I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
--Louisa May Alcott.

#helpimdrowning : Weathering The Storms Of Life With Grace & Hope
by @sally.clarkson @bethany_house_nonfiction @bakerpublishing

#happypubday🎉

Thankyou @netgalley for providing an arc of this beautiful, pragmatic read
&
@sally.clarkson for writing this ❤️.
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#qotd🌸
☘️Have you ever stopped the urge to scream,
Help, I'm drowning
when caught in terrible storms/ situations/failures/ loss in life?
☘️Have you doubted God's mercy & your faith, when in fear?
☘️Have you asked God, why me? What have I done wrong?

If any of the above resonates with you, pls read on.

☘️Have you ever bought a hard copy after reading an arc?
I loved this book so much, that I had to get a hard copy. It's pragmatic, builds you up & an essential support, we all need at some time or the other, especially women & mothers.
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Religion:
I am a Sikh, married to a Hindu & I did my entire schooling in a Convent school, run by nuns, where we read moral science & were taught about Jesus Christ & Christianity, read the Bible, visited the church & celebrated Christmas with utmost fevour.
I believe in one God, the almighty.

This book talks about scriptures & has Psalms & lines from the Bible. The author is a preacher of Christianity but I don't think it makes this book any less for a person of a different religion.
Genre: Christian. #nonfiction
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❤️This book will teach you to walk by faith, it is totally relatable, will answer our unanswered ques.s, provide wisdom & lessons learnt by Sally in life, has personal stories, prayers, to-do stuff & so much more!
I coloured my book red & blue, coz there was so much I wanted to come back to again & again & that's why I have ordered the hardcopy.
It will help you, guide you, throughout your life journey.
Also, I am eager to check out the author's podcast & other books.

🍓I would recommend check out the free sample on kindle for yourself. It's amazing.

The words build you up, the personal experience helps you relate, the prayers guide you to ask for help, the affirmations make you stronger & the tasks help you get a clearer insight into yourself.

🍀

This author has written more than one book that has been so beneficial to me. She is always strong in her Faith and honest about how hard life can be. She teaches that in the midst of the storm you don’t have to sink but with Faith and a firm foundation you can be steadfast. She shares her personal experiences and tells how she weathered her own storms in own life. I am thankful she shares scripture through this book that help encourage and remind one to be hold on. Her willingness to be real and honest is so encouraging to me.
I received an advanced copy and this is my opinion.

I think we all needed this book right now, after the last year and a half, what we need is hope, and in this book Sally reminds us the only place we are going to find it is in Jesus. As always Sally’s books are beautifully written and timely. I have read all of Sally’s books, I believe this is her best yet.


Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc which I voluntarily reviewed.

Wow—a book I wish someone handed me as a 20something… as I was a new Christian, newly married, and a new mom. It may not be have helped me avoid many storms, but my mental state through them sure would have benefitted from having been more prepared! Why don’t more people open up about these parts of life as if they are taboo? Sally does such a wonderful job of not hiding the difficulties of a broken world, yet constantly helping us see that God is right there with us in it—faithful, good, and loving, always.

I wish I had known sooner that I am not alone in my experiences and feelings, my struggles and my confusion. I heard Sally make a statement on her podcast that made me immediately pre-order the book, and reading it again in print had the same impact on me. “I experienced so much anguish, doubt, fear, bitterness, and insecurity because I did not know life would be so hard, so often.” Knowing that Sally is in a long standing marriage, has children that get along and are doing wonderful things and love Jesus, and is able to share so much from her walk with Christ… it was hard to believe she has felt the same things I feel, yet, it was so reassuring to know that she did. We always tend to think others have a more “perfect” life, don’t we? Her story helps strengthen my hope and encourages me to remember that God is faithful.

I am not sure why, but this book was so comforting… yet so challenging. I don’t wish to be comforted by hearing about someone else’s challenges in life, but there’s an exhale that comes when you you can ask, “Wait… you too??”. Sally came in again as the honest friend I needed in this very timely book. The very personal writing and reflection made for an encouraging and captivating read, as if sitting and chatting with a loving and wise mentor. I do appreciate Sally’s honesty, transparency, and willingness to openly say all the things she shares in regards to the storms of life. I believe she can do it so well because she is constantly directing us back to God’s truth, showing the heart of the Father, pointing us to Christ, and reminding us to live with the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is such a timely message for our world. We all face storms in life. Sally shares the wisdom she has learned over the decades and provides encouragement to anchor our hope in Jesus, the One who can calm the storm and see us through.

A timely word from a deep well of wisdom...
It’s no wonder God inspired Sally to write this book during the 2020 pandemic- a storm that has and continues to attempt to drown the world. This book is chock full of personal experience and hard fought wisdom from a life lived faithfully in the storms. One of my favorite things about Sally is that she is never prescriptive. We each have our own unique storms to weather in our individual ways. What she does do is inspire the reader to put one foot in front of the other day in and day out, to be faithful to the ideals and call on your individual life, and to take care of yourself so you can sustain a life-giving legacy one day, storm, and choice at a time. Thank you Sally for sharing your wisdom with the world and calling us all to grow in capacity and agency all the while always finding our rest and peace in the heart of Jesus.

"On the outside, I was keeping up a good face, handling all the pressures and circumstances with as much calm as possible for the sake of those who are looking to me for stability. Yet, a feeling of helplessness and despair lay just below the surface; I felt out of control, like a victim caught in a continuous onslaught of unexpected storms without even a second to catch my breath or get my sea legs. Is it the way of every woman to keep everyone else above water is she slowly sinks under the weight?"

I expected Sally was going to be writing directly to what I needed, but man is she! My soul is so hungry for advice from older women. I don't think words from me will encourage you to read this more than her own words do so here are some more:

"I wish I had understood then that, from the beginning of the world until the end, purposeful living will always exact a cost, that the work of life is often tedious and demanding, that there are battles to be fought in small and insignificant places where faithfulness is required. I know now I can find hope because God desires to companion me every single day and the weary times as well as when we celebrate. Through His Spirit, he has given us capacity to live into strength for the journey we will walk."

"Here's what I know: God gave me my personality with limitations and gifts, and He isn't biting His nails to see if I am going to be perfect at every task, or finish everything on time, even if my publisher or the neighbors are setting a high bar for what is expected of me. Knowing that He knows my limitations takes a little pressure off. ... Sometimes we just need to realize that we are tired because we are working very hard, and that's okay. Sometimes we need to realize we are tired because we were working too hard, and we're making everyone around us miserable, and that's not okay."

"We bring the storms of our lives down to size because we know with full assurance that righteousness and redemption of each precious moment prevails, because He will prevail. And we will celebrate one another's stories for eternity when we meet safely and securely one day with Him, in His glorious kingdom come."

"The choice to be courageous is beyond our feelings. Even when our emotions don't agree, we can practice as a way of life choosing to live in obedience to what is known about His character, which we believe by faith to be loving and good. These actions are truly supernatural, only possible as we walk in the power of His Holy Spirit. It happens as we say with all our heart, by faith and with the conviction of planting a flag of belief, 'He is good. He is faithful and true and He will save me, in His time. I believe all things will work together for good, and I will see it when I am with Him looking at it from His eye-view.' So today my friend, look for joy. Seek out beauty."

Help, I'm Drowning is a terrifically timed book of encouragement and truth! Sally Clarkson addresses the questions many of us are thinking but afraid to ask; Does God care? Does anyone see me? Is this worth it? How can I be a better mother, wife, friend, and neighbor? Life in general is hard, and often not what we expected - but this past year and a half has exasperated this feeling for many of us. Bad things happen and the future is unclear but Sally reminds us "to have agency means I have the power to determine the choices I make, the way I become a steward of my own story, and the pathway I will take toward the legacy I want to leave. I have the possibility of walking by faith, straining toward a virtuous life, and emulating the power of God's Spirit in and through my life. I also have the agency to deny His goodness, to live defeated, to resist His grace, to rebel against His offer of companionship, or to be a victim of the darkness I see and experience." Instead of pat answers or formulae, Sally guides readers - like friends chatting over coffee, with vulnerability and honesty to think deeply about our situations and trust the lighthouse beacon of God who WILL guide us to a safe place to land amid the storms of life.

Help, I'm Drowning is a breath of fresh air and a resource one can use over and over again no matter the trial, tribulation or storm as each chapter concludes with an anchoring prayer, scripture passage and reflection activity.

Help, I’m Drowning is the first book I have read by Sally Clarkson, but it won’t be the last. From the format to the tone of the book, each chapter was something that not only touched my life in some way, but gave me concrete things to think about in the applicable areas of my own life.

I often feel overwhelmed by life and at times hurt, especially this year, Mrs. Clarkson has a way of talking about these times by relating examples from her own life. I felt like I was sitting down with a friend and catching up. Her wisdom is done is a conversational tone, where you feel like the book is written especially for you.

I love the Anchoring Prayer, Anchoring Scripture, and Anchoring Act at the end of each chapter. I often have trouble finding words to pray for some situations and these prayers gave me something to use when words fail me. The scripture was comforting and the act gave me concrete things to try when things feel especially overwhelming.

This is a book I plan to purchase a copy of. I am grateful to NetGalley, Sally Clarkson, and Bethany House for the copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Sally Clarkson is a great example of someone who is steadfast in the midst of storms. She is able to write with integrity about weathering the storms of life with grace and hope because of her personal experiences. I am encouraged in the storms of my life because of her willingness to be vulnerable. I appreciate how she weaves encouraging passages from Scripture throughout the book.

Surprisingly, this is only the second book by Sally Clarkson I've read; I may (:D) own another 2+ I'll have to read in short order! I've also read two books by her daughter, Sarah ("Book Girl" and "This Beautiful Truth"), so maybe that's why "only two" feels insufficient.

Clarkson is one of those authors who, while I read, makes me feel like I'm sitting across from her with a cup of tea. Friendly, thoughtful, down to earth, poignant. She (and daughter Sarah, for that matter) has been through her share of trials, and that lends gravitas to the message in this book. I really appreciated her reminder of how Christ never promises an easy life; rather, he promises his presence with us amidst life's storms.

Of particular significance to me in this read were the anchoring prayer, scripture, and act at the end of each chapter. Each tied in well with the chapter's related topic, and helped this reader, anyway, to take it to the next level--practical application!

The one thing that gave me pause was a "letter from Jesus" at the beginning of the book. It read much like Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" line of books, which I must confess I'm not a fan of (but that's a topic for another day). I'd be curious the attribution behind it, if it was something Clarkson wrote, or procured elsewhere. That aside, however, the book is fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated it.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I do like a self help book but they do run the risk of falling into the preachy category, and after a bit of thinking, I don’t think this one does fall into that category. It is VERY religion heavy, which I wasn’t aware of, but I didn’t think it was decisive. I mean, if you’re completely against religion then this probably isn’t the book for you, but I thought, whilst very heavy on the God ideals, it was very inclusive, often using non-religious quotes and examples to back up her religious beliefs.

Living with the situation of the past two years has been difficult to say the least, and it is often hard to vocalise how it has affected us, but I believe Sally has done it very well in this book. It’s very lyrical but very honest. It’s easy to say we’ve all been in the same boat, but I think that’s misleading. We have all been in the same storm, but some of us have been in cruise ships whilst others have been in little dinghies with holes taped up with masking tape. It’s how we cope with the storm that’s important.

What a great inspirational book. I used it as my bible study, devoting one chapter a day. Each chapter has a message that has been applied to a life situation along with a bible verse. It then gives you a small assignment ( something to think about and apply to your own life) based on the chapter. This year has been very difficult for me. The author has helped me through some of my issues, specifically in the chapter on hope and faith. She brought me a new perspective and I am again finding the faith (and hope) that I had set aside. Aside from that chapter which resonated so much with me, I found all the chapters to be applicable to life as we know it. The book contained chapters on isolation, busyness, distraction, dealing with children, disappointment in marriage just to name a few. It also is written in the present which means covid, quarantine, fear and illness are all addressed. So, thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sally Clarkson has done it again! In her latest book, Help, I'm Drowning: Weathering the Storms of Life with Grace and Hope, she comes along beside the reader as a trusted friend and mentor--encouraging steadfastness and hope in the midst of life's difficulties.
Fear, loneliness, stretching circumstances, and difficulties in marriage and with children are just a few of the areas Sally addresses in order to spur us on to a life of virtue and mature character. Depending on the Lord and holding fast to His word in the midst of trials yields a heritage of faith and perseverance.
But Sally does not cast an unattainable vision. "I did not have to be perfect, I just had to walk with God, and trust Him, His Spirit, with my life. This is the way I have learned to bear the storms that come my way--knowing His presence living and breathing through me, His Spirit leading me step by step." Sally isn't perfect and she doesn't expect us to be. She does help us to keep moving forward with an expectant hope that our faithfulness pleases the Lord and builds a beautiful legacy over a lifetime. What we do matters.
Thank you, Sally, for your faithful example showing us how you walked through your personal storms and your gracious words encouraging us as we navigate our own.

I love Sally Clarkson’s writings. This one is so rich and deep. It outstands by the hope it brings and the peace it reveals through the pages of the book. Reading it, I felt like really chatting with the author.
Love it so much!

This book helped me realize that storms are normal and frequent. Didn’t Jesus warn us already in his word? Much like taking medicine, it only works if taken properly. So it is with the principles of this book! There is never a quick, easy answer! Often, help is determined by our participation in what God calls us to do. This book reminded me that God is near and He is my rock and sustainer. He sees me and is ever present! Please read this book and be willing to trust God and sojourn with Him!

Sally has done it again! This book is truly a Godsend in these times of complete turmoil. Like a comforting hug, Sally’s words envelope you and point you to the one who can calm the storm and save us from the constant feeling of drowning. Sally is a beacon of light and hope while the world’s storm rages on.

In this honest, heartfelt, encouraging book, author Sally Clarkson shares that even through tough times, we can find hope. We all will experience challenges in life. Being able to share those experiences may help us heal and provide opportunity to help others. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Sally Clarkson's, "Help, I'm Drowning" is healing balm to a weary soul. The substance of the book is comprised of hard-won wisdom and life experience, but also and most importantly anchored by, Biblical truth. Throughout the book, Sally is able to comfort readers through the comfort she herself has received walking through the various trials and storms of life and consistently looking for the ways in which God's goodness are on display, working for our good and sanctification through the Word of God.
"Help, I'm Drowning!" Is a well-written work of hope and encouragement that the reader can come back to again and again for Biblical perspective amidst the storms of life. Each chapter, punctuated by prayer and reflections, serves as a sort of lighthouse, pointing the reader toward Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of peace and hope in life.

I have always appreciated the long view of life that Sally Clarkson takes, having learned in her lifetime that character and a good life are grown over days, months, and years of saying "Yes," to Christ as an act of worship and faith that sees everything, good and bad, as a chance to experience God's presence and power more.

In this newest book, I was struck by how much our lives are directed by our own attitudes. There will always come storms of discouragement, disappointment, guilt, tragedies, and just downright hard places, but if we keep turning our face upward and keep our hands to the plow of obedience, we will find His peace and faithfulness shows up every time to work all things for good to those who love God.

I didn't expect the chapter on marriage to have anything new to say to me after 40 years, but I was wrong! When Sally wrote about loving and honoring our husbands with sensitivity as an immensely important way of loving Christ, I was struck again by the realization that everything in life is about our choice to love Christ with our whole heart in every relationship and in every day. I also had never before connected the prayer of Saint Francis with marriage, and it was amazing!

My favorite chapter, though, spoke about what Sally has labeled IRPs, irrational people. Most of us have been affected at one time or another by an attack, seemingly out of nowhere, when someone is suddenly attacking our character or our family's character with a vehemence. The attacks might be misunderstandings or downright lies, but the pain that these individuals can cause is often crippling. My favorite line in this chapter says, "If I had given in to all the insecurities and inadequacies I have felt before others, I would have given up on this road a long time ago and failed in actually obeying Christ." I don't ever want to quit obeying Christ with His call upon my life because of the hurtful words others, even and probably especially if those words are from fellow believers.

It is my hope that if you feel you are drowning in the midst of the storms of your life, that you will pick up a copy of this book and find a friend in Sally who shares from the heart her hard won wisdom in many more areas than I have had time to mention here.