by Amy Miles
“Probably not any time soon, though, huh?”
He grins and tugs her close again. She wraps her fingers around his neck and places a kiss on his forehead. She loves being near him, enjoying his company. Their lives have become increasingly busy, what with the flourishing business at her aunt and uncle’s bed and breakfast to attend to and their upcoming mission trip to Mexico to help build homes for the needy, and Hannah has hardly had time to miss her parents.
They came for a visit not long after Christmas with the intent of taking her back home, but she had a little surprise for them. Hannah informed her parents that she would not be returning to California to enter law school, nor would she be returning at all. She loves her new life in North Carolina. She loves the interaction with the guests that began trickling in not long after January began. Travelers from the north looking for somewhere with a bit of sun and sand. Claire and Andrew’s home has seen a near constant influx of visitors over the past few months, and Hannah has enjoyed every moment of it.
Not to mention her brief walks along the dock. Her recovery is still not complete. She has to use a cane for support as she slowly rebuilds the muscles in her legs, but each day she grows stronger. Soon she will be ready to toss the cane aside and get back to life as normal.
But more than all of that, Hannah loves Timothy. At first, she was worried about admitting her feelings, allowing Timothy to lead where she felt inept. He took her by the hand and guided her, just as he has always done. She should have known that she could trust him with her heart. Hadn’t she really given it away to him months before?
Hannah has spent a lot of time looking back over the months since she arrived in North Carolina. So many things have happened, good and bad things alike, but all of them she is grateful for. For Timothy and the unconditional love that he has shown her, for Draven and his decision to pursue a career in physical therapy because of his time spent with her, and for her own time of reflection.
Losing her legs is the hardest thing she has ever had to endure, but she would do it all again if it meant the chance to be exactly where she is right here, right now. She can’t think of anywhere else she would rather be.
Thank you for reading In Your Embrace. Timothy, Hannah and Draven’s story is one that I think many people can relate to, even if you have not experienced these particular events. Guilt is a hard thing to overcome, especially when you feel like the direct creator of the problems.
Forgiveness, hope and healing are all things offered freely to us. As Timothy, Hannah and Draven discover, sometimes it takes the storms in our lives for us to see the beauty as well.
If you are part of a bible study or readers group and would like topics for discussion, please continue on to the next page.
Thanks!
Amy Miles
Group Discussion Topics
God has a plan for each of our lives but many times well-meaning people think they know better. Have you ever been given advice from a person you trust that you know was not the path God set you on, like Hannah’s parents insisting that she attend law school?
The way you grieve over the loss of a loved one can help identify the health of your relationship with God. Timothy struggles with his faith after the loss of his wife. Has there ever been a time in your own life that you felt bitter or confused? How did you overcome these emotions?
Hannah is a very self-sacrificing girl whose heart is in the right place, but her actions lead her into a world of uncertainty. She learns all too well that bad things do happen to good people. Have you ever put yourself on the line for someone only to be rewarded with ill will?
After Hannah is buried in the rubble of the church, and Timothy is forced to see shelter, he is given a stark reminder that he is just a man. At what point in your life has you been reminded that God is really the one in the driving seat? Did you allow him to come to your aid?
Guilt can be a terrible burden to bear, as Draven discovered in this book. No amount of worldly pleasures were able to fill the void, which only God’s love and forgiveness can fully restore. Is there some buried guilt that you have been holding on to that you need to give to God?
Although Hannah’s faith remains strong as she faces the trials God placed before her, she still had times when doubts and fears threatened to overcome her. Is there a stronghold in your own life that is too large to overcome on your own? Who can you turn to for encouragement and support?
As Draven finds himself drawn to Hannah, he begins to realize that it is her faith and joy that really calls to him. Riddled with guilt, he struggles to understand her peace amongst her trials. He considers himself too “dirty” to be saved. No sin is too great for God. Is there something you need to let go of in your life and place this burden down?
Miracles do happen. God is in the business of seeing his plans fulfilled. When Hannah discovers that she can move her toes, the first thing she does is praise the one who healed her. Is there something you are specifically thankful for today?
Forgiving yourself is a difficult task but forgiving someone who has deeply wronged you in even harder. When Timothy discovers that Draven is the one who killed his wife, he had to choose to forgive and embrace the life God planned for him, or hold on to his pain. Is there someone in your life that you hold a grudge or ill will against? How have you dealt with these emotions?
Although many times we do not understand God’s plan, we can feel joy in knowing that things do indeed happen for a reason. The lives of Hannah, Timothy and Draven are not only connected but also profoundly altered because of a car accident, a storm and one girl’s unshakeable faith. Have you ever had a time when you questioned “why” only to discover later that God’s plan was far better than your own?