Stronger by Kathy Crabb Hannah - Book Review

With Mother's Day this weekend, it only seems fitting that posts this week be about mothers. Kathy Crabb Hannah, matriarch of the Crabb Family, released a book earlier this year entitled Stronger. The book is her life story in her words.

I lucked out to get this book during one of Arkansas' snow weekends. Let me say, it was a good thing I was home not able to get out and go to work because I was immediately caught up in her story. I didn't put the book down and finished it in less than 24 hours.

I love the conversational style that Kathy has in the book. It's just like she were sitting across the table from talking about her life over a piece of birthday cake and Diet Coke. You can hear her voice in it just as she would tell it to you. She's real. The book is completely authentic and completely her. I love that.

Kathy goes through her life from her father's death to when she was attacked in a parking lot to how she met her husband Steve Hannah. She shares details of circumstances she's overcome. You can read the faith story of how the Crabb Family got started, the blood, sweat and tears that went into the ministry. You might only know Kathy from the Crabb Family, but don't miss the incredible story of her life she shares. Stronger couldn't be more appropriately named after reading her story.

She's a proud mom, and she has every right to be. She shares about each of her kids and each of her grandkids throughout the book. You can tell that they are her heart. The mother's love she has for all of them just exudes from the pages. With grown kids now, she mentions that she likes being the one they still count one, the one who will get the call when they need someone. When the Bowling Family had their bus wreck, she talks about putting life on hold to take care of them.

You'll be inspired by her story. You will be able to see how God has worked in her life from an early age. Readers will leave the book seeing what can happen when you place your life and your faith in God. God is woven throughout her story, how He orchestrates every detail, how He protects and gives strength when we have none. Her story is one of faith. I've tried not to share too many specifics from the book because I want you to read it for yourselves, but here's some of her words from the last chapter:

"We are all the same. Yes, I am, in many ways, just like you. I may get angry today; I may feel blessed tomorrow; I may possibly be a tiny bit bitter the next day. However, the thread that weaves through every thought that this hyperactive brain churns out is this: God is faithful."

I told you, she's completely real. The book is a great reminder that we all have a story to tell. It's whether or not we use our story for God's glory.

I'm sure a lot of gospel fans will want to read the book because of the Crabb Family aspect and want to hear behind the scenes stories of the family. And yes, there are those, but don't miss the heart of the book. This book is the story of a woman who has overcome incredible circumstances and stands today "stronger."

The book is available now at http://kathycrabbhannah.com. Order it today!