Hello Friends : )

Today’s post is a little different than my usual and I am delighted to share it with you!

Not too long ago I received an e-mail from the Chief Operating Officer for Ambassador International. She was asking if I would be interested in reading and reviewing a book and then participate in a blog tour.  This was a first for me, so naturally I was very honored and intrigued!

The COO went on to introduce the book, Love Him Anyway, and give me a quick overview. I will admit my heart sank as I read the overview. Fear and hesitation washed over me at accepting this invite knowing the book would be an emotional read for me.

I was right.

And it was.

Although my story, my journey, is much different than this one written by Abby Banks, I still knew it would stir emotions inside me. Emotions that I work really hard to keep sheltered and protected. But, I am also ever amazed at how God works and uses words, people and journeys to reach others. The tug He placed on my heart trumped my own reluctancies and gave me strength to read and share this book with you.

The words written by Abby Banks in Love Him Anyway are touching, real and raw. Abby tells the story of her son Wyatt, who at 7 months old went to bed healthy and woke up the next morning paralyzed. A morning no parent would ever want to face. She takes her readers along with her on the journey of Wyatt’s diagnosis (transverse myelitis, a one-in-a-million autoimmune disease) and rehabilitation as she and her family strive to maintain the ups and downs of hope and fear.

Reading the book gave me flashbacks, instant flashbacks, of the breaking in my own heart as I recalled the day I received the diagnosis of my baby girl. Words don’t fully explain or express the heartache, the fear, the worry, the sadness, and a long list of other emotions a parent experiences when receiving the life threatening diagnosis about their child. Love Him Anyway describes these emotions so openly.  Abby takes you down this painful road and in the trenches of this valley with real honesty. 

Relating through a serious medical diagnosis is not the only connection I felt and made with Abby. Her voice and her story speaks to my mission as she never once misses the opportunity to point her readers to God – where real hope lies.  Surrendering to God’s plan is a breath-by-breath decision. A decision that doesn’t remove the heartache, but instead offers hope knowing that with Him all things are possible (adapted from Matt. 19:26).  A decision to trust and love Him anyway in the midst of the hard and painful.

Love Him Anyway is an emotional read, but it’s a  book for everyone! It will inspire you and touch you. It will also challenge you and point you to the One needed for whatever hurdle you may be facing.

Abby reminds us,  “Call out to God and ask Him to show you His goodness and rejoice in the fact that our hope extends beyond the life we are living.”

To connect or learn more about Wyatt and The Banks Family you can find Abby on her website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Purchasing a copy of Love Him Anyway is easy! You can find it at Ambassador International. Use the code LoveHim for a 10% discount.
Also, you can enter to win a signed copy of Love Him Anyway by clicking the link below. The drawing will take place at the end of the blog tour on March 2nd.