The last 8 years of my life have been full of wonderful things and full of things that really put my inner strength and faith to the test. Some of the things that were very difficult to go through was the passing of two people very close to me: my Grandmother and my Aunt with whom were a very huge part of my world and my heart, the loss of a 20 year marriage, significant financial loss due to a vehicle accident with injuries, and finding out that I have a condition that basically narrows my airway below my vocal cords to where I cannot breathe very well and have had 3 surgeries at Vanderbilt University in a year which have not permanently resolved the issue. I have faith that I will be healed, though.
I have also been exposed to the evil disease alcoholism through some individuals very close to me. I have seen it before, but not as up close and personal as I have been exposed to it over the last few years. It is with a heavy heart that I tell you one person has passed from this and the other situation is still ongoing. I know for certain that that Lord is working on this every day and there will be victory. There is no doubt because I have seen so much improvement already and I know HE is working on it.
Some of great things are that I have a wonderful 18 year old son, with whom I have been truly blessed as a Mom. Cody is an amazing young man who is so dedicated, mannerly, respectful and has a wonderful heart. I have remarried and we now have a beautiful log home (always wanted one since I was little) with barns and the acreage to have animals, which we both love. We are surrounded by wonderful people that we love and enjoy for neighbors. I have a great family. I now have a new career that is rewarding financially and fulfilling because it helps families. Lee has an amazing career as well.
As you can see, there have been many ups and downs and there have been some things mentioned above that over time caused me to be basically broken. My self-esteem was at an all-time low, my heart was broken, and even more than that, my spirit was broken. A broken spirit is a darkness like no other. Satan loves a broken spirit.
Now, I was raised in church. I was baptized as a child, so even though as an adult, I migrated away from the Lord, he never left me. Even what felt like were my darkest hours he was there picking me up when I didn't feel that I could do what I needed to do some days. In my heart, I knew what I had to do.... Nothing can heal a broken spirit but Jesus.
In December 2015, I seeking the Kingdom in every way that I knew how to. I was reading, studying, watching different evangelists on Trinity Broadcasting and listening to Podcasts In my car as I am on the road a lot, in prayer several times per day. I truly shut myself off from other TV shows, music, and the world as much as possible. I even fasted at times. I was very serious about seeking the Lord. I felt absolutely driven like never before to seek the Lord, like my life depended upon it....I was choosing Life in every way.
My husband, Lee and I were back in Church. It was a Baptist Church very convenient to home that we felt comfort and loved in. After going to church for several months, we were asked to join. I said, "Join? I already feel like we belong here." I was singing in the choir and helping where needed, but I didn't understand the "process" of the Baptist Church. There was also the fact that I truly believed I was saved
already. I had been baptized at a young age and why do it again - because of manmade rules?
When I found out what they expected and the manner in which they partake of the Lord's Supper, questions galore started popping into my head and made me wonder if that was something I agreed with. I didn't really, but I thought it was harmless and all churches "have their own way" of doing things.
They kept after us and Lee and I finally went up front to start the "process" of becoming "members". Oh yes, it is a "process". I thought this was repetitive for me and I was trying to help Lee more than me because I just knew I was saved already. Here I thought I was where I was supposed to be, yet something just didn't feel absolutely right in my heart. It was relentlessly gnawing at my soul and I was very restless about it all.
It is so interesting how God works in one's life, because I discovered Muscle and A Shovel online THAT VERY weekend. I ordered it and started being totally consumed in a fabulous and wonderful mentally stimulating way. The answer to every question, apprehension, and uneasiness about joining the Baptist Church was literally unfolding before my eyes!! I could not put that book down.
After reading Muscle and A Shovel I knew that I absolutely could NOT join the Baptist Church. The weekend that I finished the book, my heart was under such conviction. I was crying Friday night and Saturday night, because I knew I loved the people at our church, but I knew I couldn't let that emotion and comfort level keep me there. It was truly and internal battle like no other. I made the decision that Sunday to step out of my comfort zone and obey the gospel. I was baptized!! The very best decision of my life!
Life is perfectly imperfect, however, now I have the comfort and the grace of
God to face things with a light heart, a happy heart, and knowing that no matter what might be imperfect, it is a season of growth that is making me stronger and with the strength of the Lord I can get through it, conquer things that I could not before, and love others through things that trouble them. I am a work in progress, but I am excited to have the Lord molding me and shaping me so that I can serve Him so much better.
God placed Muscle an A Shovel in my life at the very most important time for me. I have a heart of gratitude, love, and appreciation for Michael Shank's dedication to truth and love of people to produce this novel. I can honestly say, that his work had a profound effect on my heart and was such an instrumental tool to get me where I needed to be.... IN CHRIST JESUS [Eph. 1:3; Romans 6:3-6].
I give heartfelt thanks to Michael, Jonetta and their family. Ultimately.... Glory Be To God - He is why all of this is possible. Get this book, absorb it, and enjoy it! You will not be sorry.
Much Love,
Stephanie K. Monroe
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Michael Shank and Stephanie Monroe attended the same high school together in Eldorado, Illinois. Stephanie was a Sophomore when Michael was a Senior. She had no idea that he had written Muscle and a Shovel.
]
