Book Review: Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler

August 28, 2019 Sally Ferguson Leave a comment

In a crucial conversation about what it means to be Vulnerable, in order to help those who are Vulnerable, Raleigh Sadler peels back layers of misinformation about combating the trafficking industry. Yes, “according to the Global Slavery Index, there are as many as 40.3 million people held in what amounts to modern-day slavery.”

And yes, there is something you and I can do about it.

Raleigh Sadler left his dream job as a college pastor, sold everything he owned and moved to New York City to save the world. He later came to realize, the world is not ours to save, but to fight for the justice of those without a voice. He says, “Part of (God’s) calling requires us to face our fears and trust God with the results.”

The book, Vulnerable, takes us into that journey of learning to be vulnerable, in order to share the pain of others. Raleigh founded the organization, Let My People Go, to equip churches to identify and reach the vulnerable in their communities.

One of the most important topics in the book is that we cannot plan to rescue people without reaffirming their dignity. A transactional gift of helping the poor has to be balanced by allowing them to give back into our lives. Otherwise, we are “re-exploiting the people we are trying to help.”

Read Vulnerable. It is an excellent book that equips with an understanding of the trafficking industry, but it also reaffirms our need to link arms in reaching our communities. None of us can aid others without the mutual aid we need for our own healing. Raleigh reminds us we can only work in tandem in order to partner in the fight for life.

Is there something an ordinary person can do? See the Appendix for 100 ways you can fight trafficking!

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Vulnerable from B & H Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review and a Giveaway: Heaven Intended Series

August 15, 2019 Sally Ferguson 8 Comments

A country embroiled in Civil War has to come to terms with loss of life on the battlefield. The Heaven Intended Series tackles the questions that must have plagued soldiers and civilians alike, as they tended to the wounded, mourned loss, and considered life after turmoil.

Amanda Lauer has penned three books covering intricate details of Union and Confederate sides of the United States conflict. A World Such as Heaven Intended, A Life Such as Heaven Intended, and A Love Such as Heaven Intended. “Wisconsin resident Amanda Lauer has published nearly 1,500 articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, plus she is the co-writer of the movie The Islands, scheduled for nationwide release this summer. Lauer has been offered a contract from an LA movie studio for her book A World Such as Heaven Intended for a major motion picture. In addition to her proofreading, copy-editing and writing career, Lauer is an actress and is involved in the health and wellness industry. She and her husband John have been married 38 years, have four grown children and five grandchildren.”

The books are in the Young Adult fiction genre, and provide insight to life in the 1800’s. Amanda’s immense research and detail provides intricate scenes on the battlefield and off. She helps the reader see both sides of the conflict and ask questions about life in turmoil.

“What would cause people to change sides?”

“How would families be divided in wartime?”

“How would politics turn neighbor against neighbor?”

Those with a Catholic background will resonate with the regiments of sacraments and praying to the saints. As a Protestant, I found the references difficult to follow. However, the first two books have earned the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Though some of the details between books are inconsistent, the story line is interesting and imaginative.

I am giving away two sets of the Heaven Intended series, courtesy of FQ Publishing (a “Catholic-friendly resource”), to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about ways you encourage the teens in your life, and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, August 25.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog Spot Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Encouragement, Reviews

Book Review: In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer

July 18, 2019 Sally Ferguson Leave a comment

In Her Shoes is a celebration of life. Yes, it is a cancer journey, but it is also a tribute to courage, tenacity and to the team of so many who come alongside the one with cancer, even if just to celebrate with scarves!

With riveting, engaging, real talk, Joanie Shawhan shares the account of her walk with ovarian cancer, and will wrap you in the wonder of illness and of our God who is bigger than any diagnosis. She uses her experiences to encourage others and to train medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program.

I’ve walked through chemo with three friends, yet found I had no clue as to what they really experienced. Joanie shares the reality of prognosis and the emotional rollercoaster of treatment. Included are the stories of other women, facing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, ovarian and breast cancer, Leukemia and one with a brain tumor. Their stories are heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming, in their struggle for survival.

A registered nurse, Joanie also includes helpful hints for prevention of blood clots, care of the bald head, dealing with chemo day, fatigue, hair loss, wigs, managing constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea and nutrition. Her attention to the care of the whole person is even evident in the “12 Steps to Spiritual Wellness.”

I found in Joanie a sister with a heart for missions and the gift of encouragement. She adds verses that perfectly illustrate God’s faithfulness and prayers that voice heartfelt cries. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone going through cancer or caring for a loved one in the middle of their storm. Whether coping with brain fog or going through clinical trials, there’s reassurance in knowing you’re not alone!

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of In Her Shoes from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Missions, Reviews

Book Review: A Company of Heroes

July 11, 2019 Sally Ferguson Leave a comment

A Company of Heroes is Tim Keesee’s account of men and women who have taken their faith into the world and shared the love of God in phenomenal ways. It takes place in real time, so the reader becomes a traveling companion on streets across the globe. And the stories are current events, providing insights to the daily activities of our worldwide brothers and sisters.

“Tim Keesee is the founder and executive director of Frontline Missions International, which has served to advance the Gospel in some of the world’s most difficult places for over twenty-five years. He has traveled to more than ninety countries, reporting on the church from the former Iron Curtain countries to war-torn Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Keesee is also the executive producer and writer of the documentary film series, Dispatches from the Front.”

Often, we hold missionaries up to super-hero status. But Tim says heroes “don’t overanalyze or overestimate what can’t be done. Rather, they focus on what can be done- and do it.”

In Morocco, they receive thousands of requests for Bibles each year. And, it’s a lesson for all of us, there are people everywhere, even in countries we thought were closed to the gospel, who are hungry for God’s Word.

In China, Tim observed the ministrations of a support group for autistic children and their parents. He said, “I haven’t met any experts. The Christians here aren’t experts in helping autistic children, or counseling their parents, or in vocational training for the blind; but a person who is drowning can’t wait for a boat to be built to save him. These believers are just diving in, knowing that while they don’t have all the answers, they do have the ultimate answer – it’s the radical rescue work of the gospel!”

I love Tim’s heart for missions and the Word of God. He doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulty of the work, but emphasizes the need for workers. I dare you to pick up a copy of A Company of Heroes and walk away unchallenged. Tim’s call to join the battle shakes you to the core and provides ammo for your prayers. It’s a thrilling showcase of God’s grace!

Sally

Disclaimer: Crossway provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

“All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.” ~ Hudson Taylor

Reviews

Book Review: No Ocean Too Wide

June 25, 2019 Sally Ferguson Leave a comment

No Ocean Too Wide @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

No Ocean Too Wide begins in the Spring of 1909 in London, with Katie McAlister racing down a rickety stairway into a dark alley. Why is the 14 year old in a hurry?

In this moving story, Carrie Turansky weaves a tale around the practice of moving orphans from England to Canada. Author of 20 novels and novellas, Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Take a stroll around her website for the back story of production!

I love the use of fiction to wrap teaching lessons and opportunities for grace extended. When Laura is locked out of her family’s flat, Mrs. Graham says, “Ethel Palmer still hasn’t recovered from the loss of her husband and young son. She’s angry about the past and fearful of the future. And I’m afraid that makes her say and do things that are thoughtless and hurtful at times.”

We learn about the Golden Rule through Katie’s kindness to Jenny. And we learn about finding a friend, through Katie’s gift. “She glanced at the Bible in Jenny’s hand, her heart warming. If she found Jesus in the pages of that Bible, she would have a friend who would never leave her side…and that was what she needed most for the journey ahead.”

I also love the use of historical fiction to teach about the past. I had never heard of child emigration from England, and it was eye opening to see the differences of opinions surrounding that movement. Carrie paints word pictures showing both sides with compelling arguments, and in the end, exposes the pitfalls of any agency that becomes institutionalized.

Family wins in this enjoyable read. Get a copy and escape into a time of hardship and love!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/join-waterbrook-multnomah-book-launch-team/

Reviews

Book Review: The Jealous Son

June 1, 2019 Sally Ferguson 3 Comments

The Jealous Son begins within the borders of the Navajo Nation in Arizona. When Eliza and Alex are banished from the only home they’ve ever known, little did they know it would set events into motion that would affect the rest of their lives.

Author Michele Chynoweth has also written The Faithful One, The Peace Maker, and The Runaway Prophet, all based on Biblical characters. She is an inspirational speaker, a book coach and a writing instructor.

The Jealous Son reimagines the lives of Cain and Abel in a contemporary setting and puts flesh on the circumstances surrounding the famous brothers’ lives. It “portrays what happens when envy goes too far.”

Michele weaves a story that takes a look at relationships gone awry and the consequences of attitudes gone sour. The book tackles what a dysfunctional family does to survive and the messes they stir up in the process. Yet, their story is ours, as we all are prone to going our own way, instead of always seeking God’s design. We can relate to anger, jealousy, malice and shame. We, too, have seen the adverse effects of alcohol abuse, gambling addictions, credit card debt, drugs and loneliness. The Jealous Son helps us take a look at ourselves and what we are capable of, if offered different circumstances.

We can relate to wanting better lives for our children. Eliza reflects, “I guess you always wish for more for your kids. And even though you hope they learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones you did, ultimately, they have to learn from their own.”

We can understand the grip of pride. “Eliza winced, not daring to even look in her older son’s direction, fervently hoping he wouldn’t be offended. She knew Cameron was proud like his father. Sometimes a little bit of that pride went a long way in building a dream, a house, a family. Sometimes too much could make it all fall apart.”

Read The Jealous Son and find out for yourself what it could have looked like, when Cain and Abel walked the earth!

Sally

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway : A Silken Thread

May 21, 2019 Sally Ferguson 7 Comments

@WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

The Cotton States and International Exposition sets the backdrop for A Silken Thread. Four lives are interwoven when the Expo comes to Atlanta, and their values are tested. Laurel, Langdon, Willie and Quincy question their viewpoint in different ways, giving us a peek at human nature. Would we respond any different?

Kim Vogel Sawyer wrote A Silken Thread with an underlying theme. “I wanted to use the elements of story to show the injustice and unfairness of treating people differently based on something as inconsequential and out of one’s control as skin color.”

The year was 1985, but inequalities hadn’t been resolved in the 30 years following the Civil War. The war should have lessened the divide. “Rich and poor, black and white, educated and unschooled… There were more chasms holding people apart than bridges bringing them together.”

Could one person make a difference? Willie’s Ma had said, “Set the better example, Willie. Be kind an’ acceptin’. Sometimes all people need is someone to show them another way to be.”

Through Willie’s actions, we learn the importance of elder care and the sanctity of life.

Through Quincy and Willie’s friendship, we learn people need to be more like God, who looks on a person’s heart.

When trouble hit, Laurel mourned the destruction of the Silk Room. “Why would someone destroy things that were so beautiful?”

Miss Warner sighed. “I suppose it happened, Laurel, because some people don’t see the beauty of a thing. They only see a threat. And in their ignorance, they seek to destroy it.”

There are so many reasons why I liked A Silken Thread. Descriptions of the Expo create excitement about the adventure and change it brought to the South and to the city of Atlanta. A look into the lives of those affected helps me to see the impact of my actions on others. And the elements of good storytelling show me how the Bible relates to life in every century. Kim says, “We all have the same desire as Laurel in the story: to love and be loved, to belong, to matter. We can help others feel accepted and valued when we choose to look past their exteriors to their hearts. That’s what God does for us. As His followers, should we not emulate Him?”

Get a copy and settle in for a charming story about what really matters!

Question: Can one person make a difference? Explain. Leave a comment, and you will be entered into the drawing to win my copy on Thursday, May 23. (Must be in the continental United States.) For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.

Sally

Retreats, Reviews

Book Review: The Peace Maker

May 15, 2019 Sally Ferguson 2 Comments

What do you get, when fiction collides with a story from the Bible? You get The Peace Maker by Michele Chynoweth! The Peace Maker takes a journey in modern day scenes, following the events surrounding Abigail meeting David, king-elect.

Michele Chynoweth is the author of The Faithful One, The Runaway Prophet, and soon to be released, The Jealous Son, all based on Biblical characters. She is also an inspirational speaker, a book coach and a writing instructor.

Michele says her books are “contemporary suspense/romance novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in the Bible,” and they live up to that title! The Peace Maker uses political ploys as a platform and gives an interesting spin to 1 Samuel 8-25.

It’s fascinating to see questions raised about current events in the news. The Peace Maker touches on right-to-life, stem-cell research, domestic violence, racism, and alcoholism, to name a few. Can a Christian effect change in government? Should convictions of one be inflicted on many? Abigail thought so, when she approached David. Make your own opinion, when you see how Michele’s characters carry out their roles in the book.

We took The Peace Maker to another level, by inviting Michele to speak at our Women’s Retreat. Using her book, and basing our theme of “Fearless” on Abigail, we asked, “Are you fearless? Do you struggle to find courage in the midst of life’s challenges?”

Michele helped us look at what equipped Abigail to stop the massacre against her household, and how her story applies to our stories, today. We contemplated steps to cast fear aside and decisions to equip us for action. And, Abigail became a living, breathing role model!

Get a copy of The Peace Maker, and decide for yourself if it makes the Old Testament brand new. You’re in for a delightful ride!

Sally

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Mended

April 12, 2019 Sally Ferguson 4 Comments

Mended by Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh

What happens when hearts of mothers and daughters are Mended? We rebuild, restore and repair. Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh authored Mended to show “you don’t have to repeat the patterns that have been set before you.” Helen says, “One of the most important things Blythe and I wanted to share from what we’ve seen and experienced is this: how to mend relationships as you identify and then make new generational patterns.”

The mother/daughter duo bring their experiences in the field of counseling and in the publishing industry together to create a work of restoration. They share their mistakes and pain, and together forge a new path for others to learn life-giving skills.

Mended is a hands-on manual for nurturing and cultivating relationships, and initiating conversations toward healing. Even when there is no interest from the other party for reconciliation, the authors assert the need for forgiveness. They talk about the poison of unforgiveness and the toxins harbored. When the offender doesn’t seek to be forgiven, the call to release that debt is all the more important.

Blythe & Helen say the mother/daughter relationship is even more tenuous, because women pick up on every nuance and tone. We come with expectations that create stress on the relationship. Fear, controlling behaviors and unhealthy fixation all bring a different layer to interactions. But, they affirm, there is beauty when we partner together in the hard. Helen says, “People don’t mature when there’s not difficulty. In seeing what I experienced with my mom, it gave me the desire not only to change but to make a new way for my own family.”

I am giving away a copy of Mended to one reader in the continental United States. Mended is packed with practical suggestions for conversation starters and respecting boundaries. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and tell me ways you foster conversation in your family. You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday evening, April 15. Share on social media to get an extra entry in the drawing. Be sure to let me know where you shared. I can’t wait to hear your tips!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blog About Network

Leadership, Reviews

Book Review: Free to Focus

April 9, 2019 Sally Ferguson Leave a comment

In Free to Focus, Michael Hyatt tackles the reason why past productivity models don’t work today. We’re living in information overload and have to find a new way to handle life in the fast lane. Hyatt says our Distraction Economy promotes low-value activity instead of helping us tap into unrealized potential.

Formerly the chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. His work and leadership models help “leaders trade burnout for balance.”

Free to Focus is part of that model. I grew up with a generation of multitaskers, but felt like I could never get everything done. Hyatt says focusing on everything means focusing on nothing. He says we live in a time of outrageous abundance that demands we learn to say no to good things.

The book offers:

Liberating Truths to stop limiting beliefs sabotaging productivity.
5 delegation levels that transform leadership.
The Daily Big 3 Focus.
Handling interruptions.
Replenishable Practices, and more.

The book is important for corporations and managing multiple levels within a business, but it also has great insights for individuals seeking to become fully present in the work before us.

Hyatt asks, “If productivity simply comes down to doing more things in your Desire Zone and less of everything else, why aren’t most of us doing that already?”

Get a copy of Free to Focus, access to the tools and resources, and develop your goal to getting the right things done! Get $498 of exclusive bonuses when you order by April 13.

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Leave a comment. What is the hardest part of choosing to say no to good things, in order to focus on the best thing?

Sally Ferguson

Book Review: Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler

Book Review and a Giveaway: Heaven Intended Series

Book Review: In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer

Book Review: A Company of Heroes

Book Review: No Ocean Too Wide

Book Review: The Jealous Son

Book Review & a Giveaway : A Silken Thread

Book Review: The Peace Maker

Book Review & a Giveaway: Mended

Book Review: Free to Focus

Help for the Helper: Purpose for the Planner, Respite & Renewal for the Caregiver

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