Christina Schofield - My Life and Lesser Catastrophes: An Unflinchingly Honest Journey of Faith

Copyright 2011 by Christina Schofield

Published by Chosen Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

11400 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55438

www.chosenbooks.com

Cover design by Dan Pitts

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 meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwisewithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-3250-2

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Scripture quotations identified NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations identified TNIV are from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAYS NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. TNIV. Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica. Used by permission of Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Chrissy Schofield is like a cheerful tour guide through tragedy. She finds joy, beauty, love where others might see only sorrow. She is so close to God that its like He is sitting across her kitchen table, having breakfast with her. After reading her story, you will feel good about life and closer to God. Chrissy is a scrumptious writer; I drool over everything that comes from her tablet, and this story is a treasure.

Daniel Schantz, professor of Christian education,
Central Christian College of the Bible, Moberly, Missouri

Ive read many books and articles about lives interrupted in ways that forever shift the meaning of normal, but never have I been so personally impacted by such an account. Christina Schofield shares an insiders view of such a shift with clarity, honesty and a God-given wit that brings tears and laughter, awe and reverence. She doesnt sugarcoat her familys struggle, but deals candidly with doubt and uncertainty in a way that coaxes readers to face their own fears and yesuncertainties. Her questions come from a heart sincerely searching for answers and yearning to know Gods will.
Christinas story caused me to reexamine my own heart, and to review all I know of Gods amazing characterHis faithfulness, mercy, kindness, compassion and so much more. Truly a life-changing book, a page-turner in the very best sense; a courageous story about a couple who did not choose this path yet have anchored themselves to God, anticipating that some way, somehow, He will turn their experience into something lovely. I believe He already has.

Bonnie Bruno, author, When God Steps In: Stories of Everyday Grace and The Young Readers Bible ; www.bonniebruno.com

I love this book and I encourage anyone to read it. Somehow Christina has found a way to write about her painful story with surprising honesty, humility and humor. But dont be fooled: This book is not about her. God is the main character, and cover to cover, this is a relatable story of His faithfulness to all of us in our suffering.

Amy Simpson, vice president, Christianity Today ;
publisher and editor-in-chief, Kyria.com

Some people like to wrap faith up in a box with perfect pretty paper and tie it in a bow, nice and neat. But real life isnt like thatwhen difficulties come, that false, prepackaged faith crumbles apart. Real life can be messy, painful and confusingreal life demands a real faith. Thats the kind of faith youll find in this book.
Christina is as real as it gets: honest, gutsy, authentic, raw. And through it alljourneying day-by-day through tragedy and its aftermathshes courageously joyful. Whether youre facing tragedy, a fearful situation or just the everyday jumble of difficulties, questions and emotional challenges that life throws our way, you can find hope and inspiration (and some hysterical laughs!) as you journey with Christina through the pages of this book. What a privilege it is to watch Christina and Allen as they walk together with Jesus.

Kelli B. Trujillo, author, Faith-Filled Moments and The Busy Moms Guide to Spiritual Survival

To Dad and Mom,
my beloved parents, and to brave, strong Allen.