The response to our family story as told in Flipped has been overwhelming. Almost every day, sometimes several times a day, people are sending me or other family members heartfelt notes that reflect encouragement and hope from reading the book.
We are seeing some people read the book themselves, then ordering 10, 20 or 40 copies to share with friends or people who they want to encourage. Our prayer that our story will help others who have been flipped by life is being realized. And we are just getting started.
Five weeks into publication, about 1,000 books are in the hands of readers. We only printed 2,600 total initially – and my fear then was that I might have 2,500 sitting in my garage forever!
In reflecting on this journey in my quiet time with the Lord this morning, I am overcome with thankfulness. What started with Tommy’s tragedy nine years ago, followed by darkness and very difficult times initially, has become, over time, brighter days and hope for the future. Each of us in the family has a sense of purpose for our lives. We know all of this comes from our God, who is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17).
Stephen Caldwell, the editor of Flipped and my friend, recently shared this quote from Charles Spurgeon; the famous English preacher, who said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Amen.
That is our family story.
Mark,
A wonderful story of Faith, Love and Hope! God Bless!
David,
Thank you for your encouragement and support!
My journey has taught me not to ask “Why me”, but to accept “Why not me”. Why should I not be challenged. This is a story of a good man who has been challenged to the extreme. In the literal blink of an eye, Tommy and his family have were flipped upside down. Inside the shock, the sadness, the pain and the absolute chaos – they held on. They did not lose faith and it is there they found God’s gifts of hope and peace. What a great story of courage and love.
Wayne,
Thank you for your heartfelt response to Mark’s book!