Rise and Reflect Audiobook Transcripts

Chapter 2: Overcoming a Handicap Prefer to listen? Here's the full audio version : The story of Terry Wilks is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, a journey of profound faith and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.  It was a chilly morning in February of 1981, an ordinary day for Terry, a high school senior from Tennessee who was deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Known as a talented gymnast, beloved by friends, and admired for his character, Terry’s life reflected strength and promise. But on that fateful day, a tragic accident left him permanently paralyzed, plunging him into a world where faith would be tested like never before. His journey is a powerful testament to overcoming physical and spiritual trials and finding a sense of purpose through a deeper connection with God. Terry’s day began like any other—at 5:30 a.m., his alarm woke him to spend time in prayer and reflection. He was studying John 12, which includes Jesus’s poignant words before His crucifixion: “N...

Chapter 1: Overcoming an Alcoholic Environment Prefer to listen?  Here's the full audio version :   The story of alcoholism’s impact is one that unfolds not just in the lives of those struggling with addiction but in the lives of everyone around them. When we dive into the reality of alcoholism, we come face to face with painful truths and hidden stories, stories that often remain unspoken. One of the most gripping realities is how families are shattered by addiction, leaving them in a cycle of denial, anger, and sometimes, transformation.  In America alone, ten million people battle alcoholism, a number that swells when we consider the spouses, children, and friends caught in the destructive spiral of addiction. But these statistics only scratch the surface. Families of alcoholics, or anyone dealing with a loved one’s addiction, often become trapped in what psychologists call “enabling” behavior. Enabling, or “facilitating,” allows addicts to continue their habit uncheck...