Today’s guest is author and poet, Cheryl Ricker. Her new book, A Friend in the Storm (Zondervan 2010), reaches into the depths of human suffering from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic truth. You may visit her interactive web site at www.CherylRicker.com. Below is an excerpt and devotional from Cheryl.
Hold On
There’s always always always hope.
Just reach for Me, your safety rope.
When storms assail you, trust you’ll float,
for by My strength, I’ll help you cope.
The rope thrown off the boat for you
is never frayed. I’ll see you through.
In Me, old hope is made brand new.
Hope longs to stay attached to you.
No matter how weak you feel, a loving, understanding, all-powerful God is on your side! He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2). If you ask, He will direct your path because YOU are His precious child. Unburden yourself by pouring your pain in His ears. Throw Him all your angry questions and stomach-churning fears. Tell Him specifically what you need and allow His unlimited power to resurrect your broken body, mind and spirit with His unfathomable peace, irresistible joy, and everlasting hope.
Rest secure in God, your stronghold. The Crucified and Risen One who was big enough to carry the weight of world is right there waiting to carry your desperate burdens today! Look to Him and dance to the tune of His truth. You are His chosen treasure. From the beginning of time, He specially designed a big-picture plan for your beautiful, eternally-secure future.
Invisible Places
I’m fixed on inner beauty
as I shoulder all your fears;
You don’t weary Me with worry
when you pour it in My ears.
If you grasped how much I love you,
Child, you’d blush and even weep;
In My hand you’re held like promises
of truth I’ll always keep.
Cheryl’s book, A Friend in the Storm, lightens the heart and soul of anyone facing difficult circumstances, leading them through their suffering into the arms of a faithful loving God. Each two-page spread includes a poem, as well as reflections written by Christian leaders, along with healing Scripture verses. An elegant foil-stamped fabric binding makes this the perfect gift. A FREE BOOK goes to the first two people who leave a Comment below!
I have a young girl at my church that could really use this book right now…thanks for the chance to share it with her!
Stunningly beautiful!
Diane
I would love to pass this along to my friend Lesa. Thanks!
Love the cover and the colors!
Well, I am too late, but I will have to check out this book. I was gone playing chauffeur to my children. LOL! Anyhow, I have a very dear sister in Christ who just lost her MIL, who was like a loving mother to her. She describes her MIL as the closet thing to a Saint one could imagine. She knows God has His reason, but she is HEARTBROKEN and I have cried so much the last two days knowing how much she is grieving this loss, even though she believes her MIL is now worshipping at the feet of Jesus, beholding His precious face, and living in joy inexpressible.
Thank you for sharing!
It’s been a pleasure reading your comments today. Thank you to each one who took the time to send a note. There is so much grief and pain in the world, and Cheryl has authored a little goldmine of comfort and hope.
Sharon
Just stopping by for a little visit, and to pray for each one of you kind people who left a comment. Thank you! Remember: “Time is just a narrow moment. Just a narrow opened door, made to pass you into splendor that awaits you on My shore…” No matter what you’re going through today, may you feel God’s ear to your prayers. He makes all things beautiful in His time. God bless you!