Rooted by the Water

By Shannon Kenley Hinson

Although life is full of uncertainties, how it is unveiled lies in the eye of the beholder. But what if that view of life is clouded by disability?

In a heartwarming testament of the goodness of God, Shannon Kenley Hinson shares insight into her experiences navigating disability challenges and other struggles while providing a candid glimpse into the lessons she learned along the way. Born with a birth defect that affected both her optic nerves, Shannon chronologically discloses how God’s strength was made perfect in her weaknesses as she set out on a coming-of-age journey that was different than most. While dealing with both hearing and vision losses, Shannon reveals how she learned to watch for signs of divine grace, rely on God for strength, and persevere through seemingly insurmountable obstacles to sing a song of gratitude and praise, and ultimately bloom wherever she was planted.

Rooted by the Water shares the true story of one woman’s ongoing journey of learning and self-discovery as she grew spiritually to witness all of God’s glory despite her disabilities.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664233447

Shannon Kenley Hinson

Shannon Kenley Hinson has a heart for prayer, worship, and encouraging others. She and her husband, Ron, have been married for twenty-seven years and have one son. When she is not writing, Shannon enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and reveling in all of God’s magnificent creations. She lives in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

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Copyright © 2021 Shannon Kenley Hinson.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture marked (NKJV) taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3345-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3346-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3344-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021909238

WestBow Press rev. date:   05/11/2021

In loving memory of my dad, Forrest Kenley Sr.

September 11, 1942 – March 12, 2021

Writing a special dedication in honor of you is bittersweet. I had really wanted you to see the final published book. When I sent my manuscript in for line editing you were doing well with your cancer treatments. We took you to the hospital on March 11, 2021 fully expecting you to come home. You were like Nanny; you always bounced back. This time God had other plans much to our dismay. It was a true miracle we were all able to make it past hospital security, amid the Covid-19 pandemic regulations, to be together as a family in the ICU waiting room when you took a turn for the worst. This was the first time I had seen Forrest in person since before his bone marrow transplant. Surrounding your hospital bed as a family and praying together as you passed into the arms of Jesus was one of the hardest things but also beautiful.

I surely do miss you but know you are healed and in Heaven. I was a Daddy’s girl. You were the best listener. I could talk to you about anything and you would just listen, only offering advice if I asked. You and mom always encouraged me and Forrest. You loved Jesus and serving. You were genuine and so generous. I don’t recall you ever preaching to me but you did live out your faith by example.

Your legacy of love, generosity and service, live on in your children and grandchildren. The Holy Spirit has been such a comfort in your loss. You would be so proud of how mom is doing. She’s one awesome lady and you would be so proud of how she’s stepped up to all the added responsibility. Your heart would be overjoyed to see how well Forrest is doing. God is so good and so faithful. It was an honor to be your daughter and to carry on all the wonderful traits you taught. We will see you again in Heaven and in the meantime we will continue to shine for Jesus.

I would like to dedicate this book to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—my very center and core. It’s all about You. This adventure called life that You have me on is quite a ride. While I will never understand the many questions in life, You have instilled in me a strong faith in Your abiding love and faithfulness. You continue to teach me daily as I intently look to You. Thank You for being everything I need. You give me victory in the everyday struggles and help me find humor to laugh at what life throws. I can honestly even thank You for the trials and hard seasons because You show me time and time again that Your grace is sufficient. As I take this leap of faith to share my deepest thoughts, I trust that this will accomplish all that You desire.

To my son, Joshua, being your mom is one of my greatest joys. You challenge me to live life fully, no holding back, no excuses. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Embrace God’s call and purpose for your life. He will take you places you’ve never dreamed of. Look to Jesus! He is faithful always. A mother’s love for her child is indescribable. You have my heart.

To my husband, Ron, thank you for your love and support. From day one, we have faced some challenges that many never face. We are a great team, and you make me a better person. I love and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

To my mom, Anne Kenley, thank you for living out your faith and raising me to trust in Jesus! You are an incredibly strong woman who has overcome so much over the years. You were such a godly wife to dad. Your love for our family always shines through. Thank you for the godly example you give and for all you do. I love you.

To my brother, Forrest Jr., my heart swelled with joy when you said you would write the foreword for me. I praise God for all He is doing in your life. The year 2020 has shown me miracles happen, although in unforeseeable ways. I know it’s been a challenging year, but your faith is inspiring. I love you and know there are many more memories ahead.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

— Jeremiah 17:8 (New International Version)

CONTENTS

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1