My Son John, by Kathi Macias

My Son John, by Kathi Macias
Sheaf House Publishers, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9797485-4-7

It's easy to trust God when blessings are pouring in, and life is struggle-free, isn't it? But what happens when a worse case scenario strikes? How would your faith measure up against a terrible tragedy?

Author Kathi Macias has woven a story so raw, so candid, it leaves one wondering, How would I fare if one of my loved ones were murdered—not by a stranger, but by a family member? Would I limit God’s ability to heal my broken heart? And could I ever find the strength to forgive the person behind such a horrific act?

My Son John is a chilling exploration of tragedy, grief, and the hard work of unconditional love and forgiveness. While Liz Peterson grapples with the news of her elderly mother’s brutal murder, I thought of Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The unthinkable had happened, and her Christian faith would be tested in ways she could not have imagined.

As the story progresses, though, the Peterson family receives even more devastating news: their son John has been arrested for his grandmother’s murder. Will God’s grace be strong enough to hold them together? Is His strength truly “made perfect in weakness,” as the Bible assures us?

My Son John is a captivating read that I won’t soon forget. I found myself thanking God for his limitless grace, and asking myself how I would respond in such a horrific situation. Untested faith can often grow stagnant, but this book is a reminder that none of us knows what a day may bring. Our very lives are in His strong, capable hands. What we do with that knowledge will determine how we react, should tragedy land on our very own doorstep.

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Author’s website