Julie Fillinger - Courage to Live

It takes courage to be a participant rather than an observer of life. In this riveting account, Julie details her lowest valley through the shadows and the step-by-step process of embracing life while experiencing incredible pain and loss.

Chris Fabry, author and radio host

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Julie Fillinger I was born in Columbus, Ohio, living in Cullman, AL

Officiant for Weddings, Life Celebrations, Baby Blessings and Senior Commercial Model and Actress?

Retired from psychiatric nursing; currently pursuing a career as an author.

What are your hobbies and interests?

women's ministries, Bible study, sports, roller coasters, sunrise and sunset, making dinner with my husband, discussing good books, following my son's career.

What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?

I bite my nails when I am deep in thought. I like to nest on the couch reading, watching sports on mute, and listening to music at the same time.

Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?

Being pro-life doesn't stop at birth. Life starts in the womb and continues beyond the grave. All human life matters through eternity.

In three to five sentences, what is your story as a person?

When I get to the end of my life, I want people to say, "Wow! Because she loved God, she loved people well." I have lived through deep sorrow and pain, But God's grace is sufficient. When the work He wanted to accomplish was completed, God put a new song in my heart. My prayer is many will see and fear and put their trust in Him.

What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?

If I knew ahead of time how much anguish I would endure grieving the loss of my son, I would do it all over again for the joy of knowing him. Whatever pre-conceived idea I had about how awful the death of a child may be, it is far worse. But what I didn't realize was because joy can coexist alongside of sorrow and because I am not leaning on my own strength, I am stronger than I ever thought possible. I have access to the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. I have come to truly understand that He that is in me is far greater than he that is in the world. God's grace is sufficient to sustain me with lasting hope to not only be reunited with my son, but also live with Jesus my Lord forever.

If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?

Life here is full of really hard days, but it's temporary. Life in God's Kingdom is full of glory, and it's forever.

What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family. Limit your answer.

Family is a picture of God's love and protection which is shown by loving parents who cared for me and sisters who doted over me, and this gave me the security to blossom. I married my college sweetheart and soul mate, and that same love continued. We were blessed with two beautiful and gifted beyond belief sons that we did not deserve. One is living his best life running the streets of gold in heaven, and the other is pursuing his dream of musical theatre on a big stage.

Julie Fillinger is the author of "Courage to Live" Available

on Amazon and Kharis Website

Tell us about your book?

Author Julie Fillinger says, “As long as there’s pain and suffering in the world, there’s a need for us to tell our stories, and this is mine.” In Courage to Live Julie shares the raw, honest story of her survival after the death of her oldest son. She describes her grief journey during which she discovered joy and sorrow can coexist and God’s grace is sufficient. She shares practical ways she managed her grief, and discusses what others did and did not do to help during her journey. God’s plan for living eternally is her “not so secret” secret for survival. Julie’s wisdom and faith inspire courage and endurance through suffering, so you emerge stronger than you imagined, with lasting, sustaining Hope.

Get your book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5WY58T5 or

Kharis Website https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/courage-to-live/