In God's Hands: The Miraculous Story of Little Audrey Santo [Paperback]

I read this book several years ago and found it, overall, to be enriching. The previous reviewer takes a cynical view, and that is understandable. The story told in the book is incredible and certainly very out of the ordinary. But unlike the previous reviewer I found it to be heartening and life affirming, despite the tragic story of the little girl.

The essential question it raises--besides the question of the validity of the miracles mentioned in the book--is this: Does suffering have any value? Can suffering and tragedy fit within the concept of a loving God? In the Christian philosophy the answer is a resounding YES. If Christ's suffering was redemptive, then cannot anyone's suffering have some redemptive value? In other words, can someone's sense of love and faith and compassion be raised by bearing witness to the suffering of others? I believe God allows suffering in part because it can heighten our spiritual growth in ways that less painful methods do not always achieve. In mundane examples, devoted parents sacrifice for their children. They give up certain things for the sake of their children--and are usually better off for it. All of us have observed some news report about some person who sacrifices him or herself for a nobler cause or for another person. When we hear such stories, how do we feel? We usually feel a heightened sense of goodwill and possibly love. To me it is very possible that some "victim souls" exist so that their suffering strengthens the spirituality and faith of others. Perhaps Audrey Santos is one such soul.

Further, even if her life seems meaningless by secular standards (she is unable to achieve anything on her own, she is unable to experience pleasure, she has no control over her faculties, and so on) her life is not meaningless on the level of its imapct on others. And by caring for her, her caretakers may benefit. The giver and the receiver both receive.

In all, a fascinating story that asks deep theological questions about the meaning of suffering and the aspects of God. And it just might make you appreciate all you have despite whatever losses or sufferings you may have endured.

In the annals of religious/spiritual history, many such souls have existed. One has only to look (and not very hard) to find many, many people in whose lives the miraculous has occurred with regular frequency. It is unfortunate that in the 20th & 21st centuries, this is seen by so many as 'impossible' or delusional.

An inspiring book that should make the open-minded pause and reflect, and perhaps discover others throughout history whose lives bear similar testament.

This is one of the best books to lift your awareness of God. It truly shows how God can use a tragedy and turn it into something awesome! For anyone who is questioning whether there is a hereafter. God is truly amazing.