JD
Messinger’s book “11 Days in May” is easy to read and understand, and yet,
possesses a level of difficulty in explaining. I believe that is because each
and every reader will walk away with something that belongs only to them, a
perspective unique and individual.
“11
Days in May” is the culmination of a thirty year journey. JD traveled to the
top of the corporate mountain, only to undergo a personal calamity that
shattered the stones of his spiritual foundation. He was suddenly, and
unexpectedly, forced to question who he was…or wasn’t. And that’s where his
story of life, of hope, truly begins.
JD
was the man behind the corporate scenes, amassing wealth, wielding power. He
was, and remains, extremely skilled at what he does. However, what he does now
isn’t what he did. I realize I’m being a bit veiled here, but bear with me.
JD’s professional credits read like a Who’s Who of business, and his job
experience is an array most of us will just shake our heads at. He was a
fireman, nuclear engineer (how’s that for a career shift?), and served as a
nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He joined Exxon, serving in a
number of managerial positions, including supervising the Valdez oil spill’s
cleanup. As CEO of Cap Gemini Ernst
& Young (South-East Asia) where he was responsible for all IT and
management consulting services. In this capacity, he served as a key advisor
for innovation and economic development for the Singapore Prime Ministers
Office as well as numerous national statutory boards and government ministries
in Singapore, Malaysia and China, and served as a senior advisor to the
Singapore Ministry of Defence.
Then his neck unexplainably broke – for the
second time.
The immediate question in JD’s mind was
“Why?”. He became convinced something or someone was trying to get his
attention. That power succeeded. Today, JD operates Essence, a company he founded
that provides informational, educational and entertaining offerings to
accelerate personal, corporate and global evolution. In other words, he’s
trying to make the world a better place.
“11 Days in May” is a fictional
conversation written over a period of eleven days. Yet, every word is
nonfiction as it is JD’s journey not just of his self-discovery, but what
really drives us in the directions we choose. And still, I know that once a
reader finishes this book, he or she will totally disagree with my remarks here
as they will have found their own interpretation and inspiration.
Yes,
this book is that unique and memorable.
Q)
In “11 Days,” you mention a homeless man who asked why you were sitting in a
gas station. You responded, “Thinking.” His (shortened) comment ‘You think too
much’ impacted your book. Has it impacted your life?
A)
This single incident might not have changed the course of my life, but it
certainly reinforced that every sign is a confirmation that we are never alone,
always being guided, and there are no accidents. At the time, I had been
sitting there asking God if the chapter on “What is Time” was fitting, and the
stress was taking a toll on me. When this man I had never met before answered
my prayer I felt at peace because the chapter had been perfect all along. This
homeless man made me feel empowered and energized because he confirmed that
help is only a prayer away.
Q)
In the dedication, you state “…unusual experiences are not all that unusual.”
Briefly, what did you mean by that?
A)
Throughout my life I have experienced countless metaphysical phenomena that
science cannot explain, but what I find more intriguing is that I am not
alone—not even close. Almost everyone I have come into contact with during my
ten-year quest has felt a supernatural presence in their lives whether they
chose to believe it or not. The only reason these phenomena are considered
unusual is because people are afraid to talk about them for fear of being
judged. My greatest hope is to open a dialogue and create a safe environment
for people to share and connect through their unexplainable experiences. After
all, why should anything initiated by a benevolent, higher-being be considered
taboo?
Q)
This book will stimulate some interesting debate. How do you feel about those
who will miss the point of your message?
A)
Well I must admit that I’ve been there; I was one of those people that just
didn’t get it, and that is part of the reason I wrote 11 Days in May. I want to
share my lessons and my journey so that others will feel empowered to take a
similar spiritual journey in their lives. Of course there will always be
readers who aren’t ready and who don’t understand, and that is just fine. Judging
them would be hypocritical. I have been in that position, and I send them
compassion and love so they will eventually discover their spiritual gifts.
Q)
Why should a working mother on a tight budget buy this book?
A)
I think working moms often get overlooked, and they certainly don’t get enough
credit for everything they do in a day: financially supporting a family,
driving carpool, making dinner, doing laundry. The one thing these women seem
to be searching for is rest, a moment of peace. My book is a fast read, so it
isn’t daunting to a woman who has limited time, but it will teach valuable
lessons about prioritizing one’s life. I was so wrapped up in work as a CEO
that I focused more on money and retirement than family and fun. I think this
book will offer a quiet oasis for working moms and give them a moment or two
during the day to sit down and think. In the end, it’s all about the
relationships we have made and the children we love and the happiness we
possess.
Q)
You hold your family close. Did this turn of life events and discoveries draw
you even closer?
A)
Absolutely, but initially we had to adjust to a dramatically different
lifestyle after I quit the corporate world. I spent a decade searching for
answers to life’s great questions, and everyone had to pull together and power
through. We became more money conscious, and vacations were out of the picture
for a while. At first it was a struggle, but it brought us closer because we
learned that it doesn’t take money to have fun on game night. I also believe
that families are soul groups that travel together; a family is a sacred
arrangement, and this bond exists to help family members grow. Each soul has a
special gift to share with the family, so we teach each other patience,
understanding, and tolerance. We realized that all souls are equal. Sometimes a
child’s soul might be wiser than a parent’s soul. It is all about respecting
everyone’s opinion regardless of age. We still bicker, what family doesn’t? But
the best part is when we can all hug after a fight because we know together we
are stronger.
Q)
Any parting comments for potential readers?
A)
There is one message that I would like to hammer home: Hope comes from knowing
that you are constantly being guided and looked after by a greater source. All
it takes is trust. We are assisted every moment of every day, and it comes in
the form of goose bumps—which are truth bumps confirming a spiritual
path—coincidences—which are not accidents, but our guides signaling us—and
amazing signs and wonders. Metaphysical phenomena are simply answers to our
thoughts, intentions, and prayers. I am not special, nor am I alone in
experiencing the presence of God. Everyone has access to divine guidance so
that they can reach their full potential. All it takes is to believe, then the
magic happens.
DA Kentner is an
author and journalist www.kevad.net
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