Jim Ravella - Hope Found: When Life Isnt All You Hoped It Would Be. God Is.

This book was written to those who are struggling to find their way out of total darkness hoping to see a sliver of light. To those who feel God is silent and long to hear His whisper, you are not alone. His presence may be faint and dim, but we promise He is there and you will find Him waiting to meet you in places you never thought possible.

Endorsements

There is no story quite like the story of the Gilbert/Ravella family. To my wife, Kim and I, its clear to us that their faithful walks are genuine and real! Despite the devastating circumstances of disease and death, these two families, now merged into one, have chosen the road to purpose and peace. Their words will penetrate your heart and lead you, the reader, to the same hope they found.

-General Robin Baba Rand, USAF Global Strike Commander

Triumph overcomes tragedy in an incredible journey of Faith, Family and Freedom. An epic display of true American spirit. I am proud to stand with them.

-Major Dan Rooney, Founder Folds of Honor,
USAFR pilot, PGA Professional

Ive spent much time on the battlefield as well as in a hospital bed. Like the Gilbert and Ravella families, I have found Gods help equally in both places. There is no story quite as compelling and therapeutic as theirs. As a combat Army veteran and amputee, I am inspired and encouraged to carry on because of their journey. Hoorah!

-Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.),
Purple Heart Recipient, Author, Philanthropist, Motivational Speaker, Warriors for Freedom Founder, Folds of Honor Co-Founding Member

The story of Jim and Ginger Ravella is riveting, inspirational and full of hope. Not only will the lives of all who read this be encouraged but this is a story for every church and city across our nation!

-Dr. Brad Jurkovich, Senior Pastor,
First Bossier Church, Bossier City, LA

HOPE
FOUND

When life isnt all you hoped it would be.
God is.

Jim and Ginger Ravella

Copyright 2017 Jim and Ginger Ravella.

Author photos courtesy of Jennifer Denton Photography

Cover design courtesy of Kinsey Moore

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7787-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7788-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-7786-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017903591

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/25/2018

Contents

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,n1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are fromthe ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotes marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotes marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

NET Bible copyright 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved

Scripture taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright 2011 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL READERS VERSION, NIrV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1 984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

Dedication

Hope Found is dedicated to Andrea June Ravella and Troy Lee Gilbert, both well-loved warriors of the faith. So much of who we are is because of what we learned from the two of you. Hope Found is a memoir of the stories that make up our family, so it is also dedicated to our seven children, Nicholas, Anthony, Boston, Greyson, Isabella, Aspen, and Annalise, who have endured much at a young age and have done it with grace. May God always be the center of your lives, and may you never forget the examples set forth by Andrea and Troy. Their stories of authentic strength through Christ help us all find hope along lifes broken roads.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. (Psalm 116:15 NIV)

Hope Found was written with a tremendous amount of reflection, many tears, andwith seven children and two full-time jobsa lot of interruptions. It took almost five years to finish a story that is constantly being written as the Lord teaches us how to trust Him more. He put it on our hearts after the success of our blognot success in terms of look how great we are but success in terms of look how great God is! Obedience to Him and a desire to help someone find hope have been the two driving factors behind writing Hope Found . But there is a time when you know you simply must finish something because something bigger is happening. That season is now. The world needs Jesus more than ever.

We would first like to thank our kids, Nic, Anthony, Boston, Greyson, Bella, Aspen, and Annalise, who have endured great amounts of heartache far too early in life. They have not only stood up under the weight of loss but also have each supported our hectic lifestyle of writing and speaking so that others may be helped. Its selfless to give up time with a parent, no matter the reason. We are very proud of each of our children!

We could not have told the long and complicated story of not just one but essentially three different familiesJim and Andreas, Troy and Gingers, and the GilbertRavella blended familywithout the wonderful editing help of Gingers father, Dr. Jay Gurley, and our friends Amy Henrichsen and McKenzie Cranford. The tireless efforts of all of these people to help us weave together the many different elements into a common theme have been invaluable. Cover, jacket, and some family photos are all courtesy of Jennifer Denton, an amazing photographer friend in San Antonio, Texas.

We are thankful for every family member and friend who selflessly contributed to building us back up when our worlds were falling apart. There are too many to name here, but we hope they know that the fingerprints they left on our souls will forever remain.

Most of all, we thank the Lord Jesus Christ, from where our help comes.

The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation. (Psalm 91:1416 NLT)