Unlike Humpty Dumpty, God Had the Ability to Put a South Dakota Trial Lawyer Back Together Again -- Tragic Blessing Is an Autobiographical Tale of Triumph

Twenty-two years ago, on a beautiful spring day, Bret Merkle decided to take his motorcycle for a spin to avoid studying for his last final exam. Instead of clearing his head, he ended up in a harrowing accident that left him bleeding to death, on the very brink of death.

Today, having survived four grueling years of surgeries and rehabilitation, Merkle is certain that all things are possible with God. His book, Tragic Blessing, tells readers why.

“I believe it was my calling to write Tragic Blessing,” says Merkle, a trial lawyer and real estate entrepreneur. “Even non-Christians say they’re inspired by my story of overcoming one life’s most heart-wrenching adversities. Readers say that Tragic Blessing helps them to understand their problems and pain, and to be inspired to overcome life’s challenges with hope in their hearts.”

After twenty surgeries, and six months in the hospital, Merkle returned home as a left leg amputee, permanently paralyzed from his waist down, and was told he had no hope of ever walking again, or fathering children.

“The pain was always there, and still is, making me want to quit,” says Merkle, who today is a husband and father of five. “But then I read the Bible and pray, and I become filled with hope. I could not have made it without His strength. I still cannot make it without Him. Without God, I would have given up the struggle by now.”

Tragic Blessing, recounts Merkles struggle from athletic achievement and physical strength as a two-time, all-state quarterback, through pain, despair, and hopelessness, and on to living with joy again. The process of writing Tragic Blessing helped Merkle to understand the truth of his own story. And he tells the tale in a way that he hopes will help others to truly benefit from his ordeal.

“I love to tell the story of how God picked up the pieces of my life after the motorcycle accident and put me back together again,” says Merkle. “One of the greatest joys of my life is seeing people find hope, and to know that what I have endured and suffered, even today, has not been in vain.”

Merkle is now at work on his second book – a continuation of the story in Tragic Blessing. A passionate speaker, he is available to discuss his difficult journey from despair to hope. Merkle is keenly interested in addressing the following issues:

* How tragedy and recovery experiences can influence lives, and shape us into richer human beings.
* Are tragedies really just God’s opportunities to bless us?
* How do we know that God is with us during our most tragic times?
* Learning how to trust in God, walk with Him, and live for Him.

Availability: Immediate availability nationwide for radio and television.


About Bret Merkle
Bret Merkle is a faith-based author, speaker, and founder of VictoryWalk Ministries. He brings his simple, but powerful message – All things are possible with God – to the world in everything he does. Merkle’s new book, Tragic Blessing, recounts the touching story of the author’s journey from athletic achievement to surviving a harrowing motorcycle accident that left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Merkle speaks throughout the country in churches, schools, prisons, men’s and women’s conferences, and short-term mission trips. His inspiring story about overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles has helped thousands of people find hope during life’s most trying times. Merkle is a trial attorney and real estate entrepreneur who lives in South Dakota. For more information, go to www.victorywalk.com.

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