Lori Cunningham – Guest Post
This excerpt by author and speaker, Nan Jones, says it all:
“I’ve only known Lori Cunningham a few short weeks through an online friendship, but I know there is something very special about her. I think of the beautiful, delicate rose whose petals have fallen to the ground only to be crushed by uncaring feet. But the result is the sweet aroma that infuses its surroundings with beauty and grace.
You see, Lori is that delicate rose who was crushed as a child, but she found the faithfulness of the Lord in her anguish and now her life emits the sweet aroma of Christ to the world around her. Although her story is very painful to read, she has found the presence of God throughout — even in the most vile moments. Lori clings to His outstretched hand, and He imparts grace and healing.”
Nan Jones featured Lori Cunningham’s life story, book and blog in January 2018. The link to this amazing story, as recorded on Nan Jones’ blog, is found below. I implore you to please pause for a moment and read Lori’s miraculous story of overcoming the horrors of violent childhood abuse by clinging to Jesus through it all. Lori is a walking, talking, living miracle. To know her is to be blessed by her. Though it may sear your heart to read her story, the truth must be made known, as this is the story of many others. May our eyes be opened and our hearts be moved to reach out, help and pray for any who are suffering from abuse. Lori’s story will give you hope, when all hope seems lost. Read with her, ache with her, find hope in Christ with her, for in the end, Jesus is our only hope.
Nan Jones Faith Notes – Lori Cunningham: Where Was God During My Violent Abuse?
Additional Resources:
Lori Cunningham’s Book Available on Amazon – The Pain of Reality and the Reality of Pain
How wonderful to share Lori here, Melissa. I will share on Facebook and Twitter. Her book is needed by so many.
Thank you for sharing Lori’s life, faith and book with others. So many need her story. Praying for those who are hurting even now.
A message of truth. A message of courage and of faith. I would never try to explain Lori’s plight. I would never attempt to answer the question why? I don’t understand, but I accept that. There is much about God I do not understand because I am not capable.
This is a hard thing. It is a hard thing like Christ’s analogy of eating His flesh and drinking His blood was a hard thing for his disciples. Some of them left him over it–just as today, people leave Christ because something terrible happens to a loved one, because of the injustices of the world like war, famine, deformity and disease. Even so, His burden light. To live without Him is to live without hope. That is a burden I can not bear.
Thank you for sharing this Melissa.
God’s Blessings.
–Pam
Dear Pam,
I echo your sentiments completely. Truly the suffering Lori endured is a sorrow that is too deep to understand or explain. I do know that Jesus was her lifeline through it all and because of Jesus, she has a story of hope for others.
And you are right, there are many things we cannot understand. We do know this, we live in a fallen world. Because of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we have been changed and have the assurance and hope of heaven. That is a hope that is above and beyond this life. Sometimes remembering that this world is not our home brings great comfort. We also know that one day Jesus will right every wrong and knowing this can provide a soul sustaining power. I cannot even imagine living one day without Him. Where else can we go? Jesus is our only hope now and forever. May God bless you and keep you. Melissa
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story of redemption. It is an encouragement to me as I pray for loved ones who have also struggled through such abuse!
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for taking the time and the heart to read Lori’s story. I agree, it increases our faith as we pray for others who are struggling with these issues. Her faith is amazing to me and inspires me to keep seeking Jesus always.
May God do mighty things through your prayers.
We re hearing so many stories like this. Why are we so blind to those it is happening to? I know they hide it well but it seems we should be becoming more sensitive so we can help more often.
I so appreciate her testimony about how God gave her faith and confidence in Him as she was going through this.
I agree, Beth. Lord, please open our eyes and help us to see people who are hurting so we can reach out and help!
Wow! What a beautiful testimony. I love when she said, “Sometimes He does rescue us right away from suffering, other times He carries us through it. Either way, He is always good and faithful and completely trustworthy. I implore you to trust Him, knowing your suffering is not in vain.” It is so hard to trust one He doesn’t take away our suffering. We have to know and believe that God will use everything for our good and for His glory, even our suffering. Thank you for sharing this!
It is very hard to trust when suffering goes on and on. Lori is an incredible person and I have learned much from her about how to have faith through suffering. Her faith and life shine brighter than the worst evil, because of Jesus. I pray that her story will reach the very people who need it most to bring healing and hope. Thank you for reading, Lisa. God bless you!