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| GIVEN |
WINDLE, JEANETTE
FORGIVEN : A SCHOOL SHOOTING, A MOTHER'S LOVE, AND A STORY OF REMARKABLE GRACE
After a son does the unthinkable, how can a mother go on?On October 2, 2006, a gunman entered an Amish one-room schoolhouse, shooting ten girls, killing five, then finally taking his own life. This is his mother's story. Not only did she lose her precious son through suicide, but she also lost her understanding of him as an honorable man. It was a trauma that none should ever have to face.
But the biggest headlines came when her Amish neighbors did the unimaginable, reaching out to the family of the shooter with comfort and forgiveness. Today Terri lives in harmony with the Amish and has built lasting relationships beyond what anyone could have thought possible. From the grace that the Amish showed Terri's family from day one, to the visits and ongoing care Terri has given to the victims and their families, no one could have foreseen the love and friendship that have been forged from the fires of tragedy.
My Review:
From bitterness comes grace. A gut-wrenching account of what happened before and after the horrific shooting that changed so many lives. This compelling read portrays forgiveness the way God meant it to be. It is by no means an easy thing -- for the person extending forgiveness or even the one receiving it. In fact, when you take in the dire circumstances this Amish community experienced, it's next to impossible to comprehend such an all encompassing act of forgiveness.
With unfailing courage, Roberts bears her soul in order to share the power that came from this remarkable grace. It broke through unspeakable pain and deep sorrow, bringing the light of Christ-like love -- a healing balm that brought hope to all touched by this tragedy. And now, this book, spreads that message out into the world.
A transforming read that challenged me to take a deeper look at what forgiveness means to me.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Forgiven please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!
I remember this happening. The power of forgiveness is amazing. I'd love to read this.
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Me too -- and there was a movie made about it too. This book really gets you thinking about what forgiveness really means. Good luck rubynreba.
DeleteOh, I also remember this tragedy and the forgiveness that was modeled... wow. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
ReplyDeletemomrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
You're welcome, Loraine. Good luck.
DeleteI remember too. Still feel bad for all the lose. Was amazed to hear about the families going to his wife and forgiving. kamundsen44ATyahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteI know, Kim, it just seemed so much more horrendous because it happened at an Amish school -- people known for their non-violent views, deliberately living apart to bring peace to their lives. Good luck.
DeleteI saw the Lifetime movie based on this tragedy. I don't remember when it happened, but I was only 12 back then. I think it's amazing that Terri decided to write her story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
samanthabis23 at gmail dot com
It's such a moving account in so many different ways. Good luck, Samantha.
DeleteThank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletealysap at yahoo dot com
You're welcome, jcp. Good luck.
DeleteI've visited the site where this tragedy took place. I'm sure this book was hard to write, but necessary. I'd love to read it.
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
Wow -- what a sobering visit that must have been. And yes, I think it took a lot of courage for Terri to share her family's story. Good luck, susanlulu.
DeleteI'm not entering, b/c I feel like it might be too difficult for me to read. I will put it on my Amazon wish list in order to remain aware of the story and maybe I will pick it up in the future. The main reason I would pick it up is your quote, "A transforming read that challenged me to take a deeper look at what forgiveness means to me." Thank you, Kav.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Terrill. I came away with a fresh understanding of forgiveness. I mean, after reading about these Amish parents -- well, it made me realize that any grudges I might hold pale in comparison to what these families endured. It's all about perspective.
DeleteI would love the opportunity to read this book. I feel it would be a privilege. Thank you, Kav, for the chance to be a winner.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
You're welcome, Melanie. Good luck.
DeleteThank you, Kav, for sharing this one. I will be looking for it.
ReplyDeleteCampbellamyd at gmail dot com
Good luck, Amy.
DeleteI agree with Terrill, it would be a very difficult story to read. I'd probably not see the words through my tears, and my heart would be breaking so hard for the families. Truly innocent lives taken, who shouldn't have to worry about the evil in our world. I'm not sure if I could read this either, but I think if I took it a small chunk at a time, it may make it easier. And to really re-evaluate my idea of forgiveness....the Amish would put me to shame! I'm so glad that they extended not only forgiveness, but the ongoing care & visits after the fact. What a testament of amazing grace, whole-hearted (but painful) forgiveness, and unconditional love! Wow.....
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
It is a difficult read, obviously because of the situation, but it's really a story that radiates hope. It made me want to strive to be more forgiving in my own life. Good luck, Trixi.
DeleteOH I really wanted to read this one. I thought I was getting it from Bethany House, but somehow I missed it.
ReplyDeleteamylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net
It's worth the read, Amy. Good luck.
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