In The Shadow Of a Badge: A Memoir about Flight 93, a Field of Angels, and My Spiritual Homecoming

by Lillie Leonardi

Overview

"An outstanding and inspirational story that will provide its readers with hope and renew their faith in God and mankind. Lillie’s story will bring tears to your eyes and warm your heart . . . I could not put the book down." — Kenneth T. McCabe, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Retired); Commissioner, Pennsylvania Gaming Commission Board (Retired) Former law enforcement professional Lillie Leonardi has always lived with her feet planted in two separate worlds—the metaphysical and the physical. In the Shadow of a Badge, her previously self-published spiritual memoir, takes you on a dramatic journey of what happens when Leonardi’s two very distinct realities become dangerously intertwined. During her work at the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, surrounding the fateful events of September 11, 2001, Leonardi is forced to confront her connection to the divine—something she has struggled with since her youth. Her gripping personal account of the 12 days she spent acting as an FBI liaison between the law enforcement and social service agencies carries you into a world that combines the factual and logistical with the angelic and mystical. After witnessing what she describes as a "field of angels" during her first minutes at the crash site, Leonardi must finally reconcile the opposing sides of her life. We walk with her through the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, experience the guilt and fear that grip her, and witness the remarkable transformation of her soul as she discovers that forgiveness, of self and others, can be the best remedy. As an inspiring example of what it really means to be called to service, Leonardi shows that it’s never too late to find your spiritual path and life’s purpose.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781401942403
Publisher:	Hay House Inc.
Publication date:	02/25/2014
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	238,039
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Lillie Leonardi worked in law enforcement for more than 25 years before retiring to pursue her lifelong dream of writing. In 1984, Leonardi was appointed to serve as the first female police officer with the City of Arnold, Pennsylvania. She broke barriers again in 1994 when she was appointed the first female chief of police for Chatham College. In 1998, Leonardi joined the FBI (Pittsburgh Division) as the Community Outreach Specialist, where she served until 2010. Website: www.lillieleonardi.com

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Chapter 1 A Day of Infamy: September 11, 2001 1

Chapter 2 The Race Toward Destruction 11

Chapter 3 A Field of Angels: Shanksviile 15

Chapter 4 The First Few Days at the Crash Site 25

Chapter 5 The United Airlines Team 31

Chapter 6 A Mother's Agony 39

Chapter 7 The Days at Seven Springs 43

Chapter 8 The Memorial Services 49

Chapter 9 The Return Home 53

Chapter 10 The Reckoning Between Mind and Spirit 59

Chapter 11 First Confession 63

Chapter 12 A Reflection of Mary Magdalene 67

Chapter 13 A Traumatic Injury 71

Chapter 14 The Flashbacks: A Return to the Scene 79

Chapter 15 A Spiritual Surrender 83

Chapter 16 The Dark Night of the Soul 85

Chapter 17 The FBI Meets FEMA 89

Chapter 18 A Voice in the Wilderness 93

Chapter 19 Superwoman Has Left the Room 97

Chapter 20 A Secret Revealed 101

Chapter 21 A Lily in Bloom 107

Chapter 22 Weeding Through 111

Chapter 23 The Southwest Trail 115

Chapter 24 Life's Purpose 119

Chapter 25 A Tale of Two Muses 127

Chapter 26 A Christmas Shawl 133

Chapter 27 The Return of an Old Pattern 141

Chapter 28 EMDR Therapy 145

Chapter 29 Looking for a Piece of Myself 149

Chapter 30 Reconciliation of My Mind and Soul 153

Chapter 31 A Symbol of Resurrection 157

Epilogue 161

Author's Closing Note 163

Acknowledgments 165

About the Author 167