After years of reviewing translations and proofreading manuscripts, I would sometimes become frustrated when I caught mistakes that previous translators or editors had missed. I would wonder, “How could anyone miss something so obvious?”

Then, while reviewing the final proofs of The Resilient Child, I discovered several things that everyone before me—including myself—had overlooked. I was stunned. I had worked so carefully on this book. How could I have missed them?

It reminded me of the well-known “Invisible Gorilla” experiment conducted by researchers at Harvard. The study demonstrated how easily we can miss something right in front of us when our attention is focused elsewhere. We tend to notice what we know, care about, and consider important—and sometimes fail to see everything else.

So I deliberately slowed down. Instead of submitting the manuscript immediately after proofreading it, I set it aside for a couple of days. Then I returned to it, trying to read it through different sets of eyes. Sure enough, I found more things that needed to be changed.

Through this process, God also showed me something about my own pride. I had assumed that I noticed things others missed because I was more careful or experienced. Now I realize that much of what I have been able to see over the years has simply been God’s mercy and protection.

The Resilient Child did not make it in time for the beginning of the school year. It will be published on October 12 and released on October 16.

A friend recently asked me, “Why put so much effort into one book?”

My answer is simple:

Because my God is worthy of my very best.

Praises

1. United Daily News will publish my article, “The Day I Accompanied Her to See the Trees in the Wind,” about accompanying a terminally ill patient near the end of life. This is the first time I have written for a mainstream publication about one of the distinctive truths of the Christian faith—that God desires a personal relationship with us. Please pray that God will use this article to draw readers to the salvation He has provided.

2. On October 5, the family section of Liberty Times published my article about young children who resist bedtime. I pray that it will help parents better understand their children and make bedtime less of a nightly struggle.

3. The Chinese translation and editing of all three Focus on the Family interview videos featuring Shaunti and Michael, authors of Secrets of Sex and Marriage, have been completed. I am grateful to God for bringing this project to completion.

Prayer Requests

1. Please pray for our Thailand mission team as we travel and serve in Bangkok and northern Thailand from October 8–19. Pray that the flooding will subside, that there will be no further severe storms, and that God will protect our travel and ministry plans. Please especially pray for unity within our team—that despite our different backgrounds, gifts, and ministry roles, we will respect one another, support one another, communicate well, and serve together as one in Christ. Pray that God’s presence and anointing will be evident throughout the English camp, and that not only the students, but also the teachers who observe the program and the parents who attend the final presentation, will hear the Gospel and come to know Christ.

2. Please pray for my health as I prepare to leave. Pray that I will recover completely from my cold, that my voice will be restored, and that I will sleep well without waking during the night because of night sweats. Pray also for strength, energy, and the ability to adjust well to the local climate and food.

3. Please pray for creativity and wisdom as we promote The Resilient Child. Pray that our promotional materials and short videos will reach the right people, capture their attention, and encourage them to take the next step.

4. Pray that God will continue opening doors for Lifting Hands Network to serve in schools, businesses, churches, and communities through training and speaking opportunities.

5. Pray that God will use the books and resources published by Lifting Hands Network to bring healing to relationships and help more people experience His love in deeper ways.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us. Your prayers, generosity, and faithful partnership make it possible for us to keep serving and moving forward.