Member Reviews
With her life's experiences and knowledge gained, Sally Clarkson once again delivers the encouragement, hope, and understanding to guide us in choosing to live righteously by faith through the storms we encounter. Her message to live intentionally helps us persevere through each storm with faith and hope as we purposefully choose to "exhibit courage" living joyfully, and graciously while bringing light, beauty, and encouragement to those who cross our paths, even during our storms.
I was disappointed by this book. I think I wanted the ways Clarkson offers to survive life's storms to be more concrete, less of the same things I've been hearing my whole life. It's not that those things are wrong, but I've found them to be insufficient and I hoped this book would help make up the lack.
Help, I’m Drowning was well written and full of examples in scripture of the Lord rescuing his people. There are also the author’s personal accounts that show how the Lord is constantly there with us and helping us through the hardships we face. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
“Help, I’m Drowning” is a book that I wish I would have read in High School. It took me over two decades, lots of trials and tears, and complete isolation and dependancy on Christ to realize many of the gems that were presented in this book. It’s packed with so many priceless, wonderful treasures!
When someone is in the middle of the darkest dark of their lives, when things have hit rock bottom and they can’t find the light … quotes like “it’s always darkest before the dawn” are worthless. Have you ever been in that kind of darkness? I have… and it’s really dark! It’s isolating, hard, and it definitely doesn’t feel like the dawn is right around the corner!! It’s sometimes hard to remember that God still cares for you when you are in complete despair. This is why I love this book! The author comes to you like the sweetest of friends, just what you need during times like that … just to sit with you in the dark. Just like Jesus. During your shortest of days, and the longest of nights you need a friend to keep you company right where you are (in the dark) with a small flicker of light! This book is just that … light in the darkness. It provides encouragement that will meet you right where you are in a way that is so relatable! As you read the words you will find yourself rising above depression and difficulty – despair and hopelessness and into the Gods promises and biblical truths. Right where faithfulness, hope, and grace is found.
This book definitely shows how Christians should combine salt and honey to encourage and provide a healing balm for hurting friends. It’s definitely a book you’ll want to keep on your book shelf (medicine cabinet) as a quick reminder of the Lord’s goodness & faithfulness – when you’re facing the storms of loneliness, difficult seasons, disappointments, relational hurts, fear, and brokenness of life. It’s not a matter of if, but when .. and this book is packed with gems that will remind you that EVEN IF it’s hard we can hold onto the promises of God when we feel down and broken. This is why we need others to hold us up when we are unable. Someone to point us to the source of HOPE in our storms – to reflect on His Goodness and help us draw near to Him.
I highly recommend this book (especially for baby Christians), as it will help build a solid foundation of biblical truths that will help you manage the rough seas of life. Having these promises and truths written on your hearts will keep you anchored when the enemy wants to capsize your boat – and faith. When you’re being tossed around during a storm, this is definitely a book you’ll want on your bookshelf. When things get dark and hopeless, it will definitely lighten the darkest of times – and will help the reader reach safe harbor.
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mind, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
MATTHEW 7:24-25
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. if anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each persons work. if what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.
1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-15
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
This book’s title is reflective of both its content and appeal. Most of us feel overwhelmed at times. It can be immeasurably helpful to know that we are not alone in those moments. A good book can help in processing, moving forward and feeling heard.
I love that the author of this book is about seventy years old. She is able to bring her accumulated wisdom to the page. Ms. Clarkson’s help can be looked at in the nautical terms of her title. She offers a life raft, an anchor, a life preserver…call it what you will to her readers.
Some of the subjects covered include Loneliness and Isolation; Disappointment in Marriage; Unexpected Challenges with our Children; and Be Gentle with Yourself. Each chapter includes something personal from the author’s life along with guidance, a suggested prayer, a bible quote and something to journal.
Note: This book is addressed to the Christian reader. I think that those of other faiths may also find some helpful guiding here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are
I love all of Sally Clarkson's books and her newest book is no exception. In,Help, I'm Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope Sally shares her journey with the storms of life. I love her heart to help mothers in all stages of life. In this book, she shares a message we all can relate to, Help I'm Drowning. She doesn't stop there but encourages us with the hope of the One who can help. Sally feels like the mentor I wish I could meet with over coffee who would share her stories of life and I could soak it all in. Thankfully Sally does this for us in her book.
As every book of Sally Clarkson this one is full of love, wisdom and encouragement. I love her writing style and her transparency over her own struggles, she has a unique way to inspire. Going through the pages of this book made me feel like i am just sitting next to a sweet friend drinking a warm cup of coffee while talking. She leads you to find and hold on the peace, grace and love of God in your daily day even when you feel lonely and lost. Its a beautiful book.
“When we cannot see our way,
Let us trust and still obey;
He who bids us forward go,
Cannot fail the way to show.
Though the sea be deep and wide,
Though a passage seem denied;
Fearless let us still proceed,
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead.”
~Anon.
In her latest life-giving book: “Help! I’m Drowning Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope”, Sally Clarkson helps us to courageously endeavor to see all of life’s storms through the lens of God’s grace and hope in Jesus Christ, the author, and perfecter of our faith. As a friend and recipient herself of God’s amazing grace, Sally exhorts us to remember that God calls us to faithfulness, not perfection and that the soul whole-heartedly devoted to Jesus is always safe in every state if it makes everything an occasion either of rising up, or falling down into the hands of God, exercising faith, trust and resignation to Him. No matter the circumstances that the storms of life stir up, Sally practically shows us that the soul that eyes only God, being His alone, progresses as light and dark equally assist and anchor the soul. In the light, the soul looks up to God. In the darkness, it lays hold of God and so they both do the soul the same good.
Get a copy of this “gift” from one who has weathered storms in the deep sea of life with Jesus. Pour yourself a cup of tea, light a candle and sit with my friend, Sally. Through the pages of her book you will be blessed by her God-honoring wisdom, validated, refreshed, and inspired to dwell in the light while faithfully navigating the dark storms of life with your eyes fixed on Jesus, the way, the truth, and the light.
One look at Sally Clarkson’s sweet smile and readers know they will find encouragement and lots of grace within the pages of her books. Sure enough, in our present season of disappointment and anxiety, she has come alongside her readers with empathy and hope, sharing her own story of loneliness, health challenges, career pressures, unexpected calamity—and deliverance from fear in the storm. Hardly a one of us in the past eighteen months has failed to sigh at least once, “Help, I’m Drowning!”
A comforting arm around the shoulders is nice but more sinewy and consequential is a right understanding of God, our world, and our place in it. With that in place, all the waves that threaten to drown have, instead, the redemptive outcome of “character built, humility learned, compassion developed, and sympathy kindled.”
Our suffering is never without meaning and purpose, for God is always at work behind the scenes, and Help I’m Drowning is evidence of his work in the life of one faithful woman who has learned to say “yes” to his plan every day—even when it is not the plan she had chosen for herself. Rather than a quick fix, what we all need is a patient faith that sits with God in the process, trusting for grace. Being prepared for a storm makes all the difference.
Surprising that I had never read a book by Sally Clarkson. Now I am wondering why not! From the very start of the book, I have never read an author who writes with more calmness! I enjoyed just reading her writing. This is a book that I believe anyone who picks it up can benefit from. I felt so encouraged and really taken back to remembrance of how I do not have to live in fear or defeated because my God is always with me! One of my favorite quotes from her book is “I want to be steadfast that others might understand how to remain faithful through their storms. We need others to model this for us that we might know how.” What a mindset and reminder that my walk does not affect just me. If you feel discouraged, pick up Sally’s book! I am glad I did!
We live in a broken and hurting world, and just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we are immune from the pain life brings. Sally Clarkson offers readers practical advice for handling the storms of life in Help, I’m Drowning!
With a conversational tone, Clarkson shares hers and others’ experiences in several areas of life—including depression, loneliness, relationships, fear, and much more. Each section is anchored with Biblical reminders that storms of life are not new, that others have faced similar storms and walked through to the other side.
The truth is no one is immune from broken relationships, misunderstandings, disappointments, illness, exhaustion, and so many other trials that come from a fallen world. Don’t believe me? Just look at 2020 and 2021. While there was nothing new (no eye-opening, earth-shattering epiphanies), it is a timely reminder and encouragement that as Christians, we are not alone in our storms.
When we take steps to change our perspective and hearts, we count our storms as blessings. Because of those storms our faith is firmer and we gather wisdom to share with those who follow. Help, I’m Drowning will help readers face the storms of life with courage, grace, and trust.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I read an advance copy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with difficulties. Sally is so encouraging. She shares biblical wisdom and also examples from her own family life. Her family was in 2 different countries during Covid lockdowns. I really appreciated the summary at the end of the book. I plan to purchase my own copy.
I so enjoyed reading this book. It breathed life into my soul. I felt like I was sitting down to tea with a honest, wise friend pouring life into me. I found the chapters easy to digest - reading one a day. The author disclosed personal challenges and just felt more human than ever before. I am very happy I had a chance to read it and highly recommend it to other moms who are Experiencing challenges in motherhood.
Reading this book is like sitting down with Sally Clarkson and having a heart-to-heart chat. She is real and honest. This book reminds the reader that life doesn’t always go as planned and we so often have to face disappointment, loneliness, fear, and so many other things. The beautiful thing is that God knows where we are and Sally does a great job of reminding the reader that these storms bring character and if we learn to weather them with a solid foundation, we can leave a legacy to those around us.
I personally resonated with so many of Sally's thoughts as I have learned many of these lessons throughout the years, yet, I still can succumb to my feelings. This book was a great reminder to me to keep pressing on in the midst of life's storms.
Sally Clarkson, author of 'Help, I'm Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope' wrote this heartfelt book that is so timely in today's times. Are you out to sea in a storm that seems like you might drown? She inspires you with words that will give you the anchor you need to help you embrace the storms of life. The Word tells us that in this life, you will have trouble. Sally shares her own struggles and challenges she has faced throughout her life. She is so transparent that you will feel like you are having a chat with her over tea. I love her quote, 'I did not know life would be so hard, so often.' When we feel like we are drowning, helpless, and overwhelmed, it is hard to come up for air. But God... she points you to encouraging words from God that will truly minister to you. I highly recommend this book!!
Life is full of storms. I think all of us that lived through 2020 can agree with that. It doesn't take much living to realize that life is sometimes messy, confusing, and downright discouraging. So what do you do when life threatens to take you under?
In Sally Clarkson's latest book, she addresses the challenges that have stormed through her own life and the wisdom that she gained through them. It's a honest testimony of her journey, full of ups and downs, and how she worked toward healing and restoration.
Clarkson's book is so refreshing. Often times, Christian books will gloss over the hardships or provide shallow advice in the way of truth. Clarkson doesn't shy away from addressing the very real challenges of life and how they can overwhelm us. But she doesn't leave her reader there. Instead, she gently coaches women in how to overcome, even grow stronger from these challenges. While reading this book, I often felt as though Sally Clarkson was right there with me, offering sound advice for the road ahead. This book is as if you had a mentor sharing her testimony and encouraging you with how the Lord has worked in her own life.
One of my favorite pieces came near the end of the book when the author said this:
The grace and beauty of a woman shows brightly when she decides to stand up to the threats of the giants gales of wind and rain, to stand strong against her would-be foes with tools of heaven's design. This determined one, by bringing order, wisdom, and peace into them, can make the storms of her life into memories of the power of God.
Help, I'm Drowning may be my favorite Sally Clarkson book. It's honest and encouraging, real and uplifting. This is a book that would bless the reader again and again. I highly recommend this one.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Help, I’m Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope by Sally Clarkson is a book written with such wisdom and insight. Life does not always go as planned. In this book, you will catch glimpses of the author’s very real struggles and how she has learned to adapt and grow as a result. Using personal stories and the lives of people in the Bible, this book points the reader to a loving Heavenly Father and a solid relationship with Him. I have read almost every book that this author has written. I have to admit that this book, with its vulnerability and authenticity, is my favorite book that she has written so far. It is timely and needed for people of many ages. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
I was blessed and challenged by reading this book. I found it to be very timely and relevant for current issues. Sally Clarkson wrote this to help process what is going on in the world around us during the recent years. As I read, I felt like she must have been reading my own mind!
This book takes a look at some of the hard times, storms, if you will, that we might face in our lives.
Ms. Clarkson relates events from her own life, and ties these in, to bring clarity.
She shows how God is faithful through each and every storm, and allows these to bring growth.
I especially liked this:
"Seasons of darkness, weariness, discouragement, and exhaustion will come, and we are companioned. Not only do we have countless others whose stories validate our own challenges, but Jesus himself is literally present with us at every moment. He will give us the grace we need to walk through our journey."
Sometimes, all we need to help process our own hard things in life is having our feelings and emotions validated. It is so easy to get caught up in my own things and think I am the only one who feels this way.
I was very blessed, and challenged through reading this book. I feel a renewed energy to look to God and serve Him.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Everything I have read or heard from Sally Clarkson has been a great encouragement to me as both a woman and a mother in ministry. This latest book, Help, I'm Drowning for storm tossed souls is no exception.
Between marriage, motherhood, ministry, and, well, life Sally has had her share of challenges, discouragements, and storms. Still she stands today ever more hopeful and faithful in Christ, seeking to impart the wisdom she has learned through her life difficulties to other women who, if not already, will find themselves in their own storms. As she tells her stories and offers her compassion, Sally hasn't forgotten the value of a biblical prospective grounded in its truth and authority which is most important of all.
I have found her book to be very encouraging and uplifting. It can be easy to look at other women and think life goes so well for them or they have it all together ( especially in this day and age of social media), but reading of Sally's stories of woe is, first of all, a reminder that "I am not the only one who struggles or has moments of discouragements", and two, evidence of Christ's grace and faithfulness through the storms of life and motherhood.
I also enjoy that each chapter ends with an anchoring prayer, scripture verse, and act to help equip and ground us who may otherwise be carried away by the flood.
All and all, I am grateful to Sally for Help, I'm Drowning, and look forward to sharing it with other women.
Who hasn't experienced a storm in a life time? A book that is relevant to all, women and men, even though some say it is a book written primarily for women. Sally is addressing some specific storms one might face – among others: self-condemnation, a sense of failure, marriage stress, difficult children, demands and exhaustion of parenting, the inconsistencies of other people in our lives. I have put a check mark next to all of these categories, and I assume that I am not the only one who faces storms in life. Even though Sally wrote this book with Covid-19 in mind, many of us feel like drowning even without that extra reason. Giving examples from her own life, pointing to a character in the Bible who had the same experiences, grounding a reader in the truth of God's word and saying an anchoring prayer Sally does give us all the best advice on how to get safely though the storms of our lives. And after reading the book I can say that yes, it is possible to do it with grace and hope knowing that you are not alone, that someone understands, that someone else has been in the same situation, and this is just enough to keep your head above the water and have enough strength to wait out the storm. This book is a good read not only for women but for anyone who is involved in ministry with women, discipleship or counseling.