Three Family Bibles Recovered from Louisiana Flood Exhibit 'From Whence Strength Comes'

By Julie Brown Patton
Louisiana Bibles
These three family Bibles fortunately were rediscovered in Stephanie Hope's flooded home in Louisiana. Stephanie Hope

Of all the personal objects Stephanie Hope lost in the recent, record-setting Louisiana flood, she said she was most struck by finding three family Bibles in the ruins of what was her home, which was taken over by seven feet of water.

Hope posted on Facebook that she lost pictures, recipes in her grandmother's handwriting, antique furniture she grew up with, vehicles, every wall and every floor. However, she is still in awe about recovering the following three Bibles:

Her Wedding Bible:  "It is the Bible my brother, the Rev. David Glenn Atkinson, held and read from as Reggie Hope and I promised to honor each other all the days of our lives. My brother held that Bible as I stood there in silence, wondering if I could really "do" this again ... for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health 'til death do us part. I had done it once; was I strong enough to do it again?"

Reggie's Pastor's Bible:  "How many times has my husband held this Bible in his hands as he read God's word Sunday after Sunday and every day in between, to the one, to the few and to the many, as he tried tirelessly to answer what God had called him to do. I saw those memories cross his face for a fleeting moment as he looked at his Bible and then returned to scooping up the treasures of our lives to throw in the trash heap that is now our front yard."

Her Birthday Bible:  "Reggie gave me that Bible on my first birthday as Mrs. Stephanie Hope, March 18, 2013. It is inscribed, 'To: Stephanie Hope, Proverbs 31:30. From: Reggie Hope, 2 Corinthians 5:17.'"

After nearly three weeks since the Hopes evacuated, she said their home has been gutted down to studs and concrete. Items saved are covered in mud and on tables in the garage. "We are able to live in our driveway all through the magnificent generosity of friends."

"So, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or health, 'til one of us dies, here we are. We smell bad, we are tired, we have almost nothing, but we are together," said Hope.

"I will keep these three Bibles. They will be tangible reminders of 'from whence our strength comes' to keep on keeping on."

One of Hope's Facebook friends, Libby Brown Blackwell, responded to her that "life sure has given you a whole lemon tree, but each time it's lemon harvest season, you seem to make lemonade, lemon meringue pie, sweet tea with lemon slices, lemon squares and so much more. You are an inspiration to so many."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo