Book Giveaway: Staying Power: Building a Stronger Marriage When Life Sends Its Worst 
There are many books on marriage (Larry and I even wrote one!) but this new book by Carol & Gene Kent and David & Cindy Lambert is unique yet important for every couple.
Staying Power offers hope and help especially for couples going through very difficult circumstances that require special TLC. Yet at the same time, it offers wisdom every couple will appreciate. But if you are looking for more than the usual “how to do marriage” book, then this is it. And I’m so grateful I can alert you to it with a book giveaway of …. drum roll…
5, yes FIVE, winners! So be sure to follow the instructions below for entering the drawing. UPDATE: the winners are: Kelli Lawson, Janet Powel, Donna Holder, Denise Smith, and Amy. Congratulations to you. I will email you.
I personally love to look at a book’s Table of Contents. Here it is for Staying Power:
Table of Contents
- We’re in This Together … or Not
- Make the Next Right Choice
- Anger is Not the Enemy
- Forgive Freely
- The Right Word at the Right Time
- An Articulate Silence
- The Power of Serving while Suffering
- Divine Surprises
- Say Yes to Guilt-Free Time-Outs
- Never Give Up
- Kissing the Scars
- The Strength of Weakness
And here’s an excerpt from Chapter 7 which really touched me and emphasized how healing in the midst of trauma can come from serving others.
Yes sometimes we have to arrive at a certain point of healing and that’s fine. But once we reach that, we can be healed more deeply reaching out to others. (By the way, Carol and Gene Kent’s son, J.P. is in prison serving a life sentence for murder).
Carol writes, “For a while, my own grief over the incarceration of my son kept me self-focused. My thoughts swirled around fear of the future; I stressed over trying to make sure my son was safe, and I was anxious about what others might think of our family. Eventually, an important change took place, and I remember just when.
We were standing in line with other families waiting to go through security at the prison. We spoke to those around us and met lonely wives and children who had been separated from their husbands and fathers due to incarceration. We met inmates who needed Bible studies and reading material. We noticed that the visitation room was short on items that children could use to do activities with their incarcerated parent during their visits.
Gene and I launched the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope (www.SpeakUpForHope.org), which benefits inmates and their families. Friends of this ministry donate thousands of dollars each year so we can provide inmates with excellent reading material, postage, electronic tablets, care packages, and greeting cards to send to their family members. … (Carol and Gene share the many other ways this ministry helps).
Then Carol continues:
The following weekend we were standing in line at the prison, waiting to get through security. A new guideline had been put in place for the visitation area: Women were no longer allowed to wear sleeveless shirts or blouses. I looked up and noticed that a woman who had already waited for over two hours to make it to the front of the line had been turned away–she was wearing a sleeve-less blouse. She was sobbing.
I suddenly realized that Gene was no longer standing next to me. I looked around and spotted him in the parking lot, apparently returning from our car. He was carrying a black T-shirt. … He approached the woman and said, “Here, put this on and go back to the front of the line. It’s my gift to you today. Have a wonderful visit with your family.”
He returned to my side in the line. I said, “So that’s what’s been happening to your T-shirts!”
He smiled and said, “It’s my ministry.”
Ever since the day I found out about Gene’s T-shirt ministry, we’ve been working together to pass them out to visitors who need them in order to pass inspection.
The more we continue to serve others together, the less we focus on our own loss. As we invest in the lives of others, God doubles our joy.” TWEET THAT!
Thank you, Carol, for including in your book such a powerful story of God’s empowerment for dealing with the challenges facing marriage. All of us are hurting in our marriages in ways either big or small. And thinking of others can bring joy and healing. Carol and Gene, along with David and Cindy, share many other stories and very significant practical, biblical ideas for persisting in marriage even when storms hit us. And every marriage faces them!
I know you want to be one of the 5 winners for this drawing. Just make a comment on this post on my blog and I’ll enter you into the drawing. Only US addresses can win, I’m sorry. I will draw the winners on Monday evening, April 20th. UpDATE: winners chosen and mentioned above.
Read the first chapter of Staying Power (Click here)
Here is more information about the authors:
Carol and Gene Kent are the founders of Speak Up Ministries, which includes Speak Up Speaker Services, a Christian speakers’ bureau; Speak Up Conferences, equipping the next generation of speakers and writers; and Speak Up for Hope, a nonprofit organization that benefits inmates and their families. Carol has authored more than twenty books, and Gene serves as chief operating officer of their ministries. They are both fans of tracking down the best cup of coffee in every city they visit, and their favorite activity is watching sunsets together.
Cindy and David Lambert have been influencing the Christian publishing world for decades, both as editors and as authors, having authored more than twenty books between them. They have six children and nine grandchildren and love to launch their kayaks together from the dock in front of their log cabin in Michigan.
I know both couples by sight and have heard them speak several times. When their book came out I thought about getting it, but then looked at the stack of books I was planning on reading while confined to home during the quarantine. What a treat to be able to have this insight by reading the first chapter. My husband and I just celebrated 56 years of marriage. The next few may be the hardest as we face the unseen of health and financial issues, and the added results of the coronal virus impact on our lives. I would love to win one of the books and put it at the top of the pile ! I know we are going to need all the wisdom and knowledge contained between the cover of this book in these next few months and years. Thank you, Kathy, for the opportunity to have a sneak peek.
Penelope/Penny, so glad you entered and I know they are blessed to know the first chapter was a blessing for you. Their hearts are so wanting God’s glory to shine through this book and for marriages to be strengthened. Bless you and your hubby for your faithful love over the years.
I love the transparency of the Kent’s in this excerpt from their book. Being a believer does not exempt us from pain and heartache but we can chose to help others during this time. I am a writer of children’s books and would love a copy of this amazing book.
Thank you for entering Sharon. And you are wise to point out how being a believer does not exempt us. But what we learn we share with others. I’m so glad that is your heart.
I have followed Carol on her journey with her son. I would love to read this book on how their marriage survived and endured during this time.
Thanks, Dana, I”m so glad you’ve entered the drawing. And like you, I have followed Carol on her journey and seen God’s work in strengthening ways. I know Carol and Gene are so pleased to know you’re been encouraged.
I wonder if you have thought about adding a postscript to help couples deal with the anxiety surrounding COVID19 and the resulting “forced” togetherness.
Hi Linda, thanks so much for stopping by and entering the drawing. I’ll make sure Carol, Gene, David & Cindy see your suggestion.
Hi Kathy,
Looks like a inspiring read! Awesome!
Mona.
Great to hear from you again, Mona. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
This looks like such an amazing book that would be great for anyone. thank you!
Thanks Beth for stopping by. I’ve put your name into the drawing. And I agree that this book is for anyone and everyone. Blessings to you.
I would love this book. I have read others of yours and have fond memories of having you as one of my middle school teachers at Fremont. It was the year you were pregnant with Jason.
Kelli, thanks for entering the drawing. And what a wonderful and special connection you have with the Kents.
Congratulations, Kelli, You are one of the winners. I will contact you by email.
Wonderful and amazing book for anyone and everyone. Thank you.
You are right, Kim! Thanks for entering the drawing.
so much great advice here. would love to have one
Thanks for entering the drawing, Donna. I know everyone is going to feel the same way who reads this wonderful book.
Congratulations, Donna! You are one of the winners. I will contact you by email.
Looks like a great read I am excited to read this
Thanks for stopping by, Danielle, and entering the drawing. I can confirm it is indeed a great read.
After being married we can always learn new things. I would love to read this book
You are right, Betty, as a married couple we never stop needing to learn new things. Thanks for stopping by. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Family is important and you need a strong foundation to move forward!
Great to hear from you, Amy. Thanks for putting your name into the drawing.
Amy, congratulations! You are one of the winners. I will contact you by email.
Kathy,
Thanks for a chance to win “Staying Power”. I would like to read the book to get “insights, skills, and clear direction from the authors so my husband I can respond to trials in a way that strengthens rather than weakens our marriage.”
Thanks for your faithful involvement, Julie. I’ve put your name into the drawing. God bless!
Thank you for sharing your stories and stories of other couples. After reading the 1st chapter I wanted to continue reading. This is something both young couples should read to prepare themselves for marriage and couples that need to know they are not alone in their struggles and how they respond or not respond can affect their relationship. Thanks again for your book and may God bless you.
Christina, I’m so glad reading their first chapter gave you the sweet taste of their book. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Thank you so much for sharing about what you and your husband have been through. I truly enjoyed learning about your husband’s T-shirt ministry;;what an incredible thing to do! I think most married couples could benefit from reading your book; my husband and I are working how to best respond to each other when we are upset or disagree about something, and I feel that we could benefit from reading your book. Thank you for hosting your book giveaway; you and your family will be in my prayers.
Thanks for entering the drawing, Candy. I know the Kents and Lamberts appreciate your words of encouragement.
Wow! What to wonderful way to minister to those who are hurting already. So creative and says so much to people you would not normally have contact with.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Beverly. I’ve put your name into the drawing and I know the Kents and Lamberts will appreciate hearing of your encouragement.
Hello,
I would like to be entered into the drawing for Staying Power.
Thank You
Theresa
Hi Theresa. I’m so glad you want to enter the drawing. I’ve put your name in. Thanks for stopping by!
Kathy, Thanks so much for putting my name in the drawing.
I really do enjoy your books very much and learn a lot of things of the Lor
I Praise God for you.
Yes, indeed, you are in the drawing, Julie.. Thanks for persevering in spite of my website’s problems.
Thank you for the chance
Teresa, I’ve entered you into the drawing. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! Sounds like an amazing book! Takes a good write to know a fellow good writer I guess!
It is amazing, dear Megs. So glad you entered the drawing!
Love books on marriages this looks good and if it’s recommended by Kathy I’ll want to read it.
I’m glad you entered Deborah. I know you’ll love it and know everyone will want to purchase one even if they can’t win it.
I would love to add this to my reading list. Thank you Kathy for posting about it or else I don’t think I would have seen it.
Hi Liz, I’m glad you are interested and trust it will be a blessing for you. I’ve entered you into the drawing.
Would love to be entered into drawing
I will enter you into the drawing, Lisa. God bless you and your marriage.
Thank you!
You are very welcome! I’ve put you into the drawing.
Janet, you are one of the winners! I will contact you by email. Congratulations!
Sounds like an awesome book. The t-shirt ministry story was so powerful!
Thanks so much for entering the drawing, Denise. Yes, I also loved that example. The Kents and the Lamberts are wonderful servants of the Lord.
Congrats, Denise. You are one of the winners! I’ll contact you by email.
thank you so much for the chance to win this great book. i have heard about and really think its awesome
Hi Donna. I’ve entered you into the drawing. So glad you took the time to comment.
Congratulations, Donna! You are the winner of Debbie’s book. I will connect you two together by email. I’m so glad you entered the drawing for I know you’ll be blessed by Debbie’s book.