God's Plan, Our Circus: A Family Odyssey through Autism, Death, and Reinvention

by Clay Boatright

Overview

You make plans, and God laughs-right? Thank goodness He passed that sense of humor along to author Clay Boatright. The Boatright family journey started with promise but was soon plagued with severe obstacles that could have turned Clay's life into one of bitterness and resentment. But through his faith and love of family, he instead found joy and purpose.

Their family odyssey was perilous. Through his wife's early cancer, their twins severe autism and intellectual disabilities, the daily effort of supporting his family financially and caring for three daughters at home, national advocacy for people with disabilities, and painful farewell to his wife, Clay proved that life-and the circus it often becomes-can be handled with humor, grace, and faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781955711227
Publisher:	Stonebrook Pub.
Publication date:	01/05/2023
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.54(d)

About the Author

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Clay Boatright has lived in Texas since 1994, where he and his wife Carole raised three daughters, including identical twins with severe intellectual disabilities and autism. With undergrad and graduate degrees from the University of Memphis, Clay managed two full-time careers for almost twenty years, one in the consumer packaged goods industry to pay the bills and another as a volunteer advocate for people with disabilities.

Editorial Reviews

"One might expect a book that includes significant disability, cancer, and the hand of God to be comprised of the sappy platitudes and euphemisms that fill the pages of the kind of 'inspiration porn' that litters the shelves of the parenting section of your local bookseller. This book is decidedly NOT that.

This is the story of a scrappy, devoted, and self-deprecating couple who refused to pretend everything was 'just fine' at the same time they refused to give up on joy, love, and humor in the face of chronic challenges. Clay's narration demonstrates that joy, gratitude, anger, grief, celebration-even double entendres-and Christianity are not mutually exclusive. More than that, it lays bare one man's unshakeable devotion to and gratitude for the four women who powerfully shaped his life-Carole, Blaire, Paige, and Mia."

-Sara Gelser Blouin, Oregon State Senator Former Member, National Council on Disability

"Cancer, disabilities, death . . . followed by months of isolated quarantine and lost in the depths of deep grief. Where do you find hope when unrelenting hardships have invaded, and you're stumbling through the splintered remains of shattered dreams?

You saturate your soul in the words of this book, God's Plan, Our Circus. Clay is unapologetically honest, unquestionably reassuring as he weaves humor and humility throughout the pages. I pray his words provide hope as you rebuild your life, renew your trust in God. As Clay will tell you, God will redeem your pain; watch His good plan unfold!"

-Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, Vice President, Insight for Living Founder, Reframing Ministries

"Saturated with wisdom and humor, God's Plan, Our Circus is a well-written adventure taking us through the tangible trials of life. Clay Boatright clinched the undeniable emotions for a passionate and driven follower of Christ walking through tragedy and unexpected heartbreak. Clay conveys his wealth of wisdom and credibility as an advocate in his role as a husband, father, and servant leader. This book is profound and exudes courage and hope in the midst of doubt."

-Ronald Brown, Executive Pastor, Shoreline City Church Past President, The Arc of the United States

"Early in Clay Boatright's credo, he describes an ah-hah! moment where he accepts that his sole purpose is to care for family. He didn't realize his steps would go far beyond his cherished wife and daughters.

As a disability advocate, I always wanted his strong voice in our mission. Clay didn't take no for an answer, and his passionate and committed leadership continues to benefit many thousands of people with disabilities. Readers need not be spiritual or have experience with disability to find the moral compass in Clay's journey."

-Dennis Borel, Executive Director, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities

"It was a pleasure reading this book. I love the humor and the faith-based perspective that permeated every story. Being a parent of an adult son with autism, I can appreciate how much faith and humor are needed, otherwise it can be very overwhelming. The book is well written, easy to read, and interesting. One of my favorite things about the book is the highlighted lessons learned. They are wonderful insights to live by."

-Nagla N. Moussa, Founder, National Autism Association of North Texas

From the Publisher