Cathy Ray grew up in the small town of Fulton, Kentucky. She was the baby of 11 children in a blended family. Her Dad was a mechanic who never finished school, and her mom was a faithful woman. Cathy loved her parents greatly!
Cathy grew up very poor and was determined to get an education and leave their small town, not realizing in those moments that God could help her.
While she was in college, she started dating her now husband, Monty. It was also at this time that her mother died in a car crash. This event would help her realize that God’s “Irresistible Love” can be found in all circumstances, even tragedy.
“God is good all the time; no matter our heart’s state, he still loves us. Even when we are at our lowest points in our lives, we can still walk in God’s love,” says Cathy in her book “Irresistible Love.”
While in her twenties, Cathy and her husband joined Hope Harbor Church. This is where the Bible “was brought to life” for her by the pastor, Art Heinz, to whom she dedicates her book.
“I began to see myself as God sees me. I saw myself as the victor, not victim; free, not bound,” Ray writes in her book’s introduction.
In 2007, Monty’s job took the family across the world to the Czech Republic, where Cathy would begin writing her book.
The family – including their two children, Montana and London – then moved to China, where Cathy continued to write and also began substitute teaching, “I knew I was supposed to teach the word, but had no idea I would teach academics.”
When the Rays landed back in the States, it was here in McDonough.
She began teaching full-time, eventually finding her way to Strong Rock Christian School in 2017. She would put her writing on hold for a few years.
Five years later, in 2022, she focused on finishing her book. For an hour a day, she would sit down, pray, listen to what the Holy Spirit told her, and write. In 2023, her book was published!
Over the years, Ray has witnessed the marriage of her two children: Montana to Marissa, who have a son, Knox, and London to Seth. Being a grandmother is her greatest joy.
“God’s hand has been in my life always,” says Cathy.
She clearly wrote this book to be a witness to God’s Love. This is her ministry to others who need to know or be reminded of God’s love.
“It’s a gift, and gifts are free, especially from God,” Cathy writes in her book.
She has a close relationship with God and goes to him first in prayer for anything. She has had her share of trials in life and sought God first in all these situations. In her book, she also wants others to realize this, writing, “I want to help you live a life in such a manner that God’s love shines through you in everything you say, do, and think.”
You can find her during the school year in her classroom teaching seventh-grade math at Strong Rock, where she was recently named Teacher of the Year for the second time and is now up for Georgia Independent School Association Teacher of the Year!
Cathy also keeps busy as a member of Turning Point Church’s Prayer Team. She and her husband hope to take a summer trip to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
This book is a great reminder of God’s love and purpose for our lives. I would recommend it to anyone seeking God’s word and affirmations for life’s highs and lows. It is a great reference and companion to the Bible.
Cathay Ray is easy to talk to and listen to. Her warm and loving spirit comes through in her demeanor and lovely Southern accent. God put us together for this article, and we became fast friends.
By Delaney Kirby
