12 May 2024

Keabetswe Bagomi has taken readers on a transformative journey in his latest book, The Valley of Shadow of Death, a poignant exploration of life’s most challenging seasons.

The title: The Valley of Shadow of Death, draws from the famous Psalm 23 and conveys a message of comfort in times of darkness.

The title reflects the universal human experience of walking through rough patches, and the hope that light can be found in even the darkest valleys.

The use of the word “shadow’’ in the title is a metaphor for the looming presence of adversity, but also suggests that the shadow can be overcome and the light of hope and healing can prevail.

The author takes the reader on an emotional journey through the darkness of life’s most challenging seasons, offering comfort and guidance along the way.

Through stories of loss, trauma, and redemption, readers are encouraged to find strength, hope, and healing even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Bagomi revealed at the book’s launch recently, that his motivation for writing The Valley of Shadow of Death was to shed light on the harsh realities that many people struggle with, including trauma, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

“The devastating effects of these issues are all too common in our society, and I believe it is important to confront them head-on. Through this 74-page book, I hope to provide comfort to those suffering and help them find a way through the darkness,” said Bagomi.

Reflecting on his journey, Bagomi shared that the year 2020 was especially difficult for him, as he struggled with debilitating depression and made four attempts to take his own life. “I was in a very dark place,” Bagomi recalled.

“I did not see a way out of my pain, and I felt like there was no hope.”

One of the most harrowing incidents 34-year-old Bagomi described was when, in a state of desperation, he ingested a staggering 48 sleeping pills in an attempt to end his life.

“When I woke up in the hospital, the doctor was shocked that I had survived. He told me that the number of pills I had taken was more than enough to have killed me, but somehow I was still alive.

It was then that I realised that my journey was not over yet and I had to fight for my life,” said Bagomi.

Bagomi emphasised that his attempts to end his life were not driven by a desire to die, but rather a desire to escape the pain and turmoil of his current existence. “I did not want to die,” Bagomi explained.

“I just wanted to escape the world and the pain I was in. In my mind, death was the only way out. My story is a story of hope, grace, and restoration,” Bagomi saidwho hails from Borolong, 20 kilometres west of Francistown.

He said he had learned that writing could be a powerful tool for healing, not just for the writer, but also for the readers who resonate with the stories being shared.

The courage and vulnerability that authors like Bagomi display in sharing their stories not only helps them heal, but also provides hope to others who are struggling.

Every story, even the painful ones, has the potential to inspire someone else’s journey of healing and growth. For his part, Attorney Tshekiso Tshekiso explained that in The Valley of Shadow of Death, Bagomi guides readers through a six-step process to understanding and addressing the problems that plague their lives.

The first step involves identifying the problem at hand, be it trauma, stress, or depression.

From there, the source of the problem is uncovered, and the consequences of the issues are examined.

With a clear understanding of the problem, Bagomi then presents potential solutions, while also emphasising the importance of hope and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.

“Bagomi’s own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts provide a harrowing, yet personal backdrop to the book. It was this realisation that ultimately led Bagomi to begin his journey towards healing, and eventually, the inspiration for his book.”

Another person who read the book is Maitumelo Tsekane, who said it was clear that Bagomi admitted that he was not trying to end his life, but rather to erase his presence in the world.

“Mr Bagomi was not trying to die. In fact, he was trying to disappear from the world.

He wanted to be forgotten, to have no impact on anyone or anything and he wanted to be like a shadow that could slip away into darkness,” said Maitumelo.

She said despite the difficult journey that brought him to where he is today, Bagomi remains hopeful and committed to sharing his experiences with others.

Giving a keynote address at the launch, nominated councillor, Modiri Lucas explained that the richness of the book lay in its portrayal of a man’s struggle with despair, yet ultimately finding redemption through the unwavering grace of God.

He explained that the book holds the power to instil courage in those who have lost hope, inspiring them to embrace the precious gift of life and persevere through adversity.

“It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is always a second chance, a new beginning waiting to be embraced. Indeed, the act of writing is a profound act of legacy-building. Through our words, we shape our identities, families, communities, and nations,” said Lucas.

He implored the people of Francistown to embrace this invaluable source, for within its pages lies the potential for transformation and renewal.

“By purchasing and sharing this book, we not only invest in our own personal growth, but also contribute to the collective healing of our community.

Furthermore, I urge you to explore online avenues for distributing this book, ensuring that its message reaches international markets. By doing so, we extend the reach of its life-affirming message to individuals around the globe who may be in need of solace and inspiration,” Lucas advised. ENDS