Letters from My Father's Murderer by Laurie A. Coombs - REVIEWED

About the Book:

Letters from My Father's Murderer: A Journey of Forgiveness(Kregel, June 2015)

When her father was murdered, Laurie Coombs sought justice and found it.

His murderer now serves two life sentences with no possibility of parole. Yet, despite the swift punishment of the killer, Laurie found herself increasingly full of pain, bitterness, and anger she couldn't control. After coming to faith, she realized she was being called to seek something infinitely more difficult than justice: forgiveness.

This is an extraordinary true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God to change lives. The reader is swept along with Laurie as she undergoes the life-changing transformation of becoming a Christian. As she studies Scripture, seeing God redeeming losses and healing deep wounds time and time again, she starts to understand that her own healing would require her to love her enemy in a real, practical way.

Using her incredible correspondence with the man who killed her father, Laurie reveals a compelling journey of transformation, not only in her life, but in the lives of those whom many would call irredeemable.

Letters from My Father's Murderer is for any audience Christian or secular who

-Craves freedom from the inability to forgive those who've caused them harm 

-Wants to hear testimony of God's power in our obedience 

-Has experienced pain through other's sin against them 

-Needs to know healing is always possible

The real story here is not primarily about murder and its fallout, but rather about redemption and how far it can reach.

Purchase your copy HERE!

My Thoughts:

“Tomorrow is most certainly a good day.”  (p. 199)

This one statement represents the essence of God’s redemptive work in the lives of Laurie Coombs and Anthony Echols.  When I began Letters from My Father’s Murderer  I didn’t have any idea what a God appointment this would be in my own life.  I’m living in the wake of a situation that desperately needs to reflect the forgiveness and grace that Laurie and Anthony pursued throughout this book!  Their experience has fueled a hope in my heart that I, too, will one day walk in this same freedom found only in the transformation of God’s forgiveness and grace.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” are the words that sparked a flame of obedience in Laurie’s heart.  She is very transparent about her own feelings throughout the book, and in spite of the pain, both she and Anthony persevered to reach out to receive all that God had for them within His mercy and grace!  As you read, you can “see” the transformation taking place in each of their lives.  You can see the struggle and how they submit to God time and time again.  It is through their obedience and waiting on God’s timing and leadership that every step toward forgiveness is taken.

It’s a process.  But the rewards will only be fully realized when we all stand together at the feet of Jesus.  This has got to be, without a doubt, the most profound and impactful book I have ever read!  I am so excited to see what God has for each of us that has our lives touched by this book!  There are great things ahead for all of us!!  PRAISE GOD!!!

About the Author:

Laurie A. Coombs is a passionate writer and speaker on the issues of forgiveness, redemption, and the hope that is found in Jesus. Her story was featured in Billy Graham's new film,Heaven. She is a featured writer and blogger for iBelieve and Crosswalk. Laurie and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters.

Fine Laurie online:  website, Twitter, Facebook