Living in the New Creation: Reframing Your Life

by Rev. Michael Lessard

The Rev. Michael Lessard is president of Pastoral Care Associates, an organization that provides pastoral care services and pastoral care training, through the Pastoral Care Associates School of Pastoral Ministry to hospitals and healthcare centers in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Rector of the Oratory of the Sacred Family of Jesus, building interdenominational partnerships for caring ministries. Michael is an Anglican Priest with the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA). He has served as pastor, associate pastor, and vicar before moving into chaplaincy. He has been board certified as a chaplain (4 units of CPE) and is an advanced trainer through Leadership Education and Development, (LEAD, plus). He suffered the death of his wonderful wife in 2015 and has three adult children and one grandchild. Rev. Lessard's other books "Christology of the Family" and the novel "The Lost Dutchman." Follow him on the pastoral care associates' website or on Facebook.

170 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2025

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I've been struggling with some tough medical decisions for my aging father, and I needed some spiritual guidance. Lessard really understands the weight of these situations. His background as a chaplain shines through—he doesn't offer easy answers or cheap clichés. What I appreciated most was his honesty about how modern medicine can sometimes become its own idol. He doesn't bash doctors or science, but he makes a compelling case that we need to bring faith back into the conversation. The chapter on suffering and the Garden of Eden narrative hit me hard—I'd never thought about how my own frustration with God might be rooted in that same ancient doubt. It's not a light read, but it's worth the effort. My only complaint is that some sections felt a bit repetitive.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and encouraging read that reminds us how a renewed perspective can transform the way we approach everyday life. The message is clear, practical, and filled with hope. I finished this book feeling inspired to reflect on my own spiritual journey. I recommend this book to anyone looking for encouragement, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of living with purpose. Lessard writes with both pastoral warmth and intellectual depth. He doesn't shy away from hard questions about why God allows suffering, but he also doesn't leave you stuck in despair. The "new creation" framing gave me a fresh lens for viewing my current struggles. I'll definitely be passing this along to my small group.

[SARAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a hospital nurse, and I picked this up thinking it might help me with the spiritual care side of my job. I was pleasantly surprised. Lessard clearly knows the hospital environment inside and out. His critique of how we sometimes treat patients as problems to be fixed rather than souls to be cared for really resonated with me. I see it every day. The book challenged me to think about my own assumptions and to slow down and see the person behind the diagnosis. That said, some of the theological language is pretty dense—I had to read a few passages twice. But overall, a valuable read for anyone in healthcare, ministry, or just trying to make sense of life's hardest moments.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lost my husband to cancer three years ago, and I've been searching for a book that doesn't make suffering sound like a simple problem with a neat solution. This one gets it. Lessard's own experience of losing his wife gives him credibility he's not writing from an ivory tower. He's been in the trenches. I appreciated how he wove his personal story into the larger theological framework without making it all about him. The section on medical futility was difficult to read because it brought back hard memories, but it was also healing. It helped me understand that the decisions we made weren't failures they were acts of love within a broken world. Highly recommend for anyone grieving.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me uncomfortable in the best way. Lessard challenges the modern mindset that says suffering is always an enemy to be defeated. He argues that our obsession with avoiding pain at all costs has actually made us more spiritually impoverished. I'm not sure I agree with everything he says, but he made me think deeply about my own values and where I've placed my trust. The chapters connecting our modern alienation to the story of Eden were particularly eye-opening. I will say the book could have used some tighter editing—a few tangents went on too long. But the core message is powerful and timely. A solid 4 stars.

[SOFIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and encouraging read that reminds us how a renewed perspective can transform the way we approach everyday life. The message is clear, practical, and filled with hope. I finished this book feeling inspired to reflect on my own spiritual journey. I recommend this book to anyone looking for encouragement, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of living with purpose.