As a member of the launch team for the brand new book in this picture, I received an advance reader copy. What a joy it was to learn about Hope Reins ranch. The focus in this true story is on Joey, an appaloosa who was so badly mistreated that he went blind. This therapy ranch rescued him to train him to work with hurting children. In essence, he was rescued to rescue others. There are too many gospel messages in just that sentence for me to unpack here. But then again, the gospel of Jesus is all over this sweet book.
Joey may be the title character, but I think this book is about God. More specifically, it weaves an ongoing saga of God’s provision. One woman started a therapeutic horse ranch with only a dream and a dollar. A dollar a month that she paid for 17 acres of premium land because a church believed in her vision and God’s ability to produce fruit from it. Through fundraisers and generous donors God provided the money needed time and again for sheds, tack, feed, vet bills and all other supplies. Our good Father graciously provided Hope Reins as a loving, stable home for mistreated and neglected animals. He certainly doesn’t have to care about the suffering of animals, but that’s how big His heart is. Especially when alleviating that suffering brings glory to Him. And it does, as He provides comfort to these horses, they provide comfort to hurting children. God provides hope and healing through the unlikeliest vehicles – and not just for the children. Many of the adults who find themselves drawn to volunteer at Hope Reins receive much more than they bargained for – a purpose and healing of their own wounds through time with these majestic animals.
God is in the details. That’s the encouragement I got from Joey’s story. Our Heavenly Father cares about our hopes and dreams. He cares about our wounds. He concerns himself with our physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs. And He provides. He is Jehovah-jireh.
Kim, the founder of Hope Reins, constantly repeated the mantra, “Worry and trust. Worry and trust.” Life would be much simpler if we could eliminate the worry from the equation. We can trust that God will prove Himself every time. That’s who He is. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV Test him in it. And if you need some extra encouragement in the battle, pre-order (it releases May 8th) the story of Joey – a tale of a blind horse and blind faith – by clicking here.
Thank you SO much for sharing this Lauren! I am so honored to have you on team JOEY! And so grateful for your words and review <3
It is my pleasure, Jennifer. Thank you for bringing this story to the public.
God provides! Thanks for sharing, Lauren. Blessings to you.
Thank you for reading!
“God provides hope and healing through the unlikeliest vehicles – and not just for the children.” A truth that always bears repeating. Thanks for sharing this review, Lauren. Visiting from FMF.
Thank you for reading Esther. I need these reminders to trust Him and look for His hand daily!
Thank you for sharing that review, therapy animals are such a blessing for those who are hurting & the disabled.
But it’s always the Lord who is doing the healing in these situations. I have seen this so many times in my professional life.
You’re a most welcome to drop by for a cuppa & a time of inspiration.
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
love how God uses His creatures to bring hope and healing … even those 4 footed ones!
It’s one of the things I love about God. He doesn’t have to care about a horse, but He does – for His glory! Thanks, Linda.
Hi Lauren – I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for visiting my blog yesterday from #CoffeeForYourHeart I so appreciate getting to know new bloggers and I had to come visit you back. I would love if you would consider coming to link up with me on Thursday’s at my #TuneInThursday – if you haven’t already. I enjoyed your post on the book review. I have a friend that works with horses as therapy animals and so she has told me many testimonies of how valuable they can be. She lives in Texas, so I haven’t seen it first hand, but I love how God works through people with hurts and needs and ministers to them through animals. Blessings
Thanks for coming over Debbie. And I linked up today! So glad to find your community!
Lauren, thanks for linking up – I was gone at a conference last week and over the weekend and just returned. I saw that you linked up and I am so glad you did. I hope you will joining us regularly when you can. 🙂
Thank you for reaching out Debbie!
Awe, how sweet. And, I love the the idea of Hope Reins. And, what a kind gesture to have that 17 acres for only $1 a month. To God be the glory. Yes, God is indeed in the details. His love for us leaves no detail unturned. Thanks for sharing, Lauren. ((Hug))
Thank you, Brenda. I’m so glad I found your community!
oh my goodness Lauren. I was just reading through some past posts of yours and came across this book. I am so excited for its release!!! I know of a woman who works in our city who has a farm on which she does therapy with horses and it has always spoken deeply to me. I look forward to hearing more about Hope Reins and Joey’s restoration. thank you for sharing about the book
It’s such a beautiful story, Janel. I am sure you will love it and want to gift it to your friend.