Tales from a Mid-Lifer

*These are not book reviews, merely my thoughts about the books I read.

Jade’s Broken Bridge, author Michele Lee Sefton.

Similar to my July post, Select Quotes from July Reads, I intended to keep this August reads post short and simple. That was until I read Michele Lee Sefton’s debut novel, Jade’s Broken Bridge.

Michele is an author and photographer I discovered while reading one of her deeply thoughtful poems on her blog, My Inspired Life. I became a regular reader, appreciating Michele’s depth and openness.

Her writing journey has been interesting to follow, particularly the origin of how Michele’s blog began.

But onto Michele’s book…

Summary of Jade’s Broken Bridge from Amazon:

“Inspired by true events, the story follows Jade, a young Arizona woman whose life is shaped by family fracture, isolation, and financial hardship. In the late 1980s, desperation leads her to Fairbanks, Alaska, where she enters the world of topless dancing, believing it offers the freedom and security she cannot find elsewhere. Instead, she becomes entangled in a relentless search for escape—through addiction, unhealthy relationships, and the illusion of empowerment found beneath the neon lights of strip clubs.”

I’ll share two personal takeaways from Michele’s novel.

1- During the first day of class introductions a few years back, one of my college students announced she was a “retiring” topless dancer at a local club. At the ripe old age of 37, after nearly two decades, the owners announced she was too old and it was time for her to move on.

Imagine the look on the faces of the other, more traditional-college-aged students. Not to mention my own surprise at her candor on day one.

Michele’s story brought me back to that semester where I attempted to encourage the woman’s writing and elevate her confidence. With two children at home, and a very messy life she continued to openly talk about during course discussions, I was desperate for her to know there was still plenty of time to become. Whoever she dreamt of being before others abandoned and disappointed her, this was her time to pursue it.

Possessing a relatively fit body with the eyes of a 60-year-old, I sensed she lost the ability to dream a long time ago.

She received financial assistance to be at the four-year private school, clearly a fresh start to a new life, but there was an impenetrable darkness in her eyes. Yes, she was worn out in general, trying to make ends meet, but no matter how peers or I encouraged her, it didn’t seem to touch her heart.

Jade’s story gave me an inside view and deep understanding of how and why my student couldn’t connect. Jade was very young, broke and in need of more money than her video store job could provide.

After a year of topless dancing, the remainder of Jade’s life was similarly threatened with the possibility of eternal disconnect.

Nightly darkness in a depraved environment plagues the soul. Interacting with the revolting humans that enter and frequent such establishments takes an unspeakable toll. Michele’s book brings the reader directly into that sad place, introducing us to the patrons, fellow dancers and staff.

Working in such an environment requires emotional disconnect. Drugs helped Jade lighten the heaviness, drawing her deeper into a world in which she absolutely didn’t belong.

The takeaway: be careful of judging people like Jade. We fail to comprehend that at the time they made poor, life altering choices, they didn’t believe they had alternative or better options.

Which brings me to my second thought.

2 – Parents who insist on placing “their” personal happiness ahead of their children – to the detriment of their children – have always been an affront to me. Jade’s parents were a disgrace.

It is also my personal belief that you relinquish being the shining star of your own life in the labor and delivery room. Perhaps I sound harsh, but I’ve seen up close how parents’ self-involvement harms their children.

In Jade’s case, her parents became utterly unaware of their beloved daughter while selfishly pursuing their own “happiness”.

In the wake of their self-centeredness was an abandoned teenager. As a reader, I felt sick for Jade – overlooked and stunningly unnoticed by those who brought her into this world.

Without wise, attentive guardians and loving role models, poor choices are made by very young people – particularly when money is needed.

Thus ensued the worst year of Jade’s life. Jade’s story leads me to believe the shame she felt belonged to her parents. Not her. Yes, she’s the one who danced in the clubs but when a child’s life is flipped upside down as a young teenager, they simply don’t know how to handle it.

In summary, it’s difficult not to share more details from Jade’s Broken Bridge, but this is not a book review. Many people have praised and written about Michele’s novel, so you can read more via the links below.

I encourage you to visit her blog My Inspired Life, her Amazon page or her website, Michele Lee Sefton.

Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken Built an Iconic Brand, author Steve Robinson.

My youngest is in Marketing and handed me Covert Cows before I left on vacation. She told me how unique the perspective was in the book and she was correct! The author, Steve Robinson was the Chief Marketing Officer at Chick-fil-A for 34 years.

Robinson introduces us to Chick-fil-A founder, Truett Cathy, by sharing years of experiences and working side-by-side with the man of faith. Cathy was a truly devout businessman who walked the faith walk – he didn’t just talk about it.

A few quotes:

“We were not a “Christian business”, but rather a business where the owners and leadership aspired to apply and live out biblical principles.”

“Cathy told the audience that “we gradually become a part of those people we associate with,” whether good or bad.”

“We wanted to be more intentional about seeking God’s wisdom together as we followed Truett’s example. Here was a man whose formal education ended with high school, surrounded in his business by men who all had college degrees, and most who had graduate degrees. Yet he had an innate ability to make wise choices, give wise counsel, and help us determine our own wise choices. Where did he acquire that wisdom? I’m convinced Truett’s wisdom came through his study of the Bible, and he prayed for it.”

Yes, you can remain true to Christian values and still succeed in business. Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby are shining examples.

Thank you for reading! For those paying close attention last Monday, I expected to post these book comments last week but life happenings took precedence which I’ll mention in 10 at the end – September.

Happy Labor Day! I hope you have a relaxing Monday and a terrific week ahead!