34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very powerful stories that inspire hope, October 30, 2002
This review is from: Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer: 10 Life Changing Stories of Hope and Healing (Amazing Grace Series) (Paperback)
In the wake of September 11, 2001 and the recent sniper shootings, this book offers an answer to the question of why God allows suffering.
The 10 real life stories contained in the book do not make for easy reading. I guarantee that they will have you in tears.
They include:
- The story of Janet Moylan who lost her husband and 10-year-old daughter to a freak drowning accident.
- Debbie Harding, a former cheerleader for the New England Patriots that survived breast cancer and her marriage to a drug addict.
- Peggy Stoks, who was molested by her grandfather.
- Mike and Kathie Clarey, parents whose 11-year-old daughter was murdered while on her newspaper route.
- Grace MacKinnon, who faced and overcame her congenital disability.
- Thomas Howard, a teacher and author that suffered from disabling migraines.
- Dr. Kim Hardey, who suffered the death of his 9-year-old son.
- Debbie, a mother that has suffered eight miscarriages.
- Joan Ulicny, whose life was dramatically altered by an accident with a semi-truck.
- Carl Cleveland, a New Orleans lawyer that faced 10 years in prison for unfounded legal charges.
Even more compelling than the stories, however, are how each individual responds to the cross that they were given. Their responses of healing and hope show how good can come of evil.
"Christ had to suffer and die," says co-editor Jeff Cavins. "Salvation isn't just about Jesus' dying: otherwise he could have been sacrificed as a baby. Suffering - even Christ's own suffering - was part of the Father's plan, and we are called to cooperate with that plan."
Most readers of the book will realize how good their lives currently are. Not only does the book offer insight into suffering, but it prepares readers for potential future suffering, and helps them to know how to respond to others that are suffering.
I wholeheartedly recommend this first book in the Amazing Grace series - a kind of Catholic "Chicken Soup for the Soul". It's unlike anything I've ever seen or read before.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a very powerful book, February 23, 2003
This review is from: Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer: 10 Life Changing Stories of Hope and Healing (Amazing Grace Series) (Paperback)
This book shows How suffering can bring you closer to God. It is the story of ten people who experience tragedies in their lives,and how they made through with the help of Gods grace. Some of the people knew God before their experiences and they turned to God for strength, others didn't but came to know God through their suffering. This is a powerful book that will touch your heart.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Awesome Book, November 15, 2002
This review is from: Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer: 10 Life Changing Stories of Hope and Healing (Amazing Grace Series) (Paperback)
This book is riveting and pierces right to one's heart. In this collection of 10 true stories, written by the very people who suffered severe heartache of one kind or another, everyone should be able to find a situation they can relate to. And they can be greatly helped in finding God in all things, including pain and suffering. It's a long, difficult road from the time a heartache or trauma occurs until our spirits heal. This book would be a great help in sustaining and "walking with" anyone who is making such a journey. I can't recommend it highly enough!
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