USA Today Best-Selling Author Rich Christiansen Explores Family Identity in New Book 'BlindSighted'

Rich Christiansen, a USA Today best-selling author, is set to release his new book 'BlindSighted: A Journey of Identity, Faith, and Healing' on October 14th, 2024. The book delves into Christiansen's personal story of discovering that his family's genetic heritage was not what he had always believed, challenging his understanding of identity and faith within the context of his Mormon upbringing.

Christiansen's narrative begins with a seemingly innocuous DNA test taken by his youngest brother, which unexpectedly revealed that only one of Christiansen's three brothers shared the same biological father as him—and that father was not John Christiansen, the man who raised them. This discovery sent shockwaves through the family, prompting a deep exploration of family bonds, genetic heritage, and the meaning of parenthood.

The book promises to tackle complex themes, including the impact of childhood experiences on personal development, the creation of meaningful family connections, and the alignment of values across various aspects of life. Christiansen's story is particularly poignant given his background in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints community, where genealogy and family history hold significant cultural and spiritual importance.

Christiansen's father, John, who was blind from childhood, emerges as a central figure in the narrative. The author grapples with understanding his parents' decision to pursue an alternative path to parenthood and their choice to keep it secret. The book explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the ethical considerations surrounding the decision to have children with potential genetic disabilities.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and educator, Christiansen brings a unique perspective to these personal revelations. His experience founding over 50 businesses, with 16 becoming multimillion-dollar successes, informs his approach to resilience and adaptability in the face of life-altering discoveries.

The release of 'BlindSighted' is significant in an era where genetic testing is becoming increasingly common, raising questions about identity, family, and the nature of parenthood. Christiansen's story offers readers a deeply personal account of navigating these complex issues, providing insights that may resonate with many who find themselves in similar situations or grappling with unexpected revelations about their own family histories.

The book's exploration of how to maintain family connections and pass on values to future generations is particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing social landscape. Christiansen's emphasis on creating meaningful family experiences and aligning personal, family, and financial values offers practical guidance for readers seeking to strengthen their own family bonds.

'BlindSighted' also addresses the intersection of faith and identity, a topic of increasing importance as traditional religious beliefs encounter modern scientific discoveries. Christiansen's journey of reconciling his Mormon faith with the unexpected truths about his genetic heritage provides a thoughtful examination of how individuals can navigate such challenges while maintaining their spiritual foundations.

As genetic testing becomes more widespread, stories like Christiansen's are likely to become more common. 'BlindSighted' offers a timely and thoughtful exploration of the personal and familial impacts of such discoveries, providing readers with a roadmap for navigating their own journeys of identity and self-discovery in an age where the definition of family is constantly evolving.