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Book Review

Stand Beautiful, by Chloe Howard

 
Stand Beautiful is a book that everyone can relate to, and everyone should read.

Who has not been hurt in this life - who has not wished that their life was different.  Or if you have been extremely fortunate, and life has not dealt you any hard blows - have you been asked to stand beside someone else through hard times.

Stand Beautiful is a very easy book to read - set aside an afternoon and you will read through this book.

Chole Howard, the author, was only about 18 when she wrote this book, and it is the story of her short but very eventful life, and how she was able to realize that she is a child of God - made the way He wanted and ready to be used by Him.

Chole was born with a club foot - by 15 she had experienced 5 major surgeries, she had become a TEDx speaker, she had travelled to many sites around the world interacting with children from 3rd world countries, and medical professionals who were bringing healing to these children.

Early in High School - a Christian High School - she was assaulted by other students, who thought it was funny to display her deformed foot.  This encounter impacted Chole, but it along with other events made Chole the girl she is today.

Whilst the story is gripping - the last 4 chapters of the book are extremely thought provoking. 

The first of these 4 chapters is - Acknowledgements.  In this chapter Chloe recognises all the people that have travelled with her.  Her first and last acknowledgment is to JESUS.  Chloe thanks Jesus for His love to her.

The next of these 4 chapters - Lessons Learned.   Here Chloe highlights that differences do not need to be feared or rejected.  We are all different - differences are good - give differences a chance.  Chloe also highlights that forgiveness is so necessary - it may not be easy - it may take time - but we must forgive.  We also need to admit that we have been broken - but we can and will heal.  Pain will pass and we can be strong enough to face whatever comes our way.  There are also other lessons that Chloe draws from her story.

There is then a chapter on Are You Being Bullied.  This is an area that is very topical today - and Chloe draws many tools for combating bullying.

The final chapter lists 3 Action Points of Standing Beautiful

This book is not a book about only coming to terms with the hardships in your life - but also in how you can reach out to others and help them.

Chloe's mission is to empower people of all ages to embrace their uniqueness, and boldly face their beautiful selves.

Please read this book.

Picture Credit:
https://koorong.com/product/stand-beautiful-picture-book-chloe-howard-deborah-melmon_9780310764953

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