Scott Coleman published Best When Broken with WestBow Press. Best When Broken shares the testimony of Scott’s life through the grace of God. Coleman became a quadriplegic at the age of 17 due to a water skiing accident. His testimony shows that every moment is a gift from God and that a relationship with Him can, and will, help overcome any disability or hardship.
Here we dive a little deeper into how his accident changed his view on the world and what advice he has for others who might be going through a similar situation.
WestBow Press: What was going through your mind after your accident?
Scott Coleman: Surprisingly, my primary thoughts were not fearful, but embarrassment. I was positive I was about to head straight to eternity and I was embarrassed to give an account of my life to my Creator, and because of this I never asked God to save me. I didn’t panic because I was face-down in the water, paralyzed and unable to breathe. I simply asked the Lord to forgive me, and by the time they rolled me over in the water I had that Philippians kind of peace – the kind that passes understanding.
WBP: What advice do you have for someone going through a similar situation?
SC: Live in such a way that when and if something happens and you find yourself “paralyzed, and on the bottom of your lake,” in whatever form that may take, you are completely ready for a surprise accounting of your life.
WBP: Is there a Bible verse or passage that has really stuck with you since your accident?
SC: Several verses and passages have stuck with me throughout the years.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4: 6 – 7
To me, this verse is telling me to give all of my worries and problems to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will provide me with a peace that passes understanding.
2 Chronicles 20
This whole chapter is the story about a King who has reached the end of himself and cries out to the Lord saying he does not have any idea – or strength – as to what he should do. He decides to keeps his eyes on the Lord, and the Lord tells him that it was never his battle to begin with.
2 Kings 3
This chapter is about the same king, King Moab, as in 2 Chronicles 20, but a different battle. In this chapter, the Lord gives Moab specific instructions about how he is to enter battle.
After all of these years, I still struggle on a regular basis trying to fight the battles on my own. This always leads me to worry, and sometimes it paralyzes me to the point of not even doing the things I know I should be doing on a daily basis. These verses help me discern what my priorities should be when different things come into my life.
WBP: What made you interested in turning your story into a book?
SC: If not for the grace of God, and the grace extended to me by friends – the kind of friends who know me, warts and all and still love me anyway – I would be dead. There is no doubt in my mind about it: I would be dead.
I wanted to express my gratitude, and set the record straight that there is very little admirable about me, except for my God and my friends. If someone happens to be encouraged by what I have written, well, that is the icing on the cake.
WBP: You were recently interviewed by The Commercial Appeal and Relevant Radio. Do you have any advice for new authors struggling to gather media attention for their book?
SC: If they can afford to purchase a service from WestBow Press, the Publicity Campaigns are worth every penny. Also, tell your friends what you’re trying to do, and they will hopefully encourage you along your journey. Ask them how they can help you – tell them to look at their network and see if there’s anyone they know that has a significant platform that would consider endorsing what you have written.
WBP: What is the one thing you want readers to take away from reading your book?
SC: One day all of us will reach the end of our journey, and none of us get to choose the time or place. There is a God, and we need Him desperately. There is only one Mediator and answer to life’s most troubling problems. That answer is Jesus Christ. Jesus came not only to give us a joyful abundant life, but to give us permission to live victoriously, no matter what the hardship. This side of Heaven, God is always willing to forgive and restore our relationship with Him.
Scott Coleman talks about how that fatal day changed his life forever in a short Author Video.