by Karen Kinnaird | Feb 28, 2018
“Perhaps some detours aren’t detours at all. Perhaps they are actually the path. The picture. The plan. And, perhaps most unexpectedly, they can be perfect.” Katherine Wolf
April 21 may be an ordinary day for most people, but for Katherine and Jay Wolf it is a day to celebrate her life, the anniversary of the day Katherine nearly died of a massive brainstem stroke. This year, on April 20-21, 2018 she will spend the event’s 10-year anniversary at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, near Davis, Okla., as one of the keynote speakers for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma’s Women’s Retreat. The Wolfs story can be read in the unique and powerful book Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love.
Hope Heals, published in 2016 by Zondervan, is the story of the Wolf family’s arduous and achingly slow eight-year journey surrounding Katherine’s catastrophic brainstem stroke, survival and recovery. The book is written as a duet, a pairing of talented writings from both Katherine and Jay’s perspectives. The Wolfs want people to know they are not alone in their pain. This is a book for the suffering, the disappointed and the one whose life turned out completely different than what was expected. It’s for the one looking for hope.
It began as a fairy tale life in California. The Wolfs were both headed toward promising careers. Katherine, a 26-year-old model in the entertainment industry, and Jay, on his way to taking the bar exam for a career in law, had bright futures. They had a 6-month-old baby and were deeply involved in their church community.
Their tragedy resulted in Katherine spending 40 days on life support and two years in full-time brain recovery. The result was a severely disabled body including the removal of 60 percent of her cerebellum.
The book includes a detailed account of the Wolfs’ story while getting a glimpse into their understanding of suffering. Why does God allow misfortune? What is our hope truly in? How does one rely on and trust God?
With grit, determination and deep devotion to each other, they chose to live life with a renewed purpose. Katherine wrote, “Affliction has led to a heartbreaking but beautiful deepening in me. I have learned to embrace the suffering. I have learned to not push back but to lean in hard when it hurts the most and press on. Pain has been an instructor, teaching me deeper truths about myself and God and bringing me closer to Christ in a way I never was before this happened.”
Ultimately, the Wolfs find the key to their survival: hope. Katherine summarized, “There is something profound about hope, something so meaningful when you cling to what is beyond anything you know and understand. When that happens deep in your head and your heart, something shifts. Hope heals.”
Jay’s commitment to meeting the physical and emotional needs of his disabled wife over the long haul is inspiring. Jay wrote, “No matter the origin of the suffering, God’s presence remains the same. He finds us in our hurts if we want to be found. His power to filter the worst that life has to offer, with goodness remaining, is our great hope.”
The Wolfs share that if hope is rooted in an outcome, then expectations will crush us. In redefining many areas of their lives, they have come to the conclusion that hope is rooted in God.
Today, the Wolfs have a ministry to the hurting and encourage people to celebrate their lives, even if it looks different from the one that was expected. For more information go to www.hopeheals.com.
by Karen Kinnaird | Feb 15, 2018
Romantic storyline. Oklahoma history. Humor and wit. What more could you want from the latest historical novel by Oklahoma’s own Regina Jennings? Holding the Fort is Jennings’ ninth novel, but the first in the new Fort Reno series. In 2015, Jennings was honored to win the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best Inspirational Novel, is a two-time Golden Quill finalist and has been a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award.
Published in 2017 by Bethany House, the book takes place in Fort Reno, Oklahoma in Indian Territory in the late 1880s. Jennings does a masterful job at developing fictional characters and weaving their stories into true history of the military camp and area. Historical accounts document a Cheyenne uprising prompting the visit by General Sheridan of the U.S. army in 1885, David Payne and the “Boomers” leading illegal tours of the Unassigned Lands and vigilante Texas cowboys shooting Running Buffalo while hunting down stolen horses.
Meet Louisa Bell, product of a difficult childhood, now dance-hall singer using her singing voice as the only way she knows to survive. After losing her job at the saloon, she heads to Fort Reno in hopes of finding employment and her unruly brother who is in the cavalry and stationed at Fort Reno.
Meet Major Daniel Adams, widower and commanding officer who tries to control rowdy troops, pacify and protect the Cheyennes and Arapahos and raise two challenging adolescent daughters.
At Louisa’ arrival, she is mistaken for a governess but out of desperation goes along with the mix-up, deceiving both the major and his daughters. This performance will be one of her best, but the reality is how God is working behind the scenes, not only in Louisa’s wounded heart but in the hearts of the Major and his family.
Holding the Fort is a charming and enjoyable light read. It is relaxing and perfect for escaping on a quiet winter weekend or to take on vacation. While the story line is entertaining and adventurous, it offers encouragement and inspiration. Most importantly, it includes powerful lessons of forgiveness, honesty and redemption. Today, one can visit historic Fort Reno on Route 66. Learn more about Regina Jennings and her writings at www.reginajennings.com.
by Karen Kinnaird | Dec 28, 2017
It’s been said that Christmas is a season that heightens joy for some but deepens misery for others. For those experiencing prolonged trials this holiday season, Hope Deferred by Carole Dougherty is the book for you. Published by WestBow Press in 2017, the statement on the cover will immediately resonate with the desired reader: “For all those worn out by the length of their road.”
Many will agree that spiritual growth occurs most during difficult times. But as the author writes, “There is something about suffering for a long time that short bouts of pain cannot achieve.”
Creatively using a harvest theme – the process of planting, pruning, weeding and harvesting, Dougherty weaves the story of her own weather-beaten life with the process of bearing fruit during a growing season. She masterfully incorporates Scripture through the account.
Dougherty candidly shares her story chronologically and includes difficult events from her childhood, journey of adopting several children, numerous financial setbacks, multiple family illnesses, an addicted wayward daughter and a mysterious, debilitating, long-tern chronic illness with yet another daughter.
As one who’s been put through the fire, Daugherty shares the many lessons she has learned: letting her faith land on His promises, keeping her eyes on the Lord and not her problems, and finding hope and joy before the trial ends.
Below are some excerpts from Hope Deferred that spoke to me:
“Trusting is not knowing His purpose but believing that He loves me and is doing what’s best for me. It’s knowing that someday our mess will open doors for His message.”
“Keeping me blindfolded and having to trust Him every step of the way for many years would force me to hang on tight and listen very carefully for His voice.”
“I fell on my face exhausted every day, begging for answers and deliverance, never realizing that the process I was going through was much more valuable to God than just my suffering coming to an end.”
“I am trying not to doubt in the dark what you have taught me in the light.”
“If we are walking with God, our faith doesn’t have to be diminished when a crisis strikes. His grace can cause it to be magnified.”
“Everything we go through is about learning to trust…everything! What are we supposed to do in the wait? ‘Lord, may we not fear not knowing.’ He tells us that it is possible to be content while not seeing where we are going. The reason we can is because He knows and He is still leading.”
The author eventually concedes, “Even though our circumstances don’t change, we do, and we emerge a force to be reckoned with. To be trusted with God’s silence is to be selected for His greater work.”
If you find yourself in a time of long-term crisis; if you find yourself saying, “I can’t take it anymore;” if you’re feeling abandoned by God and others, let this book be a source of comfort for you.
Hope deferred? In His time.
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues” (Ps. 119:71).
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Prov. 13:12).
by Karen Kinnaird | Nov 24, 2017
Perhaps the white Christmas you used to know is in your dreams but not your reality this year. Perhaps it’s been a hard year or a busy year, and the only visions dancing in your head are the additional demands and expectations that accompany what should be a joyous season. Rather than tossing and turning night after night, why not try something new?
What do you want the Christmas season to look like this year? Evaluate this season of your life and what you want to accomplish. What’s most important for this particular year? Who would benefit most from your time and attention this year? What part of Christmas do you enjoy the most? Which activities bring honor to Christ? Which don’t? What can you let go?
Let’s consider some ways to simplify and keep our focus on where it needs to be so our Christmas can be merry and bright:
- Cultivate an attitude of joy and worship: Enjoy the holidays. Enjoy your family and friends. Don’t take people in your life for granted. Appreciate each one. Rather than focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have. Incorporate Bible reading and Christmas devotions into each day. Spending time with God keeps us centered. As our soul is quieted, we are able to breathe, and keep our perspective.
- Simplify decorations: For me, the nest is empty, and I am not hosting any parties. My family will gather at relatives’ homes this year, so the decorations are very minimal. I have learned to stay away from many small pieces and invest in good quality, larger pieces at after-Christmas sale pricing. These items can be set out then packed quickly.
- Simplify cards and baking: Why not send cards every other year? Unless baking is your passion, consider specializing in a few of your favorite items and use them only for Christmas and make them an annual tradition.
- Utilize your calendar: Be sure to schedule family obligations, church events and parties in advance. We don’t have to attend everything. Prioritize what is best for your family this year. Glance at each week. Is there any white space? If not, schedule it in. If the calendar is too full, consider rotating events or parties every other year.
- Utilize a notebook: Keep a small Christmas notebook handy throughout the year. Jot down gift ideas and creative ways to celebrate. Is there a ministry or special offering to make a donation? Are there people who have ministered to you throughout the year whom you would like to bless in some way? Carry your notebook as you shop, keeping a list of purchases and expenses. On Dec. 26, evaluate this year’s Christmas. What would you change for next year?
- Stick to a budget: The best way to ensure insomnia and nightmares is to overspend and carry debt into 2018. My husband and I make a budget a year in advance and divide the total by 12 months and save throughout the year. By December, the money is saved and when it runs out the spending stops. Consider a personalized gift on websites such as personalizationmall.com. Affordable gifts that are personalized show you care while adding value.
So, enjoy the glistening tree tops, enjoy the children listening to sleigh bells, and may your Christmas be white.
by Karen Kinnaird | Sep 18, 2017
Leave it to Oklahoma’s own Lance Lang, founder and leader of Hope is Alive Ministries to bring us another book packed with his mantra: HOPE. #HOPEDEALERS The Changes, The Challenges, and Callings of Saying YES! hot off the press this month is Lang’s fifth book and published by THG.
Lang believes in celebrating sobriety and the God of second chances. In an age where addiction and hopelessness are an epidemic, Lang is rallying together a growing army of people who are courageously embracing their God-given calling to share their personal stories of hope.
Hope is Alive exists to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them. In its sixth year, HIA has seven Mentoring Homes with more than 70 residents. Finding Hope Support Groups for loved ones exist in several cities across Oklahoma. A Church Partnership Program and Family Services program provide resources, consulting and more. www.hopeisalive.net.
The HopeDealer Verse
“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).
#HOPEDEALERS is a short, easy-to-read book, written as if Lang was sitting with you, having coffee. In a style all his own, what my husband and I call “Lang slang,” the book will inspire you and give you hope. Giving God all the credit, Lang weaves the story of Hope Is Alive Ministries, including one ‘only God could have done that’ moment after another with many testimonies of life transformations. Read the painful yet hope-filled stories from both men and women, residents and graduates of the program, and family members who attend Finding Hope classes. While sharing these first-person accounts, Lang interjects his perspective of each story. One of my favorite chapters is entitled “Go Save Some Lives,” written by Lang’s wife, Ally, who describes how God called her to this ministry and gave her “an intense and specific plan for a Women’s Program at HIA.”
In addition, #HOPEDEALERS is calling people to join a movement of HopeDealers to share their story of pain and turn it into purpose.
One of my favorite quotes is from Zach, “… the HopeDealer knows who they are. They’re grounded in Christ and are owners of everything that can’t be bought. They know they’ll never run out of hope and so they give it freely to everyone they encounter.”
Lang writes, “A HopeDealer is one willing to share their pain and their past with anyone who needs what they have! For those who have overcome addiction, the pain of divorce, worked through grief of losing a loved one, or beat cancer, there is no limit.”
According to Lang, the qualifications to be HopeDealer are simple:
- Be a human
- Have a story
- Be willing to tell it
The HopeDealers movement is a contemporary form of an age-old, Jesus-teaching concept of evangelism, sharing our own stories of how God has redeemed us in order to reach people who don’t know Him.
The beauty of it all is that Lang is helping folks do exactly that, by providing a platform on the interactive website www.HopeDealers.com. You can record or write your #HopeDealer story, submit it, and it will be reviewed for posting. Is God calling you to be a HopeDealer? Say YES!
