Lilies of HOPE
When your worst fear becomes reality—a broken neck, quadriplegia, paralysis—and there’s nothing left to hope for, what do you do?
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About the Book
“What an uplifting and marvellous memoir! I laughed and cried and felt both privileged and humbled to have been invited along on Anthony’s extraordinary, intimate journey of heartbreak, hope and the triumph of faith and fortitude. Confronting at times, his memoir holds back nothing, with its intense authenticity and reflective honesty. He does not seek to be admired, but one puts this book down with nothing but admiration and gratitude for his courage, determination and faith.” —HELEN CRAINWELSBY, bachelor of science, master of science, master of religious education, doctor of ministry (Charles Sturt University School of Theology) A young, vibrant Anthony, fresh from college, embarks on a new stage of his life. Fit, healthy, energetic, and pumped for new experiences. Flamboyantly indestructible, he takes a VW buggy out for a spin. No seatbelt, vehicle tumbles, he falls, can’t move, spinal injury. Suddenly, he’s forced to ask himself a question: When your worst fear becomes reality—a broken neck, quadriplegia, and paralysis—and hope seems lost, what do you do? Family, friends, the amazing medical staff, and his desperate question about where God was in the midst of such tragedy were all key to the rehabilitation journey. A harrowing 7 months in hospital rebuilding fragments of independence, to where he was able to live independently, marry his soul mate Janelle and fulfil a dream of teaching. This story reveals an incredible litany of miracles, events and key people Anthony was sent. All life-giving opportunities that flowed from a decision to trust in God. It portrays a celebration of life lived in its fullest despite impossible circumstances, only possible when we surrender our lives to Christ.
About the Author
Anthony Maas grew up in Temora, New South Wales, where his passion for learning led him to earn a Bachelor of Education and later a master’s degree. An accident at age twenty-two left him a C5 quadriplegic. He spent months in the hospital and was buoyed by family, friends, and his refusal to let disability define him. He has taught for thirty years, fueled by a conviction that no matter what happens to you in life, God can and will transform it into something triumphant if you allow it.