As I was writing Legend of Sheba, it became quickly apparent to me that this would be a story about a woman who must transcend a difficult, even violent past to become queen. That this would be a book about rising up–from overwhelming circumstances, fear, loss, and life’s toughest challenges to a place beyond where we were before. As we count down the weeks to Sheba’s release, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to highlight the stories of those who have gotten up and risen. Prepare to be inspired.
Andie’s Story
In 2008, I found out that my husband of 23 years had been having an affair. After I kicked him out because he had no desire to change or work on our marriage, my home went into foreclosure. My youngest daughter and I moved from Virginia to Nampa, Idaho to live with my parents. I was an angry mess. I hated him for what he did to me and to our three children.Our new church in Nampa had Divorce Care Recovery, which my parents encouraged me to attend, but I didn’t believe that I needed it; I was two thousand miles away from him, I was okay. One night I finally gave in and went. It was the best thing I had ever done in my life. There were other people going through what I was, hurting, angry, needing to forgive but without the ability just yet. While in Divorce Care, I realized my ex had emotionally abused me for years. I couldn’t believe how stupid I was to stay and allow my children to experience that as well. Yet, I found myself becoming less and less angry. I began to smile and enjoy life in ways I didn’t think possible. The day I knew I had forgiven him was when my daughter told me he lost his job and I cried in the shower about it. That was the most freeing thing I had ever experienced.
In 2010, I met my husband, Mark. We dated for eight months and got married in June of 2011. We have a relationship that neither of us had in our previous marriages. God has definitely been involved since the beginning! He brought us together and I have not known such joy and peace. However, I know that had I not experienced what I did, I would not be the woman I am today.
-Andie T.
#Rise
Tosca's web site http://www.toscalee.com/rise-andies-story/
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