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I received a free copy of Love Him Anyway by Abby Banks in exchange for an honest review. All always, all opinions are my own.
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of reading an advance copy of Love Him Anyway by Abby Banks and it absolutely rocked me to my core. Written by his mother, Love Him Anyway tells the true story of a boy named Wyatt who went to bed one evening a healthy baby and woke up the next morning paralyzed due to an autoimmune disease called transverse myelitis. Abby writes about Wyatt overcoming the obstacles he has been faced with and the Banks’ family adjustment to a life they had not expected to live.
This book was an absolutely beautiful read. I love Abby’s vulnerability in writing about the toughest experiences in her life and I know that her writing will help touch someone who is going through a similar struggle. In fact, it reminded me of my sister Brandi’s medical condition called McArdle’s Disease— a metabolic disorder of which there is no cure and will most likely cause her to lose muscle function and be wheelchair bound as it progresses. It is such a hard reality to know that most likely one day my sister will not be able to walk, but knowing how Wyatt is able to live a happy, full life gives me hope for my sister.
I must be honest– if you plan to read this book in public, be prepared to cry. During my 30 minute lunch breaks at work, I was always found reading on my Kindle, tears streaming down my face.
There’s one quote from the book that I found so beautifully written, so inspiring, that I immediately typed it into my iPhone to save and re-read.
When we don’t know what to do next and are cropped by fear, we love. We love until the fear is gone. When we can find no answers and can’t make sense of the situations in our life, we love. Love will always be the right answer. When our faith is weak and hope is hard to find, love will carry us through.
One of my favorite things about this book is how gospel-focused it is. Despite the situations in their lives, the Banks family continues to place their trust and hope in Jesus. In one section of the book, Abby wrote about a Muslim woman whose son was in the hospital where Wyatt was staying and how enamored she was with Wyatt. Abby wrote that the love of Jesus radiates through her son and how the Lord is using him.
Wyatt’s fight is worth celebrating. It isn’t the end result that counts, whether he walks or whether he doesn’t. It is the beauty in the battle. (…) The journey counts because it’s in the journey that we discover who we are following.
I am so excited to be able to share a giveaway where you can win a signed copy of the book. Although I don’t tend to re-read books, this is one I would definitely keep on my bookshelf when I need to be reminded of God’s goodness.
Win a signed copy of Love Him Anyway!
If you don’t win the giveaway, but still want to get your hands on a copy of the book, you can order it from the Ambassador International bookstore for 10% off during the pre-release sale using the code “LOVEHIM”. You can also follow Wyatt’s story on Facebook or his website.