Let Me Hold You Longer | Karen Kingsbury & Austin Robert Russell

"Please come back to me.... please come back to me." Karen whispered these words as she handed her 3-weeks-old son over to the heart surgeon. On today's episode Karen, with her son Austin, share a deeply personal and vulnerable story of Austin being born with a heart defect. If you've ever experienced the sudden loss of a dream, and are in need of a reminder that God loves his children and is trustworthy, this episode is for you!
Karen Kingsbury has told a million stories, but this is the first time she's told HER story! Out of all of her bestsellers, Karen wants to be remembered for the stories she wrote with the days of her life! On her first ever podcast, Karen hopes and prays throughout these episodes you'll see yourself in the stories she shares. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! Come back next week!
For tickets and more information about Karen’s movie SOMEONE LIKE YOU, visit www.someonelikeyou.movie.
For information about Karen’s books, visit www.karenkingsbury.com.
To sign up for Karen’s Newsletter, visit www.karenkingsbury.com/newsletter.
To receive information about an adoption grant, visit www.karenkingsbury.com/foundation.

[@stacybeaty-kv8lo]

This is a beautiful heartfelt testimony of Gods love… also a beautiful relationship between a mother and her son… who love God fiercely…

[@priscillaboafo7745]

Austin has such beautiful respect for his mom!

[@angiemcgowan7016]

I am 42, also born with a bicuspid aortic valve, that went undiagnosed until I was 30. All of the difficulty running and the pain with exertion my whole life suddenly made sense. At 38 they replaced part of my ascending aorta (I had an aneurysm) and my aortic valve. God also gave me such a peace about that whole process. He is the Great Physician! Now, 100 lbs lighter and a thousand times healthier life is good! I cannot wait to see this movie staring your precious son, your miracle baby! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@judyhinegardner9611]

I have waatched this interview with Austin over and over. I think it takes a lot of humility to be able to be honest with God and admit how angry you are with him. When Austin says, "I was just a hurt kid," it breaks me. Brings me to tears. Because I understand feeling disappointed with God if that's even possible. I'm so glad he came to the realization he did.

[@joannegreenlee3780]

Karen and Austin I just watched your interview. Beautiful your love for each other and of course both of your faith in Our Lord. Austin would be a good speaker to young adults to share his story. 🙏♥️😊

[@judyhinegardner9611]

I remember when Karen broke the news years ago about Austin not being able to play football anymore. Even back then I could feel Austin’s struggle over the loss of a dream. And Karen’s struggle over how to help her son. I didn’t realize how truly deep the hurt went though and just how big a loss it was for him. How close he was to NFL material.

[@louiseballot3340]

What a stunning young man, a real blessing to his folks…

[@lynettefix5311]

Thank you Austin for your incredible testimony!! I loved hearing your story! I love reading your mum's books!! God is so good to us. I became disabled about 5 years ago!! God has a plan and I have have been blessed with his plan and hopefully I have blessed the people that I have meet because of that plan!! Praise the Lord in Jesus name Amen!! ❤❤❤❤

[@heathermeyer4122]

Austin you made me cry too. Thank you for sharing your story. So thankful for God and his daily blessings! God is so good! 🙏❤️

[@Bonnieuxful]

Thank you for encouraging us Austin❣️😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jadonwilson5089]

Love you Austin! Great story. Momma, very well done helping guide this conversation. Great episode. God is utterly sovereign, yes, and we also have the privilege to praise Him for how equally kind and loving He is.

[@boluwarinsiyanbola6918]

Beautiful story. I've read almost all your books, who knew it was so much more in Austin's story. Grateful for the love of Christ that washes over you and for His presence always with us❤

[@tammyblankenship6786]

What an amazing testimony! Thank you for sharing your journey, Austin! Thank you, also, Karen. My son also had to have a surgery when he was a baby. He was born with a club foot. I know that's nothing compared to what Austin went through, but I remember fasting and asking God to nit have to put my baby through surgery. But God decided that the doctors knew best. After trying a cast for 3 weeks old up until 8 months, they had to take my baby out of my arms to take him to surgery. He is doing well now, but he couldn't get into the Navy like he wanted to because of some of his physical issues. He is also 26 years old.

[@tinaloewen2120]

So beautiful!! God is good!❤

[@danalawson9506]

Wow. What an amazing testimony! I have read (and loved!) all of your books, Karen, including the acknowledgements to your husband and kids, but I didn’t know Austin’s story-and it’s so powerful. I’m a mom of young kids, and I pray that when they are older, they would have this same love for the Lord and respect for us that Austin shows. Great job, Mom & Dad!

[@sharlahalteman4152]

"And God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" Eph.3:20 -- thankyou for strengthening my faith, Karen & Austin. God be near, and bless you in a special way.

[@kristicrook7422]

This was absolutely beautiful!! Thank you Austin for sharing your story with us and your struggles. It reminded me of a time in my life where a dream I had did not work out and I was crushed and mad at God. But like you he has better plans for me and I see that now. I think going through struggles builds our faith and makes us stronger. Thank you again for your story. God bless you.❤

[@conniefaith]

Such a touching tribute to God’s goodness! I can’t say enough about this wonderful family! Thank God for you, Karen!!!❤😢

[@kristycrow9586]

For me I was unable to have children. When I found out I was so devastated. Today I am grateful God did this because I do not think we live in a world we should be bringing up kids. I still have my moments tho because I know when I get really old I will have no one.

[@mariongilmore4361]

God bless you!

[@lindarude4104]

🙏🙏

[@zaram131]

I understand.

[@reneeparker222]

Wow!!!! What a testimony!! When Austin was saying that maybe he could be in a role as a football player and score a touchdown, I am crying and I said oh yeah God could do that!!!! Then, he reveals that God did indeed do just that!!!!!! Praise God!!!! Thank you Austin for sharing your story and for being encouraging to others who are hurting and going through a trial of their own. God is good all the time!!!!

[@PatriciaDubois-m6d]

Awesome testimony! There is no greater joy than to know that our children walk in truth. Praying for that day! I’m am enjoying these podcasts.

[@susanisaacson8139]

Dear Austin, what a joy to hear your testimony, to hear how God has worked, and continues to work in your life. Your testimony is a tribute to God who loves you and whom you love, and an encouragement to others.

[@ashlibabe1256]

What a story. I never thought about this being part of the book. I have read all the Baxter books and I never thought that this happened.

[@HandmaidenofGod]

It was wonderful to meet you Austin. Your testimony is mind-blowing congratulations on your successes.

[@debbiesauntman6470]

Such a good good interview! I am quite sure many people will be touched and perhaps find God through your interview!

[@julieb9389]

Love this message today

[@idc332]

Love all your stories

[@maryseiler5788]

🥰

[@lucillegriffinwatkins7023]

Sharing❤