Cara Brookins faced a heart-wrenching reality: living in fear of an abusive husband while raising four children. Leaving her old life behind, she relocated to a modest cabin, unsure of what the future held. Then, a destroyed house by a tornado sparked an idea—what if she could build a home herself? Though she had no experience, Cara’s fierce commitment to her children’s safety and happiness pushed her forward.
With YouTube tutorials as her guide and community support from craftspeople, Cara and her children began the challenging process of building a 3,500-square-foot home. Every wall, every nail, and every brick symbolized a step towards security and healing. The family turned a nightmare into an extraordinary journey of collaboration and hope.
Their story, told through Cara’s memoir Rise, touches hearts worldwide. It highlights the realities of domestic violence but also showcases the transforming power of love and determination within families. From victimhood to victory, the Brookins family is a living testament to how courage can change lives.
