Writer of Life By Karen Peterson

Dr. Bonnie Libhart: Writer of Life
By Karen Peterson

Dr. Bonnie Libhart’s dramatic life history is intertwined with triumph and tragedy, joy and tears. She believes both extremes are essential to personal and spiritual growth; furthermore, she believes that when we experience trauma, we must reinvent ourselves to prepare for the next stage in our lives.

If the latter is true, Libhart has reinvented herself dozens of times over her lifetime. She says she found new strength and greater blessings with each evolution.

Besides being a nationally-renowned speaker on inspirational and motivational issues, the vivacious 70-year-old is an author with eight books under her literary belt. “I’ve been writing all my life,” she explained. “ As a young girl, I’d love to get new tablet and put words in those beautiful lines.”

The Arkansas native published her first book in 1974. From “Born Again Marriage” to “Building a Better you”, Libhart draws upon her own experiences to inform, inspire and entertain. “Born again Marriage” chronicles the drama of her near-divorce to Tony Libhart, and how the pair picked up the pieces, subsequently rebuilding on an even stronger foundation. They have not been married 50 years.

Perhaps her most emotional work is “Emily” a heart wrenching account of her daughter’s joyous life and sudden, premature death. Emily Dawn was walking near Jordan Lane and University Drive in Huntsville where she was hit by a car and killed in 1990. She was 30 Years Old.

Emily was a Russian interpreter who brought Bibles by the bundles to the former Solviet Union. Libhart was so proud of the work her daughter did for others and, more importantly, for God.

God also played a pivotal role in Libhart’s life. She became a born again Christian when her marriage was on the brink of divorce. She couldn’t imagine weathering her marital storms or surviving Emily’s death without His guidance. She credits God for enabling her to write books that illustrate how she and others have walked through dark, painful tunnels only to emerge stronger on the other, brighter side.

Today Libhart is working on two more books. “Invisible Lines”, is a true story set in her hometown of Paragould, Ark. German POWs were sent to provide labor on farms. Many young American men were serving overseas, leaving their families desperately shotr-handed.

Some of those POWs made their way to Libhart’s childhood farm, much to the dismay and disgust of townspeople. But the five-year old quickly learned the POWs were human beings with real families and feelings. She and her family reached out to them and they, in turn, responded with kindness and gratitude. Libhart learned early in to ignore lines surrounding nationalities, races, culture and social standings. “We need to love each other, be tolerant,” she said.

“Six Breaths to Healthy Wealthy and Wise”, is aimed at helping readers improve their situation in all three topics. “We have to breathe deeply,” Libhart explained. “That’s so important for developing the good health, wealth and wisdom we all desire.”

Libhart had clearly acquired all three. You can find out more about her books on her Web site, www.drbonnielibhart.com.