A new season began today at my church, Lifecentral Halesowen. In the planning for twelve years, over £2 million given over and above regular giving by the faithful people. Much prayer, tears and laughter… and at last our new building is opened. A wonderful worship space, well deserved. A building where lives will be changed and impacted for Jesus.
All Of You by Sarah Monzon is a marvellous Christian historical and contemporary romance which I loved.
The action alternates between 1944 and present day, following two very modern, forward thinking and unconventional heroines. Two ladies both operating in a man’s world. They face opposition – not only fighting the Nazis in 1944 but also fighting the attitude of men who believe that the only place for women is in the home.
The airfields of England in 1944 and the towns of present day America offer the reader two different views of life. In both, the reader is cheering on the ladies in their male dominated world, as we get totally engrossed in their lives.
Still Waters by Lindsey Brackett is a delightful contemporary Christian novel that deals with love and loss, guilt and forgiveness, secrets and amazing grace. I absolutely adored the warm and welcoming inclusive style of Lindsey Brackett.
The characters were all realistically drawn and likable, with their vulnerabilities and insecurities. My favourite had to be Nan, the matriarch, who just wanted the best for those she loves.
Traumatic events in the past can loom large in the present if we do not deal with them. “You can run from a place but your past will still be there.” Guilt and burdens we were never meant to bear can weigh us down. We all need to receive forgiveness from the face in the mirror.
Out Of Silence by Annie Try is a contemporary Christian novel about trauma, loss and new beginnings. It was incredibly powerful and heartfelt. The tensions and emotions really played on my mind.
Loss and grief can take over a person. “All our prayers and yearnings didn’t halt leukaemia’s destruction.” This is such a powerful statement encompassing loss, anger and despair. Loss never goes away, you just learn how to cope.
With loss comes all sorts of feelings including guilt. “I can’t forgive myself for telling him a lie. We had to believe he would recover.” We all need hope to get up in the mornings. Sometimes the person who needs the most hope is the one trying to give hope to others.