Praise for #butGod
This book is about the joy of life and the justice/injustice of life. We all know that life is not always fair and as you read this book you will certainly have that cross your mind. This family has had many injustices touch their family: from the death of a child to the life-threatening accident of another. Yet joy prevails throughout this book, and the Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Jeremy, Emily, Caleb, and family all understand that God is a miracle worker, and their hope is in Him. You will feel the calm assurance that God is with you, that He knows and He cares for you from the words they write. I know that once you start reading this book you will have a hard time laying it down. It is a joy-maker and an encourager. It really is a #butGod true story.
DAVID AND BARBARA GREEN, FOUNDERS, HOBBY LOBBY
Pastor Jeremy Freeman and his family have endured crushing disappointment and heartbreak, but theyve also experienced the redemptive and healing power of God. If you are facing significant challenges, Pastor Jeremys book #butGod will build your faith and equip you with the strength to overcome.
CRAIG GROESCHEL, FOUNDING AND SENIOR PASTOR, LIFE. CHURCH; NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
There are some books that when you start reading you cannot put them down. #butGod is one of those books. This is an amazing story that will captivate you. You will laugh and cry. You will weep for sorrow and weep for joy. And in it all, you will see the amazing grace of God and His sustaining power and love for His children. The Freemans are dear friends. I am so thankful they are willing to share their remarkable journeya journey that is not yet finished!
DR. DANIEL L. AKIN, PRESIDENT, SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, WAKE FORREST, NORTH CAROLINA
The tragedy of the cosmos is the legacy of sin and a consequence of the Fall. That tragedy also presents itself in human suffering that is simultaneously intense and inexplicable. In this book, part testimonial and part reflection, Jeremy Freeman takes the reader into his own familys experience of pain and trial. This is a very moving book written by a very thoughtful pastor, who shares with the reader his confidence that in all things God is working out His glory in the lives of believersand for eternity.
DR. R. ALBERT MOHLER JR., PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Few of us have experienced anything as gut-wrenching or expressed anything as God-honoring as Jeremy and Caleb Freeman. The Freemans story is true triumph in the face of real tragedy. Their story of love and faith in God is one of the greatest inspirations you will ever read.
TOMMY WOODARD AND EDDIE JAMES, THE SKIT GUYS
Gripping, honest, and directed straight at anyone who has suffered or will suffer, and thats all of us. This book is not sentimental or shallow; it gets us to hope the only way we can ever find itnot by going around heartbreak but by going right through it to the other side.
DR. RUSSELL MOORE, DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC THEOLOGY PROJECT AT CHRISTIANITY TODAY; AUTHOR, THE COURAGE TO STAND
The Freemans story is breathtaking and meaningful as they share their challenging circumstances yet remain ever steady in their trust in a good and loving God. Not only have they endured unimaginable hardships and survived, they have come out the other side of their suffering with astounding joy and exuberant hope. Read this book, and see the goodness of God!
MICHAEL AND LAUREN MCAFEE, COFOUNDERS OF INSPIRE EXPERIENCES; COAUTHORS, NOT WHAT YOU THINK
It is tempting to read a strangers account of tragedy and triumph and wonder if it is all true. Is their faith that genuine? Did they really say those things? This story is real. The pain described is real, the faith expressed is real, and the God holding the Freeman family together is real. I heard Jeremy declare his faith in God even while heartbroken when his son Trey went to heaven. I saw his faith in action in the hospital the night Caleb and Clayton were in the horrific accident. I have witnessed his familys influence over his precious congregation. What I have seen is a family that serves an extraordinary God. This book tells the story of the Freemans journey through tragedy, but it testifies to so much more. It shines the light on the Source of their hope, the Lord Jesus Christ, and it points the reader to the only One who can see you through your own day of struggle. You may not be able to make beauty from tragedy, but God can!
DR. MICHAEL STATON, SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, MUSTANG, OKLAHOMA
This story will inspire you. It is a story of a family walking through pain and trauma, in need of a miracle. It is a story of life change and yes, of a miracle. In a cynical world, we need books that inspire us to once again believe God. You or someone you know needs to read this. One of my favorite phrases in Scripture is but God. It reminds us that things can change when God shows up.
MICHAEL CATT, AUTHOR AND FILM PRODUCER
Caleb not only has an incredible story, he has an incredible heart. And I cant think of anyone better to talk about either of those than Jeremy, someone Ive known for more than twenty years. Not only will you be touched by this book, you will discover the answer to the hunger so many in the world have. Now more than ever people are crying out, But God... why did this happen?, Whats next for me?, or When will it be over? Caleb is living proof that God is diligent to answer.
DR. ALEX HIMAYA, FOUNDING AND SENIOR PASTOR, BATTLECREEK CHURCH, BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA
This is the story of a family in the fire. It has been my honor to know four generations of this family who love each other and serve the Lord. And I dont think I have ever known a family who has endured more loss, heartache, grief, and disappointment. On nearly every page of this book, you will find a family praying and perseveringtwo premier indicators of faith. Prepare to be challenged as you read about an extraordinary young man and his impressive parents. This book does what Caleb doesit puts the spotlight on Gods faithfulness, Gods power, Gods purpose, and Gods saving grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.
DR. HANCE DILBECK, PRESIDENT AND CEO, GUIDESTONE FINANCIAL RESOURCES
In #butGod, Rev. Jeremy Freeman somehow manages to convey all the emotionthe highs and the lowshe and his family experienced in the aftermath of the 2017 car crash that led to his son Calebs life-altering injuries. Hope is a central theme throughout, but Freeman also explores concepts like surrender, perseverance, and loss through the powerful lens of faith. Those who have followed Caleb Freemans story over the years are sure to appreciate the many details, prayers, and life lessons Pastor Freeman has shared in #butGod. Those who are new to the Freemans story will also be inspired by one Oklahoma familys journey of miracles and their continued mission to share Gods message of hope.
CARLA HINTON, FAITH EDITOR, THE OKLAHOMAN
Tragedies happen to all of us, but few people gain all that God can give in difficulty. This rare book by Jeremy Freeman gives us a front-row seat to a modern miracle. Filled with honesty and raw truth, #butGod not only tells us the Freemans story but also gives us deep theology about how to face suffering and really live. I read this book in less than four hours because I couldnt put it down. It is a must-read!
BILL ELLIFF, FOUNDING AND NATIONAL ENGAGE PASTOR, THE SUMMIT CHURCH, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
Its good to be reminded that while we see to the corner, our God sees around the corner. What we see as problems or pain, God sees as purpose and potential. In his book