Miracles from Heaven: A Little girl, Her Journey to Heaven, and Her Amazing Story of Healing
by Christy Wilson Beam
Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell
4 stars out of 5
I was approached by this book’s publicist to read and review it (with absolutely no compensation or pressure for a good review), and while I was somewhat skeptical of another near-death testimony, especially that of a child, I have come to trust this publicist’s recommendations.
Indeed, this book did not disappoint.
Not only was it a compelling and dramatic story—told simply and without embellishment by the little girl’s mother—it was also spiritually uplifting in its testament to faith and hope.
The story began with the Beamer family’s middle child, Annabel, and her incurable, life-threatening digestive disorder that had them traveling to specialists and far-away treatment centers. It was breaking both their hearts and their pocketbooks, testing their faith along the way with heartache, discouragement, and despair. Annabel’s health issues had begun when she was only five. By age 9, in a hospital bed in Boston, she quietly and calmly whispered to her mother, “Mommy, I just want to die and go to Heaven and be with Jesus where there’s no pain.” As a mother, I was completely pulled into the story and the challenges this family faced. I was also touched by the simple faith of that little nine-year-old girl.
Annabel rallied from this low point and even had enough energy when she got home to be coaxed by her older sister to climb the old cottonwood tree in the yard, long a favorite activity of the children. They had done it hundreds of times without mishap. This time, however, alarmed by the cracking sound of the limb they were on, Annabel scrambled back towards the trunk, only to fall three stories, head first, into the hollow center of the tree.
To have survived the fall without death, injury or paralysis was the first miracle. Annabel said she was never alone in that dark hole. She visited Heaven and Jesus told her it was not her time to come home to Heaven. This experience was the second miracle. The third miracle was Annabel’s remarkable healing that occurred after she was rescued. Her physicians were mystified, but all her previously abnormal symptoms and labwork were now perfectly normal.
At first I was annoyed by the chronological jumping back and forth from past to present, but in retrospect, it was an effective way to keep the momentum moving forward without ever getting too bogged down in the depressing details of Annabel’s medical history.
I’ve read quite a few near-death-experience stories, and some were more plausible than others. In spite of my skepticism, Miracles From Heaven’s story rang true, and I found it both gripping and inspiring, because when I read how everyday people of faith—people just like you and me—face life’s random hardships, it strengthens my own faith and shifts my relationship to God in important ways. It reminds me that heaven is closer than we think, and this assurance and hope can get us through many a tough time.
Have you ever had a near-death experience or been personally touched by someone who has? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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An excellent review, Elizabeth! Like you, I’m skeptical of these stories. But you write about the book, and the little girl’s story, with an openness and with professionalism, which really helps validate the book.
Yes, I’ve had a near death experience, but I rarely share it. It’s so personal, and so many people would come to the story with such great skepticism, that I find it easier to keep close to my heart.
I completely understand your reluctance to share your own experience, Pam, though I’d encourage you to consider doing it — you’ll never know who you might comfort or inspire. However, I’m quite sure Spirit will nudge you if the time is right.
But you are not alone in feeling that reluctance. My father lived 95 years, and my brother’s eulogy was the first time I’d ever heard the story of Dad’s vision of an angel while he was in church one day. We keep those things close to our heart.
You write tremendous reviews. Very honest, enough description to interest but not too much as too give away the whole story. I like that even with books you enjoy you might “caution” us about a problem in the book. I do not know anyone who has had a near-death experience. Or maybe I do and they just haven’t talked about it. I think many people would look at the telling of a near-death experience with skepticism. Though I would believe it.
Thank you, Karen! Writing book reviews has been a good exercise for me, and I’m glad you find them helpful.