STUMPBLING ON OPEN GROUND by Ken Mansfield

 

What an inspiring book!  Ken Mansfield’s story is a love story – a story of faith – a story of determination – and, a story of an undying spirit.  If Ken’s early life reads like a fairy tale, much of the last twenty years reads like the Book of Job.  Ken’s style of raw honesty is rare and the integrity of his story made this is a story to get lost in.  Not knowing Ken personally does not affect the familiar feelings, like those for a family member, which rose to the surface while reading this book.     

 Commentary and another side of the story are presented by Ken’s wife, Connie, at different stages of Ken’s journey.  While her journey mirrors her husband’s, she also carries her own burden, struggling to nurse her husband, while maintaining her own life and her walk with God.  Ken never fails to acknowledge his love for Connie, bringing forth a real love story, one built on faith and devotion.  Their story together is one with a strong foundation of faith – a relationship to envy. 

As I read the story, I often found myself in tears and, at other times, I found myself with a smile on my face, cheering for Ken.  By the time I turned the last page, I had a renewal of my own faith and rekindling of my own journey of hope.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their BookSneeze Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."