ISBN-13: 9780872432628

Previously published in six languages, this inspiring autobiography is now available for the first time in English.

Abandoned, beaten, left in foster care and placed in correctional facilities, surviving life on the streets, Tim learned bitterness, anger and disillusionment. At age 20 he met Fr. Thomas Philippe, co-founder of a L'Arche home for the disabled, and experienced a personal rebirth. His words carry a message full of hope in the ability of every person even those who have been most deeply wounded to learn love and forgiveness. A powerful, true story of remarkable personal transformation. (232 pages)

Tim Guénard is 43 years old, married and the father of four children. He’s a beekeeper living in southwest France — near Lourdes — where he and his wife welcome people in distress.

REVIEWS:

“If you don’t believe that with God all things are possible, read Tim Guénard’s story. It’s his life experience, ‘not a novel,’ that after so many years he has come to retell in raw, shocking and overwhelming detail.” Messages et Messagers

“This extraordinarily powerful account, with its realistic, at times funny, oral style, touches the heart. It ends in gentleness and hope. . .” Notes Bibliographiques

“He wrote with a deep gratitude for the divine and human love he has experienced. That love brought him out of the heart of darkness and let him share with others, especially those who are terribly damaged . . .”Gerald O’Collins, The Tablet

EXCERPT:

"My life’s story is as rough as my face. My nose alone has been broken 27 times. Twenty-three of those were from boxing; four were from my father . . . The most violent blows came from the one who should have taken me by the hand and said: “I love you.”I survived on the hope of three things: getting thrown out of the correctional home where I had been placed—a feat never before achieved—becoming a gang leader, and killing my father. I got around to all but the third, and that one came close. For years I lived off the flame of revenge. While in my prison of hate, I was visited by people filled with love; within my heart they brought me to my knees. I owe my life to the broken, distraught, handicapped and “abnormal” people whom our society has rejected. I also learned from them a tremendous lesson about love. I dedicate this book to them. It’s through them that I was able to be reborn."