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The Storm That Grew My Faith: When You Pray for Rain, Sometimes God Sends a Thunderstorm
Andrew Golden and his wife Crystal just wanted to build a normal family. God had other plans. After a series of failed pregnancies and devastating miscarriages, and being told she could never have a child, a miracle happened. That miracle’s name was Malachi.
Malachi was born with severe Congenital Heart Defects. Without the parent’s consent to perform open-heart surgery on their newborn, Malachi would likely die. Little did they know that the first surgery was just the beginning of the long struggle to save the life of their miracle child.
Throughout their arduous journey, Andrew and Crystal must learn to put their trust in the Lord and have faith in His plan. But how can you have that amount of faith when it seems the most precious thing in your life is about to be taken away?
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm… – Isaiah 25:4
Malachi was born with severe Congenital Heart Defects. Without the parent’s consent to perform open-heart surgery on their newborn, Malachi would likely die. Little did they know that the first surgery was just the beginning of the long struggle to save the life of their miracle child.
Throughout their arduous journey, Andrew and Crystal must learn to put their trust in the Lord and have faith in His plan. But how can you have that amount of faith when it seems the most precious thing in your life is about to be taken away?
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm… – Isaiah 25:4
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
16 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Golden
8 books29 followersI grew up on a small farm in East Tennessee with my three older brothers. Our father was a preacher and our mother was a teacher. Now I know it sounds like something out of a song, but that was life. Every Wednesday night and all day Sunday I was at church listening to Dad preach. I was taught from a young age the importance of faith and trust in Christ. Dad always made it clear that it was the most important thing in life. We were not rich and may have not always had what we wanted, but we always had food in our bellies and clothes on our backs.
In grade school I began to play football. Unlike my brothers, I was never what you would call a top notch athlete. However, I still enjoyed the game. Just because I had practice and school work never excused me from my chores on Dad’s farm. He always made it clear that football was a choice, but good grades and chores were not. It was one of the things that taught us that just because you have things you want to do, there is still many things that need to be done.
Once I got to high school I met the love of my life, Crystal. I did not know it then, but she would one day become my wife. We would date throughout our freshman year but I was immature then and it never worked out. I was a loud, outgoing, goof off and she was quiet and shy. I thought after we broke up it was over for good. I thought wrong.
Once I graduated high school I joined the Tennessee Army National Guard and went off to Fort Knox Kentucky for basic training. I thought I had gotten away from my dad’s preaching, but his sermons rang in my ears. One night I realized I needed God in my life and finally surrendered to Him. After that I would spend my downtime reading and studying the Bible.
A week after I graduated I received an email from Crystal. All it said was, “Hey, how have you been?”
We exchanged numbers and that night we talked on the phone the entire night. We had both matured and wanted to find someone who we could settle down with. I instantly began falling for her. Two months later I proposed and then a year later we got married. Now I am a preacher, married to love of my life, and have two amazing kids.
In grade school I began to play football. Unlike my brothers, I was never what you would call a top notch athlete. However, I still enjoyed the game. Just because I had practice and school work never excused me from my chores on Dad’s farm. He always made it clear that football was a choice, but good grades and chores were not. It was one of the things that taught us that just because you have things you want to do, there is still many things that need to be done.
Once I got to high school I met the love of my life, Crystal. I did not know it then, but she would one day become my wife. We would date throughout our freshman year but I was immature then and it never worked out. I was a loud, outgoing, goof off and she was quiet and shy. I thought after we broke up it was over for good. I thought wrong.
Once I graduated high school I joined the Tennessee Army National Guard and went off to Fort Knox Kentucky for basic training. I thought I had gotten away from my dad’s preaching, but his sermons rang in my ears. One night I realized I needed God in my life and finally surrendered to Him. After that I would spend my downtime reading and studying the Bible.
A week after I graduated I received an email from Crystal. All it said was, “Hey, how have you been?”
We exchanged numbers and that night we talked on the phone the entire night. We had both matured and wanted to find someone who we could settle down with. I instantly began falling for her. Two months later I proposed and then a year later we got married. Now I am a preacher, married to love of my life, and have two amazing kids.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 10, 2024
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely and heartwarming story, and a short read. However, this book needs some serious editing. It's full of weird formatting errors. There are odd breaks in the middle of paragraphs, misspelled words, and random numbers thrown in the middle of text. It was quite annoying to read, and that makes me sad because it really is a good story and I feel for the family.
2/5 stars from me.
This is a lovely and heartwarming story, and a short read. However, this book needs some serious editing. It's full of weird formatting errors. There are odd breaks in the middle of paragraphs, misspelled words, and random numbers thrown in the middle of text. It was quite annoying to read, and that makes me sad because it really is a good story and I feel for the family.
2/5 stars from me.
June 22, 2021
This book contains a great story - told in two parts. The first is dealing with infertility. The second is going through the many great and deep problems of health in the child that the couple miraculously had. Their son was very close to death many times due to severe heart-related issues.
The author (Andrew Golden) is very open with his doubts and faith issues as he is going through the storm of his son's health, the advice from various doctors, doors opening and then seeming to close again. I loved his honesty in the ups and downs they faced. Yet he does cling true to the Lord in the middle of circumstances that would shake us all.
The book is a fast read - I couldn't put it down once I started it.
The author (Andrew Golden) is very open with his doubts and faith issues as he is going through the storm of his son's health, the advice from various doctors, doors opening and then seeming to close again. I loved his honesty in the ups and downs they faced. Yet he does cling true to the Lord in the middle of circumstances that would shake us all.
The book is a fast read - I couldn't put it down once I started it.
February 15, 2021
You will like this book.
This is a story of a young man and his wife wanting to start a family then going through a lot of heartaches. Through trusting in the Lord and prayer what seemed impossible finally came into being. You will feel both sadness and excitement for these people as you read this book. God bless you both Mr. and Mrs. Golden, and Malachi and the little one.
This is a story of a young man and his wife wanting to start a family then going through a lot of heartaches. Through trusting in the Lord and prayer what seemed impossible finally came into being. You will feel both sadness and excitement for these people as you read this book. God bless you both Mr. and Mrs. Golden, and Malachi and the little one.
January 9, 2022
I was quite touched by the emotion of everything described in this book. The author painted an excellent picture of all the challenges they went through for some others who have never experienced anything like this before.
I also feel parents will be especially drawn to the story because they can at least relate on some level.
I recommend this book to help understand how God tests our faith at times.
It receives 4 stars due to some proofreading and edit issues that may not be noticed by the average reader.
I also feel parents will be especially drawn to the story because they can at least relate on some level.
I recommend this book to help understand how God tests our faith at times.
It receives 4 stars due to some proofreading and edit issues that may not be noticed by the average reader.
February 16, 2021
This is a touching book. You can tell that the author wants to give all honor and glory to God for what He has demonstrated in their lives. If you need some encouragement, this is a great book to remind you of God's power and mercies.
November 13, 2021
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, it was a well-written, engaging memoir.
Perhaps the thing I disliked the most, is the fact that the blurb doesn't describe this book at all. I mean, yes, it is about faith, but the whole book is centered on the fact that the narrator and his wife weren't able to have children for the longest time, and when they finally had the opportunity, things didn't exactly go as planned, and this whole thing tested their faith a lot. Honestly, if I would have known that this is what the book is about, I probably wouldn't have read it.
All in all, if you enjoy memoir with a strong, inspirational story, I definitely think you should give this one a try!
~Full Review To Come~
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, it was a well-written, engaging memoir.
Perhaps the thing I disliked the most, is the fact that the blurb doesn't describe this book at all. I mean, yes, it is about faith, but the whole book is centered on the fact that the narrator and his wife weren't able to have children for the longest time, and when they finally had the opportunity, things didn't exactly go as planned, and this whole thing tested their faith a lot. Honestly, if I would have known that this is what the book is about, I probably wouldn't have read it.
All in all, if you enjoy memoir with a strong, inspirational story, I definitely think you should give this one a try!
~Full Review To Come~
December 28, 2021
This is the Christian memoir of the author Andrew Golden and his wife Crystal. After a series of miscarriages and being told they could never have children, they are finally blessed with the baby boy of their dreams, Malachi. However, Malachi is born with serious heart problems and must be operated on immediately. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of their problems, and it will all the strength they have to get through the heart-pulling spiritual and emotional journey ahead. Will they let the storm assailing them crush their faith, or will it make them stronger?
This was the most amazing book I've read in quite a while. I cannot stress enough how this book impacted me, and how I believe it can impact others. This book will leave an impression on you long after you've read it. Andrew and Crystal are flawed, imperfect people struggling to understand and accept God's plan in their lives; a relatable problem that many Christians deal with in hard times. They went through the types of things that many people have only had nightmares of, and yet they not only retained their faith in God but also grew it.
If anybody is suffering with trials that seem insurmountable, grief, miscarriages, hormonal imbalances, or a child with birth defects, or even if you just need to give your faith a boost, PLEASE read this book. Somebody out there fought the same fight as you. You can win it too. Five stars.
This was the most amazing book I've read in quite a while. I cannot stress enough how this book impacted me, and how I believe it can impact others. This book will leave an impression on you long after you've read it. Andrew and Crystal are flawed, imperfect people struggling to understand and accept God's plan in their lives; a relatable problem that many Christians deal with in hard times. They went through the types of things that many people have only had nightmares of, and yet they not only retained their faith in God but also grew it.
If anybody is suffering with trials that seem insurmountable, grief, miscarriages, hormonal imbalances, or a child with birth defects, or even if you just need to give your faith a boost, PLEASE read this book. Somebody out there fought the same fight as you. You can win it too. Five stars.
October 20, 2024
A True Story That Will Leave You With Hope, Encouragement, And A Deeper Faith
It is always encouraging to come across a book that accurately shows the reality of the trials that people face in life. "The Storm That Grew My Faith" is one of those rare books that combines Biblical wisdom, real life struggles, and inspiration. It is the true story of husband and wife, Andrew and Crystal Golden. The focus of the narrative deals with the couple's struggle while conceiving a child, and the challenges that come when their son, Malachi, is born. The story is told by Andrew, who openly and honestly shares his battles "in the storm." As a husband, and father, Andrew's genuineness left an indelible imprint on my life. This story will stay with me for a long time. "The Storm That Grew My Faith" is an inspiring, refreshing, and hopeful book. I recommended it for anyone who confronts challenging life problems, and desires to have a more meaningful relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is always encouraging to come across a book that accurately shows the reality of the trials that people face in life. "The Storm That Grew My Faith" is one of those rare books that combines Biblical wisdom, real life struggles, and inspiration. It is the true story of husband and wife, Andrew and Crystal Golden. The focus of the narrative deals with the couple's struggle while conceiving a child, and the challenges that come when their son, Malachi, is born. The story is told by Andrew, who openly and honestly shares his battles "in the storm." As a husband, and father, Andrew's genuineness left an indelible imprint on my life. This story will stay with me for a long time. "The Storm That Grew My Faith" is an inspiring, refreshing, and hopeful book. I recommended it for anyone who confronts challenging life problems, and desires to have a more meaningful relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
October 11, 2025
This is a book I found hard to put down. After dealing with several miscarriages and believing they would never have a biological child, Andrew's wife gets pregnant again. This time she is monitored very closely. At one of her ultrasounds, the doctors discovered issues with their son's heart. Thus begins a journey no parent wants to take.
Mr. Golden was raised a Christian, with his father being a pastor. He, too, eventually becomes a pastor. What I loved about this story is how he and his wife depended on God, but also had doubts. This book is an incredible testimony to the faithfulness of God, even when we have doubts. In our current world full of bad news and evil, this book is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend it to everyone, but especially to anyone who has ever had doubts about their faith in God. #GoodreadsGiveaways
Mr. Golden was raised a Christian, with his father being a pastor. He, too, eventually becomes a pastor. What I loved about this story is how he and his wife depended on God, but also had doubts. This book is an incredible testimony to the faithfulness of God, even when we have doubts. In our current world full of bad news and evil, this book is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend it to everyone, but especially to anyone who has ever had doubts about their faith in God. #GoodreadsGiveaways
November 12, 2024
Simply written
I won this book as a Kindle ebook through a Goodreads giveaway.
This book is a stream-of-consciousness retelling of some of the most difficult days of one man’s life. In its simplicity, you can feel the raw pain of a man and a father having to accept that there is not a lot he can control. His paternalism shines through, which exacerbate his feelings of failure in the trials that he and his young family encountered.
I won this book as a Kindle ebook through a Goodreads giveaway.
This book is a stream-of-consciousness retelling of some of the most difficult days of one man’s life. In its simplicity, you can feel the raw pain of a man and a father having to accept that there is not a lot he can control. His paternalism shines through, which exacerbate his feelings of failure in the trials that he and his young family encountered.
November 12, 2024
Never Give Up On God
Having lost a child after only living for two days due to a heart defect, I found this book to be very relevant to what my wife and I experienced. We had turned to our faith in God first to have him live and then after his death, to comfort us.
Andrew and his wife, Crystal went through a lot of emotional and physical pain, but never gave up due to their faith in God.
The book clearly proved that God still provides miracles today.
Having lost a child after only living for two days due to a heart defect, I found this book to be very relevant to what my wife and I experienced. We had turned to our faith in God first to have him live and then after his death, to comfort us.
Andrew and his wife, Crystal went through a lot of emotional and physical pain, but never gave up due to their faith in God.
The book clearly proved that God still provides miracles today.
September 29, 2025
The infertility journey this couple had kept me engaged in their story. While the prose lacks finesse and attention, the story reveals the raw emotion and frustration that infertile couples deal with. Despite the flaws in the writing, I highly recommend this book for those dealing with infertility or love someone who is.
September 30, 2025
This memoir was an easy read (meaning I wanted to find out more as I went further into the book), and I found myself easily relating to what Andrew Golden and his wife Crystal were going through. I found this book inspirational and touching. Andrew and Crystal's story is a testament to trust, resilience, and faith.
October 17, 2024
I loved this book I did make me cry
Wonder author and teacher I've known the author for years personally and this book gave me a different view into the world that they live in it was truly touching and moving
If your looking for a good book to finally prove the Lord is a thing that is still working on us today this book is proof
Wonder author and teacher I've known the author for years personally and this book gave me a different view into the world that they live in it was truly touching and moving
If your looking for a good book to finally prove the Lord is a thing that is still working on us today this book is proof
June 27, 2025
Author Golden provided my copy in exchange for an honest review. i would give this a 3-star, maybe a 4.. however... the editing was overlooked. There is zero page flow, there are chunks of hanging text and floating numbers and all manner of typos and grammar insults.
i wish i could give this a better rating. but a book isn't a book of you just toss a bunch of words down into a software application and call it "ready to publish".
i wish i could give this a better rating. but a book isn't a book of you just toss a bunch of words down into a software application and call it "ready to publish".
September 22, 2024
💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
I got through about half the book. Just not my cup of tea.
November 6, 2024
This touched my heart. I was told at 18 I would never carry a child. At 36 I had my only child, a beautiful son. It is heartbreaking, trying, and hard.
January 17, 2026
I wanted so much to be fully engaged with this book. The story line is open and honest of the struggles that people can face, but the writing is so broken up and confusing that it was at times impossible to totally understand.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews