1 Thessalonians 4:18
Therefore encourage one another with these words.
As Christians, we know our faith journey is no cake walk. We stumble and fall. We have fears and doubts. We struggle with adversity and seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In all the difficult times we face, however, we know we can trust in a loving God to see us through, one way or another. Yet, along the way, we also need encouragement and inspiration from those who have traversed the same territory and experience setbacks and victories similar to those we've encountered in our own lives.
In her latest book, 50 Women Every Christian Should Know, author Michelle DeRusha introduces us to heroines of the faith whose lives were anything but a bowl of cherries, and how their Christian beliefs strengthened them even in the most trying and tragic of times. Michelle's fluid and engaging prose and her thorough, detailed research, have combined to produce fifty biographical vignettes which will capture and captivate your mind and your heart. As I read about each amazing woman, from Hildegard of Bingen to Flannery O'Connor, I related to so many of them in personal, meaningful and poignant ways, discovering how so many of my own struggles to grow in my faith were reflected in their lives. I felt I had met forever friends, ones whose pasts still continue to shine the light of Christ into the present moment.
The title of Michelle's book says it all - as Christians, these are most definitely 50 inspiring women each of us should take the time to get to know. I sincerely hope you will order the book here, and/or visit Michelle at her website. And, if you share this post on your Facebook, Google+, or Twitter feeds (and let me know you did so in the comments section), I will enter your name in a drawing for a free copy of Michelle's marvelous memoir, Spiritual Misfit. Believe me, it's a read you don't want to miss!
Do yourselves a big favor today and order Michelle's book. Her words, and lives of these heroines, are sure to encourage you!
Prayer: Father, we thank You for the amazing, inspiring lives of the 50 women showcased in Michelle's book, and for giving her the talent and ability to write in such a comfortable, down-to-earth, and entertaining way. We ask blessings on this book, on Michelle and her family, and on all those who will read 50 Women Every Christian Should Know. In Jesus' name, amen.
I'm like you, don't enter me in the contest but loved your review. I really appreciated it that you ended with a prayer too. Prayed along with you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for praying with me, Jean! Yep, we don't need the contest as we've already been so blessed by Michelle's writing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you so much for this stellar review, Martha! I so appreciate your support and encouragement all along the way toward the publication of both my books - you are such a faithful cheerleader!
ReplyDelete{BTW: I linked up your post at my site, so no worries there!}
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Michelle, for linking my post to yours. I have been so swamped with writing and editing, it's a struggle simply to keep up with blogs, like yours, which I adore following.
DeleteI didn't offer the 50 Women as an option because I REALLY wanted folks to order it. Spiritual Misfit is such a gem, I know others will love it as I did. I will repost this blog periodically this week to gander more interest and support for you.
Love and blessings!
This sounds like a great and inspiring book. Life is never easy. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and leave it to God to figure out the details. He knows all and best after all. We just have to trust him in all things. Blessings to you Martha!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is, Kathy. I enjoyed and was inspired by the lives of these women. Hope you get a chance to read it! :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis book is so inspiring Martha, thanks for sharing it here!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a fantastic read, Privy! Michelle is a superb author.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for sharing this book with us Martha and introducing us to Michelle's work. I'm always inspired by good biographies and stories about the lives of others because they teach us and inspire us to do better in our own life.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, we can learn so much from and be inspired by people from the past. I love how Michelle was able to breathe new life into these women, making them seem so vibrant in the present moment.
DeleteLove and blessings!