I am not sure how I first learned of Kara Tippetts. All I do know is once I began reading her blog, I was hooked.
Cancer is a hard diagnosis for anyone, To take the journey, when you have small children and your one desire is to live to see them grown, is a challenge each step of the way.
 And It Was Beautiful by Kara Tippetts is Kara’s final book. It is a collection of blog posts which she shared on her blog, Mundane Faithfulness, while in the midst of traveling through the dark and difficult days of cancer.
I read her posts, crying through them, sometimes reading them aloud to my husband. Kara had a way of making the grace of Jesus tangible in her writings. Her struggles and questions displayed a trust and hope in the Lord which dispelled any expression of doubt.
As I read through this book, I once again was reminded that we need to keep our hearts soft and surrendered to God, especially when we do not understand His ways. Even in the midst of the difficult and dark days, we must remember that Jesus is with us and everything which He brings about in our lives is for our good.
Some of my favorite Kara thoughts are:
- “Cancer wants to be a thief and steal my moments, but there is always grace. There is always room for Jesus and love.” (page 21)
- “Wherever reality soon finds me, I pray it finds me in perfect peace with the One who holds my yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” (page 24)
- “We are kept, closely kept near to Jesus in the midst of our story.” (page 66)
- “Blessing the Lord is not clean; it’s not just when things are easy and good and healthy. It’s thanking Him at ALL times and in ALL circumstances, not for the painful things but for His presence.” (page 201)
The amazing part about this book is that it is not about dying, it is about living well. This is a book which teaches us all the powerful truth that our God can redeem any story. Yes, even a story which involves cancer, and He uses it for His glory and purposes. Truly a must read!
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the power of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be ale to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)
** I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Coffee for Your Heart and Thursday Favorite Things and Literacy Musing Mondays and Booknificent Thursday and Make My Saturday Sweet .
Joanne, what a moving review. I read Kara’s earlier book, and, like you, was hooked on her blog. What a long goodbye it was, and so hard, but so well-lived.
Thanks, Joanne and blessings to you.
Michele, I think Kara’s life not only touched many lives but continues to do so. This was such a beautiful book in many ways, but one that truly pointed me to live each day well.
Hi Joanne,
Visiting you today from Coffee For Your Heart! What a great endorsement you have crafted! May the Lord continue to bless you daily as you write on!
Thank you, Leigh. It was truly a book I enjoyed reading because it brought the reminder to live each day well, no matter what the day brings. Glad you stopped!
Beautiful! A lovely tribute to her! Blessings, liz
Kara truly showed us how to live in the midst of a most difficult journey. Inspiring book!
I should read this book simply to learn how to live well and appreciate the days God has given me. I really have very little to complain about compared to the sickness and suffering cancer has brought this woman.
Thanks for the reminder and the great book review. I am looking forward to reading the actual book and seeing what else you share at Literacy Musing Mondays!
Tami, it was a most inspiring book. I could have shared so many more quotes 🙂 Thank you for stopping here! Have a blessed weekend!
I’m so thankful for this woman’s life and the gift the Lord gave her for sharing it so beautifully! Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
Tina, I so agree. I continue to be amazed at how her life is still “speaking” volumes. Praying our lives may do the same in their own way. May you have a blessed weekend!