“Hope Amid the Pain” ~ a JustRead Blog Tour (& giveaway, ends 12/20/21)

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hope Amid the Pain by Leslie L. McKee, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hope Amid the Pain Author: Leslie L. McKee Publisher: Ambassador International Release Date: October 26, 2021 Genre: Devotional / Christian / Chronic Illness Why me? Is God punishing me? Is my faith not strong enough for God to heal me? How can I achieve my dreams? What’s my purpose? If you’re someone living with a chronic illness or chronic pain, these are just a few of the questions you’ve likely asked on more than one occasion. You may feel overlooked or even resentful. You try to stay positive, but some days it’s hard. It’s natural to feel this way and grieve, but it’s still possible to have a hope-filled life. God has a purpose for the pain. Christians aren’t immune from pain and illness, but we don’t have to go through it alone. Jesus promised that He would “never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV). Millions of women suffering from chronic pain and illness want the reassurance they’re not alone. The devotions in HOPE Amid the Pain are written by a chronic pain warrior with over twenty-five years’ experience and will point the reader to hope and encouragement. It’s possible to Hang On to Positive Expectations (HOPE) even amid the pain. PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie L. McKee is an editor, author, and reviewer, but editing, writing, and reviewing are not merely jobs—they are her passions. Leslie is an avid reader with an eye for detail. Leslie has been a chronic pain warrior for more than twenty years, so she is familiar with the peaks and valleys associated with living with a chronic illness. She has felt God come alongside her through His Word and remind her that the battle is His and she’s not alone. Leslie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and The Christian PEN. Her devotional journal (HOPE Amid The Pain: Hanging On to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Illness and Pain) was released on October 26, 2021, with Ambassador International. She has had devotionals published in Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing compilation books, and she’s also published flash fiction stories. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants. You can find Leslie at http://www.leslielmckee.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @leslielmckee.

CONNECT WITH LESLIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of Hope Amid the Pain, Bible highlighters, and a bookmark!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 13, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 20, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

My thoughts

WHAT a book.

In Hope Amid the Pain: Hanging On to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Pain and Illness, author Leslie L. McKee shares Scriptures, her own experiences, kindness, and wisdom to comprise a 60-day journal that women who are struggling with long-term illness or pain can use to battle discouragement and hopelessness, to correct the wrong thinking (or simply, the lies of the enemy) that constant pain can bring; and to enable women to think on the love and care of God and His truths about them in their day-to-day challenges.

13 years ago, I’d never have imagined that I would someday need and be so incredibly blessed by (and equipped by!) this book. I’ve always been a busy (okay, some would say overly-scheduled) adult, happiest when I was involved in tons of activities and service. But some accidents and unexpected surgeries would sideline me for a bit. For many years, I was able to bounce right back into my much-loved and busy life. But the last three major surgeries and treatments (for very different things) left me healed (yay!) but I just didn’t bounce back quite the way I had before. And then, the pain started.

Suddenly I wasn’t able to be the Energizer Bunny. I had a lot of pain, fatigue, much less stamina. And yes, that offended me! Where was the old me that could go, go, go? I can’t tell you the shame and embarrassment I felt over that (along with the pain). I missed the old me and the extremely busy life that girl could live. And I had so many thoughts that McKee mentions in her book.

So, when the opportunity came to review Hope Amid the Pain, I seized it. And on the first day, when I read McKee’s introduction, I was struck by her words and wisdom; and by the fact that she KNOWS and UNDERSTANDS my struggles and my challenges. It made me cry! (A lot. My husband and son were super-compassionate but also surprised because I’m not much of a crier.) Finally, someone who’s walked a similar path to me. Someone who knows the thoughts that have overwhelmed me, and the lies of the enemy that have discouraged me, because she also has lived this. But McKee was led to write this fantastic devotional, one that speaks the truth about constant pain or illness, but then helps the reader to remember and grab on to God’s truths and to regain hope. In her 60-day journal, she provides helpful instruction, supportive Scripture, and questions posed so that the reader can stop and think, be grateful, and hold on to hope.

Here are some of my favorites among McKee’s writings:

• “…Pain is a thief. It steals your time and productivity…But it doesn’t steal your true identity.”
• “Paul is encouraging us in this verse to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. In doing so, we can erase the lies the enemy tries to make us believe about ourselves.”
• “When I look back, I can see that God has always been there….He redirected me and gave me hope when I thought there was none.”
• “”The LORD will work out His plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)
• “Be gentle and patient with yourself.”
• “While your plans may have been changed as a result of…pain…, His calling on your life has not….It’s never too late to begin expecting His goodness in your life. You are valuable and precious to Him.”

I encourage you, if any of this resonates with you today, to find a copy of this book and engage with it. (Enter the giveaway, too!) Leslie L. McKee’s words will encourage you, remind you that you ARE valuable, and help you to embrace hope and joy. It is wonderful.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.