Testimonials & Reviews

Book Review

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Resilience. The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Resilience in Hard Times perfectly describes the character of the women who penned the stories in this anthology. In this powerful and aptly titled collection of writings, twenty resilient women share accounts of betrayal, hurt, and healing. Moving through pain, stepping out on faith and trusting God through loss are running themes throughout this book and I am definitely here for all of it!

Each narrative moved me but the one that spoke to me most is 2020 Vision written by Valerie L. Oakley. The author speaks of being healed from the inside out and references Mark 5:25-26, the scripture that chronicles the woman with the issue of blood. Her analogy of the constant cycle of hemorrhaging and pivoting made me take a look a the areas of my life where I’m “bleeding.” The author wraps up her section with life changing tips for going from victim to co-creator of ones own destiny.

Another favorite is Beauty for Ashes written by S.C. Nelson. This beautifully written essay describes the extraordinary relationship between the author and her mother. Nelson shares lovely memories of a life well spent, albeit seemingly cut short. I can easily envision the bond between mother and daughter and the message is clear. Trust God, keep pushing forward, and never give up. Beauty for Ashes shows us that God offers peace in the midst of storms and comfort in as we move through the darkest of times.

Ultimately, what I got from this anthology is that none of us are alone in challenges we face. This confirms for readers that the trials we face is nothing new. None of it catches Him by surprise and He’s with us through all of it.

This book takes the reader from betrayal, hurt, and loss through forgiveness, to healing and restoration. Paulette Harper has yet again compiled a winning collection of works meant to inspire and encourage us.

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Cassietta Jefferson

Author and Blogger