FROM READERS OF THE MANUSCRIPT
“I have never read anything like this. What a tender and moving story of a loving couple and family going through the arduous path of suffering. What a courageous and godly spirit mixed with humor, joy, and numerous unexpected twists and turns as told by her loving husband. The story of the ruby necklace brought tears to my eyes. What a confident expectation is exhibited as the power of Christ and His gospel is shown through Courtney’s suffering and death and coming resurrection.” -Bruce McAllister, Director of Ministry Relations, Gospel Fellowship Association Missions, Greenville, SC
The author has led us through his and his wife’s difficult journey in battling her brain cancer. The scriptural faith of the family and friends as well as that of the author and his wife is inspiring, solid and instructive. I have often seen families rely only on faith or only on medical science for direction when facing these challenges. This family followed medical care while maintaining strong faith in God’s will and His total control. The result was in His timing and plan. God used this cancer and this family for good which was the patient’s desire. -M. Gildersleeve M.D., retired internist.
This deeply personal glimpse into one family’s pain and the overwhelming grace of God they experienced will increase your faith. Even in very bad circumstances, the gospel is still good news. Jesus Christ gives a song in the midst of suffering. 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that the Lord "comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” As you read this moving story, you will hear the testimony of people who found true comfort and desire to share it with others. Our stories are all different, but God’s grace is always the same. -Scott Pauley, evangelist.
FROM EMAIL RECIPIENTS
Justin’s emails ministered to me like a modern psalm. In the midst of suffering and sorrow Justin and Courtney didn’t turn in on themselves, but rather out to others and up to God. Their example was a powerful reminder to look to Jesus in every circumstance, the only source of life and peace in this world. -work colleague
This story is all about grace imparted and grace reflected. Our family watched God give Justin & Courtney grace for an unimaginable trial, and we watched them reflect His grace as they sent e-mails full of faith, hope, and love in the face of pain and death. As their e-mails were an excellent example to us, so will this book show you an example of accessing and reflecting God's amazing grace. -missionary and Bible translator
After joining Justin and Courtney's email list, I experienced how people throughout the world were holding up this couple through both prayer and earthly deeds. To read these emails is to see a shining example of how God provides and cares for people who are afflicted but nonetheless choose to walk in His ways, even if He does not choose to remove their affliction here on Earth. - a former co-worker of Justin's
I always found encouragement from your emails. I’m spite of the trials your family went through, your faith and trusting in God’s will for your life shone through. -homeschooling mom
I was touched by many things but mostly when Courtney mentioned the hymn Day by Day and that God gives each day what He deems best, and this illness must be what God deems best for me. Still resonates with me today. - a relative
I was inspired by Justin and Courtney's faith, courage, and bravery that was demonstrated through their email updates. The email updates challenged my faith, courage and bravery in return. I'm looking forward to having them published so I may be encouraged again in the future and may share the inspiration with others. -accountant
As a relative, we have all had an interest in the family and Courtney's health. The strength of you two to handle adversity is what impressed most. The way you and your entire family carried on, helping out and hearing from you helped us go on at times when we did not feel like it. The example Courtney set is impossible to follow. -one of Courtney’s relatives
Courtney and Justin’s journey through the diagnosis of cancer to the death of Courtney demonstrated how a Christian can journey with God steadfastly from beginning to “end” no matter how surprising the journey may be. -missionary
Justin and Courtney’s emails during their journey of faith were a tremendous encouragement to me. They showed me that the Lord’s grace really is sufficient for every trial He allows to come our way. I also realized how vital it is to know the Lord personally so that His Spirit can give the peace that surpasses all human understanding when the unexpected happens. -a long-time friend
The most important thing I learned through the emails was how Father God showed up again and again in your story, and how He will do the same for us if we ask Him. My faith grew! -Justin’s cousin
William Cowper wrote, "Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings" - Justin and Courtney's journey is full of surprising light and heartening song. It is a window through which I was privileged to witness their peace in the midst of pain, and their courageous perseverance in seeking the good and perfect purposes of our loving heavenly Father. Publishing this story is part of their "for good" (Romans 8:28-29) -- a precious legacy of hope. – a long-time friend
Courtney and Justin's journey demonstrated their devotion and faith in their Savior throughout. Courtney endured a lot of uncertain medical journeys and changes in her physical life with grace. She was an inspiration to those around her and used herself to show God's grace. Many people wouldn't see it that way. And that's how she was with all the family, making us feel better. She has no idea how much she is missed, and how many lives around the world that she may have changed because of cancer. Although the outcome is not what we wanted, Justin and the family keep serving God and praising Him daily, something that Courtney would have wanted and expected. -Courtney’s sister
A MOTHER’S STORY
During the illness of your beloved wife, I was in an emotional state of trying to trust God with my physical state due to almost dying from COVID.
Not too long after my illness, we learned of my firstborn son’s diagnosis of failing organs and the soon projected loss of his sight. Reading your weekly updates on the condition of your wife allowed me to pray for her and appreciate the grace and mercy that embraced your family. I would check for the updates to read the hope and faith you’d share as it gave me hope. You see I too had to entrust my son to God. My heart felt the pain and sorrow that was potentially bound to take place, yet you and your wife had such amazing faith and trust in God’s perfect plan for her life.
It was those written words of faith, trust, and reliance on our Almighty’s perfect will for your wife that helped get me through, the pain and sorrow that awaited me prior to her passing. My son was just 48 years old, but God in his sovereignty took him home because it was time for my son to stop suffering. That dear friend was my relief, my comfort and the reminder of God’s grace and sufficiency. I can’t thank you and your beloved wife enough for the strength and encouragement that you both gave me as I knew inevitably God was going to take my son home. I just want to encourage you and say thank you for never giving up and failing to trust the Lord during your ordeal. -a mother