Stacy Henagan - Breathe Again: Choosing to Believe Theres More When Life Has Left You Broken

PRAISE FOR BREATHE AGAIN

Stacy invites us into an inspirational journey of wrestling with God to discover the beauty that emerges from a broken heart. If youve experienced devastating loss with nothing left to give, this book is for you. May you draw strength in these pages of the promise that is to come.

REBEKAH LYONS, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF RHYTHMS OF RENEWAL AND YOU ARE FREE

Stacys story is like a beautiful and fragrant rose blooming out of cement because she discovered living hope and tangible peace in emotional territory others have castigated as a barren wasteland. The fact that shes been able to weave her experience with compelling biblical narrative in a way that helps others hang on to genuine joy and divine purpose while navigating dark valleys is a true gift. This must-read book is both a love letter to our Creator Redeemer and an excellent trail guide for His image bearers!

LISA HARPER, AUTHOR OF THE SACRAMENT OF HAPPY, BELIEVING JESUS, AND MORE

My wife, Debbie, and I are honored to call Casey and Stacy Henagan longtime friends, and we have personally witnessed them walking out the principles found in this book. Watching Stacy battle to hold on to her faith in the aftermath of losing her daughter and refusing to remain stuck in her grief, doubt, and disappointment has been both remarkable and inspiring. If youre struggling with your faith, this book will help you recognize truth and encourage you to hold on to your faith while discovering God is trustworthy and good, even when we dont understand.

ROBERT MORRIS, FOUNDING LEAD SENIOR PASTOR AT GATEWAY CHURCH AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE BLESSED LIFE, BEYOND BLESSED, AND TAKE THE DAY OFF

When Stacy Henagan endured the loss of her precious baby daughter to a terminal disease, she faced the limits of her faith in God. Breathe Again is her honest and inspiring account of her journey through grief, anguish, and heartache, but it is also a field guide for anyone who struggles with suffering in this world. Tracing the footsteps of Abrahams father, Terah, who also lost a child, Stacy unexpectedly discovers a new path to Gods comfort, healing, and strength.

CHRIS HODGES, SENIOR PASTOR OF CHURCH OF THE HIGHLANDS AND AUTHOR OF THE DANIEL DILEMMA AND WHATS NEXT?

We all get knocked down, but how do we find the strength to get back up again? With authenticity and courage, Stacy tells her own knockdown story and how she overcame. Breathe Again is the encouragement you need to get back up again.

TABATHA CLAYTOR, COLEAD PASTOR AT ALIVE CHURCH

I was privileged to be Stacy Henagans pastor when she and her husband, Casey, walked through the tremendous trial with Havens life. They were full of faith, hope, and love. Their hearts were broken, but their faith was unbroken. God has rewarded them a hundredfold with an amazing church and family. If you are in a desperate situation, get ready for an amazing story of courage. Courage is even sweeter when you read about its reward.

LARRY STOCKSTILL, TEACHING PASTOR AT BETHANY CHURCH, FOUNDER OF PASTORS UNIVERSITY, AND AUTHOR OF MODEL MAN AND THE REMNANT

Grief, a natural expression in this life, serves to either paralyze us or make us strong. I have lived to see Stacys amazing resilience, from devastation to powerful ministry, as she has chosen to be made strong. Her story will elevate and challenge you.

MELANIE STOCKSTILL, FORMER COPASTOR AT BETHANY CHURCH

2020 Stacy Henagan

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ISBN 978-0-7852-3435-7 (TP)

ISBN 978-0-7852-3436-4 (eBook)

Epub Edition July 2020 9780785234364

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020934307

Printed in the United States of America

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For my husband, Casey, who reminds me what
authentic and selfless love really is.

For my kids Holland, Hayes, and Hudson,
who are my greatest reward.

For Ashton Duggar, because, well, you know why.

Finally, for Haven, who I await to join
with indescribable anticipation.

CONTENTS

It was the nineteenth of October. The time was ten twenty-five at night. The hum of the oxygen machine droned on in our bedroom. I noticed a change in my daughters blank expression and felt an urgency to hold her. This wasnt something we did often because moving caused her discomfort.

My husband carefully laid Havens tiny body on a pillow in my lap as I sat in a rocking chair. I could tell she was fighting for life. All I wanted to do in that moment was tell her I loved her. Over and over I told her. My mother heart had already been pulverized into tiny pieces, and I didnt know how much more it could take.

Finally I said the most honest prayer I could formulate with words. It was risky and desperate. I sat as still as I could, careful not to jostle her. I spoke no truer words than these: God, weve given You every opportunity to heal Haven. Ive given it all I have. I have no regrets because I know I have believed You as best as I know how. I have fought the good fight of faith. But Jesus, I cant stand to watch the suffering any longer. My heart hurts, but I release Haven to You. If Youre not going to heal her, as hard as this is to say, please take her now.