Strength Renewed

I was pleasantly suprised by this book. Around the time I received my kindle copy for review purposes, a very crucial member of our church leadership was losing her battle with cancer. Our church had journeyed with her for many years as she fought the battle for cancer on and off. I never had any idea just what was going on in the mind and heart of a cancer sufferer. That was until I read this book. \\r\\n\\r\\nNever before have I seen a book so open and honest, and frankly quite BLUNT about the trauma of cancer. Even though I have never suffered from cancer, I actually got a lot out of it. Each small devotion centres around walking with the reader through the grief process that often comes with discovering one has cancer. Each devotion is not only real, but backed up with encouragements from Scripture. \\r\\n\\r\\n""""Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. """" (Isaiah 40:31)\\r\\n\\r\\nCorder says,\\r\\n\\r\\n""""When I received my diagnosis of cancer, I didn't know anything about eagles. I wanted to renew my strength, but how do you wait on anyone, even the Lord, when you're told you have cancer?\\r\\n\\r\\nOver the following months, I learned much about eagles and even more about myself. I'm not naturally patient, but the eagle is, and so is the Lord. Gradually, I learned what it meant to wait on him, and each time I did, he renewed my strength. Strength…

It seems like cancer is becoming more prevalent and, like most people, my life has been touched by the cancer diagnosis of friends and family members. I found this devotional book very inspiring and helpful in understanding the life changing journey for both the patient and their loved ones. The whole idea of receiving a cancer diagnosis is very scary, and Shirley provides honest and thought provoking insights gained from her experiences fifteen years ago. \\r\\n\\r\\nShirley drew strength from the Lord and held onto Biblical truths as she struggled through the good days and the bad days. The book contains ninety devotions that are easy to read and provide wisdom and encouragement from her real life experiences. She speaks with compassion as she shares her mistakes as well as her triumphs through the various stages of her journey to becoming a cancer survivor. I highly recommend this book to those who have received a cancer diagnosis or are looking to gain new insights into how they can support friends and family undergoing cancer treatment. \\r\\n\\r\\nI received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

Strength Renewed was born out of her experience with breast cancer and desire to help others out there going through the cancer journey. It is a collection of 90 mediations that shepherd the reader through the journey, from the shock of first diagnosis through to the end of treatment. \\r\\n\\r\\nIt isn't a book about her, though she tells many short stories of her journey. It isn't a how-to book either. The book isn't a theological one, nor is it a book about healing. It relentlessly points the reader to the God who helped her through the journey. It is a practical book, it is a book that will help you walk through the fire. \\r\\n\\r\\nShirley was the leader of the writing critique group that took me in several years ago. I've critiqued many of her stories, some are even in this book. I enjoy her style, she writes with fresh honesty about what she's experienced, not stopping to hide her faults. \\r\\n\\r\\nI have never had cancer, but I know that if that ever happens, I want this book by my side. If someone I know well is diagnosed, I'll be buying this book for them and their loved ones. \\r\\n\\r\\nOh, and by the way, this isn't just a book for the one with cancer, it will be invaluable for the spouse, children, parents or other close loved ones.