Casey here...I have a quick introduction for you. I don't normally do non-fiction giveaways as I am primarily a fiction blogger and reader. But when I heard even just a little bit of Justina's story, I knew this was one my readers would want to hear. I hope you take just a few minutes and read this lady's story and see how ALL things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
On March
7, 1999 at the crack of dawn something goes terribly wrong. I awake to
explosions, smoke, darkness. Oh, dear God.
The house is on fire. Our family is jolted from our peaceful bliss and thrown
into chaos to a home totally engulfed with flames. My husband begins
frantically jumping in and out of windows in complete darkness desperate to
save his wife and young children. Like precious obedient lambs, the three
oldest boys grab their younger autistic brother and wait at the designated
point for their father. Their obedience to the fire escape plan is rewarded
with life and merciful 1st and 2nd degree burns. I am thrown out first but I
reenter the inferno hysterical—determined to reach my precious 22 month twin
bundles. I am pinned by a large burning oak bookshelf that falls on me. I am
trapped, burning, and unable to speak above a whisper. I shout from the edge of
the street where a neighbor is steadying me by pressing her head to mine—“I
have six sons, get my babies.” The count never reaches six. Despite our
greatest efforts, everyone doesn’t make it. Tragically the house collapses
before my
husband is
able to get our twin son Amos out. I and the other twin are severely injured in
the process. We lose every earthly possession in a matter of minutes.
In the
garden of my heart the weeds of bitterness, fear, and most potent,
unforgiveness had taken root. Friends counted on my faith. Many people leaned
on me for support and encouragement. Even in my hospital bed at my weakest
point people came to confide in me and draw strength. The dilemma was
bewildering. Who could I talk to? Who would understand the intensity of the
faith crisis I was in? Only God. God lost a son, his only begotten son to a
tragic, unjust death on the cross. “Show me,” I said, “how you dealt with the
loss of your Son.” The scriptures stir in my spirit. For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten Son. You gave your Son to me and all things work
together for good to them that love God. “But God,” I say, “even this?” I
cannot sit, stand, walk, or use my hands. I hurt physically, I hurt
emotionally, my twin son is hurt—my other dead.” God answers me—he is not
afraid of my true emotions. “My son died yet he rose and lives again—your son
lives.” he says. I am challenged. I had accepted Christ many years ago and
firmly believed in the hope of eternal life. Now my son has slipped into that
eternal place where I had prayed for him to be one day since his birth. I
choose to embrace my faith and not abandon it. God had saved Amos. God had
loaned him to me for a season and now he had taken him back. This was God’s
choice. Out of faith blossomed hope and purpose. Hope is
the heartbeat of survival.
Readers, this is your chance to enter to win Justina's book, featured above.
Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.
For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber
Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.
Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on September 7th.
Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com
"Hope is the heartbeat of survival." That's powerful. Sounds like an incredible story of healing--both physically and spiritually.
ReplyDeleteIt really was for me and my family! God is amazing and is the God of all comfort. He can heal to the uttermost! I pray you enjoy the book!
DeleteAlthough I haven't gone through a physical fire there are other kinds of fire that can happen in one's life which are emotional and spiritual.
ReplyDeleteJustina's book is one that I need to read right now.
Janet Estridge.
von1janet@gmail.com
What you said was right on....there are financial fires, relationship fires, and on and on. This book is applicable for them all. We can't totally control the hand life deals us...but by the fever of God SW can control the outcome!
DeleteI would like to read the author's book, THE CIRCLE OF FIRE. I can't imagine the awful pain, emotional and physical, she must have experienced. I've always feared waking up a fiery apartment. Her story, just this excerpt, is inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDelete1dozenstars.gmail.com
Your welcome! Thanks for your kind reply.
DeleteI am subscribed to your blog (Googlereader & email)
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
1dozenstars.gmail.com
I'm having an emotional fire right now. Maybe this would help me.
ReplyDeletelag110 at m hsi dot com
I pray God's very best for you!
DeleteI subscribe via email.
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
Hi Justina! (If she sees this, and if not well thank you for this post, Casey.)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is our God. I was just thinking about that and I'm glad I read your amazing testimony.
The Lord bless you.
And may the Lord encourage His Children going through dark moments.
Blessings
Blessings to you Ganise!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI believe you will truly enjoy it....thanks for entering!
DeleteThis sounds like an inspiring book.
ReplyDeleteI follow via email.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
That is my mission....to inspire others to never lose faith no matter the storm
DeleteWow! FawnMichellePower@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete