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Soar Unafraid, Learning to Trust No Matter What

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"I was totally caught up in your story--couldn't put the book down. I am totally and completely in awe of your endurance, your faith, your stamina, your hope in spite of all obstacles. Suffering -- blessing or curse. God's will or simply the result of human will? I certainly am NOT qualified to answer these questions. You are. That is another reason your book is so awesome. You can speak to these questions with total integrity - 'the right' to do so." Wilma Messenger

"I loved your book. It is awesome! I didn't want to put it down. You have been through so much and all I have to go through is a needle with chemo therapy!" Kandy Thomas

"How encouraging, uplifting and challenging for me, the mother of a precious daughter diagnosed with MS at age 26, to read Jo Franz' story, Soar Unafraid. Jo writes so openly of her challenges with multiple sclerosis and its impact on her life, her family, and her mobility. She shares her innermost thoughts, as she struggles each day with this disease and yet allows God's grace to faithfully lead her moment by moment. She never gives up! She enjoys life to the fullest with each step in the day. I am challenged to do the same and 'Soar Unafraid.'" Karen Bernhardt

"Your book has strengthened me to praise God no matter what happens. You have been a great blessing to many people and I say, 'Thank you, God, for Jo's life.' God really works in different ways in different lives. Your book gave me the fastest reading I have done in many years. I am passing it to my son who is a medical doctor to read before he leaves for the UK." Overseer Dr. Solomon O. Abe, National President, The Bible Society of Nigeria

"Reading the vulnerable prayers Jo recorded over the years was my favorite part of Soar Unafraid. No one can conjure up a relationship with God like that. It's built over years and years of intimacy and dependency. You and I are invited to develop that same deep relationship with God, simply by reading Jo's precious prayers. Even if you don't have MS, have never been through a divorce, and haven't suffered through childhood abuse, Jo's amazing story will touch the secret places of your heart. Read Soar Unafraid. You will fall in love with Jo and her precious Abba." Shawna Marie Bryant, speaker, author, worship leader

"I picked up this book, planning to read a few pages before I went to sleep. Two hours later, I had to make myself put it down! What a testimony to God's love, grace, and mercy. On every page, Jo reminds us that regardless of where life takes us, God has a specific plan for us. I just pray I'll be as faithful as she has been when the hard times come. This book is awesome!" Vonda Skelton

"What a delight to receive your book in the mail last week. I confess, I tried to 'save' it to read after an upcoming surgery this week, but I read it all this past weekend. Smile. I feel as though I know you pretty well now--thanks for being honest and transparent--the only way we truly encourage others!" S. Brinkerhoff

"Jo's life models how to trust God in the midst of pain and heartache and even how to accept them. Her life and testimony have encouraged countless women dealing with their own personal tragedies, but I was moved by the transformation of her formerly emotionally scarred husband, Ray. He has shown me how to be a godly husband and father. Terrific book!" Gregory H. Smith

"I haven't wanted to rush through it. It's brought tears to my eyes, it's made me laugh! Jo has written a book that will encourage you not to be a casuality in this world. You will find encouragement because Jo is real, her struggles are real, and her God is real. With compassion, honesty and forgiveness Jo tells her story." Joyce Fiorentino

"This book testifies to the grace of God that works powerfully in a life of a woman who is diagnosed with MS and how it does not make her bitter but makes her thankful, and even more hopeful in God who saves us from our sins. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know how the grace of God works and gives life and makes people a blessing to others. Truly, in him we will Soar like eagles. Jo, thanks for writing such a wonderful book for us to read. I would say God's grace has truly carried Jo on eagles wings." Pastor Andrew Martin

"If you've heard Jo speak and sing, her book adds dimension to what you already know about her life challenges. Whether her problems have been caused by her genes or her relationships with others, the strength she finds from her walk with God and sharing that with others will leave you wanting to share this book with your friends." Judith Blevens

"This book is great for anyone who has any kind of chronic illness or wants to grow in their faith. I have bi-polar disorder and Jo's words were very encouraging. I read how she trusted God through her MS attacks. It is well worth your time and money to experience this journey with Jo. Enjoy!" Teryl Gallagher

"Jo's book is a story of triumph over adversity. In addition to coping with the very significant challenges that multiple sclerosis can bring Jo also copes with mental and emotional challenges in life with a certain grace and also a strong connection to God. The book is inspiring to read and gives on an understanding of how one's life can be more full with the presence of God in the midst of all of life's uncertainties." Lisa (Physical Therapist)

"I wanted to let you know that your book was a tremendous encouragement to me. I struggle with my marriage, my children, my mom, myself and God. It helped me think what my priorities should be. Faith is sometimes a hard thing to do. But once you go through the issue, it's like, why did I ever doubt? In your book, it has helped me not to want to give up praying and hoping. Your book has given me hope that in God's time, his plan will come about and that I need to keep on praying and hoping and keeping the faith strong in God, especially through the times that I feel the most vulnerable to the world. I truly am excited about your book and I want to share it with many people." Contessa Timmerman

"I read your book almost as soon as I got it. What an incredible story! " Jan Parsneaus

"I finally got a moment to sit down and start reading your book, and then I couldn't put it down! You have been through so much! And God's victory is so evident in you. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable about your struggles. Who wants to read a book about 'I went through trials and handled them perfectly and Christ-like in every way?' That just makes others feel like failures. You are so easy to relate to. I bought three books and now I'm going to buy more!" Deneece Miller

"I could not wait to finish this book, yet at the same time I did not want it to end! Jo speaks from her heart and truly inspires. I really liked the fact that she did not try to gloss over the 'ugly' parts. She spoke honestly about the things she went through and openly shared her feelings--good, bad and indifferent. Her deep and abiding faith in the Lord shines through and shows that we can depend on God in any and all circumstance. If you want to read a book that will make you laugh and cry as it inspires and encourages you, this is the one!" Sherrie Tate

"This book comes highly recommended in Jo sharing her testimony of serious illness, injury, abuse, rejection, marriage problems...so many of the worst of things that can happen to us. It is inspiring and breathes hope into each issue as she turns to God and finds all that she needs in His ever-present grace and love. It is an incredible thing to see where people can go...soaring!...in this kind of pain. It will give you much help and encouragement on whatever may be in your present or past. Please read this book!! S Bryan

"You have so blessed me! I could not put Soar Unafraid down. (And I rarely feel that way about a book.) The Lord ministered to me, convicted, encouraged, and challenged me as I read your story. Your vulnerability. Your attitude of joy, love, and complete surrender to the Lord and His will for you made every chapter powerful and inspiring. I'll delight in referring it to others!" C. Barnes

"I read it cover to cover! I couldn't put it down. What a testimony of God's faithfulness in your life and your obedience to His will, even at great cost to you and those you love." Judie Amen

"What a GREAT book! I savored every page and loved your wonderful word pictures! I know God will use it over and over and over again. I can guess at the toll it took on you to write this book but I know God will use it for eternal purposes!" Jan Mathers

"Jo, you write as beautifully as you sing. I'm thrilled to read how you soar unafraid! I will purchase copies of this wonderful book for seminary students!" Bonnie Robinson, wife of Haddon Robinson, interim president of Gordon Conwell Seminary, (former president of Denver Seminary)

"I do believe you, Jo, are the female counterpart to Job. The more you suffer, the more you cling to God, allowing His Word to be a lifeline to your soul. I could relate totally to Ray towards the beginning - his anger towards God for letting you suffer in spite of your love and faithfulness to God - I have felt that way myself. But you let the suffering accomplish the perfecting of your faith instead of letting it destroy you and that's why you are such an inspiration and example to the rest of us!" Ruth Peters