For Better For Worse

By Elaine Norman

For Better for Worse is a memoir written by Elaine Norman about the struggles I overcame as I gained a greater faith in God while traveling down my path.

When I finally made up my mind to take on the task of writing this book, I knew I couldn’t sugarcoat any part of it. I make no excuses for myself or my actions throughout the story. For many years I carried overwhelming guilt and shame because of, not only my poor choices, but the poor choices of others in my life. In looking back, I realized the wasted years I spent hiding in my own self-imposed prison. I reveal my personal failures and the aftermath of each. I understand what it is to be married and to be betrayed, to be lonely and isolated in a loveless marriage, to be rejected, and to be in love with someone who doesn’t love you back. I know the deep hurt of giving up someone I loved because I was unable to be second-best to someone else. I know paralyzing physical pain from a spinal cord injury that caused my “new normal” to walk with a slow spastic walk in need of a cane. I know joy beyond words as well as unwavering happiness. I know all too well the highs and lows of raising children alone. I know about strife in a marriage. I know the agony I went through when I was a college student and found I was pregnant before I married. I know the sacrifices it took to care for aging parents 3 hours away on most Saturdays for ten years. I know the stamina it took to work outside my home since I was 20 years old. I learned to overcome the pitfalls I faced and to help myself when I had no one to turn to. Oddly enough, I found that one thing stood out—I always reached toward God and never ran from Him—even when I didn’t know much about Him. It took me a lifetime filled with heartache and suffering to finally get in agreement with God, so He could help me find a way to release what I had buried deep inside of me far too long.

The poem, “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson, traces my life and the direction I took and led my daughters to take. I learned to surrender my struggles to God. Without fail, He provided me with the courage and wisdom to face each encounter. Every morning I wrote and read affirmations based on God’s promises to give me strength to face the day. My faith in God grew, and my belief in those promises became stronger and stronger. I learned to be bold and ask for big things and big answers. He really did carry me and keep his gracious hand upon me my two beautiful daughters. When we strayed or got confused, He always managed to work in our hearts and bring us back to the place we belonged.

Who knows what God has planned for your next chapter? I certainly got a surprise and discovered He really does have NEW pieces to add to my puzzle—no matter where I’d been or where I was. Keep the faith, keep believing, and make sure God gets the GLORY!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elaine Norman
• Release date: Sep 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370506323

Elaine Norman

Elaine Norman is a native Texan raised near Houston on a beautiful working ranch that was a true show place. Her parents were loving and very involved in her and her brother’s life. She taught high school business, English, and speech for 34 years. She was nominated by her students to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for many years. Her article on a science experiment was published in a national science publication. She received a standing ovation from the parents in the stands as well as the graduating seniors when she gave their commencement address the year she retired. She coached UIL state qualifiers in debate and ready writing. Elaine has much to say about many different needs and will be speaking to various groups from Wounded Warriors to those who are in abusive marriages or are raising children alone. She has two beautiful, talented daughters married to the greatest sons-in-laws on earth. She has a granddaughter who attends Texas A&M and a twelve-year-old grandson. Elaine lives in Round Rock, Texas with her husband Rudy, the love of her life.

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