Glamorous Sacrifice: Life...in the Shadow of Championships

by Keva Develle Horry

Three years into college, Keva DeVelle (Horry) was in pursuit of a career as the next major network anchorperson. She was grounded in her faith, well-rounded in her academic and social life and focused on being the comforting voice millions would hear every evening at six o'clock. During that same year in college, her learning that she and the love of her life were going to have a baby was more than an interruption of her dream...it was the beginning of her assignment. No twenty-two-year-old young woman could possibly prepare for whirlwind circumstances and life-altering events consuming nearly two decades. She was not prepared, but she was equipped. Being married to a professional athlete - who happened to win more world NBA championships than anyone who wasn't on the 1960 Boston Celtics team, and who quickly earned the nickname "Big Shot" - was, to say the least, challenging. The unimaginable task of maintaining a long-distance marriage and the enormous responsibility of caring for a special-needs child equaled a perfect storm of overwhelming peaks and inconceivable valleys for her. But through it all, she never lost her firm grip on her faith. Time and again, she told her Maker, "I will not let go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26). Glamorous Sacrifice is a poignant reflection of that blessing. The blessing of being an expert odds-defying conqueror. The blessing of seeing medical facts, but believing in Divine truth. The blessing of recognizing an appointed assignment, and fulfilling it for the glory of someone else. The blessing of a wife's devotion, a mother's love and the championing of purpose. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Melissa Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly inspiring. A must read

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me several months to read. Mostly because I did not commit to reading it so I took my time. Also, there were lots of medical information details to process (which was needed). I read three quarters of it and then two months later finally finished the book today. I am so glad I waited. I was able to absorb the ending and appreciate the sacrifice this courageous mother made in revisiting and retelling all those moments that she experienced in her life. What an extraordinary life it was for Ashlyn but also for their whole family. Keva's faith in God is evident and I could see how God richly blessed her in return.

As a women, as a mother and as someone who has experienced difficult circumstances (different from Keva's) I highly respect her as a person, a mother, and an author.

Thank you Keva for sharing your heart and soul and exposing your inner most emotions.

The letter from Cameron to his sister brought me to tears and of course, the last few moments of Ashlyn's life brought about emotions in me that needed releasing.

[Dona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling and tender telling of the devotion of a mother to her special needs daughter. In Glamorous Sacrifice Keva Develle Horry recounts the life she loving and devotedly pursued in caring for her daughter, Ashlyn, and the tremendous impact pact that Ashlyn had on everyone who encountered her. Keva's was far from easy, and there were those who truly did not understand her unbelievable day-to-day routine in caring for Ashlyn. Yes, her husband played in the NBA, but Ashlyn's needs did not allow for the jetsetting life that they imagined. In their ignorance and jealousy they would say and do things that were insensitive and hurtful. Nevertheless, Keva contintued, undeterred, to be the best mother and advocate that any child could hope to have. Standing on her faith in God and never ceasing to seek out those individuals and experiences that would shape Ashlyn's life in the best way possible, Keva Devell Horry's story is awe-inspiring.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story that inspired me!!! A must read