Prodigal Daughter: A Memoir

As I climbed up to the platform to stand behind the pulpit and speak to that large congregation the next Sunday morning, all I could see were loving faces lifted up to me. I explained that I had a sudden revelation of God’s love and forgiveness that changed my life. I saw people wipe away tears, and others nodded or said Amen as I spoke. I’ve prayed for you for nine years! one woman told me tearfully. My sister and Don had come home from Philadelphia that weekend and were silent around the dinner table that afternoon. After the meal, Irene went to my father and complained: Why is everyone making such a fuss about Vicki after what she has done? Everyone is celebrating her coming back when I’ve never gone away in the first place. I’ve not done all the awful things she did, but she’s the one that gets all the glory!

Daddy quietly directed her to read the story of the Prodigal Son once again, and reminded her of the other brother who had faithfully remained at home. Yes, he had been the good son, but he too greatly resented the fact that everyone was celebrating the return of the Prodigal.

excerpt from Prodigal Daughter

Mrs Holland takes the reader on a deep, personal journey, revealing pain and sin, but in the end victory. Finding her daughter, whom she had given up at birth, is a complex series of episodes, each with the drama of a detective novel. You cannot read this story without acknowledging the grace of God in Vicki’s life and thanking Him that it is available for all of us.

Dr. Karl Franklin, Wycliffe Bible Translators