Chantel Hobbs - Walk Strong, Look Up

2011 by Chantel Hobbs

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-3407-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are 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. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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

Scripture quotations marked Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the author, some details and names have been changed.

Any internet addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers in this book are accurate at the time of publication. They are provided only as a resource; Baker Publishing Group does not endorse them or vouch for their content or permanence.

The information provided herein should not be construed as prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher does not enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship with its readers. Readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or who fail to consult with health-care professionals, assume all risks of such conduct.

This book is dedicated to those with

Such a Pretty Face .

May you find the thrill of walking with the One
who not only sees your soul, but has the power
to renew your spirit one step at a time.

Contents

Acknowledgments

I am rarely at a loss for words, but when it comes to how I feel about my Savior and the work He has me doing, Im speechless. Not only do I get to write books about Him for a living, but I am able to help hurting people at the same time. All I can say to Him is this:

Lord, there is no way the girl I once was could ever have come up with the idea I would be the woman I am today. And because I know who You are, and who Im not, it excites me even more to know the best is yet to come!

To my husband, Keith: When I think of 1 Corinthians 13, I think of you and the way you love me. You truly do bear all things with me, and I know Im no picnic sometimesalong with my great zeal seems to come great chaos. Not only do I adore you, but I am also keenly aware that the ministry God has for me wouldnt exist without your strength and support. Thank you for knowing when to speak, when to pray, and when just to hug!

To Ashley: Do you really want to go away to college? Ive told you we could homeschool you for it. Seriously, I cant believe you will be finishing your senior year in the blink of an eye. You are already making a difference in the lives of many; however, Im not convinced it needs to be in third world countries! Actually, when I look at the pictures of you cradling the orphans in Uganda, I am humbled to call you my daughter.

To Kayla: You have a unique way of making everyone you encounter feel special, whether through taking a sick friend a special treat or surprising Daddy and me by cleaning the entire house. The world wont always understand why you keep on giving, but youll know exactly why. We are happiest when we serve someone else, and you get this at a very early age. Its a beautiful thing to watch!

To Jake: I think you are clueless when it comes to exactly how hilarious you are. I catch you watching your sisters and me wage war over clothes sharing or other matters, often due to high levels of hormones clashing at once. You simply shake your head in a way that seems to say, Wow, all women are insane! And we are. Insane about you! We love the laughter and humor you provide for us.

To Luke: Im still trying to figure out how I can tactfully insist your future wife must continue to sing your Night-Night song one daymany, many years from now. You are a very sweet boy with a lot of pressure on you as the baby. I get it, even if no one else does. Never forget you are a miracle, in many ways.

To Mother and Dad: I love you both very much, and I am grateful beyond words for the Christian upbringing youve provided for me.

To my mother-in-law, Linda, and my father-in-law, Ken: Thank you for investing in a beautiful cabin in the mountains with a paradise view that served as the perfect place to write much of this book.

To my Aunt Shell: I want you to know how much I appreciate your love and thoughtfulness. While Pepas passing has been hard, rest assured, he wont be missing any ball games. In fact, hes now seeing them on a gigantic screen and hearing them more clearly than ever before!

To Mary: Its funny how a walk in Cypress Park turned into a beautiful friendship. Each time we are together, I leave feeling as if I have just spent time with one of Gods favorites!

To my editor, Lonnie: I hoped several years ago wed do a book together one day, and here we are. God cracks me up. Thanks so much for believing in my message and for protecting my voice. Be of good cheer! I have no doubt your persistence in getting the hope-filled information in this book out there will aid in changing the lives of many.

To Chip: I still wonder if, after the first time we spoke, you imagined Id have the opportunity to write all these books. Gods favor still makes me scratch my head, but I know one thing: You have played a critical part in all of this. Thank you for believing in me.

To the folks at Bluefishactivewear.com: Thanks for making clothes to sweat in that still make me feel cool!

To Grif Blackstone and the entire Blackstone Media staff: Who knew speaking at a Business with Purpose breakfast would turn out to be an enormous answer to my prayers. Thanks for helping me do what I do best, and in case you havent figured it out yet, Geek-talk isnt it!

To my Pastor, Bob Coy: Thank you for your obedience in planting a church in South Florida over twenty-five years ago. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale is more than a home; it has served as a haven of refuge and as a place of great joy, great growth, and great healing for my life.

To the reader: I must acknowledge you, too! First, I am very honored to have your trust as you give me some of your most valuable commodity, time. Know this: I am confident that as you learn how to walk stronger, a new world will open up to you. Thank you for letting me be part of that. All I can say is, wow!

Introduction

It Pays to Advertise

A s I waited for my Egg Beaters and whole-grain toast, an old man plopped down in front of me. At first glance, what to my wondering eyes did then appear but a grandpa whom I imagined had a part-time gig as a modelof Santa suits, that is. My first thought was, Well, the suffering economy wouldnt affect him trying to get a job at the mall for the holidays. That is, as long as he liked kids, had a jolly attitude, and was talented enough to say ho-ho-ho while making his belly jump. But on this day he was sporting ordinary clothes, with the exception of an extraordinary hat. It proclaimed boldly, Jesus is my boss.