"Sometimes you Stay" by Liz Johnson: A Red Door Inn Romance

Psalm 32:7. "You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. "

A small child growing up with trauma (physical, psychological, emotional abuse or neglect) is so hard for us to process.  For the child, there are scars they will carry throughout life.  Many times those cars will be picked over and bleed a bit more til they scab over again.  Many times we question and ask where God was in the midst of all this and why did He allow this to happen?  The people who are supposed to love and protect this innocent child, are the ones hurting him causing great pain.  I am no theologian and I do not understand the why, and I sincerely believe we won't understand it this side of heaven.  As a victim of childhood trauma, I can tell you that looking back, I see God's hand and protection throughout my childhood.  These painful experiences have made me who I am today, and God has used them to help me reach out to children today.  I see the truth of Romans 8:28 through the end of the chapter.  

Liz Johnson illustrates this beautifully in the story of Cretia Martin.  Growing up with a dysfunctional mother (a hoarder who puts things above relationships) Cretin is afraid to put roots down naturally digital content creator, she travels the world with all her possessions in one backpack and suitcase.    In an unexpected meeting, literally running into Prince Edwaed Island dog breeder Finn Chaffey, Martin's posessions are lost in the harbor and she is forced to stay for a while.

What follows is a beautiful story of discovery for Cretia.  She learns to embrace forgiveness, and to acknowledge the crippling hold her past on her.  She has to learn to trust and embrace life, learning she can put roots down without turning into her mother.   This book touched so close to home as my home was similar to hers, and healing tears were shed throughout.   It also prompted me to evaluate my own life, and how I need to let go of the past.   To offer forgiveness and grace to others and myself.

Finn also has a past and emotional baggage that he is carrying around (the loss of a sibling).  Liz brings these two characters together in a beautiful and sensitive way - showing God's grace, redemption, and sovereignty.  He has an amazing plan for us when we are able to put down the heavy baggage of our past and trust in our heavenly Father.

I encourage everyone to read this novel.   You will fall in love with Prince Edward Island and all the characters.  More importantly, you will learn to let go of the past, find forgiveness, and move forward in faith.

Simba gives this book four paws.

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