took place in her life while residing in a shelter. Through her faith in God, she conquered the situation which prevented her from becoming a victim of circumstance. A situation like this could easily justify a nervous breakdown. Despite of mental illness running in Kennebrew's family, she did not falter. She took the opportunity with patience,time,and a plan to grow and to become the person she'd always dreamed and envisioned.

I not only recommend this book to individuals experiencing homelessness at the present time, I also encourage people who have not been homeless to read this book as well. Allow Thank God for the Homeless Shelter to assist you at times when you are feeling low or experiencing sporadic moments of self pity. Use the creative exercises and affirmations to take a self analysis of yourself. Utilize this book as I did to grow. More importantly implement this book to help you see how anyone can transform their life into something great. Well done Kennebrew.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Series

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Inspiring Story, March 18, 2010

By 

2Bhealthy "2Bhealthy" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thank God for the Shelter - Memoirs of a homeless healer (Paperback)

Ms. Kennebrew has written a powerful and inspiring story with a message of redemption for those who have lost hope and are looking for a sense of direction.