Northern Lights: One Woman, Two Teams, and the Football Field That Changed Their Lives

I’ve heard Cathy Parker tell her story more than once. I’ve been looking forward to the release of her new book, Northern Lights, for some time now. I have to admit I have many, many books that are barely started or half read so a book has to grab my attention right away and keep it throughout the book. I’m pleased to say Northern Lights does just that; it was a good read throughout.Parker shows us her vulnerable side when admitting to doubts about hearing God, and whether she was the one needed to see this project through to the end. Parker was a regular working mom, like so many of us, and yet she was burdened with a mission like no other. Starting with an idealistic idea that this would come together easily and through other people, Parker began to see that a few wealthy people were not going to step in and make this project happen. She was the one with the vision, and she was the one that was supposed to follow it through. What she didn’t know was God had a plan and all the obstacles and issues that came up nearly made Parker more resolute and determined. As she chose to trust God with every detail, God did the impossible. Not only did she have to learn about a totally different culture, she had to rely on strangers, contacts, and the vision God gave her.This is a great story on so many levels. When you read it you will be encouraged. God uses ordinary people to accomplish great things!

I loved this book. It was very moving to me of the struggles that this small community was facing. High rate of student dropouts, rates of depression, drugs, and alcohol . The worst of all was the suicide rate. I applaud this young lady in wanting to make a difference in this far away community. This story has inspired me that I can make a difference right where I am. God gave her an enormous vision, an assignment and she moved forward. Knowing nothing of how to do it, just being obedient. So amazing to me how God can place His calling on a person and that person make a difference. The book demonstrates the difference one person can make. The book shows how Cathy trusted God to prepare people's hearts ahead of hers. She knew this wasn't something she could do on her own.Many people have accomplished great things and even "greater" things than getting a football field put in. When it changes a community, the lives of the people, and the results are a significant decrease of depression, drugs, alcohol, and suicide, this is one on the list "Greater" things. It is a big reminder for me that I can move forward with the assignment that God has given me.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book from the publisher. I have never felt as inadequate and as lost for words! Cathy Biles Parker has written a book that will rock your world in a way that will leave you wanting to get up and get busy helping others! The manner in which she tells her story will light a fire in the depths of your heart and make you want to know God the way she knows Him!�She describes the process she went through to ensure the community of Barrow, Alaska and their young people were given a field on which they could play football. The problems she had to face and fight through would have made most businessmen and women throw in the towel time and time again. The problems involved more than just raising the money. It took faith, perseverance, and lots of stamina, strength, and willpower to see her dream through to a successful and wonderful beginning for Barrow, their youth, and their football program.�Northern Lights is a true story of a wonderful woman's dream, her willingness to get out of her comfort zone, and the awesome group of people who joined her and worked to change the lives of a community and their young people. I read the book in one afternoon because I could not put it down. I laughed, cried, and even felt the closeness of God as I read of the miracles that occurred during the fulfillment of one woman's dream. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves God, football, and supporting our young people.

I just finished reading “Northern Lights; One Woman, Two Teams And The Field That Changed Their Life”This is an inspiring true story of an ordinary mom who was compelled by faith to do something extraordinary. After seeing a story on ESPN about a struggling community and high school football team in the most northern town in Alaska, Cathy Parker took in upon herself to rally her community of Jacksonville, Florida, coaches, parents CEOs, community leaders to build an artificial turf field in remote Barrow, aka Utqiaġvik, Alaska.At first I was put off by the seemingly randomness of what Cathy was trying to do. Her lack of connection to and therefore understanding of the community she wanted to help, the astronomical expense, and the impossible logistics of transporting and installing the field had me thinking, why? Isn’t there a better use for all this time, energy, money? My own head was repeating all of the things people who opposed Cathy’s “Project Alaska Turf”.But by the end, I was overwhelmed at the impact this project had on both towns, both teams and others around the whole country! Wow! It was an eye opening, refreshingly inspirational book.I love a true story that can restore my faith in humanity and this story does that.

Cathy Parker's book "Northern Lights" is an absolute joy to read! It has me thinking I can move mountains on my own...and I think I will! We are all called to help throughout humanity and this book has me really stirred up emotionally and ready to reach out and get my hands dirty.It's inspiring, encouraging and just a down right beautiful story...except it is real! Did I mention its an easy read?I am starting a book club with a group of women that I work with and our first book will be Northern Lights! The ages of the group vary from 18 to 66 and all are super excited for the read.I have not put it down since I received it.-Courtney