Help, I'm Drowning

Being a mom is difficult in the best of times, but with the addition of 'rona and all the struggles that have come along with it, these have become very trying times indeed. I wonder how many mamas out there are drowning, but afraid to speak up about it. How many people just need an understanding ear, to know that this will pass, and a little extra encouragement? That's exactly what Sally's book provides here. She reaches readers on a very real level, with life experience, scripture, action plans, and encouragement to help us through the worst days. This is a book we all need to be reading right now...whether we want to admit it aloud or not.

Thank you NetGalley and Sally Clarkson for providing me an ARC of this book.
I just finished a pre-release copy of this book and can tell you it is sooo encouraging and timely. I finished the book refreshed and determined to live my life full of faith like Sally. She has been through many storms and doesn’t act like if you just smile bigger, they will go away. Her book is full of her own storms, practical tips, and ways to move through these stormy seasons with grace. I’m so grateful for Sally! This would be an excellent book study or small group study for women. This book was such healing balm to my soul after surviving the challenges of 2020. Sally’s experience and wisdom are a balm to the weary soul- to know you are not alone in longing to be faithful in hard seasons is a gift!

This is an inspirational book geared toward women. The topic is likely to resonate with many readers after going through 2020. Clarkson discusses various types of storms we encounter in life, and she includes numerous personal stories and Bible verses. A prayer, reflection questions, and action points are also included for each chapter. There are a number of practical tips that I'm looking forward to implementing. This book could be used for small groups, as well as individual study.

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.

I have read many of Sally Clarkson's books over the years. I always come away from them feeling understood, uplifted, and encouraged and Help, I'm Drowning is no different. Mrs. Clarkson's perspective is so wise and she gives many practical tips, especially for those struggling through what has been an incredibly difficult past year and a half. Would recommend to anyone needing a boost. Thanks so much to Sally Clarkson and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 ❤️.
____
#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.
____
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
____
❤️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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.