“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Why read a book when you know the outcome is what every parent dreads?
Maybe because it also tells the story of what every parent hopes … to have a child who shines light in dark corners and wakes up the world to love.
Jerry B. Jenkins’ book, As Good As She Imagined, tells the story of triumph in between two national tragedies.
It’s the story of the angel of Tucson, nine-year-old Christina-Taylor Green who was born on September 11, 2001 and died January 8 this year, the day marked by shootings at the political rally held by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Chapter after chapter describes the faith of a mother to make her family whole before and after this horrific crime.
The love of a neighbor who looked forward to spending a day with Christina-Taylor at the gathering, lunch and a pedicure that never happened.
And the optimism of a nine-year-old daughter to heal a family and a nation.
Jenkins wrote the book alongside Christina-Taylor’s mom, Roxanna Green.
Through their teamwork, As Good As She Imagined offers the reader glimpses of Christina-Taylor’s well-lived life, and also pledges this little girl’s death not be purposeless.
Her story challenges each of us to be as good as we imagine – as good a country, as good a community, as good an individual.
