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Joey – How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others to Learn to See

March 19, 2018 by Lauren 18 Comments

 

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.

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Filed Under: Christian, Faith, provision, trusting God Tagged With: gospel, horses, Jehovah-jireh

Comments

  1. Jennifer Bleakley says

    March 19, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 19, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      It is my pleasure, Jennifer. Thank you for bringing this story to the public.

      Reply
  2. Boma says

    March 19, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    God provides! Thanks for sharing, Lauren. Blessings to you.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 19, 2018 at 10:28 pm

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  3. Esther says

    March 20, 2018 at 11:53 am

    “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.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 20, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      Thank you for reading Esther. I need these reminders to trust Him and look for His hand daily!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    March 21, 2018 at 12:18 am

    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

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 21, 2018 at 2:49 am

      Thank you, Jennifer!

      Reply
  5. Linda Stoll says

    March 22, 2018 at 3:05 pm

    love how God uses His creatures to bring hope and healing … even those 4 footed ones!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 23, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. Debbie Kitterman says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 23, 2018 at 2:47 am

      Thanks for coming over Debbie. And I linked up today! So glad to find your community!

      Reply
      • Debbie Kitterman says

        March 28, 2018 at 10:57 pm

        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. 🙂

        Reply
        • Lauren says

          March 29, 2018 at 3:07 am

          Thank you for reaching out Debbie!

          Reply
  7. Brenda says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    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))

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 23, 2018 at 2:42 am

      Thank you, Brenda. I’m so glad I found your community!

      Reply
  8. Janel Andrews says

    April 4, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    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

    Reply
  9. Lauren says

    April 4, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    It’s such a beautiful story, Janel. I am sure you will love it and want to gift it to your friend.

    Reply

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I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
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