Angel Behind the Rocking Chair: Stories of Hope in Unexpected Places

by Pam Vredevelt

After the loss of her first baby and the birth of a fourth child with Down Syndrome, Pam Vredevelt felt that she had fallen from God's grasp. As she was soon to discover, however, God was just beginning to hold her tight and lead the way out of her endless pit of despair. With humor and touching insight, Pam unveils her struggle to emerge from darkness into the light in this paperback release of her popular work. Many have been touched by the same anguish; Pam shares their stories and how the supernatural touch of God sustained them through the darkest days of life.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Living, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Pam's reputation as a sought-after counselor, popular conference speaker, and best-selling author is built on her ability to explore real life issues with authenticity, warmth, and humor. Compelling stories, engaging faith, and perceptive insight give Pam the rare ability to inspire and empower audiences with practical tools for long lasting change.

Pam is married to her best friend, John, and has four children. Two reside in the United States, two are in heaven. During the last 25 years Pam has served thousands of individuals as a professional counselor in private practice. Coming along side those in the depths of pain, she has walked with them on the path of healing. Her grace-filled wisdom, refreshing hope, and practical counsel have guided many towards complete recovery.

From Pam Vredevelt's website "Meet Pam"
http://www.pamvredevelt.com/about/

Reviews

[J. T. K. Tobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel Behind the Rocking Chair is not very theologically dense. There are several portions of it that I have doctrinal questions about. However, the overarching goal of the book seems to be that of finding blessings even through hardship. I confidently endorse this aim and echo many of the sentiments about parenting children with special needs.

[HelenA33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book with encouraging stories for parents of little ones, especially ones with additional needs

[nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berserah tidak selalu merupakan sebuah paket yang rapi. Acap kali bingkisan itu juga dipenuhi oleh berbagai luapan perasaan yang menyakitkan seperti amarah, kegusaran dan kesedihan yang mendalam yang akhirnya diikuti oleh pelepasan dan kedamaian. (hal. 28)

Merasakan itu menyembuhkan.
Ketika kita terluka, kecenderungan pertama kita adalah menarik diri dari setiap orang, termasuk dari Allah. Kita berlari ke segala arah, berusaha untuk tetap sibuk. Kita beralih pada banyak kegiatan, makanan, alkohol, novel, belanja, hiburan, dan orang lain untuk menutupi luka yang ada.
Ketika kita melepaskan, Allah adalah satu-satunya tujuan kita berlari, karena Dia mengenal kita lebih baik daripada kita mengenal diri sendiri. Dialah Spesialis yang dapat memberi kita pemahaman tentang kebutuhan kita. Dialah Pemandu Utama yang dapat menunjukkan arah ketika kita kebingungan. Dialah Pemelihara jiwa yang dapat memberi kita kekuatan dan keberanian ketika kita takut melepaskan sesuatu. (hal. 162)


Aku membaca terjemahan bahasa Indonesianya, dan tetap tersentuh, walau belum pernah merasakan apa yang Pam alami, dianugerahi seorang anak, Nathan, yang sangat istimewa. Namun Tuhan memang baik, Dia mengirimkan seorang anak yang istimewa pada orangtua dan keluarga yang istimewa, yang tidak menyingkirkannya, namun justru merengkuh dan memenuhinya dengan siraman kasih sayang dari Tuhan. Bukan hanya Nathan yang terberkati, namun juga Pam dan John (kedua orangtuanya), saudara-saudara Nathan, juga banyak orang lain di dunia..salah satunya, aku.

Tuhan memang sangat hebat dan baik ! ^__^

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really uplifting and no matter how bad you have it or think you have it, someone else is going thru something that is worse. Doesn't matter if you have a special needs child to read this, its for everyone that wants to read something uplifting...

[Gladi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope in the midst of tragedy and pain. Loved this little book I found for $1.00 at Single Mothers Outreach