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One Call Away: Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith
What can you do when your well-laid plans fall apart and life takes an unexpected turn?
Brenda Warner is best known as the outspoken wife of NFL superstar and "Dancing with the Stars" alum Kurt Warner. But years earlier, she found herself living through any woman's nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub; a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core. One shattering phone call at a time, Brenda Warner's life came to resemble little of her dream.
But each time her plans fell apart, Brenda faced a choice: to collapse in the face of tragedy or press forward and survive. She chose to keep going. In the process, she's learned that the unexpected is only one call away. Her story provides hope and encouragement for anyone facing life's challenges and shows us that our circumstances don't tell us who we are, nor are they a measure of God's love. God has a plan for us, even when our plans fail. Brenda's life is proof that sometimes the best dreams are not the ones we dream, but the ones that come true when we least expect them.
Brenda Warner is best known as the outspoken wife of NFL superstar and "Dancing with the Stars" alum Kurt Warner. But years earlier, she found herself living through any woman's nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub; a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core. One shattering phone call at a time, Brenda Warner's life came to resemble little of her dream.
But each time her plans fell apart, Brenda faced a choice: to collapse in the face of tragedy or press forward and survive. She chose to keep going. In the process, she's learned that the unexpected is only one call away. Her story provides hope and encouragement for anyone facing life's challenges and shows us that our circumstances don't tell us who we are, nor are they a measure of God's love. God has a plan for us, even when our plans fail. Brenda's life is proof that sometimes the best dreams are not the ones we dream, but the ones that come true when we least expect them.
351 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2011
40 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 6, 2011
When it came to writing this review, I have been procrastinating. For what this woman has been through, I do not want to be another thorn in her side, but I truly did not like the person that Brenda Warner was putting forth.
By mid-book, I was fed up with her self-involved selfishness. Me, me, me, I, I, I, me, me, me. You have to do everything her way. You had to have her faith, you had to agree with her priorities, and you had to stop everything you were doing to comfort her. Geez, she was raised a fragile princess and pretty much milked that for all it was worth. Even after her parents died, she was more concerned with who would bail her out of her next predicament then to actually pull herself up and be responsible.
If you ever wanted to jump through the pages of a book and shake someone, this is your girl.
I will admit that Brenda’s life is not easy - a single parent of a disabled son and a young daughter, an ex-husband that is more hindrance than help, parents that have been taken from her life when she was unable to cope and the biggest burden of all, apparently, was being the girlfriend an then wife to a respected NFL Quarterback.
"Until then, I had always been the spiritual teacher in our relationship. I could pick and choose the lessons I wanted him to learn, like how to love your wife and what forgiveness meant."
For a person who is constantly flinging her beliefs in your face, she sure does not seem of have much faith. She wants it her way and she wants it now. God better step-up and he better do it NOW.
With a hundred pages to go, I was really hoping that the tides would have turned and that I would begin to like and respect Brenda, but that did not seem to be the situation. That is unfortunate. She admits to pushing away family when they wanted something from her, but all those years before when she wanted something, they were there. No questions asked, this jealous insecure woman could not let go of her controlling need to just deal with it. No wonder she earned a negative reputation.
I doubt that that this book set out with the intention of turning the world off Brenda Warner, but unfortunately, for me, that is exactly what it did. She whines about others being ungrateful, about not thinking that she is pretty enough, about how others had a hard time being emotionally supportive of a multimillionaire when they themselves were having a hard time paying their bills.
“When our friends and family were still struggling to pay their bills—just as I had for so many years – they didn’t know how to be emotionally supportive of a multimillionaire. And I didn’t know how to be supportive of them.”
Brenda, you are hop-scotching on my last nerve.
This self-aggrandizing book serves no purpose other than to garner yet again more attention for an insecure little girl that refuses to grow up and take responsibility. Her repetitiveness in saying that she is confident and comfortable in who she is has turned into a running joke. Anyone with her insecurities is neither comfortable nor confident; and now Kurt’s winning has validated something inside of her? Really?
I had wished that this book was more inspirational. That Ms Warner would have used her platform to talk to other women about how to face life’s challenges. How to garner strength from those around you and how to use the gifts that we have been given to get ourselves and our loved ones through emotionally and spiritually difficult times. That is not what she did. Guess she was just too self-involved to be an inspiration.
By mid-book, I was fed up with her self-involved selfishness. Me, me, me, I, I, I, me, me, me. You have to do everything her way. You had to have her faith, you had to agree with her priorities, and you had to stop everything you were doing to comfort her. Geez, she was raised a fragile princess and pretty much milked that for all it was worth. Even after her parents died, she was more concerned with who would bail her out of her next predicament then to actually pull herself up and be responsible.
If you ever wanted to jump through the pages of a book and shake someone, this is your girl.
I will admit that Brenda’s life is not easy - a single parent of a disabled son and a young daughter, an ex-husband that is more hindrance than help, parents that have been taken from her life when she was unable to cope and the biggest burden of all, apparently, was being the girlfriend an then wife to a respected NFL Quarterback.
"Until then, I had always been the spiritual teacher in our relationship. I could pick and choose the lessons I wanted him to learn, like how to love your wife and what forgiveness meant."
For a person who is constantly flinging her beliefs in your face, she sure does not seem of have much faith. She wants it her way and she wants it now. God better step-up and he better do it NOW.
With a hundred pages to go, I was really hoping that the tides would have turned and that I would begin to like and respect Brenda, but that did not seem to be the situation. That is unfortunate. She admits to pushing away family when they wanted something from her, but all those years before when she wanted something, they were there. No questions asked, this jealous insecure woman could not let go of her controlling need to just deal with it. No wonder she earned a negative reputation.
I doubt that that this book set out with the intention of turning the world off Brenda Warner, but unfortunately, for me, that is exactly what it did. She whines about others being ungrateful, about not thinking that she is pretty enough, about how others had a hard time being emotionally supportive of a multimillionaire when they themselves were having a hard time paying their bills.
“When our friends and family were still struggling to pay their bills—just as I had for so many years – they didn’t know how to be emotionally supportive of a multimillionaire. And I didn’t know how to be supportive of them.”
Brenda, you are hop-scotching on my last nerve.
This self-aggrandizing book serves no purpose other than to garner yet again more attention for an insecure little girl that refuses to grow up and take responsibility. Her repetitiveness in saying that she is confident and comfortable in who she is has turned into a running joke. Anyone with her insecurities is neither comfortable nor confident; and now Kurt’s winning has validated something inside of her? Really?
I had wished that this book was more inspirational. That Ms Warner would have used her platform to talk to other women about how to face life’s challenges. How to garner strength from those around you and how to use the gifts that we have been given to get ourselves and our loved ones through emotionally and spiritually difficult times. That is not what she did. Guess she was just too self-involved to be an inspiration.
August 24, 2011
Story Description:
Brenda Warner is best known as the outspoken wife of NFL superstar and Dancing with the Stars alum Kurt Warner. But years earlier, she found herself living through any woman’s nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub; a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core. One shattering phone call at a time, Brenda Warner’s life came to resemble little of her dream.
But each time her plans fell apart, Brenda faced a choice: to collapse in the face of tragedy or press forward and survive. She chose to keep going. In the process, she’s learned that the unexpected is only one call away! Her story provides hope and encouragement for anyone facing life’s challenges and shows us that our circumstances don’t tell us who we are, nor are they a measure of God’s love. God has a plan for us, even when our plans fail. Brenda’s life is proof that sometimes the best dreams are not the ones we dream, but the ones that come true when we least expect them.
My Review:
Wow, I’m not really sure what to say about this memoir. When I read a book like this that I’m disappointed in and didn’t particularly enjoy, I find it very hard to write a review.
Brenda Warner has been through a lot in her life. She was a single Mom to a disabled son and a young daughter; she had an ex-husband who was a pain in the butt; and she was a girlfriend to a National Football League quarterback and eventually became his wife, and lost her parents which she had a difficult time coping with. So I’m not saying that this poor woman didn’t suffer through a lot but it would have been much easier to empathize with Brenda if she wasn’t such a self-centered narcissist.
Brenda is what I call a “whiner”, everything has to be HER way or hit the highway. Who, I ask you, in their right mind, whines about people thinking you’re not pretty enough? Brenda Warner does!
The whole sum of this book for me was that Brenda Warner needs to step-up, grow up, and start being a ‘responsible’ person in society instead of an insecure, self-involved grown up brat.
I sure hope that someone else will enjoy this book more than I did. I forced myself to finish it hoping that Brenda would have an epiphany and wake-up once and for all.
Preview copy courtesy of BookSneeze, with thanks!
Brenda Warner is best known as the outspoken wife of NFL superstar and Dancing with the Stars alum Kurt Warner. But years earlier, she found herself living through any woman’s nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub; a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core. One shattering phone call at a time, Brenda Warner’s life came to resemble little of her dream.
But each time her plans fell apart, Brenda faced a choice: to collapse in the face of tragedy or press forward and survive. She chose to keep going. In the process, she’s learned that the unexpected is only one call away! Her story provides hope and encouragement for anyone facing life’s challenges and shows us that our circumstances don’t tell us who we are, nor are they a measure of God’s love. God has a plan for us, even when our plans fail. Brenda’s life is proof that sometimes the best dreams are not the ones we dream, but the ones that come true when we least expect them.
My Review:
Wow, I’m not really sure what to say about this memoir. When I read a book like this that I’m disappointed in and didn’t particularly enjoy, I find it very hard to write a review.
Brenda Warner has been through a lot in her life. She was a single Mom to a disabled son and a young daughter; she had an ex-husband who was a pain in the butt; and she was a girlfriend to a National Football League quarterback and eventually became his wife, and lost her parents which she had a difficult time coping with. So I’m not saying that this poor woman didn’t suffer through a lot but it would have been much easier to empathize with Brenda if she wasn’t such a self-centered narcissist.
Brenda is what I call a “whiner”, everything has to be HER way or hit the highway. Who, I ask you, in their right mind, whines about people thinking you’re not pretty enough? Brenda Warner does!
The whole sum of this book for me was that Brenda Warner needs to step-up, grow up, and start being a ‘responsible’ person in society instead of an insecure, self-involved grown up brat.
I sure hope that someone else will enjoy this book more than I did. I forced myself to finish it hoping that Brenda would have an epiphany and wake-up once and for all.
Preview copy courtesy of BookSneeze, with thanks!
August 26, 2011
It would be hard to read Brenda Warner's memoir and not find at least one challenge in her life that you do not identify with. I am amazed at how candidly she writes of her emotions through each event. So often, people who don't understand what you're dealing with look at you like you have two heads when you're honest about how you're feeling. I genuinely appreciate the sheer honesty in this book. While reading, it was as if an old friend was just sharing stories from her life.
Excerpt from Chapter 39:
"I am a former marine. I have a nursing degree. I've lived on food stamps, and I've lived on millions of dollars. I have been divorced, and I've been married to the man of my dreams. I've watched my seven children grow and succeed beyond my wildest dreams, I've watched one baby suffer permanent brain damage and blindness and two babies dies before they ever lived."
I finished this book in just over a day. It is beautifully written, and a page turner. It's a gentle reminder that even the most honest plans we lay out for ourselves rarely go that way. God takes us places we never dreamed of and shows us that His plan may not be the easiest but is always best for us. We are all on a journey to redemption.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
Excerpt from Chapter 39:
"I am a former marine. I have a nursing degree. I've lived on food stamps, and I've lived on millions of dollars. I have been divorced, and I've been married to the man of my dreams. I've watched my seven children grow and succeed beyond my wildest dreams, I've watched one baby suffer permanent brain damage and blindness and two babies dies before they ever lived."
I finished this book in just over a day. It is beautifully written, and a page turner. It's a gentle reminder that even the most honest plans we lay out for ourselves rarely go that way. God takes us places we never dreamed of and shows us that His plan may not be the easiest but is always best for us. We are all on a journey to redemption.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
August 31, 2011
Brenda Warner is a woman who doesn’t know the meaning of “quit”. And it’s a good thing, because she’s had plenty of opportunities in life to give up. As I read One Call Away, I was amazed at Brenda’s determination and persistence when life gave her nothing but lemons.
Her training as a Marine and headstrong DNA, prepared her for the tragedies that life had in store. Her faith in God motivated her to keep fighting life through in spite of insurmountable circumstances. And her love for Kurt Warner kept her through the hardest of times when Kurt’s career and quick rise to fame shook the very core of their relationship.
You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. This is Brenda’s story and she writes very openly and honestly about her flaws, imperfections, struggles and failures. Throughout this book, I felt like I was reading a modern day story of Job – right down to the blessings at the end of his life.
Inspirational and motivational – Brenda Warner is a great example of a woman who doesn’t give up.
Her training as a Marine and headstrong DNA, prepared her for the tragedies that life had in store. Her faith in God motivated her to keep fighting life through in spite of insurmountable circumstances. And her love for Kurt Warner kept her through the hardest of times when Kurt’s career and quick rise to fame shook the very core of their relationship.
You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. This is Brenda’s story and she writes very openly and honestly about her flaws, imperfections, struggles and failures. Throughout this book, I felt like I was reading a modern day story of Job – right down to the blessings at the end of his life.
Inspirational and motivational – Brenda Warner is a great example of a woman who doesn’t give up.
September 4, 2013
Having heard many negative comments about Brenda while Kurt was in the NFL it was interesting to get to know Brenda through her story. She has matured & seems to have a better handle on her anxiety issues. NFL money has made life much easier for her. Kudos for the book.
June 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and learning how it all started out for Brenda. What a story!
Read
February 11, 2022Loved this book
December 30, 2011
I simply did not want to put this book down. And, it had nothing to do with me being a Rams fan. This book takes you through the tragedies (and yes, there were real tragedies) and the triumphs of Brenda's life. Brenda's life is completely faith based, but never once did I feel like she was pushing her beliefs on me. It simply is who she is and she couldn't tell her story without it. I only knew of the Brenda who is Kurt Warner's wife. This is Brenda, the person, who hit some real lows that many people are going to be surprised to find out about. I sure was. Brenda survived the obstacles in her way because she was strong and resilent. Some readers have found her a whiner and self absorbed. I believe if more of our young girls stood up for themselves and what they wanted the way Brenda did, we'd have more successful young ladies. What a real life fantasy starting with a single Mom and a college student, neither with a car, to a couple who can afford to ship snow to Arizona for Christmas! Well done, Brenda!
August 21, 2012
If we all would write down all the bad stuff that happened in our lives, we would all have books. The only difference is that Brenda is the wife of a former NFL Quarterback. As tough as her life was, I felt she was using the book to make people feel sorry for her so she could mend the relationships she screwed up. The only reason I give it high marks is because I am a sucker for taking a look into other people's lives. Plus, it made me feel my life sucks a little less.
This book is supposed to be about "unshakable faith' but that is a misrepresentation. While God plays an important role in the Warner's life, they questioned what God's plan was for them and why they had to go through some of the things they did. One time or another, we question what our purpose on this Earth is, but do not say that you are unshakable.
If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself!
Until next time, take life one page at a time!
This book is supposed to be about "unshakable faith' but that is a misrepresentation. While God plays an important role in the Warner's life, they questioned what God's plan was for them and why they had to go through some of the things they did. One time or another, we question what our purpose on this Earth is, but do not say that you are unshakable.
If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself!
Until next time, take life one page at a time!
May 30, 2014
Although the book did keep my attention to the end, I can't say it is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend to others because of its rough tone and the rather loose morals for someone who calls themselves a Christian. Some things I did appreciate about the book was Brenda & Kurt's desire to help those less fortunate, the deep love they have for their disabled son Zack and Brenda's triumph over very difficult situations.
February 10, 2022
It's difficult to critique someone's memoir. I appreciate her opening up and sharing her story, and I was surprised to be surprised by various events in Brenda's life. I didn't love the language she used at certain points (I'm sensitive to "Christian-ese") but the sentiment I can relate to in many ways. I definitely cried at various times throughout the story, as I felt I had connected with her and it brought certain parts of my own story to the surface.
Apparently it sucked me in, because I read it within a few days of starting it.
.....................
Spoilers Below:
The way that she shares about her first marriage will resonate with others who have been in similar situations. I appreciate the way she shares her thought process in that time of her life, and I think it can help others potentially recognize thought patterns of unhealthy relationships.
I connected personally with the particular piece about the miscarriages. Her thoughts and processing of the miscarriages (while we handled it very differently) made sense to me. I appreciated the ending of her story as well- explaining how "giving" is actually filling and receiving for her. I feel that too.
Apparently it sucked me in, because I read it within a few days of starting it.
.....................
Spoilers Below:
The way that she shares about her first marriage will resonate with others who have been in similar situations. I appreciate the way she shares her thought process in that time of her life, and I think it can help others potentially recognize thought patterns of unhealthy relationships.
I connected personally with the particular piece about the miscarriages. Her thoughts and processing of the miscarriages (while we handled it very differently) made sense to me. I appreciated the ending of her story as well- explaining how "giving" is actually filling and receiving for her. I feel that too.
July 1, 2024
I recently re read this book after having read it in high school. I recall having a challenging day and going and sitting in our lower level and looking ot the bookshelf for something expiring that would help me along. I read this book as a child in school who had not yet experienced the world, and who would of known that my life would have played out very similarly to Brenda’s. I grew to have a disabled son of my own and later married a man I could share my faith and son and home with. We see a blended family. We married and have had 5 children together since, and as I was speaking to someone in brief about how unpredictable life is. We spoke about how God had already known and predicted my life and had given me a slight foreshadow of some of the tides I would later surf and an example of how to manage the waters of life. I re read this book as a reminder that I’m not alone and that God will continue to make my path straight and guide me as long as I remain moldeable and gentle.
May 5, 2019
This book started out so good! I was captured by not only her story but how well written it was! One of those stories you just wanted to keep reading and find out what was going to happen. But the last part of the book (more current part of her memoir) was really a disappointment. These sections did not seem as well written to me...awkward sentences but what was even more awkward were the insecurities of the author. I also was disturbed by some of the statements made about God, faith, our calling, what salvation is (essentially a prayer), and even our response to opposition. I randomly picked up this book and initially thought I was going to like it - was disappointed by the end. Also, it became clear to me toward the end that the author's aim was to clear her name from all the bad press she'd gotten from her outspokenness toward the NFL (which to me felt like immaturity on her part).
September 4, 2017
This was not what I was expecting - This woman certainly has an amazing story to tell, but she needed to learn where to draw the line sometimes. Honesty is one thing; lack of tact is another. And after all the struggles, a little gratitude would probably be a good idea. And again, somebody claiming Christian faith, and being a raving bitch at the same time. Just paints an entire group in a sour light. Great story, and her husband is a sweetheart. Worth a read, but could have definitely been shorter.
October 12, 2021
I decided to read this book because it had been sitting on my shelf for years. I had purchased a copy and got it signed by Brenda at a Woman of Faith conference. I remember wanting her book because of her testimony of her eldest son. I really had no idea who Kurt, her husband, was.
As I was reading it, I found it to be really emotional, and shared some of the story with my husband. He loves football so when I mentioned she is married to Kurt Warren, he got all excited! It ended up being a great story for both of us!
As I was reading it, I found it to be really emotional, and shared some of the story with my husband. He loves football so when I mentioned she is married to Kurt Warren, he got all excited! It ended up being a great story for both of us!
June 7, 2021
I ENJOYED AGAIN HEARING AND READING ABOUT THE REAL STORY OF THE WARNERS AND THEIR JOURNEY TOGETHER AND ALSO OF BRENDA'S LIFE BEFORE SHE ME KURT. CRAZY STORIES OF HOW SHE NAVIGATED THE LIFE OF A MARINE PLUS THE WATERS OF A TRAGIC ACCIDENT WITH HER SON AND THE EVENTUAL DIVORCE FROM HER FIRST HUSBAND THAT LED TO HER RELATIONSHIP WITH KURT AND THEN ALL THE MEDIA ATTENTION SHE UNWILLINGLY GARNERED WHEN HE BECAME FAMOUS.
August 3, 2024
Book #64 of 2024. I really enjoyed this audiobook. I have had this book for a few years but with this long trip coming up I decided to take some of my physical books and listen to audio since I need more shelf space. I especially like memoirs on audio. 1/3 of the way through this book and I’m listening and I’m like wait a minute I’ve watched this part in a movie😂 The movie American Underdog with Zachary Levi about Kurt Warner and him pursuing football. Brenda is his wife and talks about her life which obviously includes that part of Kurt’s life. Her marine time and her first husband and things she had to deal with then were heartbreaking and infuriating. I love she never turned from God. And to see how God has worked in and through her were great to hear. 4⭐️
January 26, 2025
4.5 stars adjusted to 5 GR stars. I had this as an e-book for over a decade and finally noticed that it was available on Hoopla, so decided yo listen to it and I really enjoyed it. I was not familiar with Brenda or Kurt Warner, as I am not a football fan, nor do I watch DWTS. I find Brenda amazing; she faced so much adversity in her life and she remained positive and steadfast in her faith.
September 14, 2021
Great gift shared in this book.
I so enjoyed this book because of the true honesty shared. What an inspiration your family is for others. Your life lessons are so relatable for so many. Again thank you for opening yourself up for us to learn from.
I so enjoyed this book because of the true honesty shared. What an inspiration your family is for others. Your life lessons are so relatable for so many. Again thank you for opening yourself up for us to learn from.
September 29, 2025
SO GOOD. WOW!!!!!
This was an absolutely amazing book!! What a beautiful woman Brenda Warner is. The love and compassion she has and shared with us in her book is beyond unbelievable to me. !!!! I wish I knew her. All the best to you and your family always.
This was an absolutely amazing book!! What a beautiful woman Brenda Warner is. The love and compassion she has and shared with us in her book is beyond unbelievable to me. !!!! I wish I knew her. All the best to you and your family always.
March 17, 2018
Great story
November 16, 2017
What an amazing story of an amazing woman and her family. So many hardships and yet every step of the way she found strength through Christ! This is a must read and will not dissapoint!
February 22, 2019
Awesome read
I so enjoyed this book it was so insightful into Brenda and her family and what they went through together she is very tough.
I so enjoyed this book it was so insightful into Brenda and her family and what they went through together she is very tough.
March 3, 2021
I couldn’t put it down!
December 1, 2021
wonderful!
This lady went thru so much and yet she always depended on God to be her rock.
Well worth reading!!
This lady went thru so much and yet she always depended on God to be her rock.
Well worth reading!!
January 9, 2022
Inspiring story of faith and overcoming obstacles.
September 14, 2022
Listened to this book on drive to The Burg with mom & Sandy after Bennett’s wedding. We hope to watch the movie American Underdog this next week!
October 21, 2022
This was a very good book. I loved hearing how God led them through their different paths and worked in their lives. (Audio book)
April 7, 2025
It was a reread for me, and it was eye-opening and faith-affirming. While the writing was sometimes a little long-winded, it was a good read.
September 10, 2011
http://wendyalton.blogspot.com/2011/0...
Once you start reading the first chapter of this book, you are hooked. Brenda Warner starts her memoir with the tragic story of her son Zach, and what happened to him when he was merely 4 months old. You are immediately left wondering how and why and what happens next... answers she gives you as the her story continues. However, beyond the explanation of what happens, what is more important are the lessons that she learned, and most importantly, that "God has always been one call away."
Brenda Warner is the wife of Kurt Warner, retired NFL Quarterback. She and Kurt have 7 children, 2 of which were Brenda's children from a former marriage. The book tells the story of Brenda's life before she met Kurt, explains how they met, and talks about their marriage and how the NFL changed their family, for better and even for worse.
Brenda was a single mother for quite some time, and her stories of struggle resonated with me. She talks with love of her parents and her children, and you truly do feel as though you know them. Her life lessons from her parents were so valuable and really hit home: learning how to say goodbye, knowing that there are some relationships that cannot be placed, stretching money across time and debts, tuning out angry voices. Her life lessons from her faith and God are even more valuable: learning to trust God instead of men (or a man), letting God fight her battles instead of her fighting them on her own, and most importantly, learning not to tell God how to do things. (don't we all do this?)
I was moved by Brenda's story--her remarkable faith in every circumstance is an inspiration, and as she and Kurt say "all things are possible when we put first things first." Her description of the problems that they faced when Kurt joined the NFL was refreshing--we often think that money can solve everything--but that is not necessarily true. Her story truly reveals that it is not money or fame that makes things right--it is faith and God.
This is truly a wonderful story to read, and I have to say that my 14 year old daughter swiped it during the last week of summer break and read it faster than I did. She wrote her own review of the book and I'll post it here:
"One Call Away," by Brenda Warner and Kurt Warner, published by Thomas Nelson, is a story with sad, depressing parts and happy endings.
Brenda Warner had a long life with many terrible things that happened to her that made her ask God if this was really his plan for her. With a son that becomes blind, to her having seven children, this is her own memoir about what happened and how God helped her through it. Through it all, she still found a way to trust God and let him take her life in his hands. This story just shows how bad life can be and when you think it gets worse God gives you something amazing that stays in your memory and heart forever.
I really loved this book not only because it was her story and it was such a amazing story but because she had the guts to re-tell her story to the whole world. This just shows that God is amazing and even though bad things may happen to you, He answers your prayers in unexpected ways. Brenda Warner is a brave women who has been through a lot in her life and is a wonderful Christian women.
-Zoe,14 yrs old 9th grade.
This is a must-read. Thank you Brenda for telling your story with bravery and honesty.
Once you start reading the first chapter of this book, you are hooked. Brenda Warner starts her memoir with the tragic story of her son Zach, and what happened to him when he was merely 4 months old. You are immediately left wondering how and why and what happens next... answers she gives you as the her story continues. However, beyond the explanation of what happens, what is more important are the lessons that she learned, and most importantly, that "God has always been one call away."
Brenda Warner is the wife of Kurt Warner, retired NFL Quarterback. She and Kurt have 7 children, 2 of which were Brenda's children from a former marriage. The book tells the story of Brenda's life before she met Kurt, explains how they met, and talks about their marriage and how the NFL changed their family, for better and even for worse.
Brenda was a single mother for quite some time, and her stories of struggle resonated with me. She talks with love of her parents and her children, and you truly do feel as though you know them. Her life lessons from her parents were so valuable and really hit home: learning how to say goodbye, knowing that there are some relationships that cannot be placed, stretching money across time and debts, tuning out angry voices. Her life lessons from her faith and God are even more valuable: learning to trust God instead of men (or a man), letting God fight her battles instead of her fighting them on her own, and most importantly, learning not to tell God how to do things. (don't we all do this?)
I was moved by Brenda's story--her remarkable faith in every circumstance is an inspiration, and as she and Kurt say "all things are possible when we put first things first." Her description of the problems that they faced when Kurt joined the NFL was refreshing--we often think that money can solve everything--but that is not necessarily true. Her story truly reveals that it is not money or fame that makes things right--it is faith and God.
This is truly a wonderful story to read, and I have to say that my 14 year old daughter swiped it during the last week of summer break and read it faster than I did. She wrote her own review of the book and I'll post it here:
"One Call Away," by Brenda Warner and Kurt Warner, published by Thomas Nelson, is a story with sad, depressing parts and happy endings.
Brenda Warner had a long life with many terrible things that happened to her that made her ask God if this was really his plan for her. With a son that becomes blind, to her having seven children, this is her own memoir about what happened and how God helped her through it. Through it all, she still found a way to trust God and let him take her life in his hands. This story just shows how bad life can be and when you think it gets worse God gives you something amazing that stays in your memory and heart forever.
I really loved this book not only because it was her story and it was such a amazing story but because she had the guts to re-tell her story to the whole world. This just shows that God is amazing and even though bad things may happen to you, He answers your prayers in unexpected ways. Brenda Warner is a brave women who has been through a lot in her life and is a wonderful Christian women.
-Zoe,14 yrs old 9th grade.
This is a must-read. Thank you Brenda for telling your story with bravery and honesty.
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