Tragedy to Triumph

By Carol L. McKinney

Carol L. McKinney was diagnosed with Type I Insulin-dependent Diabetes at age thirteen. She became visually disabled, orphaned and a mother at twenty-five. Multiple watershed events; a myriad of diseases, deaths and a personal relationship with Christ Jesus have had a profound impact on her life. Through her watercolor illustrations, designing and sewing apparel and quilts she encourages others to live a life of purpose with perseverance and triumphs over tragedies by trusting in The LORDs Biblical Promises and Saving Grace. Carol lives in Southern California with her husband, Peter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503575165

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Carol L. McKinney. 667104

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015908864

ISBN:   Softcover     978-1-5035-7512-7

             Hardcover   978-1-5035-7511-0

             EBook         978-1-5035-7516-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 07/31/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

Pink Roses

IMAGE%2001.tif

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,

whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price;

therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

—1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Tragedy to Triumph

Soli Deo Gloria

Sola Christus

Sola fide

Sola gratia

Sola scriptura

African Violets

IMAGE%2002.tif

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ,

and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

—2 Corinthians 2:14

Tragedy to Triumph

Carol L. McKinney

Red Spotted Purple Butterflies on Gloxinia

IMAGE%2003.tif

For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;

I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

—Psalm 92:4

Treasures

IMAGE%2004.tif

Mementoes

Carol L. McKinney

Nostalgic curious on the shelf

remind us of special times;

Memories of vacations long ago,

seashores, mountains, and foreign lands;

Memorabilia residing in the cabinet,

bring to mind cherished people;

Loved ones of days long past,

friends departed and those close to home;

Treasures made by children, perched on the table,

recall laughter, fun, and moments held dear;

Paper, cloth, sticks, and clay,

given with butterfly kisses and sticky fingers.

Mementoes of life hang on the wall,

snapshots of time, impressions to reminisce;

Poignant memories meticulously gathered,

precious gifts from our Holy God.

Dogface Orange Sulphur Butterflies

IMAGE%2006.tif

One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.

—John 9:25

For the mentally, physically, and visually disabled.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus keep me from all wrong.

I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Thro’ this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it Jesus, is my plea.

Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

—Anonymous

Western Bluebird and Lilac

IMAGE%2007.tif

God will wipe every tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

There shall be no more pain,

for the former things have passed away.

—Revelation 21:4

Precious Peace

IMAGE%2008.tif

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

—Philippians 4:13

Red Rose Bud

IMAGE%2009.tif

Dedicated to my husband, Peter:

Red Sails

Stalwart eagle, red sail perched;

Sunset aglow; above turquoise, tranquil briny waters;

Soul mate awaits, anticipates, amour aerie.

—Haiku, Carol L. McKinney

And to our daughter, Megan:

Bohemian Rhapsody

Laughter echoes in joyful tunes;

Luminous eyes reflect life like morning dew;

Golden hair mirrors the sun.

—Haiku, Carol L. McKinney

And to our cherished pets:

Engaging Eyes

Liquid pools of melted chocolate moons;

Lapis lazuli orbs of imperious aristocratic esprit;

Loving, entreating amber olivinic spheres.

—Haiku, Carol L. McKinney

Flowers with Cross 2011

IMAGE%2010.tif

Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.

—Proverbs 16:3

Cross with Lilies 2013

IMAGE%2011.tif

It takes character to live for Jesus Christ today

and to fulfill His purpose in life for us.

It takes backbone and courage.

—Sarah Anne Jepson, Dawn of Devotion

We must pass on to others what we know.

He [God] will not teach us merely for our gratification,

but that we may benefit others, thereby.

—F. B. Meyer, Our Daily Walk

Oh GOD! do Thou help me … for this is not my work, but Thine.

Thou has chosen me for this work.

Act then, O GOD … stand at my side, for the sake of Thy well-beloved

Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower.

—Martin Luther, The Life and Times of Martin Luther

Tiger Striped Daisies on Bible

IMAGE%2012.tif

For we are His workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared before-hand, that we should walk in them.

—Ephesians 2:10

Daisies

IMAGE%2005.tif

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

—Psalm 56: 3

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

My Testimony and Spiritual Beginning

Chapter 1 Death, Grief, and Sorrow: Comfort

Chapter 2 Pregnancies: Hope

Chapter 3 Visual Impairment and Blindness: Rest and Peace

Chapter 4 Vehicular Collision: Faith and Prayer

Chapter 5 Childhood: Love and Intrinsic Gifts

Chapter 6 Chronic Diseases: Tribulation and