To Walk or Stay

by Lara Williams

Her marriage slowly deteriorated behind the facade of a happy, Christian home. After six years together, with three young children, Lara discovered the devastating reality of her husband's marital betrayal.Lara gives tender guidance to any woman walking the unexpected paths of betrayal. But even more than that, she testifies of the victorious life in Christ available to everyone, regardless of any shattered hopes or suffocating fears.

Genres: Marriage, Christian Living, Nonfiction

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Speaker and writer, Lara is passionate for the Word of God. She has walked through valleys of death, addiction, and betrayal, and experienced the miraculous ability of God to bring victory in spite of circumstance.

Lara describes the beat of her heart to be revival in the moments of fellow daughters of the King.

Lara’s earthly accomplishments include an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary. Though as Lara often declares, “If what I teach does not invade and transform the moments of my life, then I am missing the point.”

Lara and her husband live in the Southeast with their lively, three young children. “Life can get pretty messy,” Lara says, “But our home is a place where God has ‘shown-off’ and redeemed the broken. There is hope in Him.”

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to any married or engaged woman. There is so much truth, experiential and Biblical, to be found here.

[Lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had high hopes on this given the blurb and endorsements but it turned out not to be very helpful. It is a testimony of the author’s specific circumstances and thankfully her journey turned out well but for many others it would sound like mere pontificating. Most other circumstances are tougher and books like Josh McDowell’s Love Must Be Tough are a lot more helpful.

The repeated reference in this book to the verses from Joel were taken out of context as well.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this! I spent lots of time with the thinking deeper and Bible study portions at the end of each chapter. Thank you Lara for sharing your story.

[Emmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot speak highly enough of this book. There is so much truth breathed into this book and it is grounded in Scripture. Lara Williams speaks from her heart as she tells us about what she learned about God and herself in the wake of an affair, thus the name of the book. But what she shares is true for everyone of us no matter what is happening in our lives. It breaks down who we are before God and exposes the idols of our hearts. The book focuses on who we are and that we are responsible to God for ourselves and not others. We are to seek God no matter what we are facing in life. Though the title of the book speaks to marriage, it also speaks of our faith. In the tough times will we walk away from God or maintain the faith?

Each chapter is short and easy to read. At the end of the chapters there are discussion questions that are good to think through as well as Scriptures to delve into that go along with the main point. I found this helpful as God has been showing me my idols and weeding out my sin. I think everyone should read this book no matter where they are.

[Joey Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really made you think.... Not going through the same struggles as Lara (her husbands affair is the backdrop of the entire book) it still challenged me as a wife. It challenges me to look at the ways that I am not living up to my vows.

Marriage isn't 50/50 it's 100/100 and this book encourages you to look and see in what ways you are slacking... Face your insecurities and make sure to make God your rock.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunate circumstances bring heartache and pain to Mrs Williams and her family. Yet, she chooses between walking and staying... A journey which leads to obedience to God and a journey of change for herself. Inspirational and enlightening read bound to make any woman a better wife.

[Ashley Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than a marriage book, it's about choosing to stay where the Lord has you planted, even when it's hard.

[keltrinswife · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't need to have the exact same experience that Lara had to experience growth and learning. This would be such a good book for a women's study.