Life In Spite of Me

By Kristen Jane Anderson –

She wanted death, but God had other plans

Storehouse Media Group to bring Kristen Jane Anderson’s inspiring story to the big screen.

Seattle: “Hollywood may seem too far gone to most Christians. Something to shun,” explains Amber Lia of Storehouse Media Group. “But we believe differently. I feel that’s exactly where Jesus would show up today. He came to seek the lost, not the saved.” For this very reason Guy and Amber Lia began a Kickstarter campaign to create a high-quality feature film about the true story of Kristen Jane Anderson’s failed suicide attempt. In order for their vision to become a reality, they need 3,333 people to donate $30 or more to reach their goal of $99,990 before Friday, November 15, 2013.

Kristen Jane Anderson thought life couldn’t get any worse — or any better. Overwhelmed by wave after wave of emotional trauma, Anderson no longer wanted to live. One January night, determined to end her pain once and for all, the 17-year-old lay across train tracks and waited to die.

Instead of peace, Anderson found herself immersed in a whole new nightmare. Before the engineer could bring the train to a stop, thirty-three freight cars passed over her at fifty-five miles per hour. After the train stopped and Anderson realized she was still alive, she looked around — and saw her legs ten feet away. Surviving her suicide attempt but losing her legs launched Kristen into an even deeper battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as unrelenting physical pain — all from the seat of a wheelchair. But in the midst of her darkest days, Kristen discovered the way to real life and a purpose for living.

After reading Anderson’s story in Life, In Spite of Me, (Multnomah Books / May 17, 2011 / ISBN: 978-1601423825 / $13.99), co-written by Anderson and Tricia Goyer, the Lias knew they needed to share not only the story, but the message of hope and grace that our world so desperately needs to hear. Although Kristen’s survival is a unique story, the crushing pain and despair she felt is common to many. From teens to adults, movie stars to the unknown, many think suicide is their only option left. The Lias want to reach out to anyone in search of strength to go on and share a reminder that even when we give up on life, God doesn’t give up on us.

With the money raised from the campaign, they will adapt the book into a screenplay and hire a talented director and cast to translate that vision to the big screen. As a thank-you for donations, Storehouse Media offers a variety of perks, from a special mention in the film credits and digital copies of the script to dinner with Kristen and a walk-on role in the movie.

The Lias are committed to bringing Anderson’s story to the big screen but know they can’t do it alone. “It’s not merely about entertainment – it’s a story with a greater purpose to honor God and inspire others. We invite you to help us spread the life-giving message of this young woman and the journey that took her from the depths of despair to the heights of hope and redemption!”

Learn more about Storehouse Media Group at their website storehousemediagroup.com and join their Kickstarter campaign.

Praise for Life, In Spite of Me

“Life, In Spite of Me is a remarkable story of life beyond despair and hope that triumphs over tragedy.”

~ Louie Giglio, Pastor, City Church/The Passion Movement

“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”

~ Dennis Rainey, President, Family Life Ministries