It’s here! It’s here!! In celebration of our Dino-roaring, Joy-filled Titus (he would’ve turned 9 today!), I want to share this exciting project and cover with you.
Can’t Steal My Joy: The Journey to a Different Kind of Brave
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON!
Welcome to the garden.
Some days we feel the perfection of sunshine and a light breeze. Other days hold wet, gray skies that pour down vengeance and drowning grief. In the wake of it comes promise of new growth. Still other days a cold winter frost catches us by surprise halting us on our journey toward fruitful blooms. We step back, reeling at the damage this cold frost has caused. We question the system in which we grow and the environment we were placed in to begin with.
We can choose to exist in this garden dictated by the changing weather patterns. Or, we can choose to see a different kind of brave living – that which exists beyond our fragile stems and dainty leaves, living instead deep down in our roots.
The day Bekah and her husband learned not just one, but both their boys were diagnosed with a rare, fatal disease, she was left with crippled leaves beaten by grief and a stem of life that no longer felt sustainable. Join her as she invites you into these vulnerable places to discover beauty and redemption in her ugly and broken. May you discover the Life-Giver of Joy, see your beautiful bloom, and know that hope is always worth holding on to because redemption is coming – and in fact – is already happening here and now.
WOW! Today is so full of emotion for me. As we celebrate what should’ve been my son Titus’s 9th birthday, I find myself in awe. Grief can overwhelm, Beauty has been found here too. This book has been a culmination of so many things. You, for one. I couldn’t accomplish this without a community of passionate people surrounding me and teaching me so much about Jesus.
I’m excited for “Can’t Steal My Joy” to be released on September 17. These words do contain our family’s story, but it’s never been about just our family. In the middle of this journey, we have joined in to a Greater Story that has been weaving good together since the beginning of time. It’s a Big Story that tells of love, hope, redemption and joy and points to my God who is the definition of all those gifts. To have been given the words to scribble out these pages is an honor I never imagined I’d get to hold.
A few quick, but absolutely necessary shout-outs:
Anna Bloomfield – you heard the story of this flower and the symbolism it holds in my life and turned it into a digital footprint of my dreams. Thank you for your time, your passion, and your skills. And thank you, most of all, for listening to my heart and allowing me into yours. (For those who don’t know the story of the broken flower, go here: Part 1 and Part 2).
Jessica Salas – Your amazing talent of helping me tell a story through this beautiful cover art has been an answer to my prayers. I can write, but I have yet to learn the skill of telling a story through a picture. I remember zipping off the first email describing what I imagined this cover to look like and you nailed it! If anyone is ever in need of some graphic design work- this girl right here!! Reach out to me, I’ll connect ya!
Anne Riley – Where to start? I remember sitting awestruck across from you at a Batten conference a couple years ago. You had written a story that was salve for my grieving soul. I knew I had a story (several stories) in my heart to share and you became my cheerleader. Your wisdom, experience, encouragement and heart for Jesus have kept this project rolling. Thank you!!!
My Hubby, Danny – Thank you for seeing my heart, for believing in my call to write in this season and for championing me along. Knowing that you believe in what I’m doing and believe I CAN do it actually gives me strength to put pen to paper (or fingers to keypad) and push through. We don’t know the outcome of this journey, and the uncertainty has been really hard at times, but thank you for being faithful alongside me to see it through. I love you.
It’s an honor and an adventure to be part of the greatest story ever told, His Story, alongside all of you. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on the details of the release of the book. I look forward to connecting with you all again soon. Happy Birthday sweet Titus. Thanks for showing us the joy of Jesus, son.
As always, thanks for listening,
Bekah
I can’t wait to have your book in my heart. You, Danny, Titus, and Ely mean so much to me and I am sure that I will be crying, laughing, and remembering that we have been given the gift of joy. You bring such joy to everyone that meets you!
Love you Pati! You are such a blessing and we are so thankful for you. Miss you big time!
We have prayed for your family often. I understand the grief of losing a child. Different circumstances. Tommy was killed at age 7. Looking forward to reading your book. You have been an inspiration to many🙏❤️
Thank you so much for your support and prayers Barbara! I am so sorry to hear about Tommy’s loss. Heartbreaking. Separation is so very difficult. I am thankful it is only temporary even though it feels so long.
Waiting patiently
Bekah, the impact of your story broadcasts the message “Take courage!” loud and clear. Because courage is not something we conjure up within ourselves–we “take” it from others, and you are a powerful source of courage to me. Jesus is still declaring through you the words he spoke so often to His disciples, “Take courage, it is I”. When we need it most. When we feel alone in our loss. A different kind of community; a different kind of brave. That’s you, Pastor Bekah! And we CANT WAIT to read this book.
Thank you for writing this book, Bekah. I am so eager to read it. You and Danny are so inspiring. God bless!
I’ve followed your story almost from the beginning. Your words never cease to give me perspective.
I am so looking forward to this book; I know it will be heartbreaking but beautiful.
Happy birthday, sweet Titus! You were a joy here on Earth. and now your parents are spreading that joy!
Bekah, thanks for sharing your family story. I am thankful that you have not separated your story from His Story, but instead allowing Jesus to put it into His Big Picture.
I’m excited to hear the rest of the story connection to a broken flower stem! I love analogies, and I love how Anna is gifted in illustrating those ideas.
You and Danny are in our prayers.
Love you all!!!
Thank you Bekah for writing your story. In so many ways It feels like our families story too. I am excited to read it and share. I know it will encourage so many people to look to Jesus and find their comfort and joy in Him.
I am praying for you all.