Words of Hope Introduction

During this time of global pandemic, we all have one thing in common. It matters not what country we live in, what ethnicity we are, or what political persuasion we lean towards. It has become painfully obvious that all people need hope. So, I have decided to begin sharing parts of my last published book "Words of Hope - Help for the Hurting Heart."

I pray that over the coming days you might find a word of encouragement and hope to make your days a little brighter. I begin with the introduction in order that you, who do not already know me, might understand the hope that brought this book into being.

INTRODUCTION

Words of hope breathed life into my heart when death reigned in the hidden place where nobody sees!

Expecting God to do His work, my confidence and trust in Him, and the anticipation of the breakthrough out of the darkness and into the light kept my soul hanging on when my spirit wanted to let go. Shakespeare wrote about hope when he said, “Eating the air on promise of supply.” That is where I lived for a time.

When the unobtainable, impossible, irrevocable brought darkness and despondency, hope raised me from the pit; breath by breath—step by step—moment by moment until desperate, miserable despair gradually, slowly, steadily became optimism, anticipation, and confidence to remember to have faith, trust, and to believe my God.

During my long days of depression after the death of my baby sister, I wanted only to be left alone. Satan likes to isolate us, to make us think nobody understands. But God would not leave me alone, using my precious husband, family and friends to encourage me through my grief.

This book was birthed from that experience as God encouraged me to encourage others during times of anxiety, grief, depression, and the general harshness of the world in which we wander until we rest at home with Him.

I have prayed over, wept over, lost sleep over the writing of this book like none other I have written. If you are reading this, I have prayed for you—many times. I pray you find hope and encouragement from our Lord as you turn the pages.

©Joyce Powell