When Skies Aren't Blue: A Physician's Personal Journey

by Andy Laurie

What do you do when the skies in your life turn dark?

There are many struggles in this difficult world that can darken our skies. It may be ongoing health issues, depression/anxiety, relationship struggles, financial calamity and so much more.

Andy Laurie, MD, had seemingly the perfect life. He had a successful medical practice. He was starting a second career as a pastor. He was young and healthy. He had a beautiful, loving wife and four small children. His life could not have been better. It was nothing but blue skies.

Then, the unthinkable hit. He was struck with a devastating illness. The skies of his once-wonderful life became dark, very dark.

Dr. Laurie has been battling illness for nearly two decades. He has now courageously shared his story with you. Relying on nearly thirty years of medical practice and over twenty years in the ministry, Dr. Laurie has written prescriptions for you to find hope, strength, contentment, joy, and even victory when the struggles of life have darkened your blue skies.

About the Author

Dr. Andy Laurie is a board-certified radiologist who received his medical degree from UC San Diego. He did his post graduate residency at the University of Arizona. He practiced emergency radiology for nearly thirty years before illness caused him to recently retire. In addition, he has been a pastor at The Bridge Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona, for nearly twenty years. For much of this time, he has courageously battled a devastating disease of the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Laurie and his wife, Cyndi, were married in 1991 after he graduated from medical school. They have four grown children and make their home in Tucson with their beloved dogs.

Genres: Nonfiction

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2021

About the author

Dr. Andy Laurie is a board-certified radiologist who received his medical degree from UC San Diego. He did his post graduate residency at the University of Arizona. He practiced emergency radiology for nearly thirty years before illness caused him to recently retire. In addition, he has been a pastor at The Bridge Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona, for nearly twenty years. For much of this time, he has courageously battled a devastating disease of the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Laurie and his wife, Cyndi, were married in 1991 after he graduated from medical school. They have four grown children and make their home in Tucson with their beloved dogs.

Reviews

[Kingdom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Andy Laurie had a great life. He was living the American dream, happily married, four kids and two great careers. One as a board certified emergency room radiologist, and the other, as one of the pastors at The Bridge Christian Church.

In When Skies Aren’t Blue, Dr. Andy Laurie shares his personal journey as a sudden and unexplainable illness brought dark clouds into his blue skies of life at the early age of thirty-nine. Following, he offers Ten Powerful Steps as prescriptions that present real hope amid those dark skies that tend to drift in without warning. With clear and an easy-to-understand Biblical teaching, coupled with prayers at the end of each step, he encourages readers to remain steadfast in hope, persevere, and hold onto their faith in a God - Who is near and real in times of trouble.

Further shedding light on evil and sickness in our world, the author speaks candidly to all that are battling with failing health. His book offers fundamentals that teach and reveal not only the characteristics of God and our Heavenly Father as a good Father, yet he also highlights Satan and the role he plays upon this fallen world. His book presents simple truths of the Bible by helping readers understand that God is not causing sickness and thus, helps readers gain a healthy perspective. Satan is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Yet, there is hope to be found! Jesus Christ is our anchor of hope in this life and eternally.

Dr. Laurie presents 10 powerful steps to victory. Each step is designed to point the reader to a God that is real and present, offering comfort, inspiration and scriptural insight bringing the absolute love and magnificence of God Almighty into the forefront. Dr. Andy Laurie states with unequivocal belief from the facts that God is real, He’s listening to you, and He cares for you. These 10 steps are powerful for life because they speak truth and give real help and hope for those in desperate need.

This book comes highly recommended for those who are currently suffering with failing health (or other life storms), and are in need of hope and encouragement that is real and tangible. This is an amazing book borne out of the author’s own suffering that will surely bless others immensely!

[Abby Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone battling a chronic illness, who has a faith, should read this book. I think I highlighted half of the book, so good!

[Amber Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you Dr Laurie

I so appreciated the reminder that this is not our home and that YOU WILL suffer in this life. Learning to truly live with a chronic illness has been the greatest struggle of my life but you remind us that it can be done.

[Kelly Strenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reassuring and comforting at a time when I was just diagnosed with a chronic health condition.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Skies Aren’t Blue deeply inspired me. The book centers on a physician who faces dire circumstances, endures immense pain, and struggles with tasks that seem simple to most, like getting out of bed each morning. However, his expression of faith, passion, perseverance, and dedication to finding light in even the darkest places shines so brightly that it illuminates the overlooked and underappreciated aspects of our own lives.

There are times in our lives when the skies aren’t blue, and dark clouds overshadow our joy. Dr. Andy Laurie, through his testimony, reveals ways to find each glimmer of life the Lord provides. I don’t mean that to be a poetic or “shiny” statement. It’s genuine. As the author eloquently illustrates in chapter 9, when we focus on God and His enduring love, surely, we can appreciate that the “green dots” (good stuff) in our lives outnumbers the “red dots” (bad stuff.)

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be EMPOWERING. With an easy-flowing conversational tone, Dr. Laurie highlights that no matter how dark our circumstances get, we can experience a God-empowered peace when our skies are blue and not so blue.

First Lines: I know there is no such thing as a perfect life. But gosh, mine was about as good as it gets.
Genre: Christian Personal Growth, Non-fiction, memoir
Author: Andy Laurie, MD
Page Count: 116

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% my own.

[Kristen Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who has gone through chronic illness for over 7 years, I didn’t find anything in the book earth shattering as there are pretty basic conclusions (“prescriptions”). Some points were helpful reminders, however.

I did take issue with how he dealt with the issue of who causes or allows suffering. The author seems to completely ignore scripture (Job, especially came to mind) in favor of what he felt like was a more palatable view of God.

Might be a helpful read for someone who is either a newer Christian or in the beginning years or chronic illness, if read with discernment.

I applaud the author for writing a book to seek to encourage others in the middle of his own ongoing trial.

[Stephen Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Live Through Hard, Hard Times

I purchased this book because I wanted to learn how a Christian endured, and endures, physical illness with little hope of recovery. It is an honest testimony of a man's journey through illness by turning to a Living God through Jesus Christ. I was instructed in how to live with God in pain by keeping ones eyes on Him.

There are many applications of Dr. Laurie's testimony for anyone enduring hardships. I highly recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most riveting and profound book, other than the Bible that I have ever read!


In this deeply moving and personal book I am truly in awe of the faith and life of the author. How can we learn to have such undying assurance of God's love that will sustain us thru all of the dark hour's of our lives? I honestly pray that God will lead all of our friends and family, as well as myself, to feel and be as close to our Lord as he has become. Please Lord make it possible!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who we become is determined by the choices we make, a difficult lesson to learn, and one which is clearly demonstrated in this highly readable book.
Dr. Andy Laurie generously shares his experiences and the life lessons he is forced to accept. Written in an easy to follow and addicting way, I was captivated.
Ups and downs... ultimately an inspiring read.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

resilience and faith

This is a very powerful book. I learned a new way to address the chronic illnesses we face here at home. I also learned how a shift in mindset can move you further in life than you’ve allowed yourself. Look through the eyes of Jesus Christ Our Lord and the future is much brighter.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Dr. Andy Laurie has great insight into a life you probably know nothing about but that so many live. I liked his honesty.
Ups and downs for sure. Raw and honest but ultimately Smooth and Effortless, this is the kind of story that will stick with you.

[Anne Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

I have a few friends who have autoimmune conditions and have already recommended this book to them! I'm in awe of his trust in the Lord to be with him through the bad times. So refreshing and inspiring, this book is one to turn to in my not-so-blue-sky days.

[JoAnn Tobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyme disease

Please get a full tic borne panel from igenex done. I think it may be Lyme that you have. It can be put into remission. JoAnn

[Lori Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hero for sure

This book is such an inspiration to me as I have not had many blue skies in the last few years. It was not an accident I found this book tonight. God bless you Andy!

[Marlene Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

when life will never be the same

When life will never be the same, it can still be good. Dr. Laurie points out the importance of focus and faith to make it through difficult times.

[kay medley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!

I needed this! Going through a rough patch. His words and God’s words held a lot of truth to help navigate the dark skies!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and inspiring

I finally felt understood! Andy approaches life both from dark skies and blue skies, understanding the life of the chronically
Ill.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Skies Aren't Blue by Andy Laurie is a short, but impactful read.

As a physician, we can do our best to heal the body, but ultimately that healing is temporary. As a pastor, the difference that can be made is eternal.

Andy was happy with his life. He was married, had four young children, was a radiologist, and had a growing ministry as a pastor. He awoke one morning thinking he had the flu, only he didn't get better. This began his journey into a chronic illness that he still has to this day.

Hope is so easy to grasp onto and so easily destroyed.

Andy's journey has not been easy. There were times he wanted to give up, and many times he almost died. Thankfully he had people in his corner who spoke truth to him, and encouraged him (and good doctors!). I can't imagine going through what he has/and continues to go through. I know it would have me questioning my faith as well. And, that is what makes this book so impactful, seeing how Andy's faith grew amid his trials, and the revelations he made about God.

I enjoyed the pictures of Andy and his family and the diagrams he used to make certain points. At the end of each chapter, Andy writes a prescription for when skies aren't blue. This is an incredible story of Andy's resilience. I would have liked to have seen the perspective of his wife and family members. I know it had to be incredibly difficult for them as well as Andy, but I think it would have taken the book to another level. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from chronic illness or has a family member who is, or even if you going through a hard time.

Thank you to Front Gate Media for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the personal account of Dr. Andy Laurie, a successful radiologist and pastor. He recounts how a sudden illness darked his blue skies. He shares ten steps, which he presents as though they are prescriptions, to help readers find joy and hope during the storms of life. And to do this might require redefining victory. Using biblical principles and appropriate Scripture verses, the purpose of this book is to encourage readers and point them to God.

I am someone who has lived with chronic illness for a number of years. Many of the concepts listed in this book are not necessarily new ones, but they could be a helpful reminder to newer Christians and/or those just beginning their journey with chronic illness.

Overall, Laurie reminds readers that, while life may be different now, it can still be a good life, and it is important to keep our focus in the right place: on God.

I applaud the author for sharing his journey, and he clearly shows how chronic illness can quickly blindside a person and the roller coaster ride that is associated with getting a diagnosis. Parts of the story show both the doctor and patient angle.

Some of the steps include:

- We Need A Hope that is Real
- Prepare For the Dark Skies
- Let the Old Life Go

Each chapter ends with a "prescription," which are key takeaways from that chapter, as well as a prayer.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FrontGate blogger program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Christina Claypool · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest takeaway from this book is the reminder that we do not struggle with chronic illness alone. God is with us through it all.
We are surrounded by lots of other folks, dealing with pain and serious health issues on a daily basis. Realizing this makes us understand that our bodies are only temporary vessels to carry the Holy Spirit through this life. When we suffer, God suffers.
In the end, the biggest question is, what can we do with the circumstances we are given? After all, it’s easy to ruminate on all that we can no longer do or that has been lost as our bodies let us down either through aging or chronic illness. But God will never let us down, and He will be with us through For me personally, it’s incredibly important to remember that despite dealing with chronic pain for a dozen years, I never give up that God can heal in an instant. If He does not heal on this earth, I look forward to that glorious body in heaven. One must fight to keep your faith, strong, especially as pain racks your body. So, it’s encouraging to read a book by an author who gets all of these complicated issues. It takes more faith than people would ever know to go on trusting God and doing what you can every single day. I admire Dr. Laurie and was inspired by him.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know someone facing a tough medical diagnosis?
Andy Laurie is both a doctor and a pastor who faced a devastating medical crisis at the peak of his career and life as a husband and father.
It took years of testing and trials to discover the cause, and he’s lived with it for over two decades. Though the disease rocked his faith to the core, he held on with tenacity. He wants to help others hold onto faith when skies aren’t blue in their lives, especially if they are facing a tough medical diagnosis.
Andy’s writing is concise and to-the-point. He offers ten powerful steps, like prescriptions from a doctor, to help you when skies aren’t blue in your life. As a pastor, he writes with compassion and encouragement.
The most powerful part of this book is the author’s testimony of persevering through truly horrible circumstances. If you or someone you know is facing a difficult health situation, this book would be a great comfort to you. I recommend you order a copy for yourself or a suffering friend

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Laurie writes a personal journey story of his debilitating disease. The story makes you think. How are we personally handling living a life that is unchangeable and with more pain than we can bear?

Andy provides step-by-step Biblical information to help us find God's light in the darkest times. These changes aren't easy, but they will make you look at those "dark skies" differently. There is a way to find hope, joy, and even victory in living each day.

When Skies Aren't Blue is a wonderful, inspiring book. I recommend re-reading it from time to time as a reminder that there is someone who can make a difference in your life—God! It may surprise you to find that HE has been with you the whole time.

[Karen Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overly prescriptive but I guess that is expected from a doctor. Do this, this will happen. I also felt like I was being preached to but also expected because he’s a pastor. I thought he downplayed the issues with his illness and wasn’t very vulnerable in his story. Many of the prescriptions make sense even without religion.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and Intensely Practical Book!

For anyone who has endured your own dark skies for longer than you thought possible. I love to read but don't normally go back to a book for reminders of its wisdom. I expect to go back to THIS book often. Highly recommend!

[Frank Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done:)True facts organized in a

True facts organized in a terrific way to help the rest of us get through the “red dots”. Thank you