Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate: Conceived by Gang Rape, Husband Murdered, Son Committed Suicide: Can God Really Work All Things Out for Good?

By Marriott Cole

Marriott Cole has learned to trust God, even during the most challenging situations. In her memoir, GRACE, MIRACLES, AND CHOCOLATE, Cole chronicles a life with more than its share of difficulties while demonstrating how she overcame tragedy through the miracle of prayer, laughter, and the grace of God's love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WordHouse Book Publishing
• Release date: May 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685472368

Marriott Cole

Marriott Cole is a reading specialist who currently lives in Vancouver, Washington with her two cats. She has outlived three husbands and now spends time with her six living children, eighteen grandchildren, Bible study with neighbors, and bridge.

Book preview

ENDORSEMENTS

This book is truly a God-honoring chronicle. The author has done a great job of not only showing how God can take the negative times in our lives and turn them into good, but He also uses those negative experiences to work within us His glory. This book will strengthen your faith, and will give you deeper insights into the heart of God. I have known the author long enough to tell you the very Spirit of Jesus is evident in her life. A great read! Lon Eckdahl, Associate Pastor, Church on the Hill, McMinnville, OR

As I read Marriott’s life story, I was mentally transported to a sunny living room where she and I sat across the room from each other on cozy arm chairs, a pot of tea and several dainty cookies between us. Each chapter could easily have been a story told to a friend. Her writing style is effortless, her candor refreshing. As I read this book I laughed, chuckled—under my breath at times and out loud at others— sniffled, gasped and cried. This is an amazing story of God’s faithfulness, love and incredible miracles in the life of His faithful child. Through devastation, loss and heartache Marriott’s life shines like a beacon in the darkness. God’s abundant grace and the incredible power of prayer are clearly woven through the tapestry of a life lived all in pursuit of His glory. Marriott is a real woman with real heartaches and triumphs. Her life story will touch many, many hearts and through God’s perfect timing, I’m sure many, many more will be brought into His kingdom. Amy McGuire, Author, The Heart’s Discovery

"Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate has an opportunity to reach people who are in desperate need of reading an honest account of what a life lived in faith is really like. Is our God a God of miracles and compassion? Absolutely. Does God heal us all? No. Is He our magic genie in a bottle? Hardly. But, He does what is best for us, and will use all our life experiences to that end, which is His greatest good. I really like the honest, unflinching way Marriott shares her joys and sorrows. I hope God will touch many lives with her book." April McGowan, author, Jasmine

Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate is absolutely a wonderful, truly inspiring book. Because of who God is, and because of His desperate love for us, He is able to make good come out of the most ugly circumstances. People going through difficult times will receive incredible inspiration; it is encouraging to know others have walked through challenges and come out stronger because of them. I highly recommend this book for all those who have not yet experienced loss as well, so that they will be better prepared when those times come. They will learn to face their tragedy, get through it, and even find something redeeming in their pain. Ricky Lee Jackson, MD, www.freedomfamilyandfaith.com;Ashbrook Medical, Ashbrook Aesthetics, Vancouver, WA

"Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate is a moving and emotional story of anguish and redemption. It stands as a poignant reminder to each of us that God, in fact, calls us to suffering and that we are all changed by these most distressful circumstances in our lives. You will be changed by your suffering. You will be changed by reading this book." Matt Patterson, author, My Emily

Grace, Miracles and Chocolates is not only entertaining but very inspiring. So many examples of answered prayer show the power of trusting God in childlike faith even in difficult trials and impossible circumstances. I couldn’t wait to read each chapter to see God at work once again!" Lolly Grunska, BS, University of Wisconsin, Bible teacher

"Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate is transparent and honest. Marriott’s faith in God and His power is truly inspiring; there is something in her stories of life, both ugly and humorous, that will inspire everyone. I enjoyed this book immensely." Fern Olsen, medical transcriptionist

Marriott has had unbelievable life experiences! She always found answers by turning to God in prayer. It was one miracle after another that took her through the tough times. Kirby Brumfield, retired weatherman, KATU-TV, ABC, Portland, Oregon

"Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. I laughed, I cried, and I read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. I know God answers prayers!" Lois J. Schoch, retiredyouth group leader, machinist

"Captivating! Miraculous! Unbelievable! But true! Marriott’s story is a must for anyone going through a tragedy of any kind! Her love for God shines through nearly every page!!!" Dotti McGuinness, Future Executive Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Every person’s journey is precious to them. However, few take the time and heart into converting their story into a treasure for others the way Marriott has. It’s the deeply engraved lessons from God combined with the dozens of happenings in Marriott’s life that make this book special. Every life is full. Marriott’s has been fully lived. Dave Schaaf, Associate Pastor, City Harvest Church, Vancouver, WA

If you ever wondered how people in the ‘Builder’s Generation’ were shaped into God-fearing, wholesome people, who loved their neighbors with actions, had solid common sense, and made this country great, read Marriott Cole’s book. You will be welcomed into her life and these pages will show you how a life with a challenged start can turn into an abundant life that most anyone would cherish today. A good read. Jerry Moen, Lead Pastor, Church on the Hill, McMinnville, Oregon 97128

I was very moved by the unfolding of Marriott’s life under the hand of God. In each chapter we are shown His faithfulness. Nothing is too small or too big for God to resolve. L. Stroup, Multimedia Coordinator

"Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate was an easy read—it made me realize that no matter how bad things can be, God is still there." Dwayne Blake, retired commercial airline pilot

Marriott’s life reveals the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, no matter what life hands her. It is marvelous how God answered so many of her prayers, and often so quickly. A faith builder. Louise Lankford-Dunlap, author

This is one faithful woman’s story of walking steadily with God, listening carefully for His Voice and receiving His power to continue in the face of tragedies of which just one would be too huge to bear. The Lord is her Glory and He is the Lifter of her head. He is her shield and guide. I especially loved reading about her early life, before we met her. I cried again as I read the tragedies and how God was faithful through those times. Each sorrow only adds deeper and richer threads to the tapestry of our lives and that thread contrasts with the golden and brighter threads of our joyful times, making the tapestry deep, and gorgeously rich. I am honored to be one of Marriott’s friends. Marie Gamon, artist and teacher

"I really liked Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate and found it hard to put down. I especially liked the way Marriott applied the scripture verses to each situation–so many Christians know the Bible, but don’t really know how to apply it to everyday living or problems. I commend Marriott for the way she shares the plan of salvation so clearly and in nearly every chapter, so anyone who reads the book will be able to know God’s love." Hazel Vermillion, homemaker, Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader

Marriott’s struggles with her son Paul inspired hope within me for my own struggles. The many miracles she’s experienced and her April Fools’ joke were over the top. Esther Huffman, YouTube Sensation The Happy Huffmans

An inspiring story. Meaningful from beginning to end. Couldn’t put it down! Bruce Huffman, YouTube Sensation The Happy Huffmans

Marriott’s collection of personal testimonies truly demonstrates the power of prayer and the result of obedience. I could hardly stop. I recommend this book for all Christians and non-Christians alike. Dorothy Mayes, writer, legal descriptions

table of Contents

ENDORSEMENTS iii

EPIGRAPH xvii

FOREWORD xix

PREFACE xxi

1

2

3

4

Growing Out of Christian Science 17

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Apple Juice 131

Stealing 134

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

Remarriage 291

Fun 295

47

APPENDIX I 307

APPENDIX 2 315

Specific Teaching Techniques to Supplement Chapter 6 315

RESOURCES 319

Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate

Conceived by Gang Rape, Husband Murdered, Son Committed Suicide:

Can God Really Work All Things Out for Good?

Copyright © 2023 Marriott Cole

This is a work of creative non-fiction. All of the events in this book are true to the best of the author’s memory. The author in no way represents any company, corporation, or brand, mentioned herein. The views expressed in this book are solely those of the author.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission from the publisher or author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN

Paperback 978-1-68547-234-4

Hardcover 978-1-68547-235-1

eBook 978-1-68547-236-8

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023908503

Printed in the United States of America

101 Foundry Dr,

West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA

www.wordhousebp.com

[phone]

With much love and more thanks to my mom than she could possibly imagine

EPIGRAPH

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

by C.T. Studd

FOREWORD

"W hen we met more than eight years ago, I knew nothing about Marriott except that she was over fifty and legally single. I was instantly impressed with the twinkle in her eyes and easy burst of laughter. After getting to know her better, I became amazed with the twinkle in her eyes and easy burst of laughter in spite of the incomprehensible way she was widowed and left alone to face the challenges of raising seven children (enough for a handball team).

Through this book, I invite you to go with me into her warm home, sit at her huge dining room table, sip a cup of tea and listen to stories that are forever dear to her heart.

You may occasionally shed tears because some of her experiences will parallel heartaches in your own life, and you may chuckle at her unique problem solving strategies.

Most of all, may Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate challenge you to trust God completely in every situation. Who knows? Maybe someone will notice the twinkle in your eyes and the easy burst of laughter that comes from a deep and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ."

Dot Burgin, Facilitator of Salt and Pepper, a friendship group for 50+ singles, Milwaukie, Oregon

PREFACE

How many times have I heard people say, You oughta write a book.? With the help of my husband, who so gallantly cooked meals and provided me with the time and space to write my true stories, Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate is finally finished. My hope is that you, dear reader, will experience the amazing power of our loving God, who has done so much for us already in the form of Jesus Christ. I pray that my stories will in some tangible way help you with your situation and in your walk with the Lord.

I wish to acknowledge my mom, my seven children and their spouses, my ten grandchildren, and my late husband John, for without them, none of these stories would have existed.

To my husband, Darrell Cole, and Lolly Grunska, thank you for your dedication to reading each chapter as it was birthed. Your constructive criticism helped mature this project.

I would also like to thank all the people who reviewed this book. It takes many hours to read a manuscript, and your sacrifice is recognized and very much appreciated. Each reviewer’s comments and notes brought this manuscript a little closer to its final, and more perfect, state.

My appreciation goes to Dr. Glen R. Stream for his input regarding medical issues.

Ruth, Karen, Carolyn, Jim, Leona, Dorothy, Randy, Heather, Austin, Aiden, Amy McGuire and Matt Patterson—thanks for your input on a great hook for the book. I owe thanks to the bunko group where Darrell and I substitute for helping me choose the best title. My sister and her husband clinched it.

Much thanks goes to Lois Maselli who proofread the final manuscript before publication and gave many helpful suggestions.

Maggie Webb-Conard, thank you for answering myriads of questions, and for holding my hand during the publishing process.

Permission has been graciously given by Sharon Charles of Abundant Living Ministries for using some of her thoughts in the conclusion.

All scriptures are taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Most of the names in this book have been changed to protect both the innocent and the guilty.

1

I Never Stopped Loving You

M arriott, I don’t know who your father is, my mother sobbed over the phone. I wanted to call you about this, not write.

It was the first time I had ever heard my birth mother’s voice. Months before her call, I had read a Dear Abby article that mentioned an organization matching people seeking relatives lost through adoption. Consequently, I had written a casual note to Adoptee’s Liberty Movement Association (ALMA). I mentioned my birth date and place and wondered if they could help me.

Meanwhile, my birth mother, Mom, had returned a detailed questionnaire to ALMA. Was this a possible match, ALMA queried? Since my information was sketchy, they suggested to Mom that she contact me directly to see if I was in fact her birth child. Trembling with disbelief, I skimmed her first letter and then read it in earnest.

Dear Marriott, she began. "This is, beyond a doubt, the most important letter I have ever written in my life—. So here I am, Marriott, hoping and praying that you are my birth child—. Hope to hear from you real soon, and if you are my birth child, I would like you to know I never stopped loving you, and praying that you were well and happy!"

I couldn’t believe it. Could this woman really be my birth mom? What was she like? Why did she give me up? Who was my father?

I replied immediately to her questionnaire and waited impatiently for her response. Two weeks passed—nothing. Was I harboring false hope? Were we a match? My heart leaped when her plump letter arrived. I knew instantly she had to be my birth mom. She began.

"You are so right! The Lord did want us to get together! You are my birth child, Marriott!!"

A myriad of questions, pictures, clippings, and a postmarked envelope that she had sent to the doctor who delivered me spilled from the envelope. Although that was proof enough for me, we later discovered there would be no mistaking our mother-daughter resemblance. When we first met, we both had the same hair color, the same hair style even down to the part, and the same smile.

I couldn’t respond fast enough with the long list of questions I had for her. The identity of my birth father was the first of many. Mom called me for the first time, sobbing as she prepared to answer my questions. This would be only the second time she would have shared her story—the first was just days before to her husband.

She had been seventeen, beautiful but tomboyish, a late bloomer and naive with men. At a Saturday school dance, her date was a basketball player from another high school whom she had met at a school game. He planted a kiss upon her and wanted more. She resisted. Several days later, determined to get what he wanted, he brought two fellow basketball players with him to her house. Having always felt secure with her physical strength, and being totally unaware of their intentions, she foolishly allowed them into her unchaperoned home. All three cruelly raped her.

Her mother had died when she was twelve and she was too ashamed and embarrassed to tell her father what had happened.

Months passed during which she had no menstrual periods. Mom didn’t realize this could be a sign of pregnancy but thought instead she might have an infection. A girlfriend suggested a public health clinic to have it checked out. Embarrassed and alone, she avoided the stares and hushed whispers between the nurses and doctor.

What were they so secretive about? she thought.

Then came the jolting news. She was four months pregnant! What would she do? She fled to her older sister, who in turn told her father. He knew a family doctor who would perform an illegal abortion.

Abortion! She was horrified at such a thought. She felt that to destroy her baby would be murder but keeping me was out of the question. My mom and her father were not on speaking terms, due to earlier physical and emotional abuse, and so she never told him about the rape. She listened in silence as he accused her of promiscuity.

Instead of aborting me, she registered with the Salvation Army maternity home program. This involved working as a live-in housekeeper in several different homes until a few weeks before her anticipated delivery. Then Mom stayed in the maternity home where I was born. She never saw me until several months later just before signing the final relinquishing papers.

It was the hardest thing I ever did, Mom later told me. I knew it would be best for you but the emptiness in my arms was unbearable. It was only after she and her husband had their first child six years later that the sight of other babies didn’t provoke a flood of tears.

While Mom was adjusting to her decision, my new parents were tremendously thrilled about adopting their first child and only daughter. They had tried unsuccessfully for eleven years to have a baby. Just two months after I was adopted, my new mother discovered that she was pregnant! I have mostly good memories of my childhood, growing up in that home. Although they weren’t Christians yet, God taught me many valuable lessons through them.

They made sure they dropped us off for Sunday school weekly until we were finished with sixth grade. I learned not to talk with