Carol and Gene Kent's son is in prison. When I Lay My Isaac Down tells their story and shares the transformational power principles they learned ab...
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reviews
Apr 21, 2009
Jlnpeacock
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I'd like to revise the review. I was afraid I was too critical in my thinking until I talked with my husband after he had read the book. He expressed some of the same thoughts I had, so I was being 'mean.' (He validated me, which is all I needed.) Both of us think it is a very 'woman' book. She presents many letters and gives stories of tragic situation after tragic situation. Scripture is given through out, but I don't think one is turned to Scripture as the source of knowledge and hope in
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Feb 26, 2009
Poiema
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A gifted communicator and speaker, Carol Kent's world crashed down around her when her son shot and killed his wife's ex. An only child, her son had an exemplary military career and an impeccable record. His trial and subsequent life sentence was a nightmare for a mother to live through. But live she did, thanks to her faith, strong marriage, and network of supportive friends. Carol came to see that for her, "normal" living would have to be redefined. She and her husband picked up t
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Aug 20, 2011
Lora
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I have to agree with some of the other readers that this book was very disappointing. I also knew that the book would have a religious tone, but I had no idea it would consume most of the book. I really wanted to read about this famiy's plight but there was only an occasional paragraph of the situation sprinkled in between the pages and pages of scripture and preaching and endless self questioning. To be honest, I started the book and became quite impatient and skipped page after page after page
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Aug 16, 2011
Valerie
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I'm not really sure where to rank this book. On one hand, it's really good, but it's also really heartbreaking. It's part memoir, part diary, and part Bible study. This true story is about the author, who is a Christian public speaker, and her family as they deal with the aftermath when her only son, a successful naval officer, goes to jail for murder. I liked that the author never makes excuses for her son. She clearly states that what he did was wrong, yet she still yearns for grace and m
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Aug 01, 2011
Laura
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This book was interesting and would be definitely encouraging and challenging to somebody who was going through a hard time in their life.
However, that being said I guess I was a little "upset" (not sure if that is the correct word) that Carol was seeking and hoping for her son to walk away and out of jail after shooting somebody and killing them. As much as I understand how she feels as a mother (you want to protect your children and give them the best that you can)...there is a More...
However, that being said I guess I was a little "upset" (not sure if that is the correct word) that Carol was seeking and hoping for her son to walk away and out of jail after shooting somebody and killing them. As much as I understand how she feels as a mother (you want to protect your children and give them the best that you can)...there is a More...
Dec 07, 2011
Bethany
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Books seldom make me weep. This is a notable exception.
Pain is universal. The author has been through a massively traumatic event extending over a couple years and forever changing the course of her life, and helps us understand that our response - turning to God "even in this" gives hope both to us and to humanity watching our lives.
I'm thankful there is hope. Even when we serve a God we don't understand, His call to lay our Isaacs down (whatever they may be) More...
Pain is universal. The author has been through a massively traumatic event extending over a couple years and forever changing the course of her life, and helps us understand that our response - turning to God "even in this" gives hope both to us and to humanity watching our lives.
I'm thankful there is hope. Even when we serve a God we don't understand, His call to lay our Isaacs down (whatever they may be) More...
Aug 27, 2011
Nancy
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This story starts out with the normal family. Son starting his career in the Navy. Married with 2' new step daughters. Everyones life is on track and happy. Until the middle of the night call. Claire and Gene's only son Jason had just been arrested for first degree murder. The plot takes us thru a christian family trying to hold onto their faith thru a life altering situation The book gives lots of spiritual strength to anyone reading the story. I think anyone with a life altering situat
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Aug 16, 2011
Barb
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This book was so powerful and gripping! Many times I was reading through tears! Sometimes we have chapters in our lives that we wish weren't happening and we don't know why it is happening to us - causing us to question our faith. Carol Kent and her family has unfaltering faith through the darkest of circumstances. She shows us that Jesus comforts us from the pain of brokeness. As a result, we experience the needs of others that we may not have otherwise noticed.
Aug 13, 2011
Mary
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Very inspirational true story of how a mom held onto her faith in unimaginable circumstances. The book didn't deal with all the particulars of the crime committed (which was refreshing) but instead dealt with how the author's friends and family ministered to her and her family, and how some positive came out their situation. Any trials I encounter in my everyday life PALE in comparison to what she has endured. This would be a great guide book on how to help a loved one who is going through a
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May 04, 2011
Joy
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I saw this book being returned to someone at church and asked to borrow it. Neither the owner or the woman who had just read it liked it at all. I'd heard that Carol Kent, a Christian writer and speaker, had a son who had murdered someone, so I was curious to get the story. The first two-thirds of the book were sharing the reaction of Carol and her husband, family, and friends to the arrest of her only son for the murder of his ex-wife's husband, who was supposedly abusing his two children.
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Aug 30, 2011
Julie
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This was a very inspirational book for me. It caused me to examine the strength of my own faith and if I would be able to withstand such tragic circumstances as the author experienced. It also gave me a fresh perspective on how to better help others bear their burdens. I want to be a "stretcher-bearer" or even a "band-aid carrier". No matter what your trial may be, I think this book may help to lift you up.
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Jan 26, 2012
Kathy
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This author shares her great hurt and stuggle, and how our faithful God sees her and her family through a terrible, long, ongoing difficulty. Encouraging for whatever you or I are going through. Don't read this one if you're looking for a fun read ... it'll touch your heart and encourage you, but it's not a light subject. I needed it!!!!! Thanks Noel Robbins for recommending it to me!!!!
Sep 12, 2011
Tonya
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I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read, yet her message was powerful. As a mother, I can't comprehend having to experience anything like this. Too often I take life and my family for granted. Was a great reminder that everyday with them is a precious gift. These children are not mine, they belong to God and I only have them for a short period of time!
Jul 27, 2011
Ian
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I cannot imagine being in their specific circumstances (son arrested and convicted of 1st degree murder), but their story and example of how they walked throught those times are inspiring and I learned a great deal about how to relate to God, and how to support and seek support from those around me as we all walk throught these inevitable struggles.
Nov 19, 2009
Kerry
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This book helped/helps me deal with my husband's untimely death. Carol Kent shares her "Isaac" situation and how she's dealt with it. She lets us know that it's normal to question God when bad things happen that you think he should have prevented, but that it's important to remember that God's plan is perfect, whether we like it or not.
Nov 07, 2011
Julie
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In a word, WOW!!!! This may be the most profound book I have read ever! The insight this woman and her family share while going through the roughest times of their lives! And how you can take these lessons with you wherever you go, especially when you have to make a "heart sacrifice". Of course, if you are a Christian, or in search of God Himself, this book will be easier to read and understand. I do not think that aspect, however, is mandatory. All I can think of to say is just
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Apr 13, 2009
RSD Coach™
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This is such an incredible book. Full of thought provoking questions that really help you understand why Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son when God told him to.
Each and every person needs to read this book. It is best to read it with a group and do a Q&A type group, that will help with the understanding.
Each and every person needs to read this book. It is best to read it with a group and do a Q&A type group, that will help with the understanding.
Jul 27, 2011
Erin
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What a wonderful true story about a seemingly respectable citizen who let Satan get the best of him as he took the life of a man who molested his step children and is spending the rest of his life in prison. A wonderful story about our Mission in life becoming something other than what we had planned....
Jan 28, 2012
Cindy
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This is an intimate account of a mother's heartbreak. Much more raw than any inspirational book I have read, it helped me with my own raw feelings of coming up short in the motherhood thing. For those who are struggling with, coping with, enduring with children at any age, this is not to be on the waiting list of reads.
Aug 08, 2011
Amee
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Great book which challenged me to think about how far I would trust God. What circumstances could I trust God with? I only gave it a 3 star because although it held me rivited, at times the author (understandably) was not so schematic and maybe emotional rambling a bit.
Jul 27, 2009
Pat
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Carol Kent, her husband and her family were shocked, dismayed and had their world turned upside down when their outstanding son-working toward being a Navy seal-killed his wife's exhusband. So much pain...but they have survived and continued their ministry as well as reaching out to others.
Dec 26, 2011
I think you get more than you bargain for when you read this book! We always want to see into someone else's journey but when you begin to read this book what begins to happen is that you begin to get to the bottom of your own trust issues - and before long its you in the story maybe a different set of circumstances but your story just the same!
Dec 22, 2008
Becky
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A story of tough faith -- not the simple faith of "everything is going to be okay" in a little while, but faith that has to work through questions when everything is NOT going to get better.
Aug 08, 2011
Lady
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Carol Kent speaks about her emotional journey as she and her family had to deal with the unfathomable actions her of her son. She offers not only her journey, but journey of others who have suffered the unthinkable and have to learn to mend and move forward.
Jul 30, 2011
Ruth
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About half of it was quoting from the Bible and other sources.
And a lot of talk about her own sobbing and depression. Not quite what I was hoping for.
And a lot of talk about her own sobbing and depression. Not quite what I was hoping for.
Oct 26, 2009
Tracy
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True story written by a mother whose son has committed murder. If your faith is shakey....read this!
May 30, 2009
Melissa
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real life events, unthinkable events... a good read to learn to relate to unthinkable events in life
Nov 30, 2010
Candace
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Such an incredible story of a mother's love and God's faithfulness in unthinkable circumstances.
May 05, 2010
Connie
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Her son was arrested for 1st degree murder. Trusting God when everything is falling apart.
