by Carol Kent
Carol Kent has lived every parent's nightmare. A New Kind of Normal begins with the story of that horrible night when Carol and Gene learned their son had been arrested, but it doesn't end there. In fact, Carol knows what it means to live with an unthinkable circumstance that will never change--and to still make hope-filled choices. Through the eight chapters in this book, Carol will use their own story, the story of Mary mother of Jesus, and stories of women who have experienced their own "new normal" to share how God has led them to choose life, gratitude, vulnerability, involvement, forgiveness, trust, and action.
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances
by Carol Kent
For the first time, best-selling author Carol Kent shares the heartbreaking story of her son, Jason, with the world. Her moving testimony to God's faithfulness will alter the way you think about personal challenges.
Here's what people are saying about this book:
"Almost any portion of my life can be assaulted, but to watch my children suffer is unendurable...I read When I Lay My Isaac Down and I wept. I wept for Carol and her husband and for all those who are called to submit to a greater story than the one we would prefer to live. This book sings hope in the minor key. It is an amazing, profound, and deeply human labor of love. This labor will invite you to weep and worship."
Dan Allender
Ph.D. President, Mars Hill Graduate School
author of The Wounded Heart and How Children Raise Parents
"This book shook me to my core. It took me to places I have never been, places that as a mother I cannot even imagine. But even as Carol walked me through this dark valley I could not escape the radiant light of Christ that shone even in the most suffocating darkness. This book will touch you deeply. Even as it takes you to the edge of your greatest fears you will discover that God has a bigger plan and that you are never, ever alone. May these words that were written in tears reap a great harvest in your heart as they have in mine."
Sheila Walsh
author of The Heartache No One Sees and Women of Faith.
When I Lay My Isaac Down is a book about the worst pain that a parent could ever experience and the grace of God that sustains us when that pain never goes away. Carol Kent has laid open her broken heart and proven that triumph can exist in tragedy. This book will break your heart as it strengthens your faith!"
Dr. David Jeremiah, founder, Turning Point Ministries, author of Life Wide Open and My Heart's Desire
"Carol Kent is a woman of valor. Through countless seasons she has laid down her gifts, her heart and her life for the gospel. The world has been richer because of her obedience and her unyielding fervor. And now, God has asked her to lay down her most precious treasure. Carol has come away from the altar gloriously transformed...so will you."
Kathy Troccoli
Author, Speaker, Recording Artist
"For all those experiencing Job's dark day in the present, and for all whose day is yet to come, this book points the way to the dawn of a new day."
Jill Briscoe, speaker, author of A Little Pot of Oil
"Carol Kent's gripping story is evidence that God will always answer us when we pray: 'Glorify yourelf through my life.' Powerful reading."
Larry Crabb, Ph.D, author of Soul Talk and Shattered Dreams
"Carol offers us the treasure she found in her darkest hours: an unforgettable journey into deep sorrow and gentle mercies. This tragically tender love story is illuminated with hope."
Patsy Clairmont, Women of Faith speaker, author of I Grew Up Little
"If I was to read only one book this year, it would be When I Lay My Issac Down. This honest, heart-wrenching story caused me to look deep within and say to God, 'Yes I am willing to give up what I love to You who loves me more.'"
Linda Dillow, author of Calm My Anxious Heart and Intimacy Ignited
Carol Kent is not an author who writes merely from intellectual knowledge, she lives her work and does it graciously. In When I Lay My Isaac down she tackles the issue of surrendering what is nearest and dearest to our hearts in a way that the reader has to be encouraged through their pain. Truly she has chosen to comfort others with the comfort that she has received through God's ever present mercy. For anyone facing the unique heartbreak of having to surrender what feels like a part of yourself this book is a must read.
Michelle McKinney Hammond
author of The Diva Principle
"What a rare treasure it is to weep, mourn and rejoice with Carol, finding in her words the strength in Christ to let go of my 'Isaacs.' Please receive Carol's invitation to take up our crosses together, knowing that with God, the story isn't over."
Bonnie Keen, writer/recording artist of the song, Isaac
"Carol Kent has poured her heart onto these pages, sharing her tragic and triumphant journey with breathtaking honesty. We grieve with her, cry with her, hurt with her, and seek answers, just as she does. Yet it is her compassion for others and her teacher's heart that lift this story far above a simple testimony to God's faithfulness. When I Lay My Isaac Down is about a believer's faith put to the ultimate test. Every tear shed by this dear family has been caught in a bottle and turned into living water, providing refreshing hope for all who are thirsty."
Liz Curtis Higgs,
best-selling author of Bad Girls of the Bible
