Win an Advance Copy of THE COLOR OF HOPE
I’m excited about the upcoming release of “The Color of Hope” on April 2! If you’ve read “Hope Springs” (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?? :)), you know there were a couple of threads left hanging in the story. “The Color of Hope” picks those back up, but also weaves in entirely new stories with new people. This book is heavy in places—I cried while writing, and my editors cried while reading—but as the back of the book says, “Hope shines brightest when all seems lost.”
Here’s more from the synopsis on the back:
“Stephanie London led a life of comfort and ease in St. Louis before feeling inexplicably drawn back to her father’s roots in the tiny Southern town of Hope Springs. Charlotte Willoughby has lived there all her life and longs to make a new life somewhere else. Stephanie doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing there—or how to occupy her time. And Charlotte doesn’t understand why, despite her overbearing family and reminders of her failed engagement, she’s suddenly led to stay.
And despite its small-town charm, Hope Springs itself is at a crossroads. After a failed reconciliation attempt by two well-meaning pastors, the town is split along racial and cultural lines, with little hope for redemption.
When a terrible tragedy puts Hope Springs on the national radar, the entire town is tested, and both Stephanie and Charlotte feel their lives unraveling. In the midst of heartache, though, they’ll discover the true color of hope . . .”
To celebrate the upcoming release, I’m giving away 5 advance copies of “The Color of Hope.” In order to be eligible to win, you need to post a comment on the blog in response to this question:
Have you ever witnessed hope shining brightly when all seemed lost? Share as much or as little as you’d like.
I will draw the names of the winners at 5:00 pm CST on Friday, March 8, so you have until then to post a comment. Check back for the names of the winners!
There’s also a YouTube giveaway! Over there, you can win a copy of one of my first four novels. In order to be eligible, all you have to do is subscribe to the channel and let me know which book you’d like . . . that’s it! Five winners will be chosen on the same day. View the video HERE for more info.
Release time is so exciting! :-)
98 Responses to “Win an Advance Copy of THE COLOR OF HOPE”
As a 17-year-old senior in high school expecting my first child, I did not know exactly how I would make it. My mother was also a single parent who worked two jobs just to make ends meet. Hope shone for me when Jesus met me in the labor and delivery room and ministered to me before the birth of my son. As I lay waiting to give birth, Christ assured me that he had both my child and me in the palm of his hands and not to worry. No matter what would happen from that day forward, I held on to God’s promise that my child and I would be more than ok. Three years ago, my 16-year-old son watched me get hooded as a doctoral graduate of Educational Leadership. Today, my 19-year-old son is a sophomore in college and I anxiously await his graduation ceremony upon his completion of undergraduate coursework. God’s color of hope (almost 20 years ago) was clearly more vivid than anything I could have ever imagined. I am so humbled and grateful for His graciousness and love.
Oh, MrsTrip, I cried when I read this. God is SO powerful and good! Thank you for sharing this awesome testimony!
I know-”How great is our God,” right?
Oh so, so true – we serve an AWESOME God!
I did too!!! Love your testimony!!!
That is SO beautiful! Praise God!
This is truly beautiful. I’m picturing you in high school, thinking of my own teens and how young 17 is…pregnant and about to deliver. I can imagine your thoughts and your fears…so much unknown. And Jesus meets you right in the labor and delivery room….I got chills thinking about that moment. That was truly hope shining brightly! What a loving, caring, personal Savior we have! And reading your other testimony on the marriage post fills in more of this beautiful story and God’s faithfulness. What a testimony for us parents as well, that when our kids experience trials and tribulation, Jesus is able to speak to their hearts and walk with them. That’s just beyond awesome.
Is there a word that is event close to capturing God’s magnificence?
…that is even close…LOL
My dad has always had his own business. He had a delivery business and my family was doing well. The money was great, bills were paid, and all of our needs and most of our wants were met. Then things took a turn for the worst in 2008. My dad lost his business and the ones that he trusted turned on him. My dad was out of work for a year and in that year it felt like complete darkness. My dad was the sole provider in our house and my mom did not work. I would watch my dad plenty of dads and I could see that he was torn down because he felt like he was not fulfilling his job as a provider. It hurt me so bad to see my dad like that. Things started to look better in the year of 2009. My dad got a job but the money was not enough to put us back on top. My dad has strong faith and I believe in God as well. There is a saying “the darkest hour is before day break.” I had found that saying to be true. 2013 has made 5 years that we have gone through the stuggle BUT I can say God is a deliver and we are rising to the top! My dad has found favor on his job and my parents work together as team. My mom has landed a job with a counseling clinic. She has her Master of Art in Human Resources:Health and Wellness and she also has her administrator’s license for residential care. This year she open up a residential facility for the elderly. Just when you think all hope is gone God comes through every time.
Persevering together through those trying times is truly a component of a successful marriage. My husband and I aspire to be the great examples that your father and mother are. Thanks for blessing me with that awesome story. I will carry it in my spirit :)
Sade’, I know that was a very tough season, for the sole provider to be out of work. It’s a great blessing to have a dad with strong faith. He surely taught you much through that season about trusting and believing in God. And now *you* have a testimony through experiencing that trial…you can say He’s a deliverer! That’s awesome! Rejoicing with you that things are going well for your dad and your mom is opening a residential facility for the elderly! Wow! This is a great testimony to the fact that sometimes there’s an extended trial, and hope may not shine brightly in terms of changing things in an instant….but when you look back, you see that hope carried you though all along. Beautiful!
Oh yes, yes, yes, and yes…..God has been SO faithful to me. The first time I completely felt this was during my first year as a teacher. I was going through something VERY distressing, and I thought I had lost everything, and God sent hope in the form of the very last person I would have thought – another teacher who did not get along with me very well, and who I was rather intimidated by because of his attitude, demeanor, and general “presence”. I made it through with the help and guidance of this person, and it was ONLY God who could have orchestrated this at all.
The second, and more important time, was something most of the regular blog sisters know well. Can it really have been almost exactly a year ago when my husband told me he was filing for divorce? The Spirit wisely clamped my mouth and attitude shut, and I spent a week utterly lost and on my knees and hopeless, until God moved my husband’s heart in a way it has never been moved and he actually asked me to talk with him and he listened to me, and God gave me the exact words to say (which is amazing for me, because I have never been one of those “wise women” who say the right thing at exactly the right time…..)….only God, only Him – the past year has not been easy, but my husband is still here and God is still showing me the path to take to reach him again. The word “miracle” is inadequate to describe what God did in this darkest of situations. He is SO good – and probably the BEST lesson He taught me in all of this is that as long as I have HIM, I’ll be ok, but He chose to bless my marriage and family with hope.
Yes, I remember that! God change the heart of ANYONE! The prayers of the righteous avails much!
Danielle, wow…..so weird because we indeed lived through that dark time with you, yet reading about it just now gave me a renewed awe at what God did. But first, the experience you had as a first year teacher. I love that…I love when God sends an unlikely person in a VERY distressing time to guide us through….only God! Only He can touch a heart like that, of a person with whom you didn’t get along well…yet God moves THAT person to help you. So much grace all over that.
And back to the marriage:)….I can’t believe it was almost a year ago! I so vividly remember your post and the blog sisters responding in prayer….and even more vividly I remember your praise about what God had done! That was amazing to witness in real time! “The word ‘miracle’ is inadequate to describe what God did in this darkest of situations”….that’s so deep because none of us *wants* to experience the “darkest of situations,” yet it was there that you experienced the miraculous. TRULY hope shining brightly….and we all saw it! Praising God all over again for that….
Danielle,
I am not only blessed by this post but also reminded that God needs no help (especially from the “pink tornado” in my mouth) to set a situation right. Your obedience, prayer, and surrender to the Spirit reminds me of what God will do for me if I will let go and allow him. Thanks for sharing…
Thank you! So glad this blessed you…..I’m still a work in progress when it comes to being obedient and surrendering, but God knows to knock it into me when it’s REALLY important, and I grow a little bit each day. Yes, that “pink tornado” has gotten me into a heap of trouble, too :) I’m learning to bite it and start praying when I feel a “storm” coming on!
Oh, my dear dear Sister! I am praising our God together with you!!! What a joy — and we will continue to pray for more of God’s sweet, wise, all sovereign touch on you, your husband and your marriage. To God be the glory and we all say….”Amen!!!!”
((Hugs)) & Prayers
Debbie
Hope shining brightly when all seems lost has been my life for the past two years. After a successful twenty-three year career in Corporate America I was laid off. It’s been two years and I am unable to find employment. I haven’t shed a tear or lost any sleep. My brain tells me as a single mother of two teenagers, whose bank account is quickly moving toward empty I should be scared silly. My heart and my spirit say this is God’s way of moving me to my purpose and his better plan.
Yolanda, I’m reading this and amazed by your hope and faith. Two years without a job…single mother…”I haven’t shed a tear or lost any sleep”….what a testimony. And you’re still walking through it. Yet in your words are full of peace. Praying for you right now, about your job situation and for God to show you His purpose and plan…and praising God for your strong faith and witness in Him! Hope is shining so brightly in you!
Amen, Kim! Yolanda, this IS such a testimony. Thank you for sharing, and I pray for your continued peace and faith as you go down this uncertain path. He IS so faithful, and I am in awe of YOUR faith!
Yolanda — I am going to be praying for you as God brings you to mind. He does provide and now I am asking Him to bless you with just the right job He has for you AND for continued peace and trust.
Bless you!
Debbie
My darkest moment was when I walked out of my ex-husband’s apartment with the dress on my back. We were going through a custody fight for the kids and I was on the side to get them back from him since his lifestyle had changed for the worse. I stored my belongings at his apartment because I didn’t really have a stable residence. One day, I went there to get my things because it was getting ugly, only to find that he had disposed of everything that I owned. I cried but I knew I was strong and that one day I’d get it all back. I walked down the stairs of that apartment with a new strength to know that his days of bullying me and controlling me were coming to an end, of which they did. I got my children back when they were toddlers and we lived w/o any support from their father. My children are now both graduating from high school this year! Their father is now serving a 30 year prison sentence and despite all that he tried to take away from us, I encouraged my children to not hold any anger, bitterness or grudges against him, because those were the very qualities that landed him where he is. God is a redeemer of time and He redeemed our life from destruction! Glory! Hallelujah!
Tamara, this is another layer to your story that I don’t think we knew! He disposed of everything you owned….that’s definitely a dark hour. And wow, even in that you had hope and strength…you could see light. You went through A LOT in that relationship, and I rejoice at the way God has redeemed and restored! Your story is such a beautiful one, even to the point of teaching your children not to hold a grudge against him. And both of your children are graduating this year! I can only imagine the memories that will go through your head…and the rejoicing at God’s faithfulness. Your life is a story of hope shining brightly!
Yes, I did go through a lot and I am very happy that God is getting the glory now because I am strong enough to share it. For years, I wouldn’t even talk about it.
Tamara,
Your children are blessed to have a mother with such strength and steadfast faith in God. Blessings to you and your children!
Praise God Mrs. Trip! It was all Him because, whooooo, that was a very tough period in my life. I praise God for the ministry He birthed in me through that time. I am just absolutely amazed at how just a casual conversation about the events in the time frame helped somebody else nearly 20 years later. I would not have been able to raise my children without God. I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like without Him. Oh wait, yes, I can…A HOT MESS!!!
…a messenger out of a “mess”. WOW! Isn’t it beyond amazing to look back and see the beautiful story and inspiration for others out of what I am certain was a hard and sometimes long journey for you? Only our God can do that!
Yes, there were some tough times. And now God has me on another healing journey. He knows my desire is to be whole, especially before I get married. I am not currently seeing anyone but I do not want to carry any garbage or baggage with me into a marriage. I asked Him to heal me to my core and oh, the stuff that He’s shown me that was burried deep inside of me is just….really deep. But like His word says, whatever He didn’t plant, He will pluck up. (Matthew 15:13) I praise God to the highest for the Counselor!!! Open 24/7, free of charge and ALWAYS right! GLORY!
Only God! I’ve come to learn that everything we go through is not for us. Somebody else will benefit from our victory through Jesus and that’s why we have to keep going.
Tamara…this comment touched me so!!! I am at my desk crying and rejoicing simultaneously because my mom and I talk about this all of the time. The stuff we went through, going through, and about to go through is not only for us, but for other people!!! Thanks for reassuring me. Bless all of you sisters, and men :-)
Look at God!!!
Oh Tamara. I am awestruck at God’s work in your life and so very humbled by your response to Him in your situation.
Blessings, blessings, blessings.
Debbie
Thank you Debbie! He’s been so amazingly good to me!
Greetings Kim …
First … I would like to compliment your newfound freedom (the big chop). I’m loving your natural hair. I followed your transition on Facebook. Your videos were very inspiring and you look great!!!
I have read Cherished … Faithful … and … Heavenly Places. Your work is awesome and GOD-centered. You are truly a blessing not only to Christian women, but all women.
Continued blessings to you My Sistah-in-Christ.
Hi Ivy! Thanks so much for the natural hair encouragement! :D You can probably tell I’m loving it…enjoying every step of this journey… And thank you so much for the encouragement about my books! I so appreciate your support. And it blesses me to hear that you think my books would bless all women. Thankful for you, sis!
Hi Kim, In response to your question about witnessing Hope I have to answer YES, YES, YES!! One year ago on Feb 29, 2012 Our town of Harrisburg, IL endured an F4 tornado in the wee hours of the morning. The night before I understood what some would describe as feeling a sliver of fear as one of my dogs kept looking to the west and slunk back under the porch without eating his food. He is deathly afraid of storms. I also knew fear as my family and I huddled in the basement and heard the roar of it all passing by our house. The lights went out and I had a knot in my stomach as I read friends passages on Facebook. When the sun came up, our whole town was changed forever. The destruction was devastating and 6 beautiful people lost their lives including a friend of my daughters. Two more lovely people lost their lives as the weeks went on from their injuries, BUT our town banded together. People from all over the country came to help and donated tons of food, material etc.. Our own government denied help to us but we were so blessed by God’s hand as he comforted us and provided for us. No words can express how we felt as people led by God came to our town to help and stayed. More people left and then more people came. We are so overwhelmed even to this day. We have had 2 city wide church services where we not only comforted each other but are so fired up to do God’s will and praying for this revival in our town to continue. Many lives were not only changed by the tornado but many turned to God as a result of it. Jaylynn Ferrell may have passed at the young age of 22 from the tornado but her mother has been able to spread her testimony to thousands! May God continue to bless our town and may this revival keep going strong!
Darlene, this was truly a widespread and devastating loss. I can imagine just what you mean about that “sliver of fear” as you saw your dog’s behavior in anticipation of the storm. I have a dog as well and she senses and hears things before we do, putting us on alert. The scene of huddling in the basement….lights going out…as a Missouri resident, I’ve been there many times, and we’re praying that the worst doesn’t come…that devastating tornado. But it did come for your town…. I remember seeing this on the news but hearing it from you personally takes it to another level. Experiencing the destruction and mourning and daily reminders of devastation….that’s incredible. And yet, you have a testimony of hope shining brightly through the help God sent….AND lives changed and people turning to God…AND wow, a grieving mom finding the strength and hope to testify to thousands. “May God continue to bless our town and may this revival keep going strong!”…AMEN! Joining you in that prayer. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story….hope truly shining brightly when all seemed lost.
I literally emailed my friends that your new book was coming out when I saw it on Facebook yesterday. So excited! I hope I win the advance copy!
Oh, Jennifer, that’s such a blessing! Wow, you actually emailed them?! :) Thank you so much for being excited….that makes ME excited!!! :)
Hello. I work with teen dating violence victims. Many of these young people have histories of abuse that began in their childhood. Many do not understand why their lives have been so riddled with pain and trauma but have still somehow maintained a hope that there is something bigger, something meaningful for and about their lives.
Cherise, this is so sad. Having teens myself, I can imagine the stories and the pain you are dealing with, with people who are still so vulnerable. It IS hard to understand why their lives are riddled with pain and trauma. Praise God that you’ve been called to this work. I’m sure you’re one of the reasons they have hope….they see it in your caring for them. Many blessings to you, and thanks for sharing this.
Kim,
Thank you for taking time to respond. I’d like to think I am adding to their positive experiences. It truly is a ministry. Thank you for your kind word. God bless!
I am currently reading Hope Springs and would love to follow up with The Color of Hope. Have I ever seened hope shining brightly, Lord Have I! I have so many times when I was 14 and pregnant, when I was 16 and had no home maybe when I was 8 and my mother used to be beat like crazy but the time of hope that I am going to minister about today is when My 12 year old miracle was born premature at 29 weeks. Afraid I can’t even begin to say how afraid i was but there is something about the name of Jesus that will make you harken unto him in the time of need, time of trouble and their is an unpresidented assurance that he gives you that tells you everything is going to work out alright. I talked to God more during those months than I ever did before. I had to travel miles to see my son as he lay in baby NICU and watch as he and many other babies struggle to do the very thing many of us take forgranted and thats “LIVE”. My son miraculously came through this, he weighed only 2 lbs at birth and was 4 pounds when he went home 2 months later. He had ups and downs but during the entire ordeal I remember a knowing in my spirit that everything was going to be fine. If anything we as a people need to just believe in God and believe in his word for he can make the impossible, possible. The enemy tried to take this baby several times before his inception in the world, even popping out during labor hitting the table and rolling and almost hit the floor. The doctor had one hand in the glove and one with out a glove reaching for my baby. Again but God, But God , But God. Jesus he is the one who has already paid the price.
Tanquella, my heart totally went out to you as I read this post. From the start, reading “14 and pregnant” grabbed my attention because I have a 14-year-old daughter myself. But then going on to read “16 and had no home” and on and on….I was speechless… Then the story of your 12 year old miracle. I love how God drew you close during that dark time, such that you talked to Him more than ever before. We’ve talked a lot on this blog about how God uses difficult trials to draw us to deeper communion and a deeper walk with Him. You truly witnessed that for yourself. What a praise that you experienced all those glorious But God, But God, But God…. Thank you for sharing this touching story of hope shining brightly….it sounds like you’ve had many of those in your life. Praise God!
I remember going through my divorce and asking God what good was going to come out of all this pain. In the midst of my heart ache, disappointment and struggles, God birth my writing ministry. My first book That Was Then, This Is Now became a best seller and award winning book. I am a true witness that purpose and pain work together.
Paulette, I’ve heard many times that divorce can be like death in terms of the heartache and grieving, so what a blessing that you were able to work through that through writing, which can be very therapeutic. And congrats to you for writing an award winning bestseller! Thanks so much, sis, for sharing your testimony.
Hello sisters!
I have missed you all a bunch and hope you all have been doing wonderful.
Kim, There has been a time in my life when all seemed to have been lost and hope shined through. Matter of fact God showed up and He showed out. So many times God gave me hope to make it through the situation from stress in school, my father being unfair, and even to friend drama. A most recent occurrence was when I decided to drop nursing and pick up social work. I did not want be a social worker I wanted to be a nurse and travel the world working in Hawaii and wherever. Being a nurse was comfortable and easy. I thought I’d always have a job and could make great money not ever have to worry and besides it would bless God. I really had it out of order. During that time my dad was in debt and made some foolish decisions and pawned my deceased mom’s rings, I was a pledge, and I was failing nursing school. Later the April 27th tornado hit. I got to the end of the semester drained. My dad and I are finally on better terms working through our issues but God showed me that my dad is human and that he will fail me but that my God He wouldn’t fail me and He is perfect and He rights the wrongs so I can go about my way loving my father unconditionally! God restored that situation. Next school stuff; I passed the actual clinical part of the curriculum and all my clinical instructors loved me and knew I was going to me a great RN but my test scores told another store. I was one point from passing my classes so I failed. At my school what would be a “C” is really an “F”. That day I decided social work was it. Since that day I have been blessed. Everyday has not been easy but it’s been worth it. I can do so much with social work that I didn’t even know you could do. I now have a proper order to my life and God like I said gave me hope in the mist of those trying times. He placed people in my life that spoke hope, encouragement, and he protected me. He is good. Anyway I know that this is long but it’s my story lol okay ladies I love each of you and Kim I am excited about this book I have already read all your other books and I cannot wait to ready this!!!!! Have an excellent week!!!!! SMOOCHES
Bless God!!!
Hi Felecia! I don’t think I knew you had gone from nursing to social work…what a blessing that God steered you in the way you should go and showed you what you could do with social work. I also love that He showed you that your dad is human and will fail you, but that God “rights the wrongs so I can go about my way loving my father unconditionally”….how cool is that?? That’s a great way to think about all relationships. I’m going to remember that. :) Praising God with you that He sent hope in the form of people, encouragement, and protection! And thanks so much for your support of my books! That means a lot. Blessings and SMOOCHES to you!
When my mom got diagnosed with diabetes my family thought she would not live for long but God proved us wrong because she is still here and very healthy and happy thanking God for still being alive and me and my family thanking God for still letting us have her still
Aww, that’s such a blessing, Ivett! I know that was a scary time for your family after receiving that diagnosis. But your mom is not only alive, but healthy and happy! Praise God! Rejoicing with you….such a reminder to enjoy every day we have.
Reading all of the stories here….everything we need is in God! *singing an old church song* can’t nobody do me like Jesus, can’t nobody do me like the Lord! He is truly THE BEST there is!
Amen to that Tamera! I am sitting here crying and rejoicing over what God brought everyone through and just the beauty of each of you. Man we are some strong women and its becuase of God!!!! ” Lord I’m amazed by you… how you love me”
Sang, Felecia, sang….
I agree, Felicia! It is such a pleasure to share with each of you, my sisters in Christ :)
I love that song, Felecia! “Lord, I’m amazed by you…how you love me…” Now I have to play it! :)
Love it, Tamara….AMEN! Go on and sang that old church song! I’m moving my shoulders with you…lol
Kim, you know how we have church right here on the blog sometimes!
Yes, we do! I love it!!!
Hi Mrs. Kim,
I normally don’t do this kind of stuff but I love your books so it is worth it to me!! My mom was complaining of feeling funny one day and I took her to the emergency room. While there they ran many random test but could not pen point any particular thing so they kept her for testing purposes. While there, she ended up losing her memory, became very violent and combative, and her hallucinations were short of unreal and scary. This just came upon her all of a sudden. This continued for 2 weeks and I had to commit my mom into a mental institution on a Friday. On Saturday it was like she just woke up from a bad dream.They released her on Sunday and she had no recollection of anything or why she was there! I prayed over my mom daily for 2 weeks but I must say that although I did not understand what was going on with her, God gave me peace! I knew that all was going to work out for his good. Some people made comments that I did not seem concerned with what was going on with her because the doctors said she would have to take all of this medication and they did not know if she would ever be the same! I told them, she will be just fine and God did not disappoint!! I could not began to explain my inner peace because it was somewhat scary! But I knew that God had us both and 1 year later and having to only take 1 of those medications to this date, he is still proving this to the doubters of his word…..
Hi Trena, first it means so much that you would share here, when it’s not something you would normally do. Thank you, and thank you for reading my books! :) Now on to this powerful testimony….this is incredible, like from a movie. Your mother goes to the emergency room, loses her memory, starts having hallucinations….mental institution….then she awakes and is fine. And the most amazing part is all the while, you were praying and at peace. What faith! Praise God for restoring your mother…and so quickly! And what a testimony to those around you, that you would trust God like that. Fantastic story of hope shining brightly….thanks again for sharing!
First I would like to say that your books have been a blessing to me, and a great read :) To answer the question, I have definitely witnessed hope shining from God in my life when I thought all was lost. It was some years ago that my husband and I planned to have our second child. We already had a girl and we really wanted a boy! We were excited to learn we were, indeed, having the boy we dreamed of. However, we found out that he had complete kidney failure. After several tests, and many prayers, I gave birth to my son only to have him die in 2 hours. To say I was crushed is an understatement. After all of the prayers for my baby had gone unanswered, I lost hope. I spiraled into a deep depression for months. I even told my husband I did not want to try to have another child. I felt like I couldn’t bare the pain. But, I kept praying and asking God to heal me and ease my burdens. Eventually, I don’t even rememeber when, I began feeling better. I felt like I would be okay. Two years after the loss of my first son, my husband and I welcomed our baby boy BJ. It was the most joyous time of my life. I thank God everyday for my son and for showing me that all was not lost. All I had to do was depend on Him for everything, each day and I survived. I didn’t overcome this because God gave me a son, I overcame and survived because I got my strength and hope back. I got my joy for living back. My faith in God was regained and strengthened to levels I never imagined before I even knew I was expecting again. I hope this blesses you or anyone else who reads it.
Lakia, I can’t even imagine the heartwrenching pain of carrying a baby only to have him die 2 hours after giving birth. I just can’t imagine. I *do* imagine that I’d spiral into depression as you did and want to avoid that kind of pain at all costs. But wow, the healing power of God! I LOVE that you said this–>”I didn’t overcome this because God gave me a son, I overcame and survived because I got my strength and hope back”….that’s such an awesome testimony. When we don’t have hope and joy, all seems lost. But when that hope shines in our hearts, we regain our strength. Oh, the joy you must’ve felt when you held BJ in your arms! It truly blesses me, and I’m sure all who read this. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful, heartwarming story.
Lakia, thank you for sharing….this hits close to home for me; we’re expecting a son to join our daughter in about 3 months, and our doctor told us there was a problem with HIS kidneys…..PRAISE GOD that after a month of agonized waiting and testing we found that he looks to be ok now, but I can only imagine what you went through. God is so good, and I’m rejoicing with you at what he did with your family, but also with your faith, heart, and joy. Blessings!
Hello. I have read one of your books and I would love t win a copy of this new book. You are a great writer and have a good relationship with the Lord! Take care!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lucinda! So appreciate your encouragement. :)
Looking forward to the new release Kim! So proud of you! Love you.
Thank you so much, Pam! Love you too, sis! :)
This is great news. I did not realize you had a new book coming out soon. I’ll be sure to email my editor at The Christian Manifesto to request a review copy from the publisher. Congrats! I look forward to reading.
Hey Heather! Yes, I’d love for you to do a review for The Christian Manifesto! (Still smiling in remembrance at when you got that position. :)) Hoping you’ll like it! :)
In 2010 my husband asked my thoughts of having a baby. God had spoken to him about a baby. I thought the impossible because my tubes were tied. Once we found that our insurance would pay for the reversal everything became an emotional rollercoster. I said to my husband. “everything in one year( surgery, pregnant, and baby).Only one tube could be savaged and I was on fertility drugs. By the 3rd month, I wanted to give up but just as I was about to and after many hormones check this check that, I came across the last pregnancy test in the cabinet. Might as well! Surgery was 1/20/11, confirmed Pregnant4/22/11, Baby 12/21/11… I learned during my surgery that i had a tilted urerus and i had a birth defect that caused my uterus to split into two horns. Causing a prior abaltion to fail. I was 35 years old and my numbers were showing that my daughter would be born with Downs. While I worried my husband remained calm, he prayed over my belly nightly, and spoke life. On December 20th, I just wouldn’t sit still. God was right there pacing with me because something in my soul just wouldn’t let up. I went to the Doctor that next morning and because of my faith and this Dr watching everything I had been through took me serious enough to induce labor that we all knew could kill me. My baby was in fact in trouble and drowning in her own bile. No drugs , no beautiful set up, just me pushing to save her life. 8:00 pm Anaiah , meaning God Answered, was born. She is a healthy 14 month old who is adored by so many ppl. “These things which are impossible with man are possible with God”…
GLORY TO GOD!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!! SO powerful!!!!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! What a story, from beginning to end!!! Having the reversal of your tubes being tied…only one tube could be salvaged…pregnant in 3 months…delivery by the end of the year…BABY DROWNING yet SAVED because God alerted you…. PRAISE GOD!!!! What a blessing that the doctor didn’t send you home (which could’ve easily happened)! And I love Anaiah’s name! Oh, the beauty and mercy and faithfulness of our God. I have no doubt that that precious girl is ADORED by many. When she’s old enough to learn the story of her birth, I pray she knows without a doubt that God intended for her to be here and has a divine plan for her life. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful story of hope shining brightly!
Helloooo there Kim!
Missing you and the Sisters somethin’ awful!
More excited than I can say waiting for the new book…guess what I’ll be reading any day now!
Hope shining bright when all seemed lost…Oh, my! Well, crazy as it seems the most hopeful, wonderful time I’ve ever lived through was in the midst of my husband’s battle with pancreatic cancer, my daughter’s battle with leukemia and consequent bone-marrow transplant and somewhere in there my husband losing his job (without cause) (all this within 2 years)…Absolute God miracle mystery, wonderous hope and joy!!! Yay, God!!!!!
Love ya all!!!
WOW! That is a lot within a two-year time. Thank God for grace, peace of mind, and strength to endure it and still have joy!
Helloooo there Debbie! Wow…I knew about your husband’s battle with cancer…but I’m positive I didn’t know that that battle happened within the same two-year span as your daughter’s battle with leukemia and bone-marrow transplant (itself a HUGE life trial) *and* your husband losing his job (again, a HUGE deal!). And for you to be able to call it “absolute God miracle mystery, wondrous hope and joy”…..WOW! I know that walking through that was hard and you were in constant prayer….as Mrs.Trip said, you needed grace, peace of mind, and strength to enjoy and still have joy. What a praise that hope truly shone brightly for your family! I just love these testimonies…they provide strong encouragement for the future. Love you too!
Amen!! All God…All God!!!
I don’t remember Charlotte. Is she the new character, or was she in Hope Springs?
You’re right, Jenni! Charlotte is a new character in The Color of Hope. Her family will be integral to the story. ;-)
Hey Kim and Blog Sister’s Missed you all.
Can’t wait to read your book.
Hi Ciara!
Hey Ciara! Miss you too! Thank you so much for your support, sis!
[...] giving away 5 copies. In order to be eligible to win, all you need to do is post a comment on her BLOG in response to this [...]
I am very excited for the release of “The Color of Hope”. I have been tremendous blessed by each one of your nooks. God bless in your endeavors!
Thank you so much, Tiffany! Thankful for your excitement and for your support! Blessings to you!
The end of my marriage was the toughest experience I had to endure. Having married my spouse a second time and having a third child to celebrate out reunion, I was devastated when the issues we had in our first marriage resurfaced. I had to overcome the shame of failure and realize that even in my pain all things work together for the good of those who love The Lord. My relationship with The Lord gave me hope and my three beautiful children also gave me hope allowing me to focus on the good thing that happened in my marriage. Today, I am free, operating in forgiveness and looking to my future with a grateful heart. Thanking him that I never lost hope!
Catrina, I can’t imagine the pain of this…to reunite with your spouse, have a 3rd child, and have it end….again. I know it’s in the past, but just hearing that makes me sad. I know it had to be extremely difficult on so many levels. “My relationship with The Lord gave me hope…” amazing how the Lord can shine light into the darkest of situations. He gives us hope and a reason to praise. What a testimony that you’re able to operate in forgiveness and thankfulness. Thank you for sharing this. These testimonies are heartbreaking yet each one shines that ray of light and hope.
Hope shined brightly in the midst of my late Grandma’s sickness. It happened slowly, she would forget minor things, get confused easily, do the exact opposite of what she was trying to do and the list goes on. She was at first diagnosed with dementia and our family hoped that it would not progress. Of course things began to get worse over the next couple of years and eventually when family would come to visit, none of us were ever sure if she would know us. During this time she had a cancer scare, she was in her late eighty’s and some doctors believed it would be better to operate even though the outcome was unclear. She went through with the surgery and when she came out of the anesthesia…it was as if she went into another place. A dark place where she gradually but quickly lost touch with reality…saying mean things when she did talk and getting very upset. Now understand my Grandma was a strong Christian woman. When I was a little girl, and even as I grew older when I would visit my grandparents, I could hear her in her back room talking to Jesus and getting “happy.” all that to say that she would call some family members unkind names and once in awhile a curse word would slip out. Most people might withdraw from their relative during this time but there was not a hint of that in our big family. When it was my mother’s turn to go and help with her care, my younger brother would often go with her, helping to lift my Grandma, and turn her in the bed. My Aunt was her main caregiver with some assistance from medical staff from time to time. When my Grandma completely shut down and couldn’t make eye contact or say a word, it was very disheartening for us all. This sweet woman should do anything for her family members especially her husband, and would love to sing hymns in her natural alto voice, and would pat us on the back telling us to “have a precious night,” was gone in many ways but yet she lay there only to moan and yell inaudible noises. So where is the light, you may say? It was in us, her family and her husband who would always make a joke when the situation would make one or some of us emotional, or just sad. Sometimes when she was yelling, he would kid us and say “she’s just mad because I left the room” or, “she obviously didn’t like the food that you gave her…” The light was in the love and care that we all had for her when we all agreed she would never go to a nursing home. The light was still there when she passed after a few years of no communication from her and we still all were so sad at her funeral but so relieved that she was resting in Jesus, comp,etely at peace. The light was there when my Grandpa moved in with my parents and would often talk about my Grandma and how he missed her just being there, after 79 years of marriage. The light of hope still shines today when I share memories of my Grandma and her godly legacy with my children.
Kara, this is such a beautiful testimony. First, what a beautiful legacy your grandmother gave you. To have a strong Christian woman as your grandmother, known talking to Jesus and getting happy….that’s so awesome! It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one be overcome with dementia, where the person you once knew seems to be someone else, and then not even able to communicate. But I LOVE how you related the light shining brightly….my heart was so touched by the love of her husband! 79 years of marriage?!?!? THAT’S a bright light! Love that the light was shining even as you shared this. Thank you, sis. This warmed my heart.
I have witnessed hope shining brightly when all seemed lost. I’ve seen faith restored after a dark and bitter season seemed to suck the very life out of a loved one. I KNOW and am sure that God can bring what was dead to life again. I’ve observed it! The story…love, marriage, betrayal, divorce, apostasy, love, repentance, forgiveness, deliverance, love.
I am convinced that God is our hope and then some.
Prayers and blessings over all of the colorful family. There are so many testimonies and stories of liberation here. The praise, the love and the grace are overflowing.
Amen, Kim!…..”I KNOW and am sure that God can bring what was dead to life again.” What a praise that GOd is able to shine light where all seemed lost; restore faith where things have grown dark and bitter; even bring what was dead to life. HE IS GOD! The light is shining brightly through all these testimonies. So many have witnessed the gracious hand of God in such powerful ways. Thank you for adding your voice of hope in Him. I’m so encouraged by all of you. Glory to His Name!
[Edited] ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS (names put into a bag and drawn randomly by my daughter):
1. Alfreda
2. Debbie
3. Danielle
4. Felecia C.
5. Lakia Barr
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Email me at kimcashtate@gmail.com so I can get your contact info and send you an advance copy of The Color of Hope! :)
Thanks and congrats to all.
Congratulations to the winners
Congratulations to everyone and I hope to see everybody back her for the next post! The conversation was truly delightful.
I agree, Tamara. Congrats to all the winners!
I’m grinning…and looking forward to diving into this!!!
xo