High Calling

by Evelyn Husband

Book Overview

Rick Husband wanted to be an astronaut since his fourth birthday, but it wasn't always for the right reasons. Initially, he thought it would be neat . . . cool . . . a fun thing to do. It wasn't until he came to a spiritual crossroads and was able to give that dream up to discover the true desires of his heart before he actually got into the space shuttle program at NASA. Three failed attempts didn't daunt this driven pilot-and the fourth interview...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785260684
• ISBN13: 9780785260684
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Recounts the Columbia Tragedy Historically and Personally

This book provides both an account of the Columbia breakup in February 2003 as well as Rick Husband's wife and childrens' reaction to the tragic loss of their husband and father. The book begins with the family expectantly waiting for Columbia to land, then sensing that something is wrong based on the behavior of the people near the landing site. We then learn of Rick's life, and how the family's faith in Jesus Christ had been so important in their lives. We also learn how Evelyn Husband had to tell her children that their father had tragically died.

Incredibly open and informative, too.

Evelyn did a great job explaining the home and family side of Rick Husband. Yes, she was proud of his accomplishments but also listed some of his faults which was refreshing. NASA is not easy on its men and women and Evelyn made that very clear while not blaming them for Rick's death, either. Rick's determination and his resolve were certainly tested but his faith and drive never faltered. All in all the book gives a well rounded view of life as an astronaut as told through the eyes of the one closest to him, his wife. I congratulate Evelyn for her brave tribute to Rick and his 6 very close friends who met death the same day and in the same manner. Thanks, Evelyn.

Keep Your Life All Systems Go!

The book showed how to live until the day you die and how not to let anything stand in the way of God's appointed purpose for your life. She explained that she may not understand God's plan for Rick's life, but that she is not bitter toward God because of the history of God's faithfulness, provision and grace. She makes you realize that Jesus knows our pain because of his pain of dying on the cross. I loved this line regarding his commander abilities: Leadership is not only about what you do, but what you do next. My favorite part of the book is the letter Kathie Scobee Fulgham, Dick Scobee's daughter from the Challenger disaster, sent the children of the Columbia victims. Beautiful, beautiful writing!

A glowing testament to a man who clearly walked his talk

I can't think of a more touching way to share the legacy of a man than by sharing his personal story with the world. Evelyn Husband has done a wonderful job in telling her husband Rick's story, from his childhood dream of space exploration to his days training as an astronaut. With a wonderful blend of personal memories, recollections of friends, and passages from his journal, High Calling is truly a saga worth reading. If ever you doubted God's hand in everyday life, I know you'll feel differently after reading Rick Husband's life story.

Not a random accident

Evelyn Husband writes about her husband's life and faith during a time when I would still be in bed, crying. Her ability to use humor as she tells about their life together is a testiment to the faith she professes in High Calling. The writing is simple, but the people she talks about (not just her husband) are anything but. I found it very comforting to find out, through her walk through of what led up to the launch of the Columbia, that the explosion wasn't just a random, freak accident, but an answer to the earnest prayers of two godly men. The life of Rick Husband is proof that you don't have to "look out for number 1" or "take care of yourself first" to achieve your dreams, as people today would have you believe. I think anyone, whether you love space or not, would find inspiration in Rick's story. Thank you, Evelyn.