It is not always a comfortable thing to expose yourself to others about personal matters like family and challenges. However, in The Unflattering Sweater, Lisa Davis-Wall reveals what readers would least expect. Lisa is the mother of three adult children and the grandparent of five. She is a respiratory therapist and is the Manager of the department at Highland Hospital, supervising 40 therapists. Her 40 years in the profession have afforded her the opportunity to grow. Lisa is from a small town in rural Orleans County, New York. When interviewing her, she conveys warmth and joy that left me with positive vibes. Immediately after high school she attend SUNY Upstate in Syracuse and graduated with a degree from the respiratory therapy program. As a very active member of her church, she is an elder and oversees the prayer ministries and works within the Elder’s Board in planning for growth for the members. Lisa also has a para-ministry called Mustard Seed Works. She is humble when discussing the work she does; it is evident that she enjoys what she does. It was about ten years ago that Holy Spirit first spoke to her about writing a book.
It resonated with her, and she knew it would happen one day. Not until her co-pastor told her of a recent dream did Lisa make the decision to pursue writing; she jumped right in three years ago. The writing was a goal she had after high school; however, that goal was not realized then. You will have to read the book to learn why. That’s my only teaser for now. Not too long after her conversation with her co-pastor, she was intrigued by a Facebook post about “spicey writing.” That chance post led to attending seminars and meetings with her soon-to-be writing coach and editor. Why should anyone want to read about a sweater!? Well, that sweater is a nemesis that exposes Lisa’s life. In reading the first chapter, you discover that you are joining Lisa on her journey to wholeness. In joining her, you will also realize that you are gaining knowledge to guide you through pain and disappointment.
You will learn about the stronghold (anything that binds you and holds you hostage) in Lisa’s life; she never wanted to be a failure to her children and valued the approval of a strong father. Discovering that she lived a life of “contorting” herself as a tree has limbs that are wrapped around it was causing pain. Lisa realized that she was not really being her authentic self. Even though The Unflattering Sweater is about Lisa’s divorce journey, readers will relate to her disappointment, disillusion, discouragement, and ultimate recovery. How recovery happens is seeded in transparency—one that most are uncomfortable doing. She actually destroyed the first draft of the book. It was not the best image of all matters encountered. As she states, it was not appropriate and only would be an exposé printed by a tabloid to exploit people and increase sales.
However, that draft helped in her healing and Sto was viewed by her eyes only. Using a medical term, Lisa strongly believed that “bleeding” on everyone would have occurred. What is worth noting is that Lisa made every attempt to speak with her family and her ex-husband about the book. He appreciated the conversation and was pleased about “how” she told the story. Acquaintances were surprised that it was written peacefully. Yes, she was concerned about how people would react; there was a struggle. The weight was not as bad as she thought it would be. Ultimately, her goal was to help someone else through difficulty. One bonus you will enjoy is that a devotional is available for personal or group study. Enjoy your journey while discovering that you can triumph over life’s challenges. Your life will change in ways that will surprise you. Lisa learned that there was “purpose in her pain.” Lisa values the changes and growth that she has experienced—both in her professional life and ministry life. You can pick up a copy of The Unflattering Sweater and the Devotional at Barnes and Noble or visit Amazon and place your order.
