The Books On My Shelf

After reading tonight, I sit here wondering why that wall of bookcases does not emit some electrical force.  For on those shelves, silently pulsating between inconspicuous covers,  great wisdom, insight, comfort, bewilderment, joy,  sorrow and every emotion known to man awaits.

When I pass my hand in front of the TV screen, there is a tingling feeling and an audible snapping sound. 

That is how I shall from now on think of my bookshelf...as a living force pulling me in.

Tonight I want to talk about this book: 

 

'10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages'

 by Karla Downing

thttp://www.changemyrelationship.com/contactKarlaDowning.html

Tonight before leaving the house, knowing I would have some reading time, I rushed to my den at the last minuet to grab a book on Personality Types.

 I was not able to find one quickly, but instead a small unassuming book caught my eye and remembering a conversation I had had with a friend weeks before, I grabbed a little book called  '10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages' by Karla Downing.

  I have been reading now for almost 2 hours, and I decided it was time to stop because I needed to breathe.

   Ms. Downing has found a way to walk into the home of hurting families, homes of broken women,  weeping children and bewildered husbands.  She has pulled back the elaborate drapes and raised the dusty broken venetian shades that have hidden this reality of thousands and thousands of families.   Neither wealth, nor fame, nor Faith have protected families from 'Difficult Marriage' and the devastating repercussions reaped by every member in that family.

   My husband and I and unfortunately, lived in such a relationship for many years and as I read Karla Downing's words it is a bittersweet experience. 

Sweet because:

•   here is hope for you weary, broken, dying sister of mine.
•   I am hearing someone finally, so simply explain what I believe is God's mind on marriage.
•   there is acceptance, and understanding of the unique difficulty Christian and other Religious   women face in difficult marriages and she has so wisely laid out a path that can be applied to each situation
•  there is understanding of where I have walked, where my husband has walked,where my dear children have walked. Understanding of where YOU are walking.
•   I am comforted to realize that someone knows that my goal and daily prayer through those years was to be a good, Godly wife.
•   How freeing to realize that someone knows why I did not appear to be.

Now the bitter:
Part of the bittersweet is loosing it's bite even as I write, but ... I am remembering the devastation  and hopelessness that overtook my whole being when, during those years, I went to a pastor for help for us and received chiding instead.  Yes,  chiding for...(yes, you guessed it)...not being submissive.

   But, I share that with thankfulness for the tremendous Grace of God, who reached around those experiences and healed Wayne and I...is healing us.

   I have longed to reach into the lives of other women with vials of that Grace which was poured out on us.

 That is why I have, and continue to study and practice Christian Life Coaching..
 That is why I try to write of uplifting yet ordinary ways to experience more joy in life.

 That is why I am pointing you to this book and the ministry of this woman...as a vial that, when opened, will pour Grace into your lives that thousands of my words may never accomplish.

   I have not met this lady Karla Downing, I do not know anything about her except what I have read online and understand from this little book, but because I believe my life purpose will be so much more quickly realized by pointing you to this book of hers, I happily recommend you purchase a copy and walk into life.

Charlene