Every reader enjoys a story that delivers more than memorable characters and compelling events. With Lifted Hands by Ken Tae LaRose offers an emotionally rich experience where faith becomes the guiding force through life’s most demanding seasons. Blending family relationships, personal success, and spiritual conviction, the novel encourages readers to reflect on resilience, forgiveness, and the strength that comes from trusting God when everything else seems uncertain.
An Inspiring Portrait of Success Grounded in Purpose
At the center of the novel stands Jess Stevenson, a businessman whose remarkable achievements begin with humble roots in the Mississippi Delta. Through unwavering determination and years of disciplined effort, Jess transforms his dreams into reality, building a successful career in investments and real estate that eventually leads to the creation of two Fortune 500 companies. His journey takes him to San Francisco, California, where he enjoys a life many people would consider the definition of success.
Yet Ken makes it clear that Jess’s accomplishments extend beyond wealth or professional recognition. His greatest source of strength has always been his relationship with God. From childhood onward, prayer and spiritual guidance shape his decisions, helping him remain grounded despite extraordinary achievements. This balance between ambition and faith gives the story a refreshing perspective, reminding readers that lasting fulfillment often grows from values rather than possessions.
Family also occupies a central place in Jess’s world. His wife, daughter, son, and adopted son represent the relationships he treasures most. Their daily interactions reveal warmth, loyalty, and genuine affection, creating a foundation that makes every challenge throughout the novel feel deeply personal. Readers quickly become invested in these characters because their joys and struggles reflect emotions many families experience in different forms.
Trials That Reveal Inner Strength
Life changes unexpectedly when betrayal enters Jess’s carefully built world. A painful act from someone he trusts forces him to confront disappointment that reaches far beyond financial concerns. At the same time, dangerous influences from the streets begin threatening the safety of his children, placing his family in situations that demand courage, wisdom, and unwavering resolve.
These events shift the novel into a deeply emotional exploration of character. Jess refuses to allow anger or fear to become his defining response. Instead, he continues seeking God’s direction while carrying the heavy burden of protecting the people he loves most. His choices demonstrate that faith is tested most powerfully during seasons of uncertainty rather than moments of comfort.
A particularly meaningful element of the story is the role of Jess’s autistic adopted son. His presence adds remarkable emotional depth, illustrating how wisdom and strength often emerge from unexpected places. Rather than portraying him as a secondary figure, Ken allows him to influence important moments within the narrative, highlighting the value of acceptance, compassion, and unconditional love. This relationship enriches the novel while celebrating the unique contributions every individual brings to a family.
As the story unfolds, readers witness difficult decisions, heartfelt conversations, and moments of spiritual reflection that make the journey both engaging and uplifting. Ken develops these scenes with sincerity, allowing emotions to emerge naturally without losing sight of the novel’s hopeful message.
A Story That Speaks Beyond Its Pages
One of the most memorable qualities of With Lifted Hands is its focus on forgiveness as a transformative act of faith. Jess’s experiences demonstrate that healing begins when people choose grace instead of bitterness, even after enduring profound emotional pain. This message resonates because it reflects challenges that many readers encounter in everyday life.
The novel also emphasizes perseverance, encouraging readers to remain faithful despite circumstances that appear overwhelming. Through every setback, Jess continues moving forward with humility, trust, and compassion. These qualities make him an inspiring protagonist whose journey extends beyond fiction into meaningful personal reflection.
Ken successfully combines contemporary storytelling with timeless Christian values, creating a novel that feels relatable while offering spiritual encouragement. Readers who enjoy inspirational fiction will appreciate the balance between emotional family drama and faith-centered themes. The realistic settings, authentic relationships, and uplifting messages contribute to a reading experience that lingers long after the final chapter.
About Author
Ken has nurtured a passion for storytelling since childhood, finding inspiration in books, illustrations, and meaningful narratives. Although she pursued Business Administration at Rust College and continued graduate studies in Human Resource Management at Keller Graduate School of Management, writing remained her lifelong calling.
Her professional background includes administrative responsibilities and more than eleven years in the medical field, reflecting her dedication to serving and helping others.
As the author of Through My Grandmother’s Eyes The Queen and With Lifted Hands, Ken strives to create fictional stories rooted in realistic experiences while sharing messages that encourage faith, hope, and spiritual growth. Away from writing, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and family, cooking, traveling, and continuing to inspire others through both her work and her personal commitment to making a positive difference.
Why This Story Stands Out
With Lifted Hands delivers an inspiring blend of heartfelt storytelling and enduring spiritual values. Through Jess’s remarkable journey, readers encounter meaningful lessons about family, forgiveness, perseverance, and unwavering faith. The novel serves as a thoughtful reminder that life’s greatest victories are often found through trust in God, compassion for others, and the courage to keep moving forward with hope.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
Hello, Ken Tae LaRose here. I am an author. I have written two novels, Through My Grandmother’s Eyes The Queen, and With Lifted Hands. Besides my love for writing, I love helping people. I have worked in the medical field for eleven years.
Please share your journey with our readers.
Writing has been a love of mine for years. In my writing, readers will see my strong faith. It is the gift that God has given me to share with the world. These stories are fiction but tell the story of everyday life and the journeys we all go through. Presently, I am working on three more novels.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Well, taking time out for myself in quiet time to receive what I am to write next. This is not my journey alone; it is God’s as well. It is his purpose for me to share my gift with the world.
Any message for our readers?
Dear Reader, I appreciate you giving a listening ear to my fictional work. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. Thank you for your continuous support. God Bless You.
Thank you so much, Ken Tae LaRose, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
