Gauntlet with a Gift

God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,
A gauntlet with a gift in it.”
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“Gauntlet with a Gift” is a book in progress.

It is a story about a dangerous prayer I began more than a decade ago.  It tells the upside down way God answered my plea and how I am just now seeing much of the good.  It is about my struggle with faith in the midst of unspeakable pain, my daughter’s and my own, and how my husband and older daughter, Delaney wrestled a long side us.  It is a book about miracles and giving God glory no matter what.  It is about heroes who rescued us along the way and the quiet ones behind them making impossible things happen in a world wanting a tangible explanation for everything.

This is not a story of hindsight is clarity.  It is not didactic in the theology of why God allows us to suffer.  The gift at the end of this gauntlet is not wrapped in shining paper with a perfect bow on top.  It simply answers the question, “Knowing what you know now and given the chance to change it all would you choose to walk a different road that didn’t include this fight?”

7 Comments on Gauntlet with a Gift

  1. Emily Dreyer
    November 13, 2014 at 2:18 am (9 years ago)

    Monica- I am so excited to see this new website of yours, and especially excited about your book! I know with all you have been through and the beautiful way in which you write, it will truly be amazing.

    -Emily

    Reply
    • Monica
      November 14, 2014 at 6:04 pm (9 years ago)

      Emily, The book will really be about us all; each one of us who are given Grace to see gifts in even the darkest places of suffering. You point me to Him! I love you and continue to pray for your healing from this latest very hard surgery.

      Reply
  2. Violet
    November 13, 2014 at 2:39 am (9 years ago)

    Can’t wait to read it! The title is perfect.

    Reply
    • Monica
      November 14, 2014 at 6:02 pm (9 years ago)

      Oh Violet, You, my friend, know about this gauntlet and the gifts! Finding and knowing you through Team Danica was one of the greatest blessings. You are a spiritual mentor to me in many ways and a kindred spirit. Thank you for covering the book in prayer.

      Reply
  3. Hannah
    April 9, 2015 at 11:59 pm (9 years ago)

    As someone with a chronic illness, this brings me much joy to find a book in progress that not only tells the story of our lives, but also shows God’s plan for those who are chronically ill (and even reveals how it all points to him) Can’t wait to read it.

    Reply
  4. Ginette
    May 21, 2017 at 12:44 am (7 years ago)

    God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers, And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face, A gauntlet with a gift in’t.

    Reply

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