GATHERING COURAGE

Author: T.A. McMullin
Genre: Memoir

Gathering Courage is an inspiring life-changing journey not only to be read but also to be passed on as an encouragement to others.
Everyone who loves animals will be inspired by the great stories of our animal friends who helped Terry to conquer mountains of challenges and to celebrate the joy of success.
People who are dealing with the hardships of life will understand Terry’s story. They will become inspired to work hard to achieve their own personal goals.
Children in orphanages or foster homes will know that, despite the reality of personal rejection, they too can become successful in life.
The writing of Gathering Courage was a three-year project of reminiscing from the heart and hurts of the past for the sole purpose of encouraging others. What started as a thought, then words on a napkin, set the dream in motion to form sentences on paper. The dream grew and the formation of a book developed into a purpose, a mission - “To Make Life Better.”
In less than 30 days after printing the proof copies, Gathering Courage became an award-winning book and T.A. McMullin became an award-winning author.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability by T.A. McMullin is sure to inspire anyone who has known adversity.

The author takes the reader from the very beginnings of her young life, when as a baby, she was placed in an orphanage by her birth mother. It wasn't long before she was adopted into a family who, for all appearances, loved her and wanted her. She found as she grew up a special affinity for animals, in particular horses and they would become instrumental in her life, from giving her unconditional love to helping in her healing after a tragic accident.

It is evident that God's hand was on the author's life from the moment she was born. Her grandmother and others who came into her life prayed for her and encouraged her to trust God in all things. It is remarkable therefore, when at an early age, the author was sent to live in a foster home by her adoptive parents because she was failing in school. Her terror at being abandoned is evident in her writing, making the reader feel her pain, sorrow and confusion. At the same time her commitment to trust God in all things was astounding for one so young. Clearly, God had His hand upon her.

If you enjoy reading the testimonies of Christians you will enjoy this book. The author's ability to recount events in her life, and her trust in God when some of those events were more than anyone should have to bear, left this reader wondering if my life reflected God's glory. To have been called stupid by her parents and then to go on to graduate with varying degrees in the educational field is proof she was anything but. Terry McMullin was abandoned at birth, rejected by her adoptive parents because of dyslexia, endured numerous trials, including a horrifying accident in which she had every right to be angry and bitter over. Instead, she gave it all to God, earned two degrees from Texas A & M University and used her adversities for His glory. If you are looking for an encouraging book, look no further because this one is it.

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