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Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and A Reading Disability
T.A. "Terry" McMullin is a multi-award winning author, a distinguished educator, and a gifted inspirational speaker. Terry's simple 'down to earth' personality with an enduring Christian message is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit to survive setbacks and fulfill their own dreams despite all odds. Terry answers the question, "How do some people find success despite hardships?"
The author knows as well as anyone that hard times are a part of the journey of life. During Terry's journey, she was an orphan, an adopted child, and then made a foster child by her parents. Terry's struggles with rejection, failure, and a reading disability are up-lifted by her faith, hard work, and compassion.
Because Terry struggled with reading, comprehension, and spelling, she was placed in a foster home at the age of nine. Terry was failing in school and no one knew how to help her. As a child in the 1960s, hardly anyone recognized the learning issues related to dyslexia. The struggle to learn continued through high school. From deep within, Terry developed an internal desire to excel, no matter the obstacle, no matter the situation. Pushing adversity and a reading disability aside, Terry gathered the courage to enroll in college.
While attending college, Terry taught herself how to read and study while working nights and weekends to pay her tuition and living expenses. Because of dyslexia, Terry worked much harder than most students. For ten years, she remained diligent and focused on the goal of achieving a college education and a teaching certificate.
Step by step and class by class, Terry succeeded, and walked across the stage to receive a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Texas A&M University. Terry's life transformed from a broken-hearted child who could barely make out words in elementary school to a distinguished educator and a dynamic speaker who encourages young people to work hard and achieve their greatest aspirations.
The author's memoir is simply breathtaking and honest as she opens her arms and draws the reader into her heart-felt journey so they too, can learn to survive setbacks and painful experiences while striving to live a life of victory. Readers will become inspired to follow in Terry's footsteps and "gather the courage" to overcome their own personal struggles and develop the desire to "make life better".
In less than 30 days after printing the proof copies, Gathering Courage became an award-winning book and T.A. McMullin became an award-winning author.
2015 North American Book Award 1st place winner - Animals/Pets 1st place winner - Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs
2016 Readers' Favorite 5 STAR Award
Readers' Favorite International Book Award - Honorable Mention - Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Best Book Award - Finalist - Young Adult - Non-Fiction
The 2017 Illumination Book Awards honored Gathering A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability , with the silver, Enduring Light Medals Award, for Christian Thought.
The spotlight is shining on this exemplary Christian book, Gathering Courage, with an enduring message because it is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit to survive setbacks and fulfill their own dreams despite all odds.
The author knows as well as anyone that hard times are a part of the journey of life. During Terry's journey, she was an orphan, an adopted child, and then made a foster child by her parents. Terry's struggles with rejection, failure, and a reading disability are up-lifted by her faith, hard work, and compassion.
Because Terry struggled with reading, comprehension, and spelling, she was placed in a foster home at the age of nine. Terry was failing in school and no one knew how to help her. As a child in the 1960s, hardly anyone recognized the learning issues related to dyslexia. The struggle to learn continued through high school. From deep within, Terry developed an internal desire to excel, no matter the obstacle, no matter the situation. Pushing adversity and a reading disability aside, Terry gathered the courage to enroll in college.
While attending college, Terry taught herself how to read and study while working nights and weekends to pay her tuition and living expenses. Because of dyslexia, Terry worked much harder than most students. For ten years, she remained diligent and focused on the goal of achieving a college education and a teaching certificate.
Step by step and class by class, Terry succeeded, and walked across the stage to receive a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Texas A&M University. Terry's life transformed from a broken-hearted child who could barely make out words in elementary school to a distinguished educator and a dynamic speaker who encourages young people to work hard and achieve their greatest aspirations.
The author's memoir is simply breathtaking and honest as she opens her arms and draws the reader into her heart-felt journey so they too, can learn to survive setbacks and painful experiences while striving to live a life of victory. Readers will become inspired to follow in Terry's footsteps and "gather the courage" to overcome their own personal struggles and develop the desire to "make life better".
In less than 30 days after printing the proof copies, Gathering Courage became an award-winning book and T.A. McMullin became an award-winning author.
2015 North American Book Award 1st place winner - Animals/Pets 1st place winner - Biographies, Autobiographies, and Memoirs
2016 Readers' Favorite 5 STAR Award
Readers' Favorite International Book Award - Honorable Mention - Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Best Book Award - Finalist - Young Adult - Non-Fiction
The 2017 Illumination Book Awards honored Gathering A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability , with the silver, Enduring Light Medals Award, for Christian Thought.
The spotlight is shining on this exemplary Christian book, Gathering Courage, with an enduring message because it is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit to survive setbacks and fulfill their own dreams despite all odds.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2016
2 people are currently reading
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July 9, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge through BookCrash. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
This book certainly lives up to its name, and it is to the author's credit that this book shows little evidence of a reading disorder, being clear and straightforward and unadorned prose that tells a story in a mostly linear fashion. This is without a doubt a poignant addition to the memoirs of difficult childhoods genre relating to adoption that I read about quite often [1], but in reading this I was struck by the fact that something was missing. It took me about half the book to realize it, but I came to a part where the author said that she didn't hang around guys and party but she focused on work and church, and while that is not a bad thing, it did suggest that the author's struggle with intimacy is something that has never entirely healed. To be sure, not everyone who struggles with a difficult childhood and abusive parents as the author did, much less with adversity relating to health as well as dyslexia, is able to find success in love and marriage, but it doesn't seem as if the author even tried, and that leaves this book with a bit of a sense of sadness.
In reading this book, there are at least a few patterns that show themselves over and over again. For one, the author struggled to find consistent work as well as to gain a good education because of dyslexia and a total lack of health from her adoptive parents, where her father appeared particularly abusive (verbally at least). Her health struggles were a consistent problem as well and she appeared to attract a fair amount of difficulty, including a car accident that required extensive physical therapy. Fortunately, the author appears to have bonded early with animals, and the book is filled with the author's discussion of her loving relationship with dogs and horses and so on. Indeed, a great part of the book is seeing the author's resilience in dealing with various problems and her rather sensible (and admirable) tendency to great books when she was teaching something where there was no suitable book already. She also appears to have had at least a few very good friends who helped her life along, making this book a generally happy one for all of the adversity.
Whether or not you appreciate this book will depend on what you expect from it. This book makes little in the way of literary pretensions, but it tells an honest and heartfelt story of the author's own life and how God was able to help her through positive connections with others who encouraged her as well as through the love of animals. If the author's life seems rather lonely, at least from the perspective of this reader, at least it is a life that has been dedicated to service as well as to growth and overcoming, and that is something that is well worth celebrating. And a great deal of this book is much more enjoyable for the reader if there are not the expectations that fill most memoirs of this kind with an end in marriage or a home full of beloved children. So long as the reader expects a life of dignified efforts at serving others and engaging in meaningful work, the reader will find a great deal to enjoy here, even if this book differs from many memoirs in not having precisely the sort of happy ending that many readers will naturally expect.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
This book certainly lives up to its name, and it is to the author's credit that this book shows little evidence of a reading disorder, being clear and straightforward and unadorned prose that tells a story in a mostly linear fashion. This is without a doubt a poignant addition to the memoirs of difficult childhoods genre relating to adoption that I read about quite often [1], but in reading this I was struck by the fact that something was missing. It took me about half the book to realize it, but I came to a part where the author said that she didn't hang around guys and party but she focused on work and church, and while that is not a bad thing, it did suggest that the author's struggle with intimacy is something that has never entirely healed. To be sure, not everyone who struggles with a difficult childhood and abusive parents as the author did, much less with adversity relating to health as well as dyslexia, is able to find success in love and marriage, but it doesn't seem as if the author even tried, and that leaves this book with a bit of a sense of sadness.
In reading this book, there are at least a few patterns that show themselves over and over again. For one, the author struggled to find consistent work as well as to gain a good education because of dyslexia and a total lack of health from her adoptive parents, where her father appeared particularly abusive (verbally at least). Her health struggles were a consistent problem as well and she appeared to attract a fair amount of difficulty, including a car accident that required extensive physical therapy. Fortunately, the author appears to have bonded early with animals, and the book is filled with the author's discussion of her loving relationship with dogs and horses and so on. Indeed, a great part of the book is seeing the author's resilience in dealing with various problems and her rather sensible (and admirable) tendency to great books when she was teaching something where there was no suitable book already. She also appears to have had at least a few very good friends who helped her life along, making this book a generally happy one for all of the adversity.
Whether or not you appreciate this book will depend on what you expect from it. This book makes little in the way of literary pretensions, but it tells an honest and heartfelt story of the author's own life and how God was able to help her through positive connections with others who encouraged her as well as through the love of animals. If the author's life seems rather lonely, at least from the perspective of this reader, at least it is a life that has been dedicated to service as well as to growth and overcoming, and that is something that is well worth celebrating. And a great deal of this book is much more enjoyable for the reader if there are not the expectations that fill most memoirs of this kind with an end in marriage or a home full of beloved children. So long as the reader expects a life of dignified efforts at serving others and engaging in meaningful work, the reader will find a great deal to enjoy here, even if this book differs from many memoirs in not having precisely the sort of happy ending that many readers will naturally expect.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
January 3, 2018
Gathering Courage by T.A McMullin is a heartfelt account of the journey through adoption, fostering and life. Terry McMullin is honest with her highs and lows, her loves, her losses and her constant faith in a God who loves her unconditionally.
Born in the Edna Gladney home in Texas, I immediately connected with Terry's story. I have seen the film Blossoms In The Dust (Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon) that tells the story of Edna Gladney. I 'saw' Terry for the darling little baby she was. In making this connection, Gathering Courage really came alive for me. It became personal. I 'felt' deeply for all that Terry went through.
Terry McMullin writes about her struggles with dyslexia - unknown in her childhood so she was labelled 'stupid.' There is a marvellous section on dyslexia saying what it is and what it isn't. It's very powerful.
Words have the power to bring life or death. We need to remember that. We need to always speak "Words of affirmation... [to] break chains."
Kindness is an underrated quality but "the simplest act of kindness could have an impact on someone's life." We never know just how powerful a kind word can be.
Going through fostering and adoption can leave scars but "Jesus restored the part of me that was tattered and torn by harshness." Always looking to Jesus gave Terry McMullin a secure and firm foundation.
There was a wonderful section on forgiveness. "Forgiveness is an ongoing process." I loved the sentiment that "Forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves."
Animals can bring healing. Terry McMullin writes of some beautiful animal friendships with her horses and dogs.
Terry McMullin has known what it is like to feel unwanted, to be subjected to cruelty. Towards the end of the book, I became totally undone as she described how she would give Border Collie, Katie a forever home. It was my favourite passage in the whole book (maybe because I have given a rescue kitty a forever home). I am not afraid to admit that it made me cry with the beauty and love that Terry had for Katie.
Gathering Courage is an honest and heartfelt account of life through adoption and fostering. Our early years affect us forever. They make us who we are. Thank you Terry McMullin for your account of your life. Thank you for your love and your perseverance to always help and look out for others.
A beautiful account that will make you cry. Read with tissues nearby.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Born in the Edna Gladney home in Texas, I immediately connected with Terry's story. I have seen the film Blossoms In The Dust (Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon) that tells the story of Edna Gladney. I 'saw' Terry for the darling little baby she was. In making this connection, Gathering Courage really came alive for me. It became personal. I 'felt' deeply for all that Terry went through.
Terry McMullin writes about her struggles with dyslexia - unknown in her childhood so she was labelled 'stupid.' There is a marvellous section on dyslexia saying what it is and what it isn't. It's very powerful.
Words have the power to bring life or death. We need to remember that. We need to always speak "Words of affirmation... [to] break chains."
Kindness is an underrated quality but "the simplest act of kindness could have an impact on someone's life." We never know just how powerful a kind word can be.
Going through fostering and adoption can leave scars but "Jesus restored the part of me that was tattered and torn by harshness." Always looking to Jesus gave Terry McMullin a secure and firm foundation.
There was a wonderful section on forgiveness. "Forgiveness is an ongoing process." I loved the sentiment that "Forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves."
Animals can bring healing. Terry McMullin writes of some beautiful animal friendships with her horses and dogs.
Terry McMullin has known what it is like to feel unwanted, to be subjected to cruelty. Towards the end of the book, I became totally undone as she described how she would give Border Collie, Katie a forever home. It was my favourite passage in the whole book (maybe because I have given a rescue kitty a forever home). I am not afraid to admit that it made me cry with the beauty and love that Terry had for Katie.
Gathering Courage is an honest and heartfelt account of life through adoption and fostering. Our early years affect us forever. They make us who we are. Thank you Terry McMullin for your account of your life. Thank you for your love and your perseverance to always help and look out for others.
A beautiful account that will make you cry. Read with tissues nearby.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 20, 2018
McMullin's memoir takes the reader through her life from childhood to the present as she endured fosterhood, being rejected by adoptive parents, and living with disabilities. McMullin did, indeed, experience many hardships. She also triumphed over the adversities and obtained two university degrees. She runs a ranch and teaches/mentors others with disabilities. She struggled along the way, but kept her faith in God and trusted a few people who'd shown her kindness over the years.
However, while the book is interesting because of the subject matter, this one needed the hand of a ghost writer. As many self-published books do, it came off as merely an across-the-dining-room-table conversation. I have respect for McMullin because of what she's overcome and admire her ambition to be an encouragement to others through her writing. But at the end of the day, I had to call it a day. I rarely skim a book like this, but had to do so with this one.
However, while the book is interesting because of the subject matter, this one needed the hand of a ghost writer. As many self-published books do, it came off as merely an across-the-dining-room-table conversation. I have respect for McMullin because of what she's overcome and admire her ambition to be an encouragement to others through her writing. But at the end of the day, I had to call it a day. I rarely skim a book like this, but had to do so with this one.
October 11, 2016
I was given the chance to review this wonderful book for a Blog Tour I am on. This book really piqued my interested. This review is hard to write due to the emotions I didn't see this book pulling out of me. I had a hard time reading this book. By no means is it a bad read. No, It was due to all the similarities that Terry struggled with.
Terry writes her story about a life that is so full of pain and angst. She was given up when she was born. Then later she is adopted. Only to be disappointed and hurt by this new family. She is struggling through school and is not getting help from home. So they send her away to a foster home at age nine. Thinking this would make her grades better.
Well, here is why this story piqued my interest. I too am adopted. I am also Dyslexic and struggled all my life with school. I unfortunately fell through the cracks of the system. I also had a great love for horses. I never was able to have one. Not that I didn't try. I hung around some friends who owned some and found peace there. As I continue to read this book in tears. I realized we had something else in common. I too wanted to go to A&M to become a Veterinarian. Once I started junior college is when I found out I was dyslexic. It was a huge blow. Reading Terry's book gives me hope that this struggle will not bring people like us down. Her faith in God is remarkable. I am glad she shared her story. Now I don't feel so alone in the struggle of adoption and learning difficulties. She showed me you can prevail and make something of myself. Although school is too late for me. There other things I can prevail in. I think I have come a long wait. Beautiful read.
Thank you Terry, for the autographed book and LSLL for the blog tour.
Terry writes her story about a life that is so full of pain and angst. She was given up when she was born. Then later she is adopted. Only to be disappointed and hurt by this new family. She is struggling through school and is not getting help from home. So they send her away to a foster home at age nine. Thinking this would make her grades better.
Well, here is why this story piqued my interest. I too am adopted. I am also Dyslexic and struggled all my life with school. I unfortunately fell through the cracks of the system. I also had a great love for horses. I never was able to have one. Not that I didn't try. I hung around some friends who owned some and found peace there. As I continue to read this book in tears. I realized we had something else in common. I too wanted to go to A&M to become a Veterinarian. Once I started junior college is when I found out I was dyslexic. It was a huge blow. Reading Terry's book gives me hope that this struggle will not bring people like us down. Her faith in God is remarkable. I am glad she shared her story. Now I don't feel so alone in the struggle of adoption and learning difficulties. She showed me you can prevail and make something of myself. Although school is too late for me. There other things I can prevail in. I think I have come a long wait. Beautiful read.
Thank you Terry, for the autographed book and LSLL for the blog tour.
October 13, 2016
Gathering Courage is heartbreaking in many ways, but it’s also extremely inspiring and uplifting. The author pulls no punches in telling about her difficult experiences in an adoptive home (and briefly in a foster home), her slow learning and poor grades because of undiagnosed dyslexia, and her never-ending struggle to please her adoptive parents. Instead of cowering and giving up in the face of so much negativity throughout her childhood, Terry chose to set goals and work unbelievably hard to achieve those goals. Her determination and steadfastness to attend college and work several jobs all at the same time are encouraging. What jumps out for me in this story is how some encouraging words and kind acts from a few people in Terry’s early years were enough to keep her chin up and moving forward. We should all be mindful of our words and deeds, especially toward impressionable and vulnerable children.
Terry’s words and writing style are not flowery or poetic; they are breathtaking in their simplicity and honesty. Her story comes from her heart and is filled with hope, faith, and love. Hope for the ability to achieve every goal she sets and positively impact the lives of so many, faith in God to see her through every obstacle and painful loss, and love for friends, students, and the animals in her care.
Terry’s journey will inspire you to view your own difficulties and relationships and outlook on life through a new and positive lens. Thank you, Terry, for your courage and your faith and for sharing your truly moving story.
Terry’s words and writing style are not flowery or poetic; they are breathtaking in their simplicity and honesty. Her story comes from her heart and is filled with hope, faith, and love. Hope for the ability to achieve every goal she sets and positively impact the lives of so many, faith in God to see her through every obstacle and painful loss, and love for friends, students, and the animals in her care.
Terry’s journey will inspire you to view your own difficulties and relationships and outlook on life through a new and positive lens. Thank you, Terry, for your courage and your faith and for sharing your truly moving story.
December 28, 2016
Author T.A. McMullin writes a sincere memoir of perseverance, diligence, and success. McMullin presses through difficult circumstances to become the person she dreamed of. "Gathering Courage" challenges readers to 'gather courage' to fulfill their own dreams. A fascinating, heart-felt life story that will encourage and inspire. Recommended reading for everyone.
July 27, 2018
As a child, author Terry "T.A." McMullin discovered she had dyslexia. A school administrator suggested to McMullin's parents that she be taken out of the home and placed in a foster home as part of the therapy for her reading disability. There wasn't much argument given to this plan, as Terry had a pretty rocky home life as is.
Terry's very existence was the result of a relationship her then 25 year old biological mother was having with a 24 year old already-married man. She was not wanted by either of them. She was adopted pretty early on in life, but over time began to feel rejected by her adoptive parents. Preferential treatment was given to her younger brother Oliver, the only biological child in a home of adopted ones. Time and again, Terry's adoptive parents proved themselves verbally cruel, untrustworthy and self-centered. As part of her so-called dyslexia therapy, Terry was temporarily placed with a family on a farm. The family themselves were not so bad, but Terry suffered a sexual assault from a next door neighbor before being returned to her adoptive parents.
Though she may have had little encouragement at home, Terry found happiness within her involvement in her school's 4H program. The 4H club provided opportunity to attend events hosted by Texas A & M University. While at one of these events, Terry meets a professor from the university's Animal Sciences department, who is taken with her and encourages her to apply to A & M's science program. Though initially nervous to entertain such dreams (because of her dyslexia), Terry decides to take the leap. Prior to applying to A & M, Terry takes remedial math courses at a local junior college. Once accepted to A & M, over the course of a number of years, Terry goes on to obtain two degrees from the university: a Bachelor's in Agricultural Science and a Master's in Education. Out of school, Terry went on to have jobs teaching science and special education classes as well as courses for the visually impaired. She also developed curriculum used by both civilian and military schools across the country.
There's a straightforwardness to the writing style that moves along at a lovely cozy pace. There's also the relatability factor. Though readers may not always entirely connect with Terry's specific combination of struggles, there IS something here that I imagine most any reader can nod to or think on at least on some level. Her story is a testament to the power of having positive influences / people in one's life, how a simple kind word... just the display of someone having faith in you... can sometimes be enough to move mountains. Additionally, McMullin uses her story to urge readers to move through life with "an attitude of gratitude" as some like to call it... Remind yourself of all the little successes that add up within each day rather than beating yourself up over the occassion setbacks or perceived failures.
McMullin's way of telling her story, as well as certain details of her life she relates, reminded me a bit of the life and books of Temple Grandin. Similarly inspiring, that's for sure!
McMullin supplements the text with illustrations of her own feather sketches as well as full color, relevant photos pulled from either her own collection or those of friends.
FTC Disclaimer: BookCrash kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
Terry's very existence was the result of a relationship her then 25 year old biological mother was having with a 24 year old already-married man. She was not wanted by either of them. She was adopted pretty early on in life, but over time began to feel rejected by her adoptive parents. Preferential treatment was given to her younger brother Oliver, the only biological child in a home of adopted ones. Time and again, Terry's adoptive parents proved themselves verbally cruel, untrustworthy and self-centered. As part of her so-called dyslexia therapy, Terry was temporarily placed with a family on a farm. The family themselves were not so bad, but Terry suffered a sexual assault from a next door neighbor before being returned to her adoptive parents.
Though she may have had little encouragement at home, Terry found happiness within her involvement in her school's 4H program. The 4H club provided opportunity to attend events hosted by Texas A & M University. While at one of these events, Terry meets a professor from the university's Animal Sciences department, who is taken with her and encourages her to apply to A & M's science program. Though initially nervous to entertain such dreams (because of her dyslexia), Terry decides to take the leap. Prior to applying to A & M, Terry takes remedial math courses at a local junior college. Once accepted to A & M, over the course of a number of years, Terry goes on to obtain two degrees from the university: a Bachelor's in Agricultural Science and a Master's in Education. Out of school, Terry went on to have jobs teaching science and special education classes as well as courses for the visually impaired. She also developed curriculum used by both civilian and military schools across the country.
There's a straightforwardness to the writing style that moves along at a lovely cozy pace. There's also the relatability factor. Though readers may not always entirely connect with Terry's specific combination of struggles, there IS something here that I imagine most any reader can nod to or think on at least on some level. Her story is a testament to the power of having positive influences / people in one's life, how a simple kind word... just the display of someone having faith in you... can sometimes be enough to move mountains. Additionally, McMullin uses her story to urge readers to move through life with "an attitude of gratitude" as some like to call it... Remind yourself of all the little successes that add up within each day rather than beating yourself up over the occassion setbacks or perceived failures.
McMullin's way of telling her story, as well as certain details of her life she relates, reminded me a bit of the life and books of Temple Grandin. Similarly inspiring, that's for sure!
McMullin supplements the text with illustrations of her own feather sketches as well as full color, relevant photos pulled from either her own collection or those of friends.
FTC Disclaimer: BookCrash kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
February 15, 2020
Nearly all of us have had to deal with some adversity and challenges in our lives. How we handled that adversity, as well as those challenges, defines who we become.
Some of us keep all that defines us to ourselves and others like author, T.A. (Terry) McMullin has the courage to share their stories to positively inspire others to know that each one of us can overcome and become better.
One of the best lines from the book “Life at its best is tough.” Indeed it is. Terry’s journey’s her life through her adoption, adversity of growing up in an almost loveless home, and her dyslexia. Through all this, she found a love of horses, dogs and giving back to help others by helping and teaching students in better ways than she struggled with to help them meet their own challenges.
Loved her use of Gratitude Journals’ to help her understand that life could be worse.
We all can learn from one another in small or large ways. While the story is hard to follow at times, the message is clear. Gathering Courage gives others hope to never give up.
Some of us keep all that defines us to ourselves and others like author, T.A. (Terry) McMullin has the courage to share their stories to positively inspire others to know that each one of us can overcome and become better.
One of the best lines from the book “Life at its best is tough.” Indeed it is. Terry’s journey’s her life through her adoption, adversity of growing up in an almost loveless home, and her dyslexia. Through all this, she found a love of horses, dogs and giving back to help others by helping and teaching students in better ways than she struggled with to help them meet their own challenges.
Loved her use of Gratitude Journals’ to help her understand that life could be worse.
We all can learn from one another in small or large ways. While the story is hard to follow at times, the message is clear. Gathering Courage gives others hope to never give up.
April 14, 2019
This was one of the most courageous and heartfelt books I've ever read. I am very impressed with the author's life accomplishments given the multitude of adversities that she faced! I greatly admire her obvious strength, determination and courage in overcoming those obstacles. I also admire her strong Christian faith. Thank God for a Christian grandmother who believed in her and taught her to believe in herself. With her grandmother's love and the support of many special friends, neighbors and mentors, she is a very blessed lady.
June 8, 2020
Really powerful and honest story of T.A. McMullin's life overcoming obstacles. Grounded in her faith, Terry faced an unknown learning disability, adoption and abandonment, and other heart-wrenching circumstances. However, she continuously persisted and beat the odds, eventually using her experiences to help others with learning disabilities of their own. Her candid writing is inspiring and emotional, and her trust in God shines on every page.
June 25, 2016
Summary:
T. A. McMullin was born in 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas. At birth, she was given to the Gladney Center for Adoption. At twelve days old, she was adopted. A grandmother and friends loved and accepted T. A., but her adopted family struggled to accept her.
Gathering Courage follows the life of T. A. McMullin: birth, adoption, school years, struggles in school, natural ability with animals, support network, college, work, and a Christian testimony.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Gathering Courage. McMullin established early in the story a tenacity and strength to persevere against the odds. She did not give up, but instead kept her eye on the goal.
Often while reading McMullin's life story, she reminds the reader of God's active role in her life, and she is quick to give Him the glory for every blessing.
Sad and disappointing experiences did not harden her heart. She did not become a bitter person; she became a better person.
God opened up opportunities for McMullin to share how she felt with people who had caused pain. She spoke "plain" but did not speak with malice.
Gathering Courage is a story of hope for people who have disabilities or hardships. Sometimes people do not pick back up and persevere, they loose the "wind in their sails" and cannot move forward. McMullin picked herself back up and dusted her self off and kept moving.
The pace and rhythm of the story is steady.
The attitude of the story, even during sad moments, is balanced. Sometimes a biography that is filled with dysfunction and sadness can be overwhelming. Instead, I felt an attitude of hope and grace.
"Yes, forgiveness is an ongoing process, and many times has to be applied over and over. Forgiveness is the gift we give to ourselves." Page 35.
"However, I do have control as to how I act and react to those situations. I can honestly say there is a peace in my heart and forgiveness for the way I was treated. Most of all, I knew that I was God's child and He protected me and filled in the gap with people who showed me love and kindness. Their acts of kindness were paid forward years and years ago. It was love and kindness that gave me the courage to survive and to keep my heart pure. It is through love and kindness that I choose to live the rest of my life." Page 111.
Source: Free paperback copy from T. A. McMullin
Rating: 5 stars for excellent
T. A. McMullin was born in 1954, in Fort Worth, Texas. At birth, she was given to the Gladney Center for Adoption. At twelve days old, she was adopted. A grandmother and friends loved and accepted T. A., but her adopted family struggled to accept her.
Gathering Courage follows the life of T. A. McMullin: birth, adoption, school years, struggles in school, natural ability with animals, support network, college, work, and a Christian testimony.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Gathering Courage. McMullin established early in the story a tenacity and strength to persevere against the odds. She did not give up, but instead kept her eye on the goal.
Often while reading McMullin's life story, she reminds the reader of God's active role in her life, and she is quick to give Him the glory for every blessing.
Sad and disappointing experiences did not harden her heart. She did not become a bitter person; she became a better person.
God opened up opportunities for McMullin to share how she felt with people who had caused pain. She spoke "plain" but did not speak with malice.
Gathering Courage is a story of hope for people who have disabilities or hardships. Sometimes people do not pick back up and persevere, they loose the "wind in their sails" and cannot move forward. McMullin picked herself back up and dusted her self off and kept moving.
The pace and rhythm of the story is steady.
The attitude of the story, even during sad moments, is balanced. Sometimes a biography that is filled with dysfunction and sadness can be overwhelming. Instead, I felt an attitude of hope and grace.
"Yes, forgiveness is an ongoing process, and many times has to be applied over and over. Forgiveness is the gift we give to ourselves." Page 35.
"However, I do have control as to how I act and react to those situations. I can honestly say there is a peace in my heart and forgiveness for the way I was treated. Most of all, I knew that I was God's child and He protected me and filled in the gap with people who showed me love and kindness. Their acts of kindness were paid forward years and years ago. It was love and kindness that gave me the courage to survive and to keep my heart pure. It is through love and kindness that I choose to live the rest of my life." Page 111.
Source: Free paperback copy from T. A. McMullin
Rating: 5 stars for excellent
December 12, 2016
T.A. McMullin is an ordinary person that has lived an extraordinary life because from an early age she learned to "trust God with all her heart," and "lean not on her own understanding." This autobiography of her life takes you from birth to present day. Her life started out as being put up for adoption by her birth mother and adopted into a family that ended up treating her more as an outsider than a family member, except for her Grandmother. When the rest of her family treated her with indifference at best and cruelly at worse, her grandmother taught her about love, acceptance and more importantly a strong relationship with God with Jesus as her Savior.
When you read this book you see that because she was faithful to God, God was always faithful to her. During the hardest times in her life, you can see where God sent her a friend that said or did exactly what she needed at that time. Believe me; she had some very rough times in life. In her youth, she was actually sent away to a foster family because at the time little was known about dyslexia and she was labeled as "slow" and an embarrassment to her family because she could not keep up in school. Can you even imagine?
By trusting in God she was able to put herself through college, make life long great friends and excels in life where others may have used their circumstances to muddle through life. I really enjoyed reading this life story; to see how God is faithful when we truly trust him is so encouraging. I must tell you that I had to reread chapter 23 (no spoilers) because I couldn't see all the words through the tears.
This book will uplift and encourage you in your own personal relationship with God. It is beautiful designed and put together. I am incorporating one of her worship habits; I am making it a point to be thankful for three things per day and letting God know just how thankful I am.
Read all of my latest reviews at Blessings N Bloggings
This book was given to me by the author, T.A. McMullin for my honest opinion and review.
When you read this book you see that because she was faithful to God, God was always faithful to her. During the hardest times in her life, you can see where God sent her a friend that said or did exactly what she needed at that time. Believe me; she had some very rough times in life. In her youth, she was actually sent away to a foster family because at the time little was known about dyslexia and she was labeled as "slow" and an embarrassment to her family because she could not keep up in school. Can you even imagine?
By trusting in God she was able to put herself through college, make life long great friends and excels in life where others may have used their circumstances to muddle through life. I really enjoyed reading this life story; to see how God is faithful when we truly trust him is so encouraging. I must tell you that I had to reread chapter 23 (no spoilers) because I couldn't see all the words through the tears.
This book will uplift and encourage you in your own personal relationship with God. It is beautiful designed and put together. I am incorporating one of her worship habits; I am making it a point to be thankful for three things per day and letting God know just how thankful I am.
Read all of my latest reviews at Blessings N Bloggings
This book was given to me by the author, T.A. McMullin for my honest opinion and review.
July 21, 2016
Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey Through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability by T.A. McMullin is sure to inspire anyone who has known adversity.
The author takes the reader from the very beginnings of her young life, when as a baby, she was placed in an orphanage by her birth mother. It wasn't long before she was adopted into a family who, for all appearances, loved her and wanted her. She found as she grew up a special affinity for animals, in particular horses and they would become instrumental in her life, from giving her unconditional love to helping in her healing after a tragic accident.
It is evident that God's hand was on the author's life from the moment she was born. Her grandmother and others who came into her life prayed for her and encouraged her to trust God in all things. It is remarkable therefore, when at an early age, the author was sent to live in a foster home by her adoptive parents because she was failing in school. Her terror at being abandoned is evident in her writing, making the reader feel her pain, sorrow and confusion. At the same time her commitment to trust God in all things was astounding for one so young. Clearly, God had His hand upon her.
If you enjoy reading the testimonies of Christians you will enjoy this book. The author's ability to recount events in her life, and her trust in God when some of those events were more than anyone should have to bear, left this reader wondering if my life reflected God's glory. To have been called stupid by her parents and then to go on to graduate with varying degrees in the educational field is proof she was anything but. Terry McMullin was abandoned at birth, rejected by her adoptive parents because of dyslexia, endured numerous trials, including a horrifying accident in which she had every right to be angry and bitter over. Instead, she gave it all to God, earned two degrees from Texas A & M University and used her adversities for His glory. If you are looking for an encouraging book, look no further because this one is it.
The author takes the reader from the very beginnings of her young life, when as a baby, she was placed in an orphanage by her birth mother. It wasn't long before she was adopted into a family who, for all appearances, loved her and wanted her. She found as she grew up a special affinity for animals, in particular horses and they would become instrumental in her life, from giving her unconditional love to helping in her healing after a tragic accident.
It is evident that God's hand was on the author's life from the moment she was born. Her grandmother and others who came into her life prayed for her and encouraged her to trust God in all things. It is remarkable therefore, when at an early age, the author was sent to live in a foster home by her adoptive parents because she was failing in school. Her terror at being abandoned is evident in her writing, making the reader feel her pain, sorrow and confusion. At the same time her commitment to trust God in all things was astounding for one so young. Clearly, God had His hand upon her.
If you enjoy reading the testimonies of Christians you will enjoy this book. The author's ability to recount events in her life, and her trust in God when some of those events were more than anyone should have to bear, left this reader wondering if my life reflected God's glory. To have been called stupid by her parents and then to go on to graduate with varying degrees in the educational field is proof she was anything but. Terry McMullin was abandoned at birth, rejected by her adoptive parents because of dyslexia, endured numerous trials, including a horrifying accident in which she had every right to be angry and bitter over. Instead, she gave it all to God, earned two degrees from Texas A & M University and used her adversities for His glory. If you are looking for an encouraging book, look no further because this one is it.
September 5, 2016
This was an awesome book. I truly enjoyed reading about Terry's life and the obstacles she had to overcome in order to achieve her dreams.
As a baby, Terry was abandoned and placed in an orphanage in Texas. She was adopted fairly soon by a family who had one other adopted daughter who was much older. When Terry was a child, her adopted parents were able to give birth to a son. This wasn't a good thing for Terry, since when her brother got older, he tormented her by telling her in front of her parents that he was better than her because he was the only child born into the family. Their parents never corrected him. When Terry entered school, she was not a good student because she had dyslexia, a learning disability that was unrecognized in the 60s and 70s. Her adoptive parents called her stupid and that she would never amount to anything. She was punished for embarrassing them with her poor grades. However her grandmother and friends encouraged her to do her best in school and showed her love and acceptance.
From these beginnings, Terry was able to overcome the dyslexia, earn a Master's degree in education, and make a huge difference in the lives of many children. She became certified in working with disabled and visually impaired students. She overcame many physical injuries and was able to achieve all of her dreams through the strength given to her by God. She made many close friends who she called her family, since her adoptive family really didn't care for her. Her love of animals was a huge factor in her life.
This book really touched me because Terry's life reflects the love of God and what someone accomplish if they depend on God to give them guidance and strength. I am so thankful I chose to read it.
I received this book free from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
As a baby, Terry was abandoned and placed in an orphanage in Texas. She was adopted fairly soon by a family who had one other adopted daughter who was much older. When Terry was a child, her adopted parents were able to give birth to a son. This wasn't a good thing for Terry, since when her brother got older, he tormented her by telling her in front of her parents that he was better than her because he was the only child born into the family. Their parents never corrected him. When Terry entered school, she was not a good student because she had dyslexia, a learning disability that was unrecognized in the 60s and 70s. Her adoptive parents called her stupid and that she would never amount to anything. She was punished for embarrassing them with her poor grades. However her grandmother and friends encouraged her to do her best in school and showed her love and acceptance.
From these beginnings, Terry was able to overcome the dyslexia, earn a Master's degree in education, and make a huge difference in the lives of many children. She became certified in working with disabled and visually impaired students. She overcame many physical injuries and was able to achieve all of her dreams through the strength given to her by God. She made many close friends who she called her family, since her adoptive family really didn't care for her. Her love of animals was a huge factor in her life.
This book really touched me because Terry's life reflects the love of God and what someone accomplish if they depend on God to give them guidance and strength. I am so thankful I chose to read it.
I received this book free from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2016
I was given the chance to review this wonderful book for a Blog Tour I am on. This book really piqued my interested. This review is hard to write due to the emotions I didn't see this book pulling out of me. I had a hard time reading this book. By no means is it a bad read. No, It was due to all the similarities that Terry struggled with.
Terry writes her story about a life that is so full of pain and angst. She was given up when she was born. Then later she is adopted. Only to be disappointed and hurt by this new family. She is struggling through school and is not getting help from home. So they send her away to a foster home at age nine. Thinking this would make her grades better.
Well, here is why this story piqued my interest. I too am adopted. I am also Dyslexic and struggled all my life with school. I unfortunately fell through the cracks of the system. I also have a great love for horses. I never was able to have one. Not that I didn't try. I hung around some friends who owned some and found peace there. As I continue to read this book in tears. I realized we had something else in common. I too wanted to go to A&M to become a Veterinarian. Once I started junior college is when I found out I was dyslexic. It was a huge blow. Reading Terry's book gives me hope that this struggle will not bring people like us down. Her faith in God is remarkable. I am glad she shared her story. Now I don't feel so alone in the struggle of adoption and learning difficulties. She showed me you can prevail and make something of myself. Although school is too late for me. There other things I can prevail in. I think I have come a long wait. Beautiful read.
Thank you Terry, for the autographed book and LSLL for the blog tour.
Terry writes her story about a life that is so full of pain and angst. She was given up when she was born. Then later she is adopted. Only to be disappointed and hurt by this new family. She is struggling through school and is not getting help from home. So they send her away to a foster home at age nine. Thinking this would make her grades better.
Well, here is why this story piqued my interest. I too am adopted. I am also Dyslexic and struggled all my life with school. I unfortunately fell through the cracks of the system. I also have a great love for horses. I never was able to have one. Not that I didn't try. I hung around some friends who owned some and found peace there. As I continue to read this book in tears. I realized we had something else in common. I too wanted to go to A&M to become a Veterinarian. Once I started junior college is when I found out I was dyslexic. It was a huge blow. Reading Terry's book gives me hope that this struggle will not bring people like us down. Her faith in God is remarkable. I am glad she shared her story. Now I don't feel so alone in the struggle of adoption and learning difficulties. She showed me you can prevail and make something of myself. Although school is too late for me. There other things I can prevail in. I think I have come a long wait. Beautiful read.
Thank you Terry, for the autographed book and LSLL for the blog tour.
October 19, 2016
*I received a copy courtesy of Lonestar Literary Life*
"I have to deal with where I am now and use the experiences of the past to make my life better.
'It was love and kindness that gave me the courage to survive and to keep my heart pure. It is through love and kindness that I choose to live the rest of my life.'"
Gathering Courage is a story of compassion, faith, and living a positive life despite what's stacked against you. McMullin details her upbringing and roadblocks while teaching that we should look towards our faith and courage to overcome these roadblocks.
Gathering Courage was very bittersweet for me. I recently watched a dear friend adopt a child who will probably never have to worry about going through what our author, T.A. McMullin, went through. To read about T.A. McMullin's childhood was hard because I am a mother and I want all kids in the world to be happy and cared for at all times. While I was sad at all the obstacles in McMullin's way, I was glad as she overcame them and put it into words for us to read.
It took me a minute to find the rhythm within Gathering Courage. I found myself going back and re-reading chapters early on just to make sure I was following along as T.A. McMullin would want me to. Once I caught the flow, there was no stopping me. Her story is one that needed to be shared and heard.
McMullin's story could've gone either way and knowing she kept moving forward in a positive way really resonated with me. Gathering Courage is great for readers of all ages. In a world where we see a majority of hate and negativity, let's all follow McMullin's footsteps and gain courage to spread love, compassion, and positivity towards one another.
"I have to deal with where I am now and use the experiences of the past to make my life better.
'It was love and kindness that gave me the courage to survive and to keep my heart pure. It is through love and kindness that I choose to live the rest of my life.'"
Gathering Courage is a story of compassion, faith, and living a positive life despite what's stacked against you. McMullin details her upbringing and roadblocks while teaching that we should look towards our faith and courage to overcome these roadblocks.
Gathering Courage was very bittersweet for me. I recently watched a dear friend adopt a child who will probably never have to worry about going through what our author, T.A. McMullin, went through. To read about T.A. McMullin's childhood was hard because I am a mother and I want all kids in the world to be happy and cared for at all times. While I was sad at all the obstacles in McMullin's way, I was glad as she overcame them and put it into words for us to read.
It took me a minute to find the rhythm within Gathering Courage. I found myself going back and re-reading chapters early on just to make sure I was following along as T.A. McMullin would want me to. Once I caught the flow, there was no stopping me. Her story is one that needed to be shared and heard.
McMullin's story could've gone either way and knowing she kept moving forward in a positive way really resonated with me. Gathering Courage is great for readers of all ages. In a world where we see a majority of hate and negativity, let's all follow McMullin's footsteps and gain courage to spread love, compassion, and positivity towards one another.
January 30, 2017
I was so excited when I received this book from the author. I then misplaced it and found it in the back of my to be read stack. It helped me to read this as when you grow up any other way then your parents it is always good to read a book like this. This author wrote me a little note inside and it is so true. It says "Encouragement does make a difference" and I will never forget she wrote that to me . This is a grand slam out of the park for T.A. McMullin!
I received this from the author for an honest review. I will be forwarding this book to someone who I think would love to read.
I received this from the author for an honest review. I will be forwarding this book to someone who I think would love to read.
July 30, 2016
Gathering Courage was an incredibly inspiring and touching read...read it cover to cover, and loved every minute of it! Terry's sweet spirit shines through on every page, and her ability to push on through the multiple challenges she's faced in her life is nothing short of amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your strength, your talent, and your undying faith with the world! God bless!!!
April 14, 2016
Excellent book - Will help to make "LIFE BETTER". A must read for those going through a hard time, adversity, or a reading disability. Any animal lover will enjoy reading this well written book.
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