I just finished reading Holding Fast The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy by Karen James, this was sent to me by my blogger friend Rhonda at A Day in Rhonda's Life. Rhonda got it from Jill at jill jill bo bill who has a very personal take on the story as it was about Kelly James, a childhood friend of her husband's.
I didn't need this story personified anymore for me but this added dimension of it being some one's friend made it more tragic...maybe it's me but some times these news stories seem so sad, that we or again, I tend to put them in little boxes labeled something other than real!
Because I had read Jill's account of the story, I was primed for a sad story and it is... but Karen James brings such a testimony of faith to the telling of her story. Because of her faith and that of her husband's you are not left with a story about a life ending but rather a life that was well lived!
This is a quick and compelling read that you will ponder long after you have finished the book. It is the story of Kelly James, his death and his wife Karen's struggle to understand what happened.
Recently, My Hubby and I found out that a business associate took his own life while alone. We did not know him well, but what we did know about him was that he was troubled and unhappy, and struggling financially! He didn't have many good relationships and certainly showed very little faith and I can't help but contrast his death with Kelly James! The contrast itself was startling, one in faith and a life well lived...the other alone and isolated and in despair!
Both families are surely devastated...but because of God's love and James' love of God...life will continue for the James family while the other family may be consumed with a sad bitterness!
I often wonder if I could survive such a tragedy with my faith intact...I don't know... but I know I wouldn't survive it at all without my faith!
I had just finished reading Same Kind Of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and I was startled to see their picture in the book and a review by them on the cover!
It would seem Karen has continued her painting and she had a joint art exhibition with Denver Moore in May 2008...I really enjoyed their book as well!
I didn't need this story personified anymore for me but this added dimension of it being some one's friend made it more tragic...maybe it's me but some times these news stories seem so sad, that we or again, I tend to put them in little boxes labeled something other than real!
Because I had read Jill's account of the story, I was primed for a sad story and it is... but Karen James brings such a testimony of faith to the telling of her story. Because of her faith and that of her husband's you are not left with a story about a life ending but rather a life that was well lived!
This is a quick and compelling read that you will ponder long after you have finished the book. It is the story of Kelly James, his death and his wife Karen's struggle to understand what happened.
Recently, My Hubby and I found out that a business associate took his own life while alone. We did not know him well, but what we did know about him was that he was troubled and unhappy, and struggling financially! He didn't have many good relationships and certainly showed very little faith and I can't help but contrast his death with Kelly James! The contrast itself was startling, one in faith and a life well lived...the other alone and isolated and in despair!
Both families are surely devastated...but because of God's love and James' love of God...life will continue for the James family while the other family may be consumed with a sad bitterness!
I often wonder if I could survive such a tragedy with my faith intact...I don't know... but I know I wouldn't survive it at all without my faith!
I had just finished reading Same Kind Of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and I was startled to see their picture in the book and a review by them on the cover!
It would seem Karen has continued her painting and she had a joint art exhibition with Denver Moore in May 2008...I really enjoyed their book as well!
The first person who will commit to:
Read this book...
Blog about it and
Then pass it on to another blogger!
Just leave a comment on this post
Don't forget my Give-away for a iPod nano! Vote For Sara Nelms!
17 comments:
Ronda I would love to read it. Loved your take on it and now I am more than interested in reading it.
Kori, It is yours...just send me your address!
GREAT review! Thank you so much for doing this, Ronda. You are so right, without faith where would we be?
Oh too bad, just missed it! I´ll have to try at Kori´s when she´s finished...
Sounds like a good read!
Love you-have a great weekend!
I have so many wonderful books already from you. I loved two of them very much and have to blog about them and give them away too! :)
Sounds like a great book, alas I have stacks waiting for me......one day!
HOPE EVERYONE IS STILL VOTING FOR SARA!
Ronda, that was a great post!!! I had forgotten how tickled I was when I saw a picture of her with Ron and Denver! I did the "Oh, I so know them!!!" lol
I hope Kori will keep it going! It's pretty awesome! It'll be cool to see how many people it can be passed to!
You really make this seem like a compelling read. I am going to look for it at my library.
I have several friends who are atheists, and I sometimes worry (yeah, I know that's a sin, it's on my looooong list of things Jesus forgives me for) about how they'll handle the tough things life sends our way without God to hold onto. And, truly, one of them is not doing well -- she's getting ready to undergo electric shock treatments due to out-of-control depression. I'll have to see if I can find that book.
Thanks again for reminding me of this book, I too am going to the library today with the kids, I'll see if they have it!
How is Sara doing, is she in the running?
I think I'll look for this at the library too.
Great review, makes me want to read both. I am a real barnes and noble addict but have made a pact not to buy a book in 2009. I am using my local library and although very small they have accomodated me with inner library loans and even offered to purchase a few of the books I wanted. I just read James Patterson's "Sundays at Tiffany's" a quick read but an interesting and different plot.
I'll add these books to my list. Thanks for the Shelfari idea, I am enjoying keeping track of the books I want to read.
i noticed on your BIO two of your favourite books are two of my favourites too- To Kill A Mocking bird and Secret life of Bees- funny what shows up unexpectantly, so I thought i would say hello. i have popped over drom Suburb Sanity xx
I wish I could commit to read a book--but alas, just too much going on right now. I do enjoy reading your reviews though! You've given me lots of great ideas for when I eventually have time to read!
Great review! I'll pick up a copy, since you recommend it so highly. I've already voted for Sara more than once, and have entered your giveaway, so you know what's left? I'm having another Pop'rs Giveaway, and I KNOW you want to enter!
Sounds like a good one, I hadn't heard of it. I enjoyed blurking on your blog today!
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