My family and I went through a particularly rough time with our son last month. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced as a parent, and it tested my faith in so many ways. But God brought all of us through, and He used it as a catalyst for changes to our son’s medication as well as his support at school. For the first time in about two years, I can look back and see that our son’s health has improved. His seizures as well as many behavior issues that came from them are mostly under control.
Seeing these amazing improvements born of what was a very difficult time wasn’t the only amazing part, though. While we were walking this particular path, we weren’t only surrounded by God’s love and protection, but by the people in our lives. Family, friends, and even people we didn’t know that well reached out, prayed for us, and continually asked how things were going. I discovered that there were people who had gone through a similar situation, and I never even knew it. They were able to offer comfort or encouragement in a way others couldn’t. It made me wonder whether God brought us together for this very reason, and it has me hoping that I can be that person for someone going through something similar in the future.
God is incredibly skilled at weaving lives together.
When I first started writing Safe In His Arms in 2016, I wanted to show how God can reach into even some of the most grim circumstances and shine a light to help us through, even when we don’t realize it at the time. In this series, I focused on three people who met just prior to aging out of the foster care system. They had no one but each other. Instead of going their separate ways, they chose to be there for each other and form that supportive family unit that they’d never had growing up.
Joel, Chess, and Brooke know that no matter what challenges come their way, they have people who will be there for them to pray them through. That counts for a whole lot! As I put the finishing touches on the third, and final, book in this series, I was again reminded how amazing it is to be surrounded by God’s love.
~ Giveaway ~
Have you gone through a time in your life where, once you looked back, you could see how God surrounded you in a way you’d never expected? Comment below, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a digital copy of Safe In His Arms. The giveaway will remain open through May 4th, and a random winner will be contacted by e-mail on May 5th. If the winner already has Safe In His Arms, one of my other e-books can be substituted.
~*~
Safe In His Arms – Anna’s running for her life. Joel refuses to turn his back on her. Can they find a way to be together, or will her past pull them apart?
When a beautiful woman walks into his diner asking for a job, Joel Ash can’t bring himself to say no. The more he gets to know Anna, the more he’s convinced she’s hiding something. Intrigued and drawn to protect her, he prays he can ensure her safety and guard her heart. Even if it means risking his own in the process.
Anna Henderson is on the run. In a new town, she wants nothing more than to trust Joel and the family offering her a fresh beginning. She’s secured vital evidence that could put her obsessive ex behind bars and out of her life. But without the ability to access it, she’ll always be looking over her shoulder.
Worried her past will catch up with her, can Anna ever feel safe in Joel’s arms?
Someone to Trust – Brooke Pierce thought she’d perfected the art of hiding her feelings from Chess, her best friend and surrogate brother. Then, in a moment of weakness, she reveals the truth. His immediate rejection shatters her heart. After years of waiting for something that clearly wasn’t meant to be, it’s time to break away. Knowing she needs to move on, she must rely on the faith that’s always sustained her.
Chess Summers can’t be the person Brooke needs, even though his heart demands otherwise. Determined to protect Brooke from his past, he’s refused to tell her about the family he came from or the painful way it fell apart. He’ll do anything to give her the future she deserves, even if it means keeping his distance to prevent history from repeating itself.
As they grapple with the changes in their friendship, they realize moving apart won’t end their struggles. Only by taking the journey together can it lead to the redemption and love they both so desperately seek.
Starting Anew – Coming late May 2019
Elizabeth Maddrey says
So many times.
I followed your updates on FB and am continuing to pray for your family – it’s good to know that you’re seeing improvement and steps forward.
More, I’m glad your felt the Father around you through His people.
Hugs.
Renate says
Hi Melanie! I enjoyed reading the premise of the foster care system in your story Safe in His Arms. I also have been following your updates on FB. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings on your family and your son. Wishing you a special Mother’s Day with your family.
Wemble says
Hi Melanie, prayers for you and your family. Walking with our children through struggles is difficult indeed, but praise God that for those who allow Him to use them to minister to us.
I can think of numerous times where I can look back and see God’s surrounding presence and leading.
Blessings:)
Paula Marie says
Good morning, Melanie. I too have been following your journey on FB and keeping your family in my prayers. So glad that he is getting better.
I cannot even count the number of times I have been able to look back and see the blessings through the struggles, Amen!
Susan Bates says
A few years ago, my adult daughter told me she didn’t want have me visit her, based on the lifestyle she was living in at that time. After that, we maintained a shallow relationship based on my choice to continue to reach out to her regarding non-essential things, thus keeping the line of communication open. My desire was to show her I was still interested in a relationship with her and that I wasn’t judging her for her life choices.
About a year ago, she began taking the initiative to reach out to me, much to my delight. We now have a decent relationship. I am thankful that I did not become defensive or attacking towards her back then. I simply wanted to reflect Christ and His unconditional love towards her and I can see that it was successful.
Valerie Comer says
Prayers continue for you and your family! ((((hugs))))
Trudy says
Our struggles usually bring us closer to God, and give us ways to reach out to others going through the same or similar things we’ve been through. At least, that’s been true for me! I’ve had family members and friends reach out to me to ask questions of different things I’ve been through, and they’ve told me they knew I’d understand and could help since I’d been through it myself. One of my sister’s became a teacher for special ed as her youngest son is a special needs child, and she had an uphill battle finding out things for him. She wanted to help others in the same/similar situations.
Margaret Nelson says
So glad to hear things are looking up. Your books sound interesting!
Melanie D Snitker says
Thanks so much for the hugs and prayers. We appreciate them. It is good to see improvements, especially when times like today feel like two steps back again. But overall, we are moving forward. That’s what has to count in the end!
Melanie D Snitker says
Hi Renate,
I appreciate that. Safe In His Arms was such a blessing to write. This series has challenged me more than any of my other series.
Thank you for the prayers. They are appreciated! <3
I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day as well.
Cassandra Myers says
Not so much that Good surrounded me in an unexpected way but the tough times clarified a lot about those in my life. Those that were three for me in my worst times are the ones who deserve my best times and deserve me to be there for them for both. Those that I had been there for and weren’t there in return when I needed them had to go. I don’t need someone who is only there when it is convenient I need those who will be there thick and thin the same way I am for those in my life.
Melanie D Snitker says
Hi! Yes, it’s such a huge blessing when others allow God to use them to help minister to us. Isn’t it amazing when we can look back at a time we felt very lost in and realize that we were anything but lost or alone? Thanks so much for replying!
Melanie D Snitker says
Thanks for your reply, Paula Marie! My family appreciates your prayers.
I’m so thankful that God never fails to hold us close through live’s storms!
Melanie D Snitker says
Wow, Susan! What a testament not only to having patience, but trusting that God is working behind the scenes. I’m so glad you had the strength to keep that line of communication open, even when I’m sure it was very hard for you to do so. I’m so glad your relationship has improved!! <3 Thank you for sharing!
Melanie D Snitker says
I appreciate that! <3
Melanie D Snitker says
Hi Trudy,
I love how God can help us take something we’ve gone through – especially if it was a situation we felt especially alone in – and turn it into something good that helps someone else not feel so alone as they walk the same path.
That’s awesome that your sister is now a teacher working with special ed students after seeing the battles her son faced when trying to get him what he needed in school. <3
Melanie D Snitker says
Thank you, Margaret! <3 I hope you have a blessed day.
Kelley Blair says
When my husband lost his job and with mere hours until he had to sign his termination papers he got a job!! Totally God’s power!
Merrillee Whren says
Melanie, I’m so happy to hear that things are improving. Continued prayers.
Melanie D Snitker says
That is so true. Those rough times tell a lot about family and friends both. And remind us to be there for others when they go through rough times as well.
Melanie D Snitker says
Wow, Kelley, that’s amazing. What a huge blessing!! :-D
Melanie D Snitker says
I appreciate that, Merrillee. Thank you! <3
Mary Kennemer says
I’m so happy things are looking up for your family. Y’all are in my prayers. Your books always make me feel good. Thank you.
Melanie D Snitker says
Hi, Mary. I appreciate your prayers, and your kind words. I hope you’re having a blessed day!
Lori Smanski says
I am so happy that things are settling down with your son. But if I may, keep that constant vigil and keep the Lord at the center of everything wether things look good or look tough. I say this because at 13 I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. I am now 60. But I can look back and see how my mom was on constant vigil with me (as well as my 3 brothers and 1 sister). She never stopped praying for me, and she had friends that were always besides her, physically and in prayer. Even after the seizures stopped by the time I was 20 with a good doctor and the right medicine, mom never stopped praying for me. I attribute a lot of who I am because of this godly woman.
Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Winnie Thomas says
I’m glad things are going better for you, Melanie. It’s so hard to see your children suffer and go through hard things. Praying for you and your family.
Amelia says
“Safe In His Arms” is one of my favorite books!
Melanie D Snitker says
I appreciate your thoughts and advice, Lori. I know that this has been one of those things where we take three step forward and, inevitably, 2.5 steps back. So relaxing and letting up on the prayer is definitely something that can’t happen.
Your mom sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so glad you’re now seizure-free! God is good!
Melanie D Snitker says
Thanks, Winnie, I appreciate it! <3
Melanie D Snitker says
Awwww thanks, Amelia! <3 <3 You just made my night! <3
Lisa says
I don’t know what your son’s problems are, but I’m very glad to hear that God brought you through safely to the other side! Isn’t He good??
Thanks for the information about this series. I’m really looking forward to reading these books!