This moving story shows how a family found joy after their hopes and dreams were shattered by the rare, fatal neurological illness of their two sons. Told by the family's father, a popular Catholic radio host and marraige counselor, it recounts the way he and his wife received the courage and the support they needed to give their children abundant, fulfilling lives in spite of their gradual decline.
What initially seemed to be a tragedy for Joe Sikorra's family became a story of human triumph, an outcome made possible by the compassion and mercy of God. Their example can help those facing unexpected losses and challenges to believe that by placing their trust in Providence they too can overcome hardships with the most powerful force on earth - God's love.
This is the powerful, moving story, of a contemporary family's hopes and dreams that were shattered after suddenly being catapulted into a nightmare, and how they responded to it. It is told by the family's father, a popular Catholic radio host and marriage counselor, and how he and his wife dealt with the revelation that their two young children have a rare, neurological and fatal disease. Initially seeming they had been given a death sentence, this is not a story of death, dying, or tragedy, but rather one of hope, love and laughter, found in the midst of incredible struggle - an outcome Sikorra says that only a loving, merciful God could provide. He helps all families or individuals facing difficult and unexpected challenges see how they can deepen their faith and connection with what really matters. And that God gives us all we need to even flourish in the midst of adversity. This inspiring story reveals how we discover who we really are and what's really important when presented with the opportunity to lay down our lives in service to others. Though the Sikorras would gladly have died in place of their children, what God asked is that they live for them, love them with reckless abandon, and give their plans over to Him. In doing so they discovered their true selves, and God's magnificent plan for all who choose to listen to his call. While they tried to run and hide from the disaster that had befallen them, he says that mercy and goodness kept pursuing them. In the midst of the battles we all have to fight, the Sikorras show us that God has a plan for each of us to overcome them with joy so that we also will be "lifted from death to life."
Biographical Note:
Joe Sikorra, a former actor and stunt man, was a police officer for seventeen years with the city of Santa Monica. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and the host of the popular Joe Sikorra Show on Relevant Radio.
Review Quotes:
If you have ever experienced a loss or want to prepare yourself for that day, the wisdom in Defying Gravity will prove invaluable. Joe Sikorra and his family found a path through life's darkest valley and can light the way for us to follow.
-- Robert Maurer, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, UCLA School of Medicine; Author, One Small Step Can Change Your Life
In this book Joe Sikorra shows the stuff of which his family is made--endurance, perseverance, and joy. That's saying something in light of the devastating disabilities that altered the lives of his two precious sons. For inspiring reading, I highly recommend Defying Gravity!
-- Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
To read this book is to know why we call Good Friday 'Good'--and to see the way to a far richer life, even amid tremendous sorrow.
-- Mike Aquilina, EWTN host; Author, Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life
With moving authenticity, soul-baring intimacy, and his signature wit, Sikorra shares his family's deeply personal and extraordinary journey--an inspiring tale of faith, hope, and the joys of discovering unexpected gifts in the face of adversity.
-- Michael Bostick, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer; CEO, Rocket Science Entertainment
Joe Sikorra is a natural-born story teller. This powerful, poignant, inspirational account of his own, sometimes deeply painful, experiences of divine providence proves the wisdom of the adage: 'Let go, and let God.'
-- Patrick Madrid, Host, The Patrick Madrid Show; Author, Life Lessons: Fifty Things I Learned in My First Fifty Years
Sometimes real life presents a more powerful, more compelling story than can be created by the imagination. Defying Gravity is just that. It's funny, moving--and most of all, it's inspiring. A powerful work that celebrates life, beauty, and faith in the face of what often feels like the opposite.
-- Ed Solomon, Hollywood Screenwriter, Men in Black and Charlie's Angels
If you read this book, you will discover why the Sikorra family is a source of encouragement to many people in Hollywood and beyond.
-- Steve McEveety, Movie Producer, The Passion of the Christ
Joe Sikorra's wit and charm will draw you in as he intimately shares lessons learned in the fire of adversity, addressing fears with faith, hope, love, and even laughter.
-- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, EWTN TV Host; Author, The Kiss of Jesus
The story of the Sikorra family, how they have bravely lived life to the fullest despite the terminal illness of their two sons, is a testimony to the power of love and faith.
-- Kevin Sorbo, Movie Actor and Director
If you are carrying a cross that seems too difficult to bare, then Defying Gravity is an absolute must-read! It will inspire you and offer you special insight into how God can and will bring good out of every situation.
-- Drew Mariani, Host, The Drew Mariani Show
Joe and Lori Sikorra defy gravity, the terrible weight of both their sons' fatal diagnosis, with amazing courage and faith. Joe tells their story with profound humility, a deep wisdom that comes from love, and his own unique style of humor.
-- Fr. David Heney, Pastor, Saint Bruno's Church, Whittier, CA; Author, Motivating Your Parish to Change
