"It is in pain that you really discover what you believe" - that's the hard-won lesson at the heart of a new book by Christian minister Cornel Romans following his own brush with death from serious illness.
Romans, minister of the New Testament Church of God in Westmoreland, Jamaica, said the book, Flourishing in Times of Sickness, was born out of his own experience of life-threatening illness and is intended to offer hope, encouragement and practical guidance to people facing serious health challenges.
At an online launch hosted by Marcia M Publishing House, Romans shared the personal journey behind the book and his hopes for readers.
Although Flourishing in Times of Sickness is his first publication, Romans revealed that he did not originally set out to write a book.
He said that after coming out of therapies and hospital check-ups, he was not in any physical, emotional or mental state to write a book.
"I have to say the inspiration was from God because I've never experienced anything like that before," he explained. "I would be doing something and have to stop immediately to write down what came to me because I knew if I didn't, I would lose it."
He described the writing process as deeply emotional, particularly when recollecting some of the most difficult moments of his illness.
During the launch, Romans spoke candidly about the severity of his illness, recalling repeated lung collapses, emergency surgeries, chronic pain and moments when he questioned whether he could continue.
He described the physical and emotional toll of repeated hospital admissions, saying there were times when he could no longer bathe independently or climb stairs without assistance.
"I know what it feels like to be literally on the brink of death," he said.
Romans admitted he became so overwhelmed that he considered giving up altogether.
“My mind was losing the fight," he recalled. "But thank God that was not His plan."
Throughout the launch, Romans emphasised the importance of emotional and spiritual support in times of illness, including prayer, companionship and simply having someone willing to remain alongside a person through difficult circumstances.
"I believe there are some people who could still be alive had they received the right support at the right time," he said.
Faith also plays a central role in the book. Addressing one of the most common questions raised during suffering, "Where is God?", Romans acknowledged that serious illness can challenge even the strongest believer.
He admitted experiencing what he described as a "crisis of faith" after his condition stabilised but credited family, friends and fellow Christians with helping him navigate those difficult questions.
"It is in pain that you really discover what you believe," he said.
The book explores themes including forgiveness, the mind, emotional resilience, the human spirit and the importance of healthy support systems in the healing process.
While it is primarily aimed at people living with serious illnesses and their families, Romans believes it also offers valuable insight for healthcare professionals, church leaders and anyone seeking to prepare themselves spiritually and emotionally for life's unexpected challenges.
One chapter that holds particular significance for the author focuses on guarding the mind.
Romans warned that constant exposure to negative news, social media and unhealthy influences can affect emotional wellbeing, especially during periods of illness.
"When you're going through serious sickness, you have to be very careful who you listen to and what you allow into your mind," he said.
Looking ahead, Romans said his greatest hope is that readers experience “healing, restoration and transformation”, regardless of their circumstances.
