Friday, November 1, 2013

One Light Still Shines by Marie Monville

I remember hearing about the Amish schoolhouse shooting that happened in 2006.  I heard about how the Amish were quick to offer forgiveness and it warmed my heart.  But I never thought much about Marie, the wife of the shooter, and how this event would have changed her life forever. 

I absolutely loved this book!  Marie is quick to share in the beginning that this book is not about sharing all the details of what happened in the schoolhouse that day.  She was not there.  The story that she has to share is the story of hope and redemption that arose from the ashes of this terrible tragedy.  She shares of the heartache and worries that she and her children had to face.  But she also beautifully identifies that ways that God was at work through circumstances and the kindness of others that reminded her of His presence and plan for redemption.  Be sure to have some tissues handy...you'll need them!

Marie shares her story to help others going through hard times.  She says "On this side of heaven, for all of us, God doesn't always spare us the loneliness, remove the pain, or still the storm.  So I ask you: How often do we miss the light because we fail to look for it?  How many times do we turn away from the tiny flicker that reveals his presence because we shut our eyes tight, insisting that he remove the darkness? ... No matter how tragic your circumstances, your life is not a tragedy.  It is a love story.  And in your love story, when you think all the lights have gone out, one light still shines.  Step into my story and I'll show you how to see that light."

The other thing I like about this book is that it presents tangible ways that we can love others through their pain.  I can't help but be inspired by the many ways Marie and her family were blessed through the kindness of the Amish, friends, and even strangers.  God can and will use us to shine his light into the lives of others.  I highly recommend this book. 

Thank you, Marie, for sharing your story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.



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