Gloria Cassity Stargel's
My Anchor Holds -- the Difference Jesus Makes
Celebrating her latest book, My Anchor Holds -- The Difference Jesus Makes. Published by Bridge-Logos, Alachua, Fl, the new book is a collection of Gloria's signature stories of faith at work in individual lives. To honor those individuals whose stories she includes, a gala was held November 7. Flip through the photo album here:
We're pleased to report that Col. Ben Purcell will be with us on Nov. 7. A small part of his story about being a POW in Vietnam is featured in My Anchor Holds -- The Difference Jesus Makes. "Captured -- Never Defeated" will grab your heart. Come and meet this true American hero. Meet his lovely wife Anne who was left with five small children. All during the five long years of his imprisonment in total isolation, she never gave up hope that Ben was alive.
More good news: On Nov. 7, you'll get to visit with "Mr. B," (Gene Beckstein). You'll love this gentleman who, in turn, loves everybody. Mr. B is founder of Gainesville's "Good News at Noon," a feeding, housing, rehabilitation program that is known far and wide for its standing service to those in need -- whether that need is physical -- or spiritual. You'll recognize Mr. B. He'll be wearing his trademark sweatshirt that has on front in red letters: "God Loves You."
Kim Davis was a high school cheerleader, enjoying the life of a carefree 16 yrs.old – until the automobile accident. A nerve in her face was damaged – a nerve that had made it possible to smile. Kim found herself very much in need of an anchor in the storm. In “The Girl Who Lost Her Smile,” page 102, she finds that Anchor. Kim, formerly of Monroe, Georgia, now lives in Athens. She became a Registered Nurse, currently working with the Clark County Schools. You’ll be inspired by Kim’s bright spirit – and her smile.
Brenda Harvey of Hall County knows what it’s like to wake up to the sound of an F4 tornado roaring down on you. “Devastation at Dawn,” page197, relates her hair-raising account of the family’s1998 experience—of their home being shredded apart from around them. The Harveys rebuilt their home, and their lives. The children, Chase and Tyler, now are all grown up and Brenda volunteers for CASA. (Court Appointed Special Advocate.) “Devastation at Dawn” will make you think again about guardian angels.
Haley Black, “Her Angel Word Hiking Boots,” (p. 159),was traveling in a van loaded with college girls, headed to a cheerleader camp in South Carolina. The van flipped over, flinging the girls all over the highway. When young Gary Willing, driving to SC himself,came upon the “war-like scene,” he found Haley lying facedown on the yellow line. When he stopped to assure her help was on the way, she could see only his hiking boots. “Please stay,” she pleaded. He did, keeping her from further injury by talking to her, insisting she not try to get up. Doctors say he possibly saved her life. Today, you can meet Haley – and -- her angel. Haley is now married and the mother of two adorable children. Gary is a musician in Atlanta.
“The Gift” (page 258) tells the story of Alice Oglesby, violinist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 35 years. You will find Alice easy to talk with. And you will love hearing her play for us. Her story revolves around the demolition a few years ago of Atlanta’s First Baptist Church. She was saddened as it had been home for her and her parents many years.—the members there had even given her the cherished antique violin she still plays. But the real gift came when God showed her the church is more than a building – it’s His people. Alice still maintains the busy schedule of playing with ASO.
Eugene Edwards always wanted to be a teacher (“Teacher at Last” page 271.) However, growing up in a large household for which he was principal caregiver caused him to put his dream on hold. Much later, after developing a successful plumbing business, the dream had not died. He closed his business and through an interesting route, earned that teaching degree. While waiting for a teaching assignment, Eugene learned he could teach outside the classroom, instilling high values in young people. He became supervisor in the DeKalb County Plumbing Dept. and is now retired. Yet he has never forgotten the words of Roy, his childhood mentor: “Whatever you are. Eugene, be the best you can be.”
“That Night in May,” page81, forced Marinel Wood to give up her plans to lead cheers for the Georgia Bulldogs. Instead the automobile accident left her fighting for her life, and fighting for full recovery. Through her remarkable efforts, she eventually was able to attend Brenau University, to work in an office, and to have fun with her friends. As a public service, Marinel often speaks to young people for law enforcement programs, cautioning them to take a moment to think before they drive recklessly – or ride with someone driving recklessly. And always fasten your seatbelt... Her account of the accident was made into a video and required viewing by young people seeking a driver’s license.
'This Marine’s Wakeup Call,” page 27, is about Joe Stargel, a confirmed workaholic, trying to make up for lost schooling while working hard to “get ahead.” When he was faced with a diagnosis of “hopeless” cancer, he was forced to look at his life – to rearrange his priorities – he had them all backwards. When he learned he needed to put God first, family second, and work last he considered that a wake-up call. Stargel is a former Mayor of Gainesville, a retired Lt. Colonel from the United States Marine Corps; and retired as an Administrative Law Judge for State of Georgia.
Randy Stargel, “Death of a Village,” Page 110, has enjoyed 16 trips to Hawaii, fortunately with no additional major volcano destruction . He was able to locate the new home of the little Painted Church that barely made it out of the fiery path.. A CPA, last year he took early retirement from Cox Enterprises having worked from California, to New York, to Florida and places in between, most recently Ft. Lauderdale. Recently, he accepted a position with WSB Television, thereby beginning his 29th yr with Cox Enterprises. He lives in Atlanta and Gainesville.
Rick Stargel, “Home for Christmas,” Page 192, together with his wife Lisa and 6 months old son Richard, Jr., had become stranded in a Texas airport, unable to catch a flight home to Georgia due to the wintry weather on East Coast. The story revolves around a miraculous “phantom flight” to Atlanta. Rick and family make their home in Woodstock, GA and Cashiers, NC. A former Marine Corps Officer, Rick is owner and operator of Small Biz Web Services. His son Richard, now 19 yrs old, is serving in the Marine Corps and recently deployed to Afghanistan.
My Anchor Holds – the Difference Jesus Makes is the work of award-winning writer Gloria Cassity Stargel. “The Story Behind the Book,” page xv, explains why she wrote it. Gloria is an assignment writer for Guideposts Magazine and Books, has written for dozens of Christian periodicals, and is a contributor to 3 doz. Anthologies including 8 Chicken Soup for the Soul, one of which (for Teachers) made #1 on NY Times bestseller list. Yes, she is related to the Stargels listed above: wife of Joe Stargel; mother of Randy and Rick Stargel; and grandmother of Richard Stargel. Richard shares the dedication of the book with his great grandmother Mae Bell Thompson Cassity.
We're pleased to report that Col. Ben Purcell will be with us on Nov. 7. A small part of his story about being a POW in Vietnam is featured in My Anchor Holds -- The Difference Jesus Makes. "Captured -- Never Defeated" will grab your heart. Come and meet this true American hero. Meet his lovely wife Anne who was left with five small children. All during the five long years of his imprisonment in total isolation, she never gave up hope that Ben was alive.