Guest Post
Haven Howard serves as Area Director for Concerned Women for America Missouri and coordinates the local Prayer/Action Chapter. CWA brings women together in prayer and action across the nation to help preserve the values on which our nation was founded. Thank you, Haven, for this guest review of a book I have had on my list to read!
J.D. Vance…I had never heard of him before I heard him speak at a conference in Washington, D.C. last year. I was so impressed by him, I immediately came home and ordered his book, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Since then, I have also listened to the audio version of the book and watched the movie!
The thing that impressed me the most from his book was how someone from his background of family disfunction, addiction and poverty could achieve such accomplishments, culminating in the nomination for Vice President of the United States! His life shows how in America, one can find hope to better themselves and their circumstances. It also demonstrates the influence of a caring grandmother.
If not for his “Mamaw” rescuing him from his drug-addicted mother and taking charge of his life, J.D. Vance’s story would be much different. His grandmother was a strong-willed and determined woman who saw the path her grandson was on and knew she must change his trajectory, or he would end up like many others from their “hillbilly culture” of abuse, addiction and brokenness. His story also reminds me of Dr. Ben Carson, who was raised in the ghetto by a single mother, yet became the most famous neurosurgeon in the United States and saved many lives.
From serving in the Marines, to finishing a college degree in two years and working his way through law school at Yale, J.D. Vance truly demonstrates the American spirit of hard work and perseverance. In a recent speech, he said the most important thing he wanted in life was a stable, loving family, which he never saw growing up. He is such an inspiration to all young people, I believe his story should be praised, not vilified as some in the media are doing now.
I highly recommend his book and the Netflix movie if you would like to learn more about this amazing young man and his journey through life. Every time I hear him speak, I’m amazed at his intellect and wisdom for someone his age. It’s a great encouragement to me to know there are people like him taking a leadership role in our nation.
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