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Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring True Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School Under Siege
True Story of Courage and Compassion in a School Under Siege
As 870 children waited in fear, their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high stakes of moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences--the good and the bad--to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
As 870 children waited in fear, their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high stakes of moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences--the good and the bad--to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
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First published January 21, 2014
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August 7, 2024Here’s Antoinette Tuff’s story, told in her own humble and hopeful voice, the story of a day we all hope we never have to face. On August 20, 2013, Antoinette Tuff, received devastating personal news just before she went to sit in for the receptionist at the front desk of McNair Academy. A few minutes later, a gunman dressed in black walked in, waved an AK-47, and announced, “We are all going to die today!” Tuff weaves the story of that day into the backdrop of her life, which makes it all the more meaningful. This book is easy to read and hard to put down. - Kathleen G.
March 24, 2014
Marie - may I call you Marie? - before I begin this book, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Maybe you haven't heard about the school shooting in Georgia. If you haven't, it's probably because the school shooting never happened.
Had it happened, there would be no end to hearing about it.
Ms. Antoinette Tuff (Marie to her friends) was a book keeper at Ronald E. McNair Learning Academy - an elementary school in Georgia - when someone walked in with a gun, threatening the 870 kids inside.
Tuff makes the point several times that when the gunman came in, he came in talking - and not shooting - so at least she had a chance.
But he fired his AK in the office, and exchanged fire with the police. It was obviously not a prank.
She stayed in the front office and talked him down.
When I've seen commentators discussing what happened, they're quick to point out everything she did right: she asked the shooter questions to get him thinking rationally again. She spoke in a calm voice. She let him be in charge. Etc...
But in every interview she's given, she gives all the credit to God.
Keep reading: I'm not proselytizing here - I promise. Just hear me out. I just find it interesting that few of those asking the questions give credit to God, but rather her actions. It seems a little... I don't know... insensitive? To say, God... blah, blah, blah... lets talk about you some more. She would always redirect.
Which brings me to my next point. It would be very easy to politicize this event. Indeed, both sides already have. But a strength of the book is that it avoids this.
There's no talk of the second amendment, or how arming teachers would or would not work. No one in the book is claiming that guns are obsolete and if schools simply put an Antoinette Tuff in every building, all school violence would end. The book avoids all these arguments, and just tells the story.
And although the issue of Tuff's strong Christian faith is certainly not watered down, it's not heavy handed, either - at least not in the evangelical sense. She's not telling anyone else to be a Christian. But she's crediting her faith with allowing her to overcome the obstacles in her life - many of which helped to prepare her for that moment which made her famous: being homeless/semi-homeless at times, out of work, young and pregnant, having a wonderful son that the world sees only as being disabled...
This (in my humblest of opinions) is the essences of true Christian faith: not beating or belittling others for differing beliefs, but loving others - even (maybe especially?) those who are feeling unloved. And letting your life be the proof of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Now, I'm not saying this is how I live my life as a Christian, but it's what I aspire to.
An Interview I Liked.
Side note/non sequitur/post script: I started thinking about that Regina Spektor song, "Laughing With." Man, how many of those things had Ms. Tuff been through? Preparation.
"No one laughs at God in a hospital. No one laughs at God in a war. No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor... No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hoped they're mistaken... No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they've got and they don't know what for. No one laughs at God on a day they realize that the last sight that they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes. No one's laughing at God when they're saying their good-byes."
Maybe you haven't heard about the school shooting in Georgia. If you haven't, it's probably because the school shooting never happened.
Had it happened, there would be no end to hearing about it.
Ms. Antoinette Tuff (Marie to her friends) was a book keeper at Ronald E. McNair Learning Academy - an elementary school in Georgia - when someone walked in with a gun, threatening the 870 kids inside.
Tuff makes the point several times that when the gunman came in, he came in talking - and not shooting - so at least she had a chance.
But he fired his AK in the office, and exchanged fire with the police. It was obviously not a prank.
She stayed in the front office and talked him down.
When I've seen commentators discussing what happened, they're quick to point out everything she did right: she asked the shooter questions to get him thinking rationally again. She spoke in a calm voice. She let him be in charge. Etc...
But in every interview she's given, she gives all the credit to God.
Keep reading: I'm not proselytizing here - I promise. Just hear me out. I just find it interesting that few of those asking the questions give credit to God, but rather her actions. It seems a little... I don't know... insensitive? To say, God... blah, blah, blah... lets talk about you some more. She would always redirect.
Which brings me to my next point. It would be very easy to politicize this event. Indeed, both sides already have. But a strength of the book is that it avoids this.
There's no talk of the second amendment, or how arming teachers would or would not work. No one in the book is claiming that guns are obsolete and if schools simply put an Antoinette Tuff in every building, all school violence would end. The book avoids all these arguments, and just tells the story.
And although the issue of Tuff's strong Christian faith is certainly not watered down, it's not heavy handed, either - at least not in the evangelical sense. She's not telling anyone else to be a Christian. But she's crediting her faith with allowing her to overcome the obstacles in her life - many of which helped to prepare her for that moment which made her famous: being homeless/semi-homeless at times, out of work, young and pregnant, having a wonderful son that the world sees only as being disabled...
This (in my humblest of opinions) is the essences of true Christian faith: not beating or belittling others for differing beliefs, but loving others - even (maybe especially?) those who are feeling unloved. And letting your life be the proof of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Now, I'm not saying this is how I live my life as a Christian, but it's what I aspire to.
An Interview I Liked.
Side note/non sequitur/post script: I started thinking about that Regina Spektor song, "Laughing With." Man, how many of those things had Ms. Tuff been through? Preparation.
"No one laughs at God in a hospital. No one laughs at God in a war. No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor... No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hoped they're mistaken... No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they've got and they don't know what for. No one laughs at God on a day they realize that the last sight that they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes. No one's laughing at God when they're saying their good-byes."
July 9, 2015
Inspiring, Fascinating & Uplifting! A Memorable, Excellent Read! I Loved It!
April 4, 2014
This woman's story of courage is very moving. Obviously her faith in her god kept her calm under pressure. Or it could also be the phone call she received just before the situation began just putting life into perspective. She spoke calmly to the intruder, she resigned herself to the situation and let rationality take over. Be a calming presence, don't talk too much, listen.
I had to put the book down, though. I got really emotional when all was safe and she was explaining what was happening just past the office door. Brought tears of joy to my eyes, literally. I will finish the last chapter or two alone, at home, just in case I need to let the tears flow.
Bravo to this brave woman. In the face of the intruder and her personal life.
January 16, 2014
This is a story that speaks of courage guided by faith. Antoinette was faced with the most tragic circumstance, a school shooter who planned to kill and destroy. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that there was no agenda with this book even dealing with the tragic circumstance of yet another school shooter. Instead there's simply the testimony of a woman who shares her life struggles and how God used her one day as a vessel of God's love in the life of a mentally ill man who planned to kill.
March 2, 2018
Could not put it down. 2 hours nonstop reading. Awesome.
August 3, 2014
Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring True Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School Under Siege by Antoinette Tuff is the gripping tale of a fateful day in the life of a woman of courage with tremendous faith. On what began as an ordinary workday in August 2013—reading the Bible, time in prayer, completing household chores, and off to work—Tuff, a Georgia elementary school bookkeeper, successfully faces down a mentally ill gunman threatening to kill everyone at the school. Who is the woman that prevents a massacre? The unique design of the book Prepared for a Purpose unveils the story of Tuff’s life while rotating telling the details of the event at the school on that fateful day.
An unstable childhood, early entry into adulthood, financial difficulties, a triple-disabled child, a serial adulterer for a husband, are just some of things Tuff endures as she continued to hold onto her faith.
As the author rotates between the telling of the two stories, the reader will see how Tuff relates to the gunman, a troubled young man, because of her experiences.
Often, believers wonder why God allows us to undergo trials. Tuffs’ numerous trials prepared her to lean on Him in all circumstances, even when looking death in the face. She learned how to listen to His still, small voice to enable her to do His will: pass on His love, grace, and mercy to a lost soul. Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuft is a must read for anyone desiring to see the power of faith and obedience at work.
inspiredbooksguide.com
A Lady in France by Jennie Goutet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jennie Goutet’s memoir, A Lady in France , takes readers on a journey around the world as she satisfies her insatiable appetite for glamour, sophistication, adventure, and foreign lands. With rich details, Goutet recounts her life from childhood to middle-aged, revealing her dreams, triumphs, failures, and struggles she undergoes along the way.
The anxiety and insecurities that grip her during childhood remains her companion as an adult but they don’t prevent her from going to France to fulfill her dream of marrying a French man. She realizes that dream but not in the manner or timing, she expects.
Before marriage, Goutet graduates from college and begins the adventure. First, she journeys to Taiwan to serve as a teacher and adapts to the new surroundings and culture, and, with a little work, picks up the language of the people. She spends time studying in France and even works as a nanny for a while there before returning to the states. Her time in New York spans numerous jobs from low paying restaurant work to traveling for an advertising firm in the city.
Even after achieving some of her goals: living in a glamorous city, with a job she considered equally exciting, and a French boyfriend, she continued to be dogged by overwhelming anxiety, depression, insecurities, and other emotions she didn’t understand. Meanwhile, she repels the invitations from God to come to Him, when he reaches out to her through strangers in various parts of the world. With her resistance to Christianity weakened, and with the help of patient, kind people, Goutet tentatively enters Christian life. She learns to let go of her will and allow herself to be led by God.
As her faith grows, she achieves many of her dreams; however, she also faces many challenges along the way, including her ongoing battle with anxiety and depression. Seekers, believers, adventure lovers, and those battling depression will find Jennie Goutet’s A Lady in France a well-written, uplifting read.
inspiredbooksguide.com
View all my reviews
An unstable childhood, early entry into adulthood, financial difficulties, a triple-disabled child, a serial adulterer for a husband, are just some of things Tuff endures as she continued to hold onto her faith.
As the author rotates between the telling of the two stories, the reader will see how Tuff relates to the gunman, a troubled young man, because of her experiences.
Often, believers wonder why God allows us to undergo trials. Tuffs’ numerous trials prepared her to lean on Him in all circumstances, even when looking death in the face. She learned how to listen to His still, small voice to enable her to do His will: pass on His love, grace, and mercy to a lost soul. Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuft is a must read for anyone desiring to see the power of faith and obedience at work.
inspiredbooksguide.com
A Lady in France by Jennie GoutetMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jennie Goutet’s memoir, A Lady in France , takes readers on a journey around the world as she satisfies her insatiable appetite for glamour, sophistication, adventure, and foreign lands. With rich details, Goutet recounts her life from childhood to middle-aged, revealing her dreams, triumphs, failures, and struggles she undergoes along the way.
The anxiety and insecurities that grip her during childhood remains her companion as an adult but they don’t prevent her from going to France to fulfill her dream of marrying a French man. She realizes that dream but not in the manner or timing, she expects.
Before marriage, Goutet graduates from college and begins the adventure. First, she journeys to Taiwan to serve as a teacher and adapts to the new surroundings and culture, and, with a little work, picks up the language of the people. She spends time studying in France and even works as a nanny for a while there before returning to the states. Her time in New York spans numerous jobs from low paying restaurant work to traveling for an advertising firm in the city.
Even after achieving some of her goals: living in a glamorous city, with a job she considered equally exciting, and a French boyfriend, she continued to be dogged by overwhelming anxiety, depression, insecurities, and other emotions she didn’t understand. Meanwhile, she repels the invitations from God to come to Him, when he reaches out to her through strangers in various parts of the world. With her resistance to Christianity weakened, and with the help of patient, kind people, Goutet tentatively enters Christian life. She learns to let go of her will and allow herself to be led by God.
As her faith grows, she achieves many of her dreams; however, she also faces many challenges along the way, including her ongoing battle with anxiety and depression. Seekers, believers, adventure lovers, and those battling depression will find Jennie Goutet’s A Lady in France a well-written, uplifting read.
inspiredbooksguide.com
View all my reviews
January 30, 2014
Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff (Alex Tresniowski) is a fast quick read that packs a punch. I wanted to review this book initially because the story is close to home and I have heard so much about it. Antoinette Tuff has been making her way around the circuits promoting her book and to my surprise I missed them all. However, after reading the book, I was glad I missed the interviews as I wanted to give my honest opinion of the book and not of the person.
This is definitely a memorable book. The writing style intertwines the events of that day with her personal story. As the book states, "it is about how God guides us all on our journeys and prepares us for a purpose that is not always ours to know." Her story is amazing, heartbreaking at times, but triumphant. She reminds us that we are all here for a reason and we must do all that we can to prepare ourselves for that time. If you want to read a story that is inspirational, you must read this book. I think they did a great job at including scriptures that were relevant and not just because. While reading, I actually had to stop mid-sentence to pause, think, and evaluate my life and how I could make some changes. If any book can make you do that, then it is definitely worth the read. It would be a great selection for a book club as there are discussion questions at the end.
This is definitely a memorable book. The writing style intertwines the events of that day with her personal story. As the book states, "it is about how God guides us all on our journeys and prepares us for a purpose that is not always ours to know." Her story is amazing, heartbreaking at times, but triumphant. She reminds us that we are all here for a reason and we must do all that we can to prepare ourselves for that time. If you want to read a story that is inspirational, you must read this book. I think they did a great job at including scriptures that were relevant and not just because. While reading, I actually had to stop mid-sentence to pause, think, and evaluate my life and how I could make some changes. If any book can make you do that, then it is definitely worth the read. It would be a great selection for a book club as there are discussion questions at the end.
January 29, 2014
Powerful and inspring
This book is simply written and this fact increases its power. I could not put it down and found myself wondering how she could get through the trials of her life. Her Spirit-filled living encouraged me.
This book is simply written and this fact increases its power. I could not put it down and found myself wondering how she could get through the trials of her life. Her Spirit-filled living encouraged me.
Read
August 31, 2015Such an incredible story of perseverance, courage, and God's faithfulness.
February 19, 2017
I found this book truly inspiring. Antoinette Tuff "happened" to be at the front office desk when a young man, dressed in black and highly armed, stormed the elementary school where she worked. The narrative goes back and forth from the dangerous, emotionally charged "incident" to Antoinette's past life. Her own painful experiences enabled her to identify with the shooter and calmly speak to him in love and compassion. Her faith gave her the strength she needed to believe God was with her and would not desert her and indeed, He did not.
September 21, 2022
Words are hard to find to convey how much this book impacted my life! Her faith in God, no matter what, and allowing God to "get her through" some of the terrible things that happened to her...and especially the hostage situation at the McNair School.
The betrayal of her husband, a handicapped son and even the morning of the McNair School situation, founding out that she might be loosing her home, car and everything and she still didn't panic and kept letting God guide her and get her through these circumstances.
I applaud her and admire her. Great story and book.
The betrayal of her husband, a handicapped son and even the morning of the McNair School situation, founding out that she might be loosing her home, car and everything and she still didn't panic and kept letting God guide her and get her through these circumstances.
I applaud her and admire her. Great story and book.
June 11, 2020
Immensely inspiring book about a woman with nerves of steel. She may be blindly in love with the wrong man in her personal life, but her attitude and work ethic about her job are to be admired. It was clear that she loved the students and the faculty of her school, and ultimately, it was her matter-of-fact resolve that kept this shooter engaged in talking, so he wouldn't hurt others. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who needs to hear a good book with a happy ending.
December 26, 2022
Love how every element of this story points toward Jesus’ provision and strength even when the author is weak. And the reminder that God equipped her uniquely for each situation that would later arise in her life. Love the authors desire to bring glory to Him. The story vacillates back and forth between her life and the day of the school shooter. Those stories intersect as she shares how God equipped her to be at the front desk that particular day.
January 19, 2018
I really liked this book! It was a story of a woman who worked hard to overcome the tough things in her life (and there were lots of them) to become a true vessel for God's work. It's a pretty quick read and very well done. If you like a good true story, this may be for you.
February 27, 2020
Antoinette's story is one of resilience, grace and spiritual dependence. I love that she boldly proclaims her faith in Christ and credits Him for who she is and the source of all her strength and victories.
September 1, 2017
Loved this book. I read a lot of Christianity and true crime books - this one combined the two genres. Antoinette Tuff's story is extremely inspirational.
September 29, 2017
Hardship. Humility. Faith. Love. This human surrenders herself to be a vessel to all that, everyday, for God & others.
August 6, 2018
Wonderful and inspirational read, very much enjoyed the turnout, proving once again, that faith and the application of faith will always win the day.
November 2, 2018
A great book showing how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
January 5, 2019
Elementary school bookkeeper holds off a school shooter in Atlanta. This book also explores her past, including an ended marriage and raising a son with special needs. A quick, faith-filled read.
August 27, 2019
Book club pick! very inspiring. some missing holes.
March 4, 2020
I had a hard time putting this book down it was so good. Amazing testimony of what prayer and faith in Him can do. Thank you for sharing your story.
November 29, 2024
Message was good but the execution was messy and could have done with better editing.
December 29, 2025
The amazing, heart-rending, and deeply inspirational true story of a heroic woman who saved an entire school of children from a gunman, and how God used her troubled past to build her faith and prepare her for a greater purpose. Wonderful book, highly recommended!
March 17, 2017
Wonderful story of faith and humanity. Thank you for writing your story!
June 7, 2020
Natürlich geht es vordergründig um den Amoklauf, der nicht stattgefunden hat, weil Antoinette von Gott geleitet die Ruhe bewahrt hat und den Amokläufer in ein Gespräch verwickelt hat, ihm gezeigt hat, dass sie ihn versteht und ernst nimmt.
Aber im Grunde geht es der Autorin darum, uns zu zeigen, dass Gott uns auf alles, was passiert vorbereitet, dass auch die schlimmen Dinge in unserem Leben zu Gutem dienen können, wenn wir uns ganz auf Gott verlassen. In ihm verankert sein trägt durch. Er schenkt Worte, wo wir keine mehr haben, Mut auch da, wo wir keinen mehr haben, Frieden, wo keiner ist.
Es ist ein sehr persönliches, sehr ehrliches und bewegendes Zeugnis einer ganz normalen frau, die trotz schwerer Schicksalsschläge tief im Glauben verwurzelt ist.
Aber im Grunde geht es der Autorin darum, uns zu zeigen, dass Gott uns auf alles, was passiert vorbereitet, dass auch die schlimmen Dinge in unserem Leben zu Gutem dienen können, wenn wir uns ganz auf Gott verlassen. In ihm verankert sein trägt durch. Er schenkt Worte, wo wir keine mehr haben, Mut auch da, wo wir keinen mehr haben, Frieden, wo keiner ist.
Es ist ein sehr persönliches, sehr ehrliches und bewegendes Zeugnis einer ganz normalen frau, die trotz schwerer Schicksalsschläge tief im Glauben verwurzelt ist.
February 13, 2014
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group|January 21, 2014|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1263-5
True Story of Courage and Compassion in a School Under Seige
As 870 children waited in fear, their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high stakes of moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences - the good and the bad - to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
My Review:
PREPARED FOR A PURPOSE is an inspiring story that shows us what we can do when we live with purpose and listen to God's commands for our life. "What are we going to do now?" Antoinette asked God as the shooter entered the school that day. Using Antoinette as a vessel, she was able to both sympathize and empathize with Michael Hill and how he was feeling that day. So sure that he was going to die on that very day but God had other plans and through Antoinette and her calm, loving, and compassionate demeanor, she was able to talk him back from the brink and avert a tragedy.
Anyone else sitting in the office that day, I'm sure would not have been as successful as Antoinette was. She, in her own life, had felt the hopelessness, the pain, and the hurt that Michael Hill was feeling that day and knew instinctively what to say. Not only did she say the right words, but she "meant" them with a conviction that came from her heart and that clearly came across to Michael Hill.
PREPARED FOR A PURPOSE is a beautiful true story for everyone to read who wants to be reminded that we ARE here for a purpose and that is to serve God and ask Him daily "What is it that I can do for you today?"
Baker Publishing Group|January 21, 2014|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1263-5
True Story of Courage and Compassion in a School Under Seige
As 870 children waited in fear, their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high stakes of moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences - the good and the bad - to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
My Review:
PREPARED FOR A PURPOSE is an inspiring story that shows us what we can do when we live with purpose and listen to God's commands for our life. "What are we going to do now?" Antoinette asked God as the shooter entered the school that day. Using Antoinette as a vessel, she was able to both sympathize and empathize with Michael Hill and how he was feeling that day. So sure that he was going to die on that very day but God had other plans and through Antoinette and her calm, loving, and compassionate demeanor, she was able to talk him back from the brink and avert a tragedy.
Anyone else sitting in the office that day, I'm sure would not have been as successful as Antoinette was. She, in her own life, had felt the hopelessness, the pain, and the hurt that Michael Hill was feeling that day and knew instinctively what to say. Not only did she say the right words, but she "meant" them with a conviction that came from her heart and that clearly came across to Michael Hill.
PREPARED FOR A PURPOSE is a beautiful true story for everyone to read who wants to be reminded that we ARE here for a purpose and that is to serve God and ask Him daily "What is it that I can do for you today?"
March 5, 2014
870 children waited in fear as their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high-stakes moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences--the good and the bad--to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School under Siege by Antoinette Tuff was an inspiring, convicting, and heart-wrenching story of how God can use any circumstance, however bad, to mold His children and to save the lives of many others. This book alternates in the telling of two stories. One is the story of Antoinette's tough life and how it led to her close relationship with God and the other is what happened when the gunman entered the Atlanta school where she worked. I found this book easy to read and gripping in its retelling of both her life and the situation she faced during the siege. I was convicted and moved to tears as I sympathized with the hard times that happened in Antoinette's life as well as marveled at how she continually relied on God and put her trust in Him even when it seemed like her life was ending. Her family relationships were hard, but I was blown away by how God used these struggles to help her connect with the disturbed and distressed young man that entered the Atlanta school where Antoinette was working. Overall, I found Prepared for a Purpose to be a wonderful read that I easily connected with and that challenged me to look beyond the hard times that I might face to see how God can use them to bless and to save others.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Yet the story doesn't start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high-stakes moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It's the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it's a story of how God uses all of our life experiences--the good and the bad--to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.
Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School under Siege by Antoinette Tuff was an inspiring, convicting, and heart-wrenching story of how God can use any circumstance, however bad, to mold His children and to save the lives of many others. This book alternates in the telling of two stories. One is the story of Antoinette's tough life and how it led to her close relationship with God and the other is what happened when the gunman entered the Atlanta school where she worked. I found this book easy to read and gripping in its retelling of both her life and the situation she faced during the siege. I was convicted and moved to tears as I sympathized with the hard times that happened in Antoinette's life as well as marveled at how she continually relied on God and put her trust in Him even when it seemed like her life was ending. Her family relationships were hard, but I was blown away by how God used these struggles to help her connect with the disturbed and distressed young man that entered the Atlanta school where Antoinette was working. Overall, I found Prepared for a Purpose to be a wonderful read that I easily connected with and that challenged me to look beyond the hard times that I might face to see how God can use them to bless and to save others.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2014
Antoinette Tuff's story is both powerful and a demonstration of Faith at the same time. In our sermons at church our Pastor is always preaching that we aren't perfect, that in difficult times God wants us to head in His direction, and that things happen in our life that we don't understand, but God has the puzzle all figured out; keep the Faith and keep believing that God is bigger than what's thrown at us. She is a testimony to that.
I work at a school, so her story has more relevance to me. I've worked with young adult women who's story is Ms. Tuff's story growing up. I've tutored little elementary kids who are the same as the kids at Ms. Tuff's school that day. And all I can say after reading Ms. Tuff's story is Wow!
Ironically, I went to Atlanta in July of last year, a month before the events at McNair Academy, as a delegate to the National Educators Association Representative Assembly. It's where 11,000 educators from all over the country come and make decisions that affect every classroom and every kid in America. The events of Sandy Hook were never far from our memories, and now McNair a month later.
So thank you Ms. Tuff. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for being a vessel that God uses. Thank you for your unbending Faith, even in the worst of times, and thank you for the courage you displayed.
I appreciate the rawness of what you shared on those pages. I appreciate that you showed us your weaknesses and your faults and your vulnerabilities. I appreciate showing us you're human, just like the rest of us, with the same worries, problems and anxieties. But most of all, thank you for showing us your humanity and compassion when you didn't have to.
I work at a school, so her story has more relevance to me. I've worked with young adult women who's story is Ms. Tuff's story growing up. I've tutored little elementary kids who are the same as the kids at Ms. Tuff's school that day. And all I can say after reading Ms. Tuff's story is Wow!
Ironically, I went to Atlanta in July of last year, a month before the events at McNair Academy, as a delegate to the National Educators Association Representative Assembly. It's where 11,000 educators from all over the country come and make decisions that affect every classroom and every kid in America. The events of Sandy Hook were never far from our memories, and now McNair a month later.
So thank you Ms. Tuff. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for being a vessel that God uses. Thank you for your unbending Faith, even in the worst of times, and thank you for the courage you displayed.
I appreciate the rawness of what you shared on those pages. I appreciate that you showed us your weaknesses and your faults and your vulnerabilities. I appreciate showing us you're human, just like the rest of us, with the same worries, problems and anxieties. But most of all, thank you for showing us your humanity and compassion when you didn't have to.
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