Author of Hope Rising
Tell us about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. How
did it get started?
Crystal
Peaks was started by the smile of God. When we rescued our first two horses in
1995, we had no idea that this ranch would be the result. My husband and I have
watched in awe as kids just started coming.
In
the very beginning, the horses were not yet broke to ride, so it was obvious
that the kids were not coming for what they could get. They were coming for
what they could give. In their efforts to make the horses better, the kids
themselves became better.
I
believe the ranch was started the moment I witnessed a mute girl actually begin
speaking to one of our starving horses. A starving horse reaching out to a
starving girl, each seeing within the other a reflection of themselves. The
needy horse was able to go where no adult had been in years. That’s when I knew
that I needed to build a haven where trust and hope could flourish.
You have your own story
about being rescued from despair
by God’s gift of a horse. Can you tell us about that?
One
of my first riding experiences came on the day of my parents’ funeral. (It
begs to know how both her parents died simultaneously. Can it be added?) [Kim’s father murdered her mother and then killed himself.] At
the age of nine, I made the decision that I did not want to go to their
memorial service; I did not want to see their lifeless bodies. I chose instead
to protect my parents’ memory and stay home. I spent that day at my cousins’
house, riding their horses. A day that for most is a destructive ending became
the beginning of healing. Between the love of the God
and a little horse, my life was saved.
What inspired you to write Hope Rising: Stories from the
Ranch of Rescued Dreams?
I
have had the honor of witnessing so many miraculous events. My heart has been
filled to bursting; I love sharing what I have seen. In the telling of these
stories, I have watched people’s lives stopchanged. Their
silent tears begin to fall as they, too, are moved to a place where their own
hearts are lifted, where their own hope is stirred.
Are the stories in this book all true?
All
of the stories in Hope Rising are
true. I simply recount real events that happened in the lives of real people. I
believe that is why the book has so much impact on the lives of those who read
it.
How did you choose the stories?
It
was a difficult process. The stories that did make it into the book were chosen
for their diversity and flow since it is my desire that every individual who
reads this book will have personal identification with many of the stories.
There are several very short, more whimsical pieces that were chosen to simply
give the reader an emotional break between the “powerhouse” stories. Sadly,
many of my favorite stories did not make the cut into this book due to space
restrictions.
Can you share one of your favorite ones with us?
Wow!
That’s like being asked to pick your favorite child! All the stories are quite
different in what they represent. Yet I would have to lean toward “Perfect
Match,” (a scarred, dying woman rides a scarred horse for a
moment of freedom), “Warm Handshake,” (ranch kids give up a night of
fun to help
an injured farmer bale hay) “Refuge,” (a grief-stricken
girl finds refuge in a horse after her mother and brothers are killed in a car
accident) “Chosen One,” (an abused horse trusts no one until a young girl,
injured by a horse and afraid, opens his heart) “Miracle,” (an abused girl
dreams of her own horse and one is miraculously provided) and “Hurdles of
Life.” (Kim recounts the challenges of pursuing the dream
of Crystal Peaks Ranch).
Will people who aren’t particularly excited about horses
enjoy this book?
Absolutely!
That question might be like asking someone who isn’t particularly excited about
gardening if he or she enjoys receiving flowers. This book documents triumph
and hope. It captures the rise of the human (and equine) spirit over seemingly
insurmountable odds. It is a book that will inspire all who read it.
Who would you most like to reach with this book?
This
book was written to inspire those who have suffered, those who have known the
pain of a broken heart. It is the victory cry of real individuals—issued to all
who read this book—urging them to triumph over their pain and rise toward hope.
How is the ranch doing? Are you growing?
The
ranch is certainly a dynamic presence. Because we only have nine acres, we are
bursting at the seams with 25 horses. The last three seasons have brought
between four and five thousand visitors to the ranch—for a total of well over
25,000 riders since we opened our doors1995. More children are coming on a daily basis
than can ride, so we are creating new programs that don’t involve horses. We want the kids to know they can come any
time and still have a wonderful experience. We are seeing a large shift toward
kids just wanting to spend time in a place where they know that they are safe
and loved.
You have many stories of children’s lives being changed
through the ministry of the ranch. What about you? Have the children taught you
anything about faith?
If
there is any good in me, it is because of the Lord and the children that I am
surrounded by. I know that I am the most blessed woman on earth because of the
privilege of spending time with these precious lambs. I cry behind my
sunglasses all the time. I can’t imagine how barren my life would be without
the incredible blessings these kids bring to my heart.
What is the final thought you would like to leave with us?
It
is my deepest prayer that all who read Hope
Rising will know how important
they are, how special they are—how deeply they are loved by the Lord, and by those
around them. Each reader is a remarkable gifttreasure;,
full of gifts that they in turn can give. They are unique and priceless on this
earth. Their life and their actions make a difference to those around
them. Someone more wise than I said,
“You might be just one person in this world, but to one person you just might be the world.”
For more information aboutinterviews with Kim Meeder and her book,regarding Hope Rising,
contact Pamela McClure,
MMPR, 615.595.8321