Today I want to introduce you to one of the sweet voices that has been speaking truth and grace into my life lately. Her words have resonated with me, but more importantly, God has used her simple but profound book to bring some healing and rest to my soul.
I met Holley Gerth at the She Speaks Conference last July. Actually, unhappy with the discussion table I had been assigned to for a particular breakout session on branding, I crashed Holley’s table, not even knowing who she was. Immediately I knew, table crasher or not, I was in the right place. This young, beautiful woman radiated intangible and priceless things like hope and peace and gentleness. I was in love (in the most proper sense of the expression, of course!).
But months went by before I thought of Holley again. I moved a son to Seattle, moved a daughter to Tucson, and moved myself through some difficult circumstances. After all that moving and adjusting I became weary. And that’s when the Lord brought Holley back into my life.
I came across Holley’s newest book quite by divine accident. You see, I wasn’t feeling so okay that day. And that’s why I had escaped my office and run off to the nearest thing we have to a bookstore to find something to get my mind off of the things of life. And the sweet Lord directed me to this pretty yellow book with a title that lunged at me and grabbed my heart:
Now I’ve been through some rough stuff this year that has torn at my heart and hammered at my mind and left me feeling a little battered and bruised for the wear at times. And this book was for me. But the tender words in this heartfelt book are not just intended for the woman who has endured a season of pain or trial. They are meant for every woman…who has a bad day or week…who struggles with unfulfilled dreams…who hurts over relationship fractures…who is frustrated at work…who feels defeated as a mom…who wonders what happened to her marriage…who has faced rejection…every woman.
Here are the three things I love most about Holley’s book:
- Holley “speaks” the book with a soft, gentle, affirming voice. Now I have to confess: I’m a slow reader. And that’s probably because I do hear the voice of the author or the fictional characters whenever I read. That’s just how God wired me, and maybe He didn’t wire you with a stereo system through which you “hear” the books you read. But if He did, you’ll hear Holley’s soothing and reassuring voice coming through her words, whether you’ve met her in person or not. She delivers firm and biblical truth, but with a gentleness that is most appreciated by the weary and worn reader who picks up a book with this title 🙂
- Holley provides the reader with a basic scientific understanding of how our brains work. I don’t know if that appeals to you, but my. life. was. changed. when I read over and over and over her scientific explanation of why my brain works the way it does (who knew?). I needed this information to get over some major hurdles in changing my thought patterns. I think you’ll appreciate Holley’s very elementary but knowledgeable explanation of such matters as well.
- Holley gives biblical, sound advice that not only encourages your heart (“you go girl!”), but actually gets your sinking heart up out of its funk and moving forward…to a new and better place…where, indeed…you’re going to be okay.
I will be heading out to get this book today! the two books that have impacted my life lately are, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 and Anything: the prayer that unlocked my God and my soul.
I've read the first boo, Sara, and loved it too. I'll have to check into Anything. That sounds intriguing. Thanks for sharing your picks today!
I'm excited to read all
Of her books! Also because of you I have been reading her blog as well and it's soooo good! I'm reading "unglued" right now and it's amazingly great!!! God knows exactly what we need right when we need it the most! Miss you!
Great, Tessa! I enjoyed Unglued, too. And I know you'll enjoy Holley's books.Thanks for sharing what you've been reading 🙂
Holley's site has been a lovely treasure I've found in the last month or so. Sweet, warm, wise she is. And her link-up has been a lovely place to meet a kindred spirit or two.
Blessings, Kay …
This is such a kind and generous endorsement, Kay! I'm sure Holley will be so encouraged when she sees it. So sorry you've gone through a rough patch this year. Bless you.