Batavia authors chronicle their faith journeys

Doubt can be a painful emotion to deal with, whether dealing with personal issues or dealing with spiritual ones. Batavia author Ann C. Sullivan examines how doubt can affect our lives in her new book, “Permission to Doubt,” published by Kregel Publications.

Sullivan has been a teacher and trainer for Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, an interdenominational church with a large women's ministry numbering in the thousands. Her life journey has taken her to the podium, speaking before large groups about her faith.

Undiagnosed with a panic disorder that lasted over 13 years, Sullivan often had doubts about overcoming her fear and her own abilities.

“Doubt and I have a long history together, and our struggle has been fierce,” she says.

Many deal with doubt and insecurities on a daily basis, “Permission to Doubt” offers help and encouragement.

Well-written, informative and sprinkled with humor, this book uses personal experiences and the experiences of others to show how faith can remain strong even through difficult times. In one illustration, Sullivan, who grew up in Batavia as Ann Kilroy, writes about the tragic accident involving the family of the Rev. Duane “Scott” Willis. She knew Willis as a teacher when she was a student at Batavia Junior High School. After Willis and his wife lost six of their nine children in a crash in 1994, Willis remained strong in the belief that he would see his children again one day.

Throughout the book, Sullivan uses Bible passages as road markers on the spiritual journey. Through this book, she shares the message that it is OK to doubt and that doubt can lead to a stronger faith. The book also offers questions at the end of each chapter for Bible studies and discussion.

“I'm convinced of the basic truths of my faith,” said Sullivan. “I hold tightly to them, not because it was handed down to me, but because genuine truth endures scrutiny.”

Anne Sullivan also has a blog, www.annsullivansimpletruths.com/.

Not only does she combine humorous stories with spiritual guidance, she also offers compassion and encouragement to those who follow her.

An ALS journey:

Certainly, Steve Heronemus of Batavia has reason to doubt. Diagnosed with ALS 12 years ago, this brave and faithful warrior has had to deal with physical struggles many could only imagine.

Heronemus has written a book as well, titled “Shells: Sustained by Grace Within the Tempest.” Heronemus certainly has every reason to say, “Why me?” Instead, he replies in his book, “Why not me?”

For a man who can no longer hold a pencil or type on a keyboard, writing a book is a daunting task.

“My biggest challenge in writing ‘Shells' was going back to some very emotional, vulnerable and difficult memories,” Heronemus said. “The book would not work if it wasn't deeply honest and personal, and I had to revisit memories of some extremely traumatic situations.”

This is a book that describes what it's like to live within the shell of a man. Even though he struggles with the physical constraints of the disease, Heronemus is the same inside. He is the erudite who is consumed with researching the disease. He is the gifted musician, who can no longer hold his beloved French horn, but loves hearing the sounds of the symphony. He is the spiritual guide who shares his beliefs in God's grace in the way he lives his life, and he is the devoted father to his children and the loving husband to his wife Suzanne.

“We all experience setbacks and difficulties in our lives that try to overwhelm and control us,” Heronemus said. “My experience is that our Creator invites us to find love, joy, beauty and purpose in every day no matter where the storms of life blow us. Shells gives hope and practical disciplines that allow us to sail beyond the tempests and accept that invitation.”

I first met the Heronemus family when my children were involved in music and theater at Batavia High School. I remember sitting with Heronemus in the cafeteria right after he had received his diagnosis in 2003. I was devastated hearing the news but Heronemus seemed to have a strength and resolve to fight the disease with all that he had.

Throughout the last 12 years, he has shown that his purpose on earth is far greater than dealing with ALS. I think this book proves it. All proceeds benefit the Les Turner Foundation for ALS research.

Both of these gifted authors are people of faith who have had their own struggles. Both have shown courage in the face of adversity and proved that faith can nourish and sustain you.