Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff

Since I work in the schools, I've often wondered what I would do if I were confronted with a gunman.  Would I panic?  Would I stay calm?  Would I be brave?  Stories are becoming all too common of a student or an adult waving a gun in our schools and threatening our students.  Antoinette Tuff was confronted with this situation a few months ago while working in the office of an elementary school in Atlanta.  This is her story.

The book alternates between details of that potentially tragic day on August 20, 2013 and Antoinette's life story.  The majority of the text focuses on the events of her life and how God used it all to shape and prepare her for this moment.  I found it to be an honest and inspiring testimony - one that gives the glory to God.  She writes, "There is nothing special about me that enabled me to be a vessel for God.  The truth is, God uses us all to accomplish His work.  He can turn any one of us into an instrument of good.  What happened to me that day can happen to each and every one of us, at any moment, in any situation.  We just never know when that moment is coming, or what that situation will be. But we are all capable of being God's vessel - of fulfilling the purpose God has chosen for us."

Antoinette has had many struggles in her life, but she has also learned to anchor to God's truth and find her hope in Him.  When faced with a crisis she was able to draw strength, wisdom, and compassion from God.  May we all learn to do the same.

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