I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life

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Description

Most of us longtobe in controlof our schedule, our relationships, and our future.

NewlywedLauraStorythought she had control over the great life ahead ofher. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not wanttofulfillherdreams

But whenLauraandherhusband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a sons birth defect, she realized shed been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again,Laurahadtosurrenderhervision forherlife so she could embrace Gods vision. And again and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, Gods plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined.

NowtheGrammyAwardwinningsinger-songwriterknown for such hits asBlessings, Indescribable,and MightytoSavesharesherpowerfulstoryoffindingblessinginherdeepestpain. In,IGiveUp,Lauraexplores:

• Howtodelight in Gods gifts no matter your circumstances.
• Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process.
• The strength we find from meditating on Gods Word.
• Why surrenderingtoGod leadstoreconciliation with others.
• How the things we considertobe losses are ways for Godtodisplay his glory.

AsLaurawrites, she no longer wantstobe in control ofherlife. She wantstobe rooted in the God whoisin control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your handstoGod. Andgiveup.

Reviews

In this inspiring memoir, Story (When God Doesn't Fix It), a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, explores recent personal turmoil and the ways uncertainty has opened her to God's plan. After her husband is diagnosed with a brain tumor, a pregnant Story learns that her son will be born with a cleft palate. The occurrences stun her and inspire her recommit to God. In addition to sharing her own experiences, she provides examples from the Bible of those who surrendered to God's plan, including Esther, Hannah, Joseph, and Jesus. 'Choosing to believe God when a situation remains unresolved... is a serious lesson in surrender.' Story addresses how one's choices affect others and why the act of surrendering often leads to the betterment or reconciliation of relationships. Following her husband's recovery and the healthy birth of her son (whose cleft palate required less surgery than they imagined), she explains how 'giving up' allowed God to use her disappointments to display his glory. Story also includes uplifting lyrics from her songs and concludes chapters with prayers based on the idea of surrender. Her tale of maintaining faith through hardship and her message that 'surrender is the secret to a life of joy' will appeal both to fans of her music and Christian readers alike. * PW *

Author Bio

Laura Story is a wife, mother, songwriter, worship leader, author, artist, and Bible teacher. Her songs-which have won Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and Dove Awards-include "Blessings," "Mighty to Save," and Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable." Laura has a master of theological studies and a doctorate in worship studies, and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005. Her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and mother to Josie, Ben, Griffin, and Timothy.