I met my friend Colleen through blogging and the Write Days challenge. Her words have always spoken to my heart. So when she announced the release of her book, I knew I had to read it. The added bonus was that Colleen and I were in New Orleans at the same time so we finally got to meet in real life. I remember walking into the restaurant, her turning around to see me, and then embracing in a sweet hug. It was like we have always been friends!

Colleen’s book “Who Does He Say You Are: Women Tranformed by Christ in the Gospels.” Is pure gift! Colleen’s words speak to the power of God and God’s love for all of us especially the heart of women found in the Gospels which in return is a call given to all of us.

I found myself slowly reading and soaking in these words by my friend as they were indeed anointed by the Holy Spirit. I could have literally underlined and highlighted the whole book. Yet there is only one quote that I wrote down. It reads “Jesus doesn’t deny the truth, but he shines the light on the whole truth, the whole big wide story of human brokenness.”

Brokenness….is so much a part of each of our stories. Colleen wrote this book after losing her son Bryce. God chose her to write these words….and I truly believe that…after he saw her grieving. Colleen and her husband have a ministry in Costa Rica; a ministry that walks with pregnant woman in need of love and peace and grace. Colleen and her family sit with these women in their brokenness.

God sent Jesus into the world for each and every one of us. Jesus died on the cross. But three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. In the midst of both her pain and now resurrection joy, Colleen understands how we can be renewed and eventually find that joy and peace again. I am reminded of one of my fave verses Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes with the
morning,.”

My life has been filled with brokenness as I have journeyed my families story of mental illness. Yes, there have been more days than I care to admit that I have wanted to fix this all. Yet this book reminded me that God sees us even in our pain and grief. I am reminded also of several of my friends who in the past months have lost their babies #AlexanderScott and Kaia Gene. I pray that these words from my friend who also lost her child will help heal their hearts.

So my friends, please check out this book and share with the women in your life. These words remind us all of who and whose we are; beloved women of God.

And because I believe in these words so much, I am giving away a copy of Colleen’s book “Who Does He Say You Are?” (You can learn more about the book here!

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Today I am linking up with Holly and Testimony Tuesday, Kelly and the Ra Ra linkup, Jennifer and Tell His Story, Holley and Coffee for your Heart, and Kristin and Three Word Wednesday.