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Char's Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life
Is it possible to find hope in the midst of tragedy? Or joy in the hardest times?
When Char Harryman suffered a series of grand mal seizures and was rushed to the hospital on Easter Sunday, her life and that of her husband Steve would never be the same again. With Char's diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor requiring life-saving surgery, that tragic event in their lives would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey of faith and perseverance spanning nearly twenty-five years. It was on this journey that Steve and Char experienced the nearness of God and found true hope and joy amidst the suffering.
Char's Gift is ultimately a story of triumph over the storms of life and a testament to the depth of God's faithfulness and unfailing love.
When Char Harryman suffered a series of grand mal seizures and was rushed to the hospital on Easter Sunday, her life and that of her husband Steve would never be the same again. With Char's diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor requiring life-saving surgery, that tragic event in their lives would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey of faith and perseverance spanning nearly twenty-five years. It was on this journey that Steve and Char experienced the nearness of God and found true hope and joy amidst the suffering.
Char's Gift is ultimately a story of triumph over the storms of life and a testament to the depth of God's faithfulness and unfailing love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2020
7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 8, 2020
Char’s Gift by Steve Harryman is a moving and poignant true life story of the author’s wife’s journey through brain cancer since diagnosis in 1995. It is not a gloomy read but a very inspiring and hope-filled one as we read about a huge hearted lady named Char.
What shines through the book is the love Char had for others and for God. She had an unwavering trust in God. “I know God will take care of me.” Char knew “God has His own roadmap for our lives” and she could trust Him to walk alongside her every step of the way.
Char also thought of others before herself – praying with a nurse whilst she herself was a patient in hospital.
Cancer is cruel but Char focussed on the journey of others through cancer and not her own. She gave hope and she spread love. This book is full of the wonderful ways Char and her husband Steve Harryman helped others – they visited, they gave gifts, they set up Hope Through The Storm Ministries and they organised the Hope conferences believing “Hope… has to talk louder than fear.”
There is a powerful quote from Arlene Le Clair whom they met on the journey:
“We see cancer as a gift, an opportunity to share our faith, to let people see from Whom our strength comes.”
This book is truly inspiring. Steve and Char Harryman are an extraordinary couple with huge hearts and a huge faith. This is an amazing book – their love for each other, for others and for God shines through. Feed your faith today with Char’s Gift … don’t forget the tissues though.
I will leave you with a final word from Char:
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
What shines through the book is the love Char had for others and for God. She had an unwavering trust in God. “I know God will take care of me.” Char knew “God has His own roadmap for our lives” and she could trust Him to walk alongside her every step of the way.
Char also thought of others before herself – praying with a nurse whilst she herself was a patient in hospital.
Cancer is cruel but Char focussed on the journey of others through cancer and not her own. She gave hope and she spread love. This book is full of the wonderful ways Char and her husband Steve Harryman helped others – they visited, they gave gifts, they set up Hope Through The Storm Ministries and they organised the Hope conferences believing “Hope… has to talk louder than fear.”
There is a powerful quote from Arlene Le Clair whom they met on the journey:
“We see cancer as a gift, an opportunity to share our faith, to let people see from Whom our strength comes.”
This book is truly inspiring. Steve and Char Harryman are an extraordinary couple with huge hearts and a huge faith. This is an amazing book – their love for each other, for others and for God shines through. Feed your faith today with Char’s Gift … don’t forget the tissues though.
I will leave you with a final word from Char:
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
January 2, 2024
Number of pages: 194
Genre: Non-fiction Biography
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 14+
Summary: When Char was diagnosed with cancer, that didn’t stop her from loving and helping others. For 20 years after her first brain tumour was found, she spent her time serving and encouraging others who were going through similar storms.
My thoughts: This is not a depressing cancer book. Yes, there are some sad parts about cancer, and how it affects people but it is mostly about loving others and being a living example of Christ's love to others. Besides Char's story, there are many short stories within the book of others who went through similar experiences to hers and also encouraged and inspired people through their struggles.
I thought it was cool that Char got to meet Joni Eareckson Tada (at least over the phone). I also think it’s funny that Steve ended up being the one who visited Joni in person and gave her a big hug from Char.
There was a lot about the non-profit that Char and Steve started which was kind of cool (although promoting their organization did seem to be a very important part of the book).
I liked how Steve was the one who dreamed big, but it was Char who had to remind him to trust God that He would work out the details. She always told him that if his idea was from God, He would open the necessary doors. I loved seeing how God provided for them again and again when they just trusted Him.
There were a few things I didn't exactly agree with - such as going to a mega church and having a woman pastor (for other women). I don't really have anything to say about those things except that where I meet with Christians looks very different.
I really enjoyed reading about this amazing couple who lived every day as an outpouring of God's love and grace toward them. Even in the storm they were looking for others to bless.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Non-fiction Biography
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 14+
Summary: When Char was diagnosed with cancer, that didn’t stop her from loving and helping others. For 20 years after her first brain tumour was found, she spent her time serving and encouraging others who were going through similar storms.
My thoughts: This is not a depressing cancer book. Yes, there are some sad parts about cancer, and how it affects people but it is mostly about loving others and being a living example of Christ's love to others. Besides Char's story, there are many short stories within the book of others who went through similar experiences to hers and also encouraged and inspired people through their struggles.
I thought it was cool that Char got to meet Joni Eareckson Tada (at least over the phone). I also think it’s funny that Steve ended up being the one who visited Joni in person and gave her a big hug from Char.
There was a lot about the non-profit that Char and Steve started which was kind of cool (although promoting their organization did seem to be a very important part of the book).
I liked how Steve was the one who dreamed big, but it was Char who had to remind him to trust God that He would work out the details. She always told him that if his idea was from God, He would open the necessary doors. I loved seeing how God provided for them again and again when they just trusted Him.
There were a few things I didn't exactly agree with - such as going to a mega church and having a woman pastor (for other women). I don't really have anything to say about those things except that where I meet with Christians looks very different.
I really enjoyed reading about this amazing couple who lived every day as an outpouring of God's love and grace toward them. Even in the storm they were looking for others to bless.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
July 16, 2020
Amazing true account of selflessness!
This is truly a story of one woman’s selfless devotion to her God and to the people He put in her life. God used all her suffering and turned it into compassion and courage. Her long fight gave her so many opportunities to be discouraged and she was at times but she always came back to her faith in an almighty God and His purpose for her life.
This is truly a story of one woman’s selfless devotion to her God and to the people He put in her life. God used all her suffering and turned it into compassion and courage. Her long fight gave her so many opportunities to be discouraged and she was at times but she always came back to her faith in an almighty God and His purpose for her life.
June 26, 2020
AMAZING
This is an AMAZING story! So full of love, compassion and faith. A wonderful.read for anyone, but especially for.anyone.facing serious health issues. A wonderful reminder to look for the good.in any situation and to keep faith no matter what you are facing.
This is an AMAZING story! So full of love, compassion and faith. A wonderful.read for anyone, but especially for.anyone.facing serious health issues. A wonderful reminder to look for the good.in any situation and to keep faith no matter what you are facing.
July 2, 2020
A very moving story about a remarkable young lady!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and anyone who is interested to see God up close and personal! We all need to take a moment to reflect on the possibility of impacting the life of another in a positive way!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and anyone who is interested to see God up close and personal! We all need to take a moment to reflect on the possibility of impacting the life of another in a positive way!
January 1, 2021
Char’s Guft
This book has changed my life and the way I will see things through the eyes of Christ. Char was an amazing woman!
This book has changed my life and the way I will see things through the eyes of Christ. Char was an amazing woman!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews