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Generations
When Edward Garlock was sober, he was a kind, generous, hard-working farmer and father of eight. But he was more often drunk which transformed him into a bully capable of absolute cruelty. After a particularly brutal attack, his wife Jessie loaded her eight children into the wagon and was ready to leave when the Holy Spirit told her to wait. She obeyed and returned home. The next day two young men showed up on his doorstep on a summer afternoon in 1913, setting into motion an amazing series of events. This true story of a family’s troubled past will leave you breathless at the depravity of human nature and amazed at the power Divine intervention.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 17, 2013
Through the use of fiction type storytelling, Sharon draws you in to the very true story of her family. Used to reading a book from one person’s perspective at a time, I was surprised when Sharon took me in and out of the perspective of multiple characters within scenes. Once I settled in to her technique, I appreciated the different vantage points of each event as it transpired. An in-the-moment perspective.
If you want to read a story about the miracle working power of God, this is it. He is the God of the impossible! He turns a man from drunken rages and abuse towards his family to one who leaves a legacy to following generations of faithfulness to God and ministry to the lost.
As I read Generations, my emotions ran from anger at this man’s atrocities and the unwillingness of people who saw the bruises on his wife’s face and yet did nothing to compassion and hurt for this man’s family. Then when God met this man in the depth of his need and delivered him, my heart rejoiced at the changes.
The forgiveness extended to him by his wife and children challenges me to forgive more and better.
The trust this family displayed in the Almighty God to heal and deliver challenges me to look to Him when nothing makes sense.
The willingness to give everything to serve God, challenges me to look more closely at the things I cling to.
The effect of this man’s deliverance on succeeding generations challenges me to look at the legacy I am leaving for those who come after me.
If you want a book that will impact your life, read Generations. Sharon has done a great job telling her family’s story.
If you want to read a story about the miracle working power of God, this is it. He is the God of the impossible! He turns a man from drunken rages and abuse towards his family to one who leaves a legacy to following generations of faithfulness to God and ministry to the lost.
As I read Generations, my emotions ran from anger at this man’s atrocities and the unwillingness of people who saw the bruises on his wife’s face and yet did nothing to compassion and hurt for this man’s family. Then when God met this man in the depth of his need and delivered him, my heart rejoiced at the changes.
The forgiveness extended to him by his wife and children challenges me to forgive more and better.
The trust this family displayed in the Almighty God to heal and deliver challenges me to look to Him when nothing makes sense.
The willingness to give everything to serve God, challenges me to look more closely at the things I cling to.
The effect of this man’s deliverance on succeeding generations challenges me to look at the legacy I am leaving for those who come after me.
If you want a book that will impact your life, read Generations. Sharon has done a great job telling her family’s story.
October 24, 2013
Generations kept me riveted to the pages. Sharon Garlock Spiegel presents the history of her paternal grandparents with gripping word pictures that allow us to feel their pain and desperation, and the joy and celebration of God's miraculous hand in their lives.
A wonderful story of God's redemptive hand and the power of prayer.
A wonderful story of God's redemptive hand and the power of prayer.
January 12, 2017
Sharon Garlock Spiegel's Generations is the perfect book for this microwave, cyber-space, and fast-food generation. Spiegel shows unequivocally that God is the same today as he was in Abraham's day.
Though the book is centered on Spiegel's grandfather's redemption, Spiegel's grandmother, Jessie, is the ardent and faithful prayer warrior. Through abuse, beatings, and humiliation, Jessie prays, and lovingly holds Bible readings with her children. Believing Jesus will redeem her husband and give her children the father they deserve.
Generations proves that Christ Jesus hears our prayers. That Christ demands total surrender of our will for His will, that His grace is sufficient through every trial of life, and that His blessings will continue through the first, second, and third generation.
For today's families caught up in this cyber-space whirlpool, and locked in the vices of secularism, Generations will enlighten, encourage, and equip you in your journey through the battlefields of our modern day trials.
Though the book is centered on Spiegel's grandfather's redemption, Spiegel's grandmother, Jessie, is the ardent and faithful prayer warrior. Through abuse, beatings, and humiliation, Jessie prays, and lovingly holds Bible readings with her children. Believing Jesus will redeem her husband and give her children the father they deserve.
Generations proves that Christ Jesus hears our prayers. That Christ demands total surrender of our will for His will, that His grace is sufficient through every trial of life, and that His blessings will continue through the first, second, and third generation.
For today's families caught up in this cyber-space whirlpool, and locked in the vices of secularism, Generations will enlighten, encourage, and equip you in your journey through the battlefields of our modern day trials.
December 22, 2022
Mesmerized me
I read this book cover to cover, snuggled under a blanket in front of a cozy fire. This is a gift to give yourself. Not only is it a fascinating portrait of human frailty, it includes so much first-hand American history. Entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting. A beautiful account of God’s strength in our weakness.
I read this book cover to cover, snuggled under a blanket in front of a cozy fire. This is a gift to give yourself. Not only is it a fascinating portrait of human frailty, it includes so much first-hand American history. Entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting. A beautiful account of God’s strength in our weakness.
May 2, 2014
The impact of prayer comes alive in “Generations” by Sharon Garlock Spiegel. Gleaning family history from old diaries, the author shows the power of a praying wife who seeks salvation and deliverance for her husband who was an addict.
Writing about her grandparents, Spiegel spins a gripping tale of the evil wrought by alcohol—an addiction that nearly destroyed the family. Her grandfather’s salvation and subsequent freedom from alcohol dependency and pain medication is revealed as the miracle it was.
His salvation was just the beginning. The entire family’s life was turned around as the abusive husband and father became a prayer warrior, spreading the news of salvation to others. More than one miracle occurs in this narrative and the utter dependence on God in amazing circumstances leaves a reader breathless.
“Generations” is a unique read—inspirational non-fiction brought to life with dialogue and descriptions more befitting a novel.
I found the first half of the book gripping and painful to read. As befit the times, friends and family seemed to look away from the terrible situation, even though they were aware that abuse was occurring in the home. As a nurse, I found this devastating to imagine.
Almost more upsetting was the reaction of neighbors after the man became a Christian and no longer abused his family. Because he was so outspoken about his faith, neighbors considered him a fanatic. The town seemed to have been more accepting of the physical wounds he had inflicted upon his family than they were of his new found hope through the blood of the Lamb.
All in all, an inspiring read as the power of Christ intervened time and again for this family.
Writing about her grandparents, Spiegel spins a gripping tale of the evil wrought by alcohol—an addiction that nearly destroyed the family. Her grandfather’s salvation and subsequent freedom from alcohol dependency and pain medication is revealed as the miracle it was.
His salvation was just the beginning. The entire family’s life was turned around as the abusive husband and father became a prayer warrior, spreading the news of salvation to others. More than one miracle occurs in this narrative and the utter dependence on God in amazing circumstances leaves a reader breathless.
“Generations” is a unique read—inspirational non-fiction brought to life with dialogue and descriptions more befitting a novel.
I found the first half of the book gripping and painful to read. As befit the times, friends and family seemed to look away from the terrible situation, even though they were aware that abuse was occurring in the home. As a nurse, I found this devastating to imagine.
Almost more upsetting was the reaction of neighbors after the man became a Christian and no longer abused his family. Because he was so outspoken about his faith, neighbors considered him a fanatic. The town seemed to have been more accepting of the physical wounds he had inflicted upon his family than they were of his new found hope through the blood of the Lamb.
All in all, an inspiring read as the power of Christ intervened time and again for this family.
October 13, 2013
Sharon Garlock Spiegel has done a masterful job of sharing her family's dark past in a way that is encouraging, uplifting and inspirational. Edward Garlock's story is one everyone should read. It will change the way you look at the way God works in our everyday lives.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews