About the Author
Janet V Grillo
Janet V. Grillo, author of God Promised Me Wings to Fly: Life for Survivors After a Tragedy, faced a life-altering crisis on December 13, 2001, when her husband died under mysterious circumstances. The ambiguity surrounding his death left her grappling with unanswered questions: Was it suicide, a conspired act, an induced tragedy, or even murder?
Her anguish deepened when she uncovered the shocking truth—her husband had been leading a double life, allegedly tied to the Philadelphia mafia. This revelation shattered her world, leaving her uncertain and isolated. When she reached out for support, her husband’s family, 55 members strong, rejected her, intensifying her feelings of abandonment and confusion.
The situation was further complicated by her in-laws’ full-blooded Italian heritage, steeped in hidden family secrets. Determined to uncover the truth about the man she had spent 18 years with and married for 15, Janet embarked on a personal investigation, driven by her desire for closure and answers to the questions that haunted her.
How could Janet make sense of it all?
Where was God, and why did He let this happen?
What use was there in going on?
Could she ever find joy and hope again?
Did she even have a purpose anymore?
Grillo has lived through profound personal and financial trials. She believed she would be financially secure due to her husband’s insurance policies and real estate holdings. However, her devastation was complete when she discovered that her husband’s family had illegally cashed in the most significant insurance policy. To claim what was rightfully hers, Janet spent over $125,000 in legal fees, estranged from her in-laws and communicating only through her attorney.
Before these events, Janet was the owner of a successful business specializing in diamonds and fine jewelry. Her company thrived until the recession of 2007 hit, causing the diamond industry to collapse, leaving many jewelers—including Janet—struggling to survive. As the market crashed, she, like many others, resorted to pawning inventory to pay employees before ultimately having to close her business.
Her financial struggles were so overwhelming that Janet described them as “robbing Peter to pay Paul and Paul to pay Peter. Peter tumbled down a flight of stairs, and Paul fell right behind him.” Eventually, she lost her home of twenty-three years to foreclosure and filed for bankruptcy, moving in with her daughter. What she thought would take only a year to recover from stretched into three long, difficult years.
Though she had always been a believer in God, Janet felt abandoned during her darkest moments. Following her husband’s death, she endured depression, anxiety attacks, shame, and even suicidal thoughts. Her journey of spiritual healing after trauma was not easy. After trying repeatedly to fix her life on her own, Janet ultimately surrendered her life to God, placing her trust fully in His hands.
A lifelong dream of Janet’s had been to live in a yellow house in Florida, though she didn’t know why. She had no connections there, and yellow wasn’t even her favorite color. Through many conversations with God, Janet began to feel whispers in her heart, guiding her.
One day, while listening to Joyce Meyer, she heard the phrase, “God will give you double for your trouble,” sparking a deep connection in her spirit. She turned to the Bible for confirmation and found reassurance in Isaiah 61:7: “Instead of your shame, you shall have double honor… they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.”
With renewed faith, Janet set a goal to move to Florida within six months, believing nothing could stand in her way. This decision marked a turning point in her story of spiritual growth after trauma and personal renewal.
Janet’s writing is raw, genuine, and deeply personal, sharing her journey like a conversation over coffee. Readers are drawn in by her honesty, especially through her heartfelt letters exchanged with God. Chapter 9, a particularly cherished part of her book, reflects on Bible verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, as Janet connects each verse to her personal struggles and triumphs.
Her story resonates with those who have faced hardships, offering guidance for renewing life after a tragedy and showing how one can emerge stronger. Janet’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and spiritually based personal transformation.
“In God’s silent words, He promised me wings to fly. Come hell or high water, I will hold Him to His promise.”
– Janet V. Grillo
7 Steps to Renew Your Life After a Tragedy
1. Believe in Yourself for Better Confidence
By embracing self-beliefs, you can overcome self-doubt, tackle challenges with confidence, and achieve your goals with conviction. Believing in yourself plays a foundational role in building your confidence.
2. Awareness and Acceptance of Getting Through Difficult Times
It is essential to be aware of and accept the challenges we encounter in life. By acknowledging and understanding our difficulties, we can better navigate them and ultimately overcome them.
3. Seek to Gain Wisdom – The Art of Knowing God
By actively seeking wisdom, you gain a deeper understanding of your identity and purpose in God’s eyes. Seek wisdom through prayer, study, and contemplation.
4. Eliminate the Negatives to Triumph in the Face of Adversity
It is essential to eliminate negative influences, thoughts, and behaviors to overcome challenges and succeed. Eliminate anything that hinders progress. Rise above challenging circumstances and emerge victorious.
5. Take Control of Your Life to Unleash Your Strengths
You can shape your life and tap into your strengths to achieve personal growth and success. To create a fulfilling and meaningful life, you must take ownership and responsibility for your actions, choices, and decisions.
6. Transformation Begins by Embracing God’s Guidance
Explore the concept of personal transformation through the lens of faith and spirituality. True and lasting change begins by seeking and embracing guidance from a higher power. Your transformational journey will lead to personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and a renewed sense of purpose.
7. Purpose with Intention is Helping Others Find Their Greatness
Explore the significance of having a clear purpose in life and how it can be enhanced by acting with intention. When we align our purpose with helping others, we fulfill our potential and empower those around us to discover their greatness.
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