This is the story of Jeremy and Jennifer Williams high school sweethearts living in a small southern town. He is the football coach at the local high school, while Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter, Josie. They had challenges in their lives, but as Christians, they believed God had brought them through everything. Suddenly their lives start having Old Testament Job-like challenges hurled at them.
While Jennifer is pregnant with their second child, an ultra-sound reveals their new child, who they name Jacob, has spina bifida. The doctors predict a gloomy future, sure Jacob will be mentally and physically handicapped. They ask them if they want to abort their child. Jennifer is devastated that the baby she is carrying will be handicapped, but both Jennifer and Jeremy are determined to keep their baby. Jennifer, after a rough few days, is able to give all the worry about their child’s future to God, and relax.
Jennifer and Jeremy do ask everyone they know to pray for Jacob. They even ask perfect strangers to pray. When Jeremy is born, is has no mental retardation. In fact, when he begins talking, no one is ever a stranger to this charismatic child. They believe it was a miracle from God, along with all the prayers, that Jacob has no mental problems. Jacob does have physical handicaps, but the family has every confidence that God will bring them through any hardships.
No sooner has the Williams family adjusted to life with Jacob and his challenges, then another calamity enters. This time with Jeremy. Although Jeremy has been fit all his life, first as a high school and college athlete, then as a coach, Jeremy starts having some physical problems. He tries to ignore it, but eventually has to see a doctor. The news is devastating. Jeremy has ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Jeremy could have as little as a year, or maybe a handful, of years left. He will gradually loose function of his body, although his mind will never be touched.
Jennifer and Jeremy both admit to struggling with the news. Jeremy sought God and came to peace with the situation in a relatively short time. Jennifer had a longer journey. She had loved Jeremy since she was a teenager. Jacob was a blessing in all their lives, but realistically, lots of work was involved taking care of him. Now Jennifer found her husband was dying and would become devastatingly handicapped during his last days on earth. She was sad and upset with God. Despite that, Jennifer eventually came to peace with the situation, and claims God gave her that peace.
This story was a book that had some very sad events in it. But because of the strong faith of both Jennifer and Jeremy, the story has more positive accounts than negative ones. The Williams want every experience they go through to reflect God. Because of that, a very positive story emerges despite distressing circumstances. The love of family and God shines through in this story.
Amazing events happened to this family in the midst of tragedy. Their family was featured on the television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. As a result, they received a brand new home, completely accessible for both Jeremy and Jacob. The community steps forward and donates time and money to give them even more tangible blessings. Their small hometown, school and local churches all rally behind this family.
I will be honest and say I thought this would be a sad story to read, so was reluctant to start it. But this tale is the opposite of that. Despite living with daily difficulties, the Williams want to point everyone to Jesus. They are concerned that people need to understand the only way to get through life, especially one as challenging as theirs, is to be a follower of Christ. I am glad I read this story. It is amazingly uplifting. Sound impossible? Read this story and find out. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
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