When the Unexpected Happens - by Guy A Davidson & Martha Davidson (Paperback)

About the Book

Whether you are a stroke survivor, a Caregiver, or are amidst a life-altering situation, When the Unexpected Happens will encourage and strengthen you to keep looking up with hope.

Book Synopsis

At the age of 70, Guy Davidson was headed into his golden years with ambitious, awe-inspiring future plans. With 50-plus years of local and international ministry alongside his beloved wife, Martha, health and life were on track. Nothing was going to slow them down!

Then, the unexpected happened.

A catastrophic stroke turned Guy's world upside down. Life, as he and Martha knew it, was over. Suddenly, Guy found himself unable to speak, walk, or move, with temporary vision impairment. Entering this "Stroke World" instigated a fundamental shift in his physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. Martha was instantly thrown into the world of constant round-the-clock Caregiving.

In the aftermath of his stroke, Guy and Martha faced a choice. Resign themselves to a bitter end-of-life experience or place their hope in God, pressing forward through years of grueling rehabilitation. They were stuck between a question mark and an exclamation point.

Where was God? Why did He allow this to happen?

With determination, grit, and firm dependence on God, Guy and Martha chose to remake their lives and chart a path of recovery. Through countless ups and downs, multiple strokes, and medical emergencies, they persevered through the unthinkable with God by their side.

Penned by the late Guy Davidson and co-authored by Martha Davidson, When the Unexpected Happens shares the heartache and lessons learned through their journey through life's worst moments. Whether you are a stroke survivor, a Caregiver, or are trudging through a life-altering situation, you will be encouraged, emboldened, and strengthened-to keep looking up with hope when life brings you down.

Review Quotes

Combining winsome observations, powerful anecdotes, practical guidance, and biblical wisdom, When the Unexpected Happens details Guy and Martha Davidson's account of survival and recovery following a life-threatening stroke. Through poignant, tear-filled moments interspersed with laugh-out-loud one-liners, you will experience God's faithfulness as these humble servants of the Savior share their beautiful story of love for each other and love for their Heavenly Father.

Will Graham, Executive Vice President and Evangelist, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Guy Davidson was the greatest shepherd pastor I have ever known! He loved people, and people loved him. In a world where pastors are now more "CEOs" than anything, Guy Davidson swam against the current by putting people first. Just the mention of his name inevitably causes the faces of those who knew him to light up in a way that is hard to describe. He truly was one-of-a-kind. I learned more about being a pastor from Guy Davidson than from anyone else. This book you are about to read is a testament to what being a shepherd pastor is all about.^[1]

Pastor Bill Meiter, Arizona Community Church

Our world needs shining examples of enduring and unfailing resilience. Guy and Martha's story is filled with sheer beauty and strength, fueled by Faith, Hope, and Love. And you will see, the greatest of these is Love.

Des Wadsworth, Lead Pastor - Grace Community Church, Tempe, AZ

I was moved by the honesty and transparency with which Guy and Martha described their journey. This book isn't just for those going through deep waters, even if the sun is presently shining in your life. You should read this book. It will prepare you to have confidence when the storm clouds come!

Linn Winters, Senior Pastor - Cornerstone Church, Chandler, AZ

Having known Guy for 50 years, it is my pleasure to recommend this insightful, practical book about his journey through multiple Strokes and recovery. His physical journey and faith journey will inspire anyone who is facing an insurmountable tragedy. You'll be encouraged by his struggles, faith, determination, and practical advice that impacted and blessed many people, including Healthcare Professionals. You will see how he and Martha, his courageous, loving caregiver, were blessed by God and used in so many people's lives.

Richard D. Urwiller, M.D., FACS

In my more than 40 years of being a physical therapist, there are only a handful of patients that stand out as outstanding. Guy was my first and the one who inspired me to open an outpatient clinic for the rehabilitation of stroke and neurological diseases. Truly, if all patients could work as hard, have as much family and friend support, have the insurance capability to get the rehab they need, and have a little help from God, there would be less disability from stroke.

 Dr. Kay Wing, PT, DPT, NCS

^[1] 1 Peter 5:1-4