Ruth Davenport announces the release of ‘Thanks For Telling Her “No”’
Shelbi’s rare disease makes people doubt her abilities, but with the help of her supportive mother and loving God, she finds a way so say, “yes” to a beautiful life
MILANO, Texas – Ruth Davenport’s daughter Shelbi was born with a rare disease and has had to fight to be who she is today. She never gives up and never stops trying. Ruth wants other people with lived experiences and their families to know there is so much hope and wants to encourage them to keep moving toward the life they want. It is for these reasons she now releases “Thanks For Telling Her “No”” (published by WestBow Press).
This book follows the first 26 years of Shelbi’s life. Written through the eyes of her mom, readers will feel the inner groans of a mother raising a child deemed “different.” Ruth devotes her life to seeing that Shelbi accomplishes what she wants to accomplish. No matter how high, how low, how crowded, or how bumpy, they find a way to keep going and make it through.
Ruth and Shelbi’s story was written in chronological order with each chapter building on the last. The chapter titles are different names for God, signifying how he guided them through each trial and victory. The chapters conclude with short messages from Shelbi in which she shares her memories and thoughts of how her disability affected her daily life. The conclusion is proof that it takes a village to raise a child—but also faith. The final chapter is completely about many of the people who have been, and continue to, pour into Shelbi’s life. Here, readers will find thoughts and letters from her family and friends. These are meant to touch those family members who are facing the daily struggles and blessings of living with a relative who has special needs.
“Sharing Shelbi’s story is meant to be an encouragement when you face difficulties. It is written to all members of the family surrounding a loved one who struggles with daily living. You need to know you are never alone; even when you feel isolated, God is with you, and people around you are available,” Ruth says. When asked what she wants readers to take away from the book, she answered, “I am praying that you can use Shelbi’s testimony and find God all around you in every situation. I want to encourage you to keep trying. Find a way to do what you want to do. Remember, God loves you and cares for each part of your life. I hope you enjoy this book.”
“Thanks For Telling Her “No””
By Ruth Davenport
Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781973699965
Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781973699958
E-Book | 108 pages | ISBN 9781973699941
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Ruth Davenport is a Texas A&M University graduate who spent 32 years as a teacher and principal in her hometown. She is married and has three beautiful daughters, a son-in-law, and five wonderful grandchildren. She is retired but continues to work and support Shelbi in all her endeavors, while balancing life as a grammy, wife, and mom.
WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call 844-714-3454.