Laura

By Jo-Anne Berthelsen

Description:

Can you imagine growing up totally blind, yet longing to attend a normal school and be treated the same as anyone else?

Despite encountering rejection, discouragement and injustice, Laura Harding is determined to prove that those with perceived disabilities can achieve whatever they want to in life. At times Laura needs all the strength she can muster to hold onto her dreams – but will it be enough? And can she ever have faith in a God who seems to have let her down in so many ways?

Book Takeaway:

The challenge to keep persevering in life and to be determined to try to bring the dreams God has placed in our hearts to reality. The challenge to reach out to others, despite any perceived 'disabilities' or shortcomings we might feel we have. The challenge to accept others fully whom we may class as 'disabled' and to receive from them.

Why the author wrote this book:

I was inspired to write this novel by the life of a friend of mine who is blind. I tried to capture in Laura's story something of the courage and determination I see in my friend to persevere in life, overcome whatever difficulties she faces and minister to others in God's strength, using the amazing gifts he has given her. Despite being blind, my friend 'sees so much', as I said of her in my book dedication - she has certainly ministered deeply to me and taught me so much. Hopefully this novel honours her and others who have also struggled to be accepted fully, despite perceived disabilities.