Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love

I loved the way this story is written from both Jay and Katherine's perspectives. I experienced a traumatic closed brain injury over 50 years ago. It was a big event in my life but nothing to compare to the scope of Katherine's stroke. At 68 years old now I am experiencing the residual effects of the injury. God did a miraculous healing for me 1971. Circumstances lined up as only God could have ordained them. The Pastor of my childhood church was home at the parsonage for lunch as he rarely was. He actually heard the collision that took place at an intersection in front of the church and rushed out to see if he could help. The 67 Ford Mustang holding four high school girls was lying there in the front yard of a home on its top. 3 girls were outside the vehicle in shock. One was trapped inside the car. The Pastor climbed into the car not knowing what he would find. My face was covered in blood and vomit and I was unconscious. I was not breathing. That Pastor later told me that, "God taught him CPR inside that car. " At some point the driver, my best friend, came over to the shattered window and looked in and The Pastor asked who this was. He had a sense that there was something familiar there but I was ashen and a mess. When she answered with my name he realized that this was a young girl who spent many hours at his house since I was friends with his teenage daughter. He rode with me in the ambulance and became my strong advocate when my heart stopped several times on the trip to the hospital. He continued advocating for me when the nurses and doctors told him there really was little hope of survival. I don't have any memory past seeing the car that I told my friends was going to "hit me" until I "woke up" weeks later in the hospital. I had regained consciousness in ICU and had carried on conversations but clearly had no short term memory...out of sight out of very limited mind! My recovery was not traumatic like Katherine's was but there were facets of hers that I could identify with on a much lesser level. But, the same Healer healed me all those years ago and has continued to heal me many times over these years. I too have learned to see His hand in tragedy and in triumph. Katherine and Jay have relayed their story so well and I can't wait to give this book to a friend who is walking through her adult daughter's brain injury recovery as I write this review. We all have a story. And if we are followers of Christ the world needs to hear them! Thank you to the Wolf's for writing this, thank you for having it published, and for making it available on Amazon. God is Good.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! It is amazing and so encouraging. The spiritual truths the Wolfs learned and share from their deep suffering are life-giving and uplifting and bring hope in so many ways. I highly recommend this book!

Snuggled up on a cool Sunday afternoon during naptime and came to the end of this beautiful book. Some books become like good friends that are hard to say goodbye to. Hope Heals is just such a book. Written by a husband wife team - Jay and Katherine Wolf - one of my favorite parts of the story is that they tag team their story. Each picks up where the other has left off, but tells their portions of the story from their own perspective. Never once did I feel like they were "speaking for" their spouse and I was simply amazed at how the story unfolded. It's been a while since I read a non-fiction, memoir type book that read like fiction. But these two storytellers not only had me riveted to the story but also hanging on every word. I was so impressed by the caliber of writing. While I found Katherine's voice refreshing and interesting I was particularly struck by Jay's words throughout the story. They are truly talented writers and their vulnerability and authenticity is totally refreshing. I cried, laughed aloud, and literally couldn't put it down. Carrying my book everywhere is sort of a "trait" of mine, but with this book I literally felt like it was an additional appendage. Stay tuned for more tips on how to become an avid reader, that includes this inside scoop of "carrying your book with you."This story is one of hope, as the title suggests, but it includes all the struggle, hurt, hardship and recurring tragedy they faced after Katherine experiences a life-changing, almost life-ending stroke. So as not to spoil the story I will just say that not only did the story speak to their own hardship but it also relays the story of tragedy that many face in daily life. Some of my favorite portions of the book come near they end when they are finally at a point where they can look back and see part of the "purpose" behind their story. That being said this story does not have an normal "arc" it's just more true to life then a typical beginning, middle, and end.What I found most beautiful about the story was that they learned that hope is the best kind of dangerous. They Wolf's found that hope is what brought healing but it is also a dangerous way to find your hopes up, your hopes dashed, and a genuine hope for God's best in your life realized. I loved the portion of the book at the end that explore the Scripture that was foundational to their experience. One that was not highlighted at the end but was integral to the story and the book's theme was Hebrews 6:19 and I will never read it the same again. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." The Wolf's chose to anchor their hope in Jesus it was not rooted in their own human hopes for this life, but instead they hoped with eternity in minJay's love for his wife, Katherine's determination, and their commitment to each other and their faith is inspiring and incredibly motivating. The true beauty in this book is that this couple did not wait until the "end of their story" or until things were better to reflect on what they were learning and experience. They learned as they went and as they grew their story was able to blossom and develop even in the face of further setback. When they share that... "if hope is only rooted in an outcome, then your expectations will crush you. This season of unrest began to spark a firestorm of questioning, and we found ourselves redefining many things in every area of our lives. What was our truest home? What was our truest hope?" You know they are living it. Their hope was not rooted in an outcome but instead in Him. Nearing the last quarter of the book Jay really begins to dive into how this tragedy has impacted their marriage and boy was I challenged. He explains how serving Katherine changed him. Jay says, "I found that acting in love inevitably provoked true feelings of love, and the reverse was no less true." What I found so uniquely special about their story is how God provided for them, how they seized every moment, and truly accepted God's provision - His help. The Wolf's have an incredible ministry and have walked through each and every open door as they believed that their story will bring hope and healing to others. I truly hope you pick up this story. Share it. The Wolf's are people to watch, and to learn from. I am so grateful for all who helped them tell their story in Hope Heals. ** It was a profound experience to read the pages of Katherine and Jay's story as I held my own 5 month old Corban Hawk and he smiled up at me. Katherine and Jay had a little boy, James; who was just 6 months old when Katherine fell to the floor from a stroke that should have taken her life. *****I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***--Alex Jacobson

Glad to get it !!

Spring 2013 our darling teenage daughter was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Thousands of people all over the world prayed for her to be healed. Her treatment was successful in curing her cancer. Christmas 2013 she developed a very rare side effect from her treatment and died. I live daily with grief and loss. Reading this book was such a blessing and an encouragement. I found it very easy to read and to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to hold on to their faith as they journey through suffering - you will be blessed as you read this true story.

What a beautiful story of hope in hopelessness. I am so very grateful for your vulnerability and raw honesty in sharing your story of both deep sorrow and deep joy. I fell from a ladder myself 5 years ago and have been debilitated by an ongoing spinal CSF leak which creates many awful neurological symptoms which leaves me stuck in bed a lot. Although nothing like your own story - we can relate to the moment a family’s life changes and dreams are lost. But like you we have found so much beauty from both God’s love and His love expressed through those around us. Thank you for encouraging me that ‘there is more’ life to live even amidst great pain and restrictions. God has purpose even within our pain. Your book has inspired me to press into that further! Thank you!

Beautifully written story of Katherine's stroke and many ordeals which followed for herself and husband Jay. Joni Eareckson-Tada spoke of this book and I was drawn to it having been through a neurological ordeal myself. I can confirm it is in every sense hell. I called it my hell-th experience. For me it confirmed the existence and awfulness of the eternal hell. However, God is absolutely in control and like Katherine points out "it is well with my soul". Eternity counts in the end and the state of ones soul in eternity. Thanks to this lovely couple for sharing.

An excellent j book dealing with many issues Christians face. Rather than demanding healing, which the Lord can & does provide, this book seeks to find ways in which we the physically & / mentally disabled Christian &/ carer can minister the Lords love & compassion to others. This book does not hide the ugly truths , the doubt & problems we can all face. The financial& emotional pressure family and friends choose to carry out abandon. This book is not for people who want a spiritual high, it is for real hurting people who need to know they are not alone & there still remains hope faith & love.

Excellent read of overcoming suffering and gives hope to others facing similar life changing situations. Recommended as a worthwhile purchase.