Sooooo … a friend of mine wrote a book. A very good, very important, everyone must read it kind-of-book!

Lara’s words have always inspired me, both to be a better writer and to be a better Christ-follower. She’s real. Authentic. And knows her the Word of God like no other.

God’s given her a story to share — a heart story — one that comes from the depths of her personal valley and despair.

Although the basis of Lara’s story is the infidelity of her husband and how, with God’s help, she stayed, To Walk or Stay is a faith-filled story in “trusting God through shattered hopes and suffocating fears.”

I knew from reading Lara’s blog, she’d walked through a season of infidelity and betrayal by her husband. And when she released a book titled To Walk or Stay, I assumed she’d be disclosing some details of that season of her life.

Details? Countless.

Countless details on the goodness, faithfulness, and beauty of our Lord God when we listen to Him, press into Him, lean on Him, and trust Him with our everything.

As I was reading through the pages, I couldn’t help but think, “Every married woman I know should read this book!”

And then I thought, “Anyone walking through a valley-low should read this book!”

And then, “Anyone afraid to completely trust in God should read this book!”

And now? Just read it!

I’ve highlighted and marked up just about every page. And I plan to read it again … it’s that good. And necessary!

Let me share just a few of the life-changing words I’ve read:

You and I don’t have the power to pierce hearts and transform lives. It’s not our calling. But we can submit to God’s “change” within us. Introduction

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I chose to stay in our marriage in spite of how I felt. Page 18

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When I processed the pain with the Lover of my soul, I experienced a joy that this world couldn’t steal. Through the valley of brokenness I learned that true blessing rises as I bind to my God regardless of circumstance. Page 21

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God spoke a promise of restoration, but I still battled strong emotions. Page 25

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He allows every single valley in the life of His children out of love. Page 31

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When thoughts of his weaknesses arose, instead of tearing him down, I learned to break away to a quiet place and pray for him. Page 43

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As I prayed for him, my vision changed. I saw him with God’s eyes rather than my own. Page 43

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We always have the choice to pray for those who’ve hurt us rather than tear them down. It’s what Jesus did. Page 43

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Revival in our world begins with revival in our homes. And revival in our homes begins with revival in our individual hearts and minds. Page 46

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As we meditate on God’s Word rather than our volatile feelings, hope arises. As we choose to ponder the Truth of His character rather than our fleeting circumstance, peace falls. He gives us this one life, these few days. May we not waste them with futile thinking! AMEN! Page 47 {exclamation marks and AMEN are mine}

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In spite of feelings, and regardless of what may seem like a hopeless situation, the Lord may challenge you to stay committed in your heart, regardless of the unlove of your spouse. He may dare you to stay because He may want to do something wildly miraculous in your home. Page 86 {I’d be remiss if I didn’t add another AMEN! here}

I believe To Walk or Stay will change marriages, lives, hearts, and relationships with our Creator. And I believe in it so strongly, I’m giving away two copies {details to follow}.

Friends, as Lara said … God give us these valleys out of love. And when we trust Him with our brokenness, He meets us in a way we never imagined. It’s then, that God can use our brokenness — our stories — for His glory. God will use Lara’s story in the lives of many, which ultimately points back to Him and brings Him glory.

I’m overwhelmed at the beauty found in His promises.

But wait there’s more!!

I’m excited to also announce details about an upcoming To Walk or Stay Book Club!

Lara did an amazing job including small group discussion points after each chapter, and also includes a “Digging Deeper” section.

The questions and talking points definitely cause one to dig deep. Some of them are even ouchie-deep, but much needed!

The Book Club discussion starts April 18, and will take place on a different blog each week. On May 23, you’ll find the discussion on Chapter 6 right here!

I hope you’ll join us … this study and book are going to bless many!

Giveaway details:

{what}
Two winners will receive one copy of To Walk or Stay!

{how}
~ leave a comment {any ol’ comment. winners picked via random.org}
~ tweet the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ facebook the giveaway {but come back & leave a comment}
~ blog the giveaway {but come back and leave a comment}

{when}
Now through Friday, March 22 – midnight {EST}