LONGWOOD, FL- At the age of 17, author Steven G. Kennard had just completed his sophomore year of high school and was encouraged to drop out to join the Army. One year later, he was in Vietnam. The service proved to be a testing ground for him, and he was faced with a decision to either stand up for his faith in God or let himself become like those around him. Through an 18-month tour in Vietnam, God proved His love for Kennard and rewarded him with a safe return. Kennard documents his abusive childhood and lonely teenage years as a soldier in A Lifestyle of Grace: Healing the Wounds of Vietnam and of a Lifetime ($10.99, paperback, 978-1-60266-165-3; $18.99, hardcover, 978-1-60266-166-0).
"My life from the time I was born until early adulthood was full of pain and rejection," recalls Kennard. "I didn't know where to turn and felt my life had no value. The only person I could turn to was God because I never felt anyone cared about me. God was and is my refuge. God put people in my path to encourage me in Vietnam and led me to a woman who knew about love and knew how to give it."
For 35 years, Kennard dealt with flashbacks, panic disorder, and PTSD. It was through God's grace that he was able to forgive and lay his burdens at the feet of God, as described in Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This command spawned a new way of life that Kennard now teaches to others seeking peace, happiness, and a respite from their trauma.
Steven and Kathy Kennard have been married for 32 years and live in Spring, Texas. They have three daughters, Leah, Kari, and Stephanie, and two wonderful grandchildren, Aliyah and Aeden.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order A Lifestyle of Grace through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007