I am so blessed to be able to bring you the review of a special book. Rain On Me (Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times) by Holley Gerth may be a small hardback book in size, but it carries a powerful punch to the skies that grow troubled over our lives. Holley writes like a woman beyond her physical years, a woman of wisdom and of a tested and fired faith.
Within the forty daily devotions are words that read from a beautiful storyteller, but in a very personal way that all of us who live in this at times, dreary world can relate to. Holley sets the days in light of weather--the weather of life. The weather that brings mist, drizzle, pouring and the horizontal varieties of rain. But, with the constant drip that we feel from each weather system, we can also experience the beauty of a rainbow, the fresh scent left behind on the wind, tap roots that grow deeper and a renewed appreciation for clear skies and warm sunshine.
I savored this book during the quiet, stolen moments of my morning this past month. I recommend this book to anyone who has felt the need of an umbrella at times and haven't we all. This book is like that...an open, protecting, and cozy read of a book.
Holley is a gracious writer and a loving woman with a big heart. It is no wonder that she is senior editorial director for Dayspring Christian subsidiary of Hallmark. You can read Holley's blog at Heart to Heart with Holley
I want to share with you my favorite excerpt from the book entitled, Name That Hurricane.
Holley writes, "In the Bible names are powerful. When Naomi lost her husband and sons, she told people to call her Mara, which means "bitter". (Ruth 1:20)
Naomi named her storm. She wanted everyone to know that raindrops of loss had fallen on her life until every last bit of hope had been washed away. Later in her story, we find that God had brought hope to her again, but for this time she needed a way to address simply her pain.
What's the name of your storm? It could be loss, divorce, abuse, anger, addiction, infertility, brokenness, bankruptcy, chronic illness, death, depression, fear, guilt, or something else. Only you truly know the name your heart has spoken in the quiet moments and dark hours."
Beautiful isn't it? I have since named a storm, one that at this time is back building trying to reek havoc on my own life. Remembering there is calm inside the storm that is only found in Christ, I press on for open skies.
Are you experiencing a soaking rain right now or know someone who is? I would love to gift one of my readers with their very own copy of this book. Just have a look at Holley's beautiful blog, leave her a kind comment even if to say "Hello" and then come back to enter. Be sure you leave your email address and first name in your comment at my blog so I can get in contact with you if my little Samuel picks your name from the bed of his toy dump truck.
Deadline to comment is midnight Tuesday, December 1st and the name will be chosen on Wednesday, December 2nd and posted at the top of this entry as an update.
With much love...
Peggy

