Strong Winds Change Lives [Paperback]

Eureka F Collins (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Xulon Press (September 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160034383X
• ISBN-13: 978-1600343834
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,564,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eureka F. Collins is an award-winning author, short story writer, inspirational speaker, founder and director of the Living To Be With God (LV2BWGOD) Network (www.LivingToBeWithGod.Net), publisher of the network's newsletter, and the Vice President of Education for a Toastmasters Club. She is the author of the highly acclaimed nonfiction works Strong Winds Change Lives and Love Matters Most. Collins is known for writing inspirational articles and short stories that have a twist to them. Several of her short stories have been featured in three popular anthologies, as well as on FaithWriters.com. Her contributions and style has guided hundreds of writers to knowing the what, how, and why of the short story. Collins' motivating efforts toward inspiring others can be summed up in her own words: "For me, it's about writers helping writers!" For more information, visit www.EurekaFCollins.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STRONG WINDS OF TRAGEDY CREATES A STORM OF LOVE, October 14, 2006

By 

BOOK ESQUIRE (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strong Winds Change Lives (Paperback)

Eureka F. Collins' new book "Strong Winds Change Lives" is a masterfully put together story about dominion, power and perseverance. She reveals how God used suffering as part of a bigger plan and purpose to inspire individuals toward positive change in their lives. I loved this book. It reveals a mother and father dealing with the tumultuous death of their son at 5 ½ months, while the father is sent off to the war in Iraq. The father, a naval officer, returns and they try again to have a child and the birth is premature (twenty-three weeks).

In this gleefully erudite true story of faith, triumph, and healing, Collins takes the format of her signature "Inspirational" speeches and articles that she has been known for and fine-tunes it to bestseller perfection. She has flagrantly delighted in leading readers on a heart-warming, tear-jerking and remarkable experience that took the family deep within the valley of the shadows of death. As doctors give up on trying to save their one pound and 2.5 ounce baby boy, this is merely a warm-up for the mind-boggling, breathless miracle that occurred next. Collins gracefully lies to rest all the questions she has raised in the end.

"Strong Winds Change Lives" is a book that is hard to put down. Collins presents information that will make the reader stop and think - and then be inspired to take action. She reveals a striking comparison of her situation to that of Hannah from the Old Testament of the Bible, in the Book of First Samuel. This comparison dates back to 1050 B.C. and sheds light on the miracles that occur in our lives today with deep explanations. "Strong Winds Change Lives" is extraordinary reading; it sparkles with energy and emotion. The poems and photographs helps Collins to grab hold of your imagination and allows the heart to truly have dominion and power over circumstances.

This dynamic saga reveals a love story hidden at the core of suffering. Many parents, and those who aspire to become parents, may consciously hope that they are good parents and good spouses; they want to teach their children so that they can spare them the many hardships that lie ahead in this harsh, cruel world. They desire to treat their spouses and be treated with respect and devotion. But we all have stories to tell. This story was written to share experiences and insights which, if thoughtfully read, will undoubtedly inspire change in your life.

Collins says, "This amazing story is the meal that will feed your soul." She solidifies her reputation as one of the most inspirational writers of today with her debut book. "Strong Winds Change Lives" is not only for anyone who has lost a loved one but a fascinating and perfect story for lovers or anyone who appreciates a great, inspiring and riveting read.

This masterpiece should be mandatory reading. Word of mouth will push this top-notch story onto best-seller lists throughout the country. Eureka F. Collins is my new must-read. Highly recommended.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A LOVE STORY HIDDEN IN TRAGEDY, November 30, 2006

By 

Dr. Lance Marshall, a college professor (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strong Winds Change Lives (Paperback)

"Strong Winds Change Lives" will be a bestseller. Thousands, even millions, of followers and colleagues of Eureka F. Collins, the inspirational advisor and speaker who has turned her awesome inspiration into authorship. Undeniably, Collins' success started in 2003 with the revealing of the tragedy and miracle that had taken place in her family's life leading to the publication on which the self-help book is based. Looking back on the account of Hannah's (Old Testament) struggle with the desire to have a child, asking to be remembered by God, and having the strength to ensure and persevere as the strong winds of life tear at the soul Collins reveals how God used suffering as part of a bigger plan and purpose to change lives.

"Strong Winds Change Lives" further reveals a praying mother and her tenacious ordeal with the death of one son, while her U.S. Navy husband departs for the war in Iraq after the funeral and one year later, the birth of a twenty-three week son at 1 lb and 2.5 ounces. Something miraculous occurred in her family's situation--something truly extraordinary! Collins shares their heart-warming, tear-jerking and remarkable experiences that she says, "Were guided by the power of the Holy Spirit." It's a story about dominion, power and Perseverance.

"Strong Winds Change Lives" will no doubt garner a plethora of new devotees. Her husband, Gregory, is a Naval officer and attempts throughout the story to keep the family together. One can see that the military family lifestyle is anything but perfect. There are times that Gregory has to confront various military individuals in order to defend the progression of the family. As the reader continues to read, the story becomes awe-inspiring and very special. 'Strong Winds Change Lives' also reveals the rigorous sequence of the Invetro Fertilization (IVF) process, as well as the painful realities of so many mothers as they yearn for a precious child. Although this story appears to be especially geared toward women, it poignantly focuses on parents to include a love story in the mist of tragedy. "Strong Winds Change Lives" will become a classic and spiritual tool for inspiration.

You can probably place this book on the same shelf as Joyce Meyer's 'Battlefield of the Mind' or Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential." Collins reveals intimate real-life experiences as a roadmap for inspiring hearts to make positive change, in order to defeat the day-to-day (as well as unexpected) hardships of life. She has a caring cliché, 'Be inspired!' At its best, 'Strong Winds Change Lives' conveys the unfathomable meaning behind those words. "Strong Winds Change Lives" will undoubtedly feed your soul, teach you to love, speak to your needs and inspire you to change. You must read this story.

Also recommended: Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential by Joel Osteen Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer The Beginning of the End by John C. Hagee Woman, Thou Art Loosed by TD Jakes

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN AWESOME BOOK THAT CHANGES LIVES, December 1, 2006

By 

J. L. Miller, School Teacher (Atlanta, GA (USA)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strong Winds Change Lives (Paperback)

Wow! I just finished reading the book. I am left in AWE! Strong Winds Change Lives is a must read. Eureka Collins has a masterpiece for the soul!

Chapter 1 - To have and to hold...captured my heart and put me in tears. The graceful way the mother held her son in her arms while dead is a tear-jerker. I lost all emotions as I read the poems and saw the photographs. I learned that I must be strong in tragedy and trust that healing is mine.

Chapter 2 - A New Beginning...reminded me of the new starts that many of us have when we have gone through a tragedy or a life-changing ordeal. I was not much of a Bible reader until this eloquent and passionate book revealed that it is natural to know what God has to say in our daily situations. I know that he is willing to help me - if I just ask Him.

Chapter 3 - An Unexpected Blow...like so many things unexpectantly happening in the course of a life, to have a child born at 23 weeks at 1 pound and 2.5 ounces beats most situations. In the book, the doctor continually informed the family that the child would not make it. I learned that it is not what happens or what people say that affects a person; it is the way you respond. This was an intense chapter. I felt like I was a fly on the wall, observing each situation and conversation.
The photographs show that the baby is about the size of a dollar bill. WOW! Yet, the parents believed in God with unyielding trust.

Chapter 4 - Changing Lives...depicts a miracle in the intervention of God to keep the child alive and how his birth has allowed a group of doctors, nurses and family members to bond and grow in seeing that things are not always what they appear when you believe in God.

Chapter 5 - Dominion and Power...this chapter is full of inspirational understanding. I did not truly understand what the "Holy Spirit" was, however after reading this chapter, I knew what it is and how it works in my life. The beliefs are not over-the-top and they are for anyone - not only religious folk. This chapter is powerful and has a message clearly from above.

Chapter 6 - Miracle Life...this chapter gives a feeling like in the movie "Rocky" when he emotionally and intensely won in the end. This is the feeling I have! I have a feeling of victory and strong inspiration to better myself, my circumstances and to inspire those around me - for positive change.

The Epilogue - Revealed that same circumstances that Hanna (in the Bible) went through. It is Amazing to see the resemblance.

In summary, Strong Winds Change Lives is unique and a blessing. It is a love story, inspirational companion, and self-help for difficult times and even has poetry. This book is definitely hard to put down. I will be reading it again and again. You must read this book in book clubs and get the word out. It has MOVIE written all over it. I am better for reading this book and I know you will be as well.