Interview With Caitie Crowley, author of Stepping Up: How Christ Turned My Pain and Suffering into Hope and Joy
A few years ago, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, two of my sons endured a terrible car crash. Our temperatures dropped below freezing during the night, so the Wisconsin backroad that they traveled that morning was covered in a thin glaze of ice.The vehicle – out of control – rolled down hill, flipped over, and continued sliding backwards into a woodsy ravine. And my sons? By God’s grace and the help of their guardian angels, they survived, walking uphill from the wreck with only one small scratch between them. I’ve looked back at the photo so many times (posted at the end of the essay), and am forever thankful. Caitie Crowley, in her new book, Stepping Up: How Christ Turned My Pain and Suffering into Hope and Joy, shares the story of her car accident and it makes me thankful all over again.
Caitie’s is not just a physical life/death survival story, but one of spiritual growth and renewal. Every reader can relate to her story, for each of us has encountered hardship, enduring more than what we thought we were capable of. No matter what type of challenge or difficulty we may be facing, whatever obstacles that we must overcome, God’s grace is readily available. Caitie’s book, Stepping Up: How Christ Turned My Pain and Suffering into Hope and Joy, is available on Amazon. Following is a brief interview with this courageous, inspiring young woman.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself, your hobbies, occupation, (basically, whatever you want to share about yourself with the audience).
CC: Prior to my traumatic car accident, I was an ordinary 24-year-old girl. I was working at a marketing agency while attending graduate school at Northwestern University. Additionally, dance had always been a huge part of my life. I danced competitively in high school and a year in college, and I continued to place a high importance on fitness, usually working out six days a week. I was dating, enjoying hobbies, and my Catholic faith was also very important to me. I went to weekly mass, adoration, and Bible study. In just one moment, except for my faith, all of these aspects of my life were taken.
Q.Your book is based on your accident. Can you describe the scene, the events, how it happened.
In my book, Stepping Up, I recount a vivid description of the accident, including asking Jesus for forgiveness as my car was rolling. I felt excruciating pain and expected to die. By God’s grace, I didn’t; however, I was left with multiple injuries. I was hospitalized for 11 days, was in a wheelchair for 10 weeks, and couldn’t walk without braces and assisted devices for nearly a year. With surgery and therapy, pain and suffering lasted for two years, and I continue to improve each and every day.
Q. I’ve heard that when people are undergoing trauma, such as you did during the time of your accident, that everything seems to go in slow motion. What was it like, what were you thinking, etc.?
The accident itself definitely felt like slow motion as did all the rehabilitation. There were many long, difficult days. Days where nothing seemed to change, nothing seemed to get better. I didn’t know if I was ever going to get better. Despite all circumstances that seemed rather bleak, I knew I had to put my trust in God.
Q.Why write the story of something so difficult to go through the first time?
CC: I actually have a whole chapter on this very question in my book. I had never thought about becoming an author; it never crossed my mind. However, when the Holy Spirit keeps nudging you, it’s a good idea to listen. My nana had been telling me for weeks that I should write a book to help others who are suffering. I thought it seemed preposterous at the time. Then one day I got a message from Deacon Roger. He was my 8th grade CCD teacher, and he and his wife brought me communion every Sunday while I was recovering. He asked me if I had started writing my book and told me I had an important story to tell. That same day I was temporarily let go of my marketing contract. I decided to give it a try and wrote the core of my book in three days.
Q.Where do you go from here? Where do you see yourself in 5 years — regarding physical condition, but spiritual as well?
CC: This is a great question that I don’t have the answer to yet. I know I was saved for a purpose, and God is slowly revealing what that specific plan for me is. Until it’s totally clear, each and everyday I will continue to strive for holiness throughout everyday life.
Q. How has the challenge in your life caused you to rethink/readjust your life goals? What do you aspire to now?
CC. Simply put, this accident caused me to go into the deep with God. I realized that God permitted my suffering, but He didn’t cause it. However, He used every drop of it for greater good. I’m confident that He used it for the salvation of souls, the salvation of my own soul, and many tangible fruits that I’m seeing unfold in my life.
(Follow on Instagram @caitiecrowley
