A Positive Life: Living with HIV as a Pastor, Husband, and Father

by Shane Stanford

“More than anything, I wanted my life to matter …” When Shane Stanford discovered he was HIV positive twenty years ago, he knew he had a he could feel sorry for himself, or he could live as faith-fully and boldly as possible. In A Positive Life, Shane offers nine basic yet powerful lessons for living well, all found within the life and ministry of Jesus. As Shane has discovered, even a difficult road offers glimpses of grace. Choosing how to live out that grace is the key to making life matter―and to being more alive than ever before. “The positive life is not about achieving but about becoming. To understand this is to understand the whole journey.” At the age of sixteen, Shane Stanford contracted HIV from procedures used to treat hemophilia. But through the grace of God, he turned a positive diagnosis into an opportunity for positive living. In this powerful mosaic of story, biblical insight, and spiritual reflections, Shane invites you to a simpler, more contented life as you live, laugh, and love in community as Jesus did―with an appreciation for God’s incredible adventure no matter the circumstances. After all, the key to living with purpose is found not in some distant revelation but in our own story and in the stories of those around us. The daily routine that seems mundane might just hold the answers to greater joy. As Shane writes, “What we are looking for has been within our grasp all along.” So discover how to treasure each day through this hope-filled account of faith, courage, and character. Shane’s hard-won words and unique perspective teach all of us about the simplicity of life’s most beautiful and enduring gifts.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 8, 2010

Reviews

[Kw · Rating 3 out of 5]

We as healthcare workers were frightened and confused when HIV surfaced in the 80s. Hard to imagine actually being diagnosed with it and having to deal with all that is involved in the management of this disease. And in this case, add to that hemophilia, hepatitus C, and later heart disease. But this Methodist pastor has lived HIV positive fully and well and with great courage for 25 years. His story is compelling and honest; some of his greatest challenges had nothing to do with his health. I would like to read some of his other books, and recommend this autobiography.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting non-fiction on early HIV days

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple, quick read. A valuable portrait of a man living with HIV/AIDS.

Enjoyable memoir about a Christian hemophiliac who tested positive for HIV at a time when he described it as modern-day leprosy. Told he would only live three years, he has lived another quarter-century, struggling to balance marriage and children and pastoral responsibilities with HIV, hemophilia, and now Hepatitis C.

Nevertheless, because of his faith, his is a "positive life." I enjoyed this book with its unblinking look at insurmountable challenges, and with hope and joy that overcomes them because "with God all things are possible."

[Jennifer L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1980s AIDS was a four letter word. And that's what it was when 16 year old Shane learned he had this disease that was then considered something that would kill you in a matter of a few years. Yet, Shane decided to live a normal life. He married his high school sweetheart, and he was the first person who had AIDS the United Methodist Church ordained, but it wasn't an easy fight. It's an inspiring book as well as a look back into how those with HIV were treated even two decades ago.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read some of Shane Stanford's other books and was curious to know more about his experience as a pastor, husband, father etc. while living with HIV. Especially given he was diagnosed as a teenager. I appreciated the honesty he gives about the ups and downs, in his life, ministry, and marriage.

[Beth Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased by the fact that this guy is my pastor. And what a pastor he is.

Despite his struggles, he consistently lives in faith and joy. I have personally witnessed as he puts his family first, and it shows.

It's amazing to listen to him each Sunday, knowing the challenges he lives with, and be consistently inspired and challenged by him.

Definitely a must read.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Rev. Shane Stafford's book "A Positive Life: Living with HIV as a Pastor, Husband, and Father" is a touching true story of what has happened and is happening in his life at the beginning.

I would recommend this book for all to read.

[Mark Sigman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great so far. Had to pick up another book for group study just as got started on this. My preacher at CUMC. Awesome story, great heart for the ministry.

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for perspective. Real without being too depressing.