You Carried Me, a daughter’s memoir By Melissa Ohden Plough Publishing House, NY (2017) Missy Cross always knew she was a beloved, adopted daughter. And she was fine with that. One of her siblings was adopted as well. But at age fourteen, when she learns that her birth was via a botched abortion, her contentment with life takes a radical U-turn. This poignant and penetrating memoir tackles the realities of abortion and post-abortion syndrome with a provocative yet gentle perspective. Melissa’s telling of her journey to recover her self-worth and learn the truth about her birth mother’s decision is bathed…
Just released – “Of Stillness and Storm” by Michele Phoenix
Book Review: Of Stillness and Storm Author Michele Phoenix (In Broken Places, The Edge of Tidal Pools) left me heartbroken, dismayed, and amazed as I came to the final page of her new release, Of Stillness and Storm. Aptly titled, but in an unexpected way, this is not your typical missionary story. The last time I was both moved and troubled in this way was after reading Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible. Set in contemporary times, the characters take command of this story. Although, you would guess that the setting of Kathmandu, Nepal, would provide plenty in the way of…
The Luck of the Irish (a repost)
It’s that ever-so-green time of year again. As a reminder of the who and where and why of this holiday, please enjoy my review of an excellent biography of Saint Patrick by Jonathan Rogers (one of Thomas Nelson’s “Christian Encounters” series). If the Irish really are “lucky,” it started with the sacrifice of this amazing and humble man. Saint Patrick by Jonathan Rogers Christian Encounters Series Forget the snakes, shamrocks and blarney stones. The patron saint of Ireland wasn’t even Irish. He didn’t eat corned beef and cabbage or drink green beer either. But what he did do was step beyond…
July Review – Kay Marshall Strom’s upcoming release
The Faith of Ashish (Blessings in India series) What does it take to break your heart? Would a brutal beating of a small Indian child, an untouchable boy, move you to discover more about a society that places such little value on life? Why would a lowly tanner, someone who handles dead animals for their skins, name his son “Blessing” in a world where nothing blesses and everything worthwhile is in the hands of the rich and powerful. What faith can possible overcome the heat and hopelessness of the poverty and filth in India? Kay Marshall Strom’s newest fiction release…
April 2011 Review – Max on Life
Max on Life – Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado Published by Thomas Nelson, 2011 A Pastor in Your Pocket… More than once in my sixty-one years, my favorite pastor deserted me. That’s how I felt, anyway. Of course, there were always reasons: he retired; the denomination moved him to another city; he changed his career focus; the church couldn’t afford to keep him on. Others I know have lost beloved pastors to indiscretion, death, or disability. Whatever the reason, the loss of a shepherd, and the wait for a new one, is a tough…