Book Review - Blind Hope



I am in love with this book. I read it last month as part of my morning devotions on the deck. Each morning I read one of the short chapters and more than once found tears in my eyes as I reflected on how this young woman's journey mirrored my own relationship with God.

Here's a synopsis from the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch website:


An unwanted dog and the woman she rescued.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie learned from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend.  Reaching out to save a dog in need, Laurie, a Crystal Peaks staff member, soon realized that the dog was saving her.

Despite the blindness of her dog, and her own heart, Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance — faults and all.

Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see.  In the process, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s selfless love even for imperfect and selfish people — and she experienced a greater love than she has ever known.



The author of the book, Kim Meeder, is the founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a faith-based organization which started from a desire to rescue horses and soon grew as a sanctuary for young people. Kim has written two other books of stories from the ranch and how it has touched lives. This book was a departure in that an entire book was devoted to Laurie's journey. 

What's remarkable about this book is Kim's ability to transform Laurie's story of rescue and love for a dog to demonstrate God's love for each of us. Each step along the way, as Laurie believes that she is caring for Mia, she realizes that Mia is actually teaching her. As Mia struggles with severe illness and Laurie cares for her, as the dog slowly goes blind, Laurie discovers lessons about her own life  and ultimately about her relationship with God. She learns that God loves us even as we struggle to find our own path and often get lost. That God is there with us in our darkest hours and that so much of our relationship with God is about trust and letting go of the need to do things our way.


The lessons from this book will stay with me for a long time. I'm grateful I had the chance to read it.


Comments

larramiefg said…
Animal books...just can't read without tears of sadness or joy.
Keetha said…
I'm with Larramie. Animals, especially dogs, make me cry. Tell me the dog doesn't die in the end.

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