Nevertheless, I Live: Hope for a Hurting Heart

by Mona Adkisson

'With transparency, Mona Adkisson beautifully shares her family's walk through tragedy with both the deepest of grief and the assurance of faith in a God who loves and meets their needs. Nevertheless, I Live inspires us all to live our lives with eternal perspective and reach out with sensitivity and love to those around us.'

Shaunti Feldhahn, Bestselling author:
"For Women Only" and "For Men Only"

Nevertheless, I Live is an absolutely true, unembellished, firsthand account of what happens when a family who loves God goes through horrible tragedies. Mona's testimony will help you understand the Apostle Paul's words when he wrote, '...nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me...'

Dr. Douglas O. Melton, Pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church
President, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

198 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2012

About the author

Mona Adkisson was born in Lewisville, Arkansas, the oldest daughter of a single parent mother. She began her lifelong search for answers at age seven as she attended a little Missionary Baptist Church in south Arkansas. Her mother would stand on the front porch and watch as Mona took her little sister by the hand and walked the short distance down Highway 29 to church on Sunday mornings. There, she and her sister found the love of Christ. After attending college at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Mona transferred to the University of Oklahoma where she met and married the love of her life, Sam. Soon they were blessed with their first son, Adam, and three years later with another son, Bradley. Unfortunately, their lives took an unexpected turn as they suffered the devastating loss of one of their children. Mona began writing as a way of expressing her grief. The poem she wrote to memorialize her son began a journey that, over time, became “Nevertheless, I Live.” Their third son, Chase, was born a year later and renewed their hope of having a normal life. But, things don’t always work out the way we plan.

Mona willingly shares her testimony with others as an encouragement that they, too, can make it through the trials and disappointments of life. Her poems have been published in the Compassionate Friends Newsletter which reaches bereaved parents nationwide. Mona’s story has touched many lives as she taught Sunday School classes and Bible studies through the years. She has also spoken to women’s groups and marriage conferences in churches in Oklahoma as well as in Texas and Florida.

Reviews

[babyhippoface]

I've known Mona Adkisson for 18 years. I watched her live the last half of this heart-wrenching story. She's courageous, faithful, and cheerful, and a blessing to her family and friends.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a transparent testimony of the provision of God even and especially in the most difficult times one might face. I grew up in the church with this family; I've known their story for years, but have never heard it in its entirety. This hopeful memoir and testimony Mona has written does not sugarcoat anything- the story is told, the grief is shared openly, the questions/thoughts/wonders/depression that come along with any great hardship are all shared here. That alone doesn't make this book great. What makes it fantastic is the beauty from ashes and the truth in the provision of Christ to carry us through any circumstance he may bring us to. The hope in the way that God can use the most gut-wrenching moments of our lives to bring Him such glory. This is a must read for anyone who has a child in heaven. It is a must read for anyone who has lost anyone, especially for those who are hurting and grieving and looking for hope in the midst of their hurt. Through Jesus, that hope is found; Mona is living proof of that.

[Judee White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me in so many ways. Mona and her family endured the heart breaking times in life that no parent should ever have to endure. They endured twice. Only faith in God could get any human being through those times. God bless them and anyone going through hardships of any kind. I have marked several pages with scriptures from the bible that have helped me with my life. My husband has Alzheimer's. Mona has helped me without even knowing it.

A great written book and so heartbreakingly true.

[Davida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel written by a dear friend. I have walked alongside this journey with her for many years. I am so pleased she has penned her experience for others. This book reveals so many aspects of my friend's tragedies, her marriage, and her friendships. If you are in need of hope in the midst of sorrow, this woman's triumph over tragedy will inspire you and demonstrate to you that we have a hope in Jesus Christ that can sustain us in ALL things. My dear friend Mona is the strongest and most resilient woman I know. I pray her story will touch your heart.

[Annie Hastings]

Heard Mona speak a while back ago. I didnt understand or anything. all I knew was I had to get her book.
But seeing her story written down makes it all to real. it's a book that people should read. It touched my heart. Powerful words and story

[Madalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story everyone should know! My aunt is a strong woman to have overcome what she did! Love her very much!