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The inner peace that Annette Stanwick has experienced in her life can be heard in every word she speaks. Her voice is almost hypnotic, drawing you closer to her place of serenity. She is a woman driven by her passion to help others find freedom, peace and purpose.
Her book, FORGIVENESS: The Mystery and Miracle, was released in June 2007. Writing the book was a three year journey and Annette says, “It is an authentic book in which I share my personal experiences with trials and tragedy openly and honestly. The book also provides a way for my readers to explore their own difficult or painful experiences through a personal application and gentle process that is bringing healing to hurting hearts.”
A near fatal accident in Ontario placed Annette in hospital for 4 ˝ months with thirteen broken bones and massive internal injuries; undergoing eight surgeries. Her daughter was in the vehicle with her, also suffering critical injuries, was admitted to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital for treatment.
Annette’s husband of 41 years, Clay, was beside her through the ordeal; keeping her informed on the condition of their daughter and rejoicing at every little progress Annette made. Such trauma may have put many into discouragement and deep depression, but Annette says, “I left the hospital transformed.”
It was the miraculous physical and spiritual healing and experience of triumphing over trauma that helped propel her unexpectedly into the speaking circuit. She truly had something to share that could benefit others.
Annette began speaking to groups across North America in 1991. When asked how she felt receiving her first invitation to speak she replied simply, “Excited and overwhelmed!” Her first speaking engagement was for a Christian Women’s Retreat in Alberta and it wasn’t long before Annette’s reputation as a motivational and inspirational speaker spread.
Annette’s goal is to help others climb mountains; to rise above circumstances; to be the best they can be. She teaches how to bring out the inner beauty [for women] and strength [for men] that emanates from within.
With a degree in nursing, and years of executive experience, Annette accepted the position of Vice President, Quality and Organizational Development with Gimbel Eye Centre of Calgary in 1992.
As a result of her accident Annette lost her vision for 3 ˝ weeks so fully understands and appreciates how precious eyesight is and identifies with the joy experienced by patients when their vision is restored.
She finds her current position of Vice President-Medical Affairs fulfilling, especially working closely with doctors and staff to enhance personal and professional relationships. “Relationships are so important in any organization,” she says, “they are at the core of everything we do.”
Then another tragedy struck; in 1999 her brother was tragically murdered. In the courtroom, at the sentencing of her brother’s murderer Annette felt led by God to publicly forgive the man convicted of his murder.
Annette says that act of forgiveness gave her freedom and peace, transforming her life and heart once again. “Forgiveness does not condone the act committed,” adds Annette. “It is letting go of the anger and bitterness that makes a way for the freedom and peace to help us be open to happiness, joy and love once again.”
Together Annette and husband Clay have spoken to inmates convicted of violent crimes in prisons in Canada. She has an innate ability that seems to encourage people to discuss things they normally wouldn’t share.
Annette refers to it as non-judgemental listening and gentle probing that seems to bring out pain. While speaking to inmates in a men’s prison one man openly said he had no idea you could let go of anger and bitterness, “If only someone had shown me I could let go, maybe I wouldn’t have killed several members of my family!”
Annette says, “My greatest reward is seeing a life changed, a heart touched or a situation improved as a result of my written or spoken words.” The subtitle of Annette’s book is ‘Finding Freedom and Peace at Last’; hopefully that inmate found both.
Dr. Gimbel, a renowned speaker in his own right, was present at the launching of Annette’s book and when asked to say a few words referred to the last caption on the cover of her book which reads, ‘An ordinary woman sharing an extraordinary experience’. Dr. Gimbel said, “It should be the other way around; an extraordinary woman sharing an ordinary experience.” Though touched by his comment, she believes herself to be just an ordinary woman. Her husband, Clay, says it best, “Ordinary women don’t ride big motorcycles!”, recalling the thousands of kilometres they have ridden on their big bikes.
Written by: Carmen Borthwick
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