Acts Of Kindness
Gathering Courage by T.A McMullin is a heartfelt account of the journey through adoption, fostering and life. Terry McMullin is honest with her highs and lows, her loves, her losses and her constant faith in a God who loves her unconditionally.
Born in the Edna Gladney home in Texas, I immediately connected with Terry’s story. I have seen the film Blossoms In The Dust (Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon) that tells the story of Edna Gladney. I ‘saw’ Terry for the darling little baby she was. In making this connection, Gathering Courage really came alive for me. It became personal. I ‘felt’ deeply for all that Terry went through.
Terry McMullin writes about her struggles with dyslexia – unknown in her childhood so she was labelled ‘stupid.’ There is a marvellous section on dyslexia saying what it is and what it isn’t. It’s very powerful.
Words have the power to bring life or death. We need to remember that. We need to always speak “Words of affirmation… [to] break chains.”
Kindness is an underrated quality but “the simplest act of kindness could have an impact on someone’s life.” We never know just how powerful a kind word can be.
Going through fostering and adoption can leave scars but “Jesus restored the part of me that was tattered and torn by harshness.” Always looking to Jesus gave Terry McMullin a secure and firm foundation.
There was a wonderful section on forgiveness. “Forgiveness is an ongoing process.” I loved the sentiment that “Forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves.”
Animals can bring healing. Terry McMullin writes of some beautiful animal friendships with her horses and dogs.
Terry McMullin has known what it is like to feel unwanted, to be subjected to cruelty. Towards the end of the book, I became totally undone as she described how she would give Border Collie, Katie a forever home. It was my favourite passage in the whole book (maybe because I have given a rescue kitty a forever home). I am not afraid to admit that it made me cry with the beauty and love that Terry had for Katie.
Gathering Courage is an honest and heartfelt account of life through adoption and fostering. Our early years affect us forever. They make us who we are. Thank you Terry McMullin for your account of your life. Thank you for your love and your perseverance to always help and look out for others.
A beautiful account that will make you cry. Read with tissues nearby.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON