Fierce Beauty

Authors: Kim Meeder

BOOK: Fierce Beauty

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Praise for
Kim and Troy Meeder

“Troy and Kim Meeder are two of the finest people I have had the privilege of knowing. A year ago my wife, Shirley, and I visited their nine-acre Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon, where they introduce dozens of wounded and needy children to abused and neglected horses. The healing and mystical bond that occurs between the animals and soul-hungry kids is wonderful to behold. Moreover, Kim and Troy do everything in the name of the Lord. I admire these people greatly and wish somebody would give them a larger ranch on which to do their marvelous work! I’ve seen nothing quite like it.”

—J
AMES
D
OBSON
, PhD,
Family Talk

Praise for
Fierce Beauty

“Kim Meeder poured her heart onto these pages, encouraging readers to be authentic, to defend their hearts against sin, and to find peace in unexpected places. In
Fierce Beauty
you will be challenged to embrace God’s unconditional love when faced with roadblocks. Kim’s words will inspire you to stand up and run your own race—straight into the open arms of Jesus. This book stands alone for self-study, and it would be an outstanding choice for your small group.”

—C
AROL
K
ENT
, speaker and author of
Between a Rock and a Grace Place

“Kim understands the fears and insecurities that plague so many of us—even as women of God. With her unique combination of wisdom and compassion, Kim encourages us to discover the life that God has called us to, and to experience His peace in the process.”

—D
ANAE
D
OBSON
, author and speaker

“Kim Meeder knows firsthand the courageous heart adventure of healing.
Fierce Beauty
will empower you to recognize your surrender to the King as the most powerful road to purpose, strength, and beauty.”

—D
R
. J
ULI
S
LATTERY
, author, family psychologist,
Focus on the Family
co-host

“
Fierce Beauty
is a breathtaking read from the first page to the last. With a writing style that pierces the heart like exquisite poetry, Kim Meeder tells a story filled with life-changing honesty and often startling “fierce beauty.” Ultimately, it celebrates the resiliency of the human heart and God’s power to change us, no matter the trials or heartaches of the past.”

—D
IANE
N
OBLE
, award-winning novelist

“Through tantalizing true-life tales, Kim Meeder captivates our interest and takes us to the edge of amazing experiences, then steers us to our heavenly Father for His love, mercy, and
hope
!”

—S
UZANNE
M
AURER
, producer of the television documentary
Courage to Live: The Story of Charlie and Lucy Wedemeyer

“Kim Meeder is an inspiration and tells her life stories with such compelling, faithful insight that even the hardest heart will be converted.”

—S
ENATOR
C
HRIS
T
ELFER

“In
Fierce Beauty
, Kim Meeder shares inspiring examples of what a difference our choices make. When we surrender and trust in the Lord, He gives us His hope. Choosing to stand for what matters most gives inner peace and strength to help us through each day’s challenges. By doing so, our choices blaze a trail for others to follow.”

—D
IANE
N
ELSON
N
YE
, wife, mother of seven, four-time survivor of breast cancer, currently battling stage IV cancer

“In
Fierce Beauty
, Kim Meeder recounts lessons learned through her own journey and awareness of God all around her. Her words will open your heart to receive and embrace truth from God’s Word that is able to set even the most captive heart free. I was challenged and encouraged and am certain you will be too!”

—M
EREDITH
A
NDREWS
, recording artist

“Kim’s gift for storytelling made me feel as if I were there, seeing it all with my own eyes. I highly recommend
Fierce Beauty
to all God’s daughters, that they might see themselves as God sees them, and to His Sons, that they might see the women in their lives through God’s eyes.”

—R
ENEE
D. G
ODOY
, senior pastor of Glad Tidings Church

“Kim inspires readers not only to see the beauty of the world but also to see the beauty in each God-created person and to see the real beauty in a soul set free through God’s amazing grace. What an affirming message Kim offers in this treasure of a book!”

—N
ANCIE
C
ARMICHAEL
, author of
Selah
and
Surviving One Bad Year

F
IERCE
B
EAUTY
P
UBLISHED BY
M
ULTNOMAH
B
OOKS
12265 Oracle Boulevard, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (
NLT
, 2007) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Italics in Scripture quotations reflect the author’s added emphasis.

Details in some anecdotes and stories have been changed to protect the identities of the persons involved.

eISBN: 978-1-60142-204-0

Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920,
www.alivecommunications.com
.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published in the United States by WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House Inc., New York.

M
ULTNOMAH
and its mountain colophon are registered trademarks of Random House Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Meeder, Kim.

Fierce beauty : choosing to stand for what matters most / Kim Meeder. — 1st ed.
p. cm.
1. Christian women—Religious life. I. Title.
BV4527.M4374 2011
248.8′43—dc22
2011013982

v3.1

This book is dedicated to my precious assistant, sword bearer, mirror, encourager, and friend: Jenni Reiling
.

In this life no one has taught me more about choosing joy than you. Throughout our friendship your consistent willingness to pick up the sword of joy has challenged me. I’ve watched you wield this beautiful weapon with the skill of a warrior
.

Through sun and storm, your sword never lowered. Nor did your grip loosen when confronted with a horrifying array of adversaries, including pancreatic cancer. This fearsome opponent measures life not in years or months … but days
.

You never asked, “Why me?” Instead your battle cry rang, “Why not me!” You ran to the fight and engaged death with the two-edged sword of encouragement and joy. Like the fearless men and women listed in the great hall of faith in Hebrews 11, you chose to stand fast and hold ground for our Lord
.

Your eyes were fixed not on your cancer but on your King—so more would know of His saving grace
.

Thin, weak, and bald, or even when regrowing soft, downy hair like that of a newborn lamb, you were still one of the most powerful, beautiful women I’ve ever known. While in the fight of your life, you remained focused solely on the hope of Christ
.

You brandished the unfailing weapons of God, stood firm, and waged a ferocious battle for Him. My friend, because of your fierce, beautiful, and courageous example, you have inspired this book, and it has been titled in your honor
.

Because of the hope of Jesus, I will love you forever
.