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Seek Him in Faith
Poetry to Ponder: Joy in the Morning – Hope on the Horizon is a deeply personal collection of poems that traces moments of your life through heartbreak, faith, illness, loss, and eventual hope. What first moved you to put these poems together as a collection?
Some of these poems were published in my first book, “Journey to Joy: An Inspirational Memoir”. It is a compilation of poetry and prose. A critique received from another editor was that he would like to see the poems as a stand-alone book. Because I kept writing through new experiences of pain and loss, I decided it was time for a new book. As noted, this book not only focuses on my personal crises but also on the cultural crises we are all experiencing currently. It includes many new poems as well as some previously published ones that happen to fit the overall theme. I also wanted to offer a solution to the human crises, which, I believe, is found in my faith. As I am getting older, I also did not want the poems to be left in my desk drawer. I wanted to share my message of hope with the world while I am still able.
Were there poems that felt especially difficult to write or revisit?
Yes. “Laughing Stock” reminded me of the confusion and pain of not being taken seriously when, as a teenager, my barely formed self-identity was being derailed by vision loss, and no one took me seriously. “No Voice” was also extremely hard to relive. I have forgiven but not forgotten the pain of that experience. The poems that reflect the stresses of single parenting and heartbreak, such as “Heartburn”, “Why?”, and “I Broke My Heart”, all caused me to relive the pain that gave rise to those poems. Recalling my cancer diagnosis is not so painful anymore as I am in my 30th year of survivorship. The memory of abandonment still stings when I re-read “Shattered Joy” and “Deedless Words”.
How do ordinary moments help sustain faith during extraordinary pain?
A visit or phone call from a friend, a moment of laughter, or even recalling some precious interactions with my children when they were small, reminds me that there can be joy even in the midst of tragedy. A moment of humor, even when poked at me, can momentarily alleviate pain. Above all is the knowledge that God is always accessible through prayer and that I can bring my burdens to Him at any time.
What message do you most want readers to carry with them?
Trials and hardships are part of the human condition, but our Creator is never far away and offers help to those who seek Him in faith. Endurance builds character, and our time of suffering is redeemed when we can offer hope and encouragement to others who are currently where we used to be. In God’s economy, pain is never wasted.
Despite the turmoil, division, and unrest in our world, my prayer is that the reader will embrace the grace, truth, and love Jesus offers and experience the joy and hope He promises to those who find refuge in Him.
Author Links: Publisher’s Page
The author accentuates the trauma of personal relational upheaval, as well as society’s brokenness and confusion that create misery for so many. Humanity’s rejection of our Creator’s order–intended for our flourishing–results in chaos and suffering. However, there is promise of hope in restored joy for those who take refuge in God’s solution for the human dilemma.
In the first section, Joy in Crisis, the author bares her soul as she recounts the signs of her failing vision during her early teens, how people reacted, and her embarrassment at their ridicule. She poignantly shares the trials and triumphs of adjusting to her new reality.
The poems move through the devastation of a dysfunctional marriage, divorce, and her journey as a legally blind single mom raising two young children. Her anger and pain are profound and palpable as she cries out to God for relief. When cancer shows up, shortly after divorce and her mother’s death, her agony deepens as she wonders why her prayers are not being heard.
The author’s faith is on display as she struggles through the aftermath of betrayal, the stresses of motherhood and cancer treatment. The deaths of her father and sister intensify her grief. She wrestles with God, unable to grasp all that is happening, but never loses her faith. She surrenders to the realization that God is using these trials to mature her and deepen her dependence on His love and faithfulness. Over time, she begins to comprehend that there is purpose in her suffering, and offers understanding and encouragement to others in their trials.
Several poems on friendship emphasize the importance of a compassionate community in our seasons of grief. Some point out the pain of abandonment by trusted friends who don’t show up when we need them. Others remind us that even in our hard times, we can be wounded healers for those who are grieving.
The strength of her faith is evident as the author recognizes God’s faithfulness despite unanswered questions. She acknowledges that while God has been reliable on many fronts, her finite mind can never fully grasp His plan and purpose, so she must simply trust Him when the answers don’t come.
There are moments throughout the book where humor and lightheartedness alleviate the emotional intensity—recalling funny moments with kids, the author poking fun at herself as she grows old, etc.…
Culture in Crisis highlights the moral and spiritual decline in our world as lawlessness and rebellion increase. Man’s inhumanity to man and the unraveling of our culture are emphasized. The author does not flinch from addressing controversial issues that contribute to the confusion and pain plaguing our society.
Several poems present Biblical truths regarding our Creator’s righteous demand for our allegiance and our willful estrangement from Him. They emphasize God’s love and compassion for mankind, His mercy for those who seek Him, and His just punishment for those who do not.
In Hope on the Horizon, the book culminates in the promise of a final resolution to the human condition—a Holy God’s offer of salvation through Jesus, His Son, sent to bear humanity’s sin and guilt. The message is clear for all who choose to accept it. The promise of ultimate joy and deliverance is available for all who will receive it.
The book is replete with relevant quotations from the Holy Bible, confirming the author’s Christian faith that has carried her through all these ordeals. The closing poems celebrate a joyful future, free from grief or turmoil, one for which every human heart yearns.
Poetry to Ponder: Joy in the Morning—Hope on the Horizon
Poetry to Ponder: Joy in the Morning – Hope on the Horizon is a deeply personal collection of poems that traces the author’s life through heartbreak, faith, illness, loss, and eventual hope. Across three sections, Joy in Crisis, Culture in Crisis, and Hope on the Horizon, the author shares raw moments from vision loss and divorce to cancer and grief, all anchored in her Christian faith. The poems move back and forth through decades of lived experience, showing how suffering collides with belief, and how trust in God becomes her lifeline when everything else falls apart.
What hit me first was how honest this book feels. There is no polish-for-show here. The pain is right on the page. I felt it in poems about broken relationships, motherhood, betrayal, and sitting alone with fear in the middle of the night. Some lines made my chest tight. Others made me nod quietly like, yes, I know that feeling. The writing is simple and direct, sometimes almost conversational, and that worked for me. It felt like someone sitting across the table telling me her story, not trying to impress, just trying to tell the truth.
Emotionally, this book took me on a ride. I felt sad, angry, encouraged, and strangely comforted, sometimes all in the same section. The author leans hard into her faith, especially when facing cancer, divorce, and deep family wounds, and while that may not land the same for every reader, I respected how unwavering she is. Her belief is not soft or vague. It is bold. She talks about God like someone she has wrestled with, cried with, and leaned on when she had nothing left. That kind of spiritual grit stayed with me. I also loved the moments of humor and everyday life sprinkled in, kids making messes, awkward memories, and small joys. Those lighter bits gave me room to breathe between heavier poems.
The book reminded me that suffering does not cancel purpose, and that telling your story matters, even when it hurts. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy faith-based poetry, anyone walking through grief or illness, and people who want something real, reflective, and hopeful to sit with slowly. This is not a book you rush. It is one you dip into, one poem at a time, especially on hard days. If you want heart, honesty, and a steady message of hope through pain, this one is worth your time.
Pages: 176 | ISBN 978-1-961266-25-4
A Call to Repentance and Renewal
Words for a Wounded World is a striking collection of scriptural poetry that bridges devotion and art, journeying from the foundations of faith to the trials of endurance, calling readers to reflection, repentance, and renewal. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
It all began with a young husband and father named Tucker. He was quietly losing a war few could see—caught in the grip of pornography and desperate for freedom but unsure how to reach it. As I walked with him through this struggle, the Holy Spirit stirred something unexpected in my heart: Write him a poem.
That poem became “Lured: The War for Your Soul.” It wasn’t meant to be creative expression—it was spiritual warfare. Every line was grounded in Scripture, confronting the enemy’s lies, exposing the spiritual battle, and calling Tucker back to the Truth of God’s Word. With the poem, I included companion Scriptures, reflection questions, and a call to repentance and renewal.
Weeks later, Tucker shared that the poem became his lifeline. He carried it with him. He turned to it in moments of temptation. And God used it to remind him that he wasn’t alone—and that freedom is possible through Christ.
After Tucker, the Lord continued placing people on my heart, along with specific burdens and Scriptures for each one. One poem became two, then three… until I realized the Lord wasn’t giving me isolated pieces—He was forming a collection. These became Words for a Wounded World, a book written for every soul wrestling with sin, sorrow, confusion, or spiritual longing, pointing them back to the healing power of God’s Word.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
That’s a tough question and a bit like asking which of your children you love most, (Lol) Each of the sixteen poems carries its own story, its own ministry moment, and its own spiritual burden. They were all born out of real conversations, real struggles, and real breakthroughs.
What makes them especially meaningful to me is how each poem teaches the Word of God in a reverent, compassionate, poetic, and even prophetic way. They are not just poems—they are invitations to encounter Scripture, to hear God’s heart, and to respond to His truth.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
I never set out to write a poetry book, and I certainly never saw myself as a poet. But when you follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and immerse yourself deeply in God’s Word, you discover that God can do far more through you than you ever imagined.
The process was remarkable. For each poem, the Lord impressed a subject on my heart. I would turn to Scripture—searching, collecting, studying, meditating, wrestling, and praying—until the lines and stanzas began to take shape. After each poem came the reflection questions, journaling prompts, and the prayer prompts.
I didn’t know where any of it was heading until the twelfth poem. That’s when the vision of a full collection began to emerge. By the time the sixteenth poem was written, a four-part structure had taken shape—a structure I didn’t plan, but that God did.
Writing Words for a Wounded World has taught me that God delights in using imperfect people with imperfect words to point others to His perfect Word.
Have you received any feedback from readers that surprised or moved you?
The most meaningful feedback has been how readers are drawn from the poems directly into Scripture. Hearing that a line, a question, or a prayer prompt sent someone diving deeper into God’s Word—that’s the highest encouragement I could receive. The poems were never meant to stand alone; they were meant to be bridges leading people straight to the heart of God.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In this Spirit-led collection, author and Biblical teacher Mark Richard weaves together sixteen Scripture-inspired poems that speak life into dark places. Each poem is grounded in the timeless truth of God’s Word, accompanied by full biblical references, and deep devotional reflection questions-creating a rich three-part encounter with God’s truth.
These “hymn-like” poems were born in real moments of ministry-written for people facing doubt, anxiety, sickness, and sorrow. Now, they are offered to you-to awaken your soul, convict your heart, and strengthen your faith.
Fight For What Matters
American Entropy is a collection of poetry that swings from political outcry to spiritual yearning, from queer love to existential doubt, and ignites readers’ desire to fight for what matters. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
It was largely just paying attention to the news and seeing how every day, Trump is violating the Constitution, trying to force universities and museums to adopt right-wing propaganda and treat it as fact. Like all fascist authoritarians, Trump hates it when truths that contradict his lies proliferate, so I felt it important to do my part to tell those truths.
Doing it in a way that makes readers want to fight for what matters, rather than just dwelling on the darkness of modern American life, was important to me too, because if you don’t focus on what we still have, it becomes all too easy for people to give up.
The poems about love, metaphysical, spiritual topics, and queer love are all just examples of me writing what I know.
Your poetry tackles deeply emotional and politically volatile topics while also touching on hope for the future. How do you approach writing about deeply personal or emotional topics?
“Power through and write what’s true,” like it says in the poem “It’s Not Too Late.” I just get it out onto the page as accurately as I can before giving myself a chance to question how honest is too honest. I feel like if I’m too reserved in writing my poetry it won’t be as relatable, and the reader will be able to tell I’m holding something back, and it won’t foster empathy as much as I hope my work does by being unflinchingly honest.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
This book really crystalized for me that poetry is an important type of resistance, which is something I think my work has always been when it comes to fighting heteronormativity and homophobia and other bigotries, but this is the first time I’ve dedicated so much of any one poetry collection to raging against one corrupt administration and detailing all the ways it’s trampling our rights and waging war against the American people.
I’ve learned about myself that I really just don’t give up no matter what, and I can help others not give up either.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from American Entropy?
That this isn’t normal, the way Trump is shredding the Constitution and speaking to our worst natures, and the way Republicans in Congress and conservative Supreme Court justices are complicit in enabling it. That it’s bigoted Nazi fascism, and we don’t have to just roll over and take it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through explorations of the metaphysical, religion, and relationships, the poems delve into both darkness and the light born of efforts to expand human consciousness. Despair is given unflinching witness, making the discovery of hope all the more profound. And love—raw, imperfect, and essential—is celebrated as a balm for our plugged-in yet detached modern lives.
If you’re disillusioned with an America sliding toward fascism and the strain it places on relationships, American Entropy may reignite your fire to keep fighting for what matters, keep loving, and hold faith in something greater than ourselves.
Travelling Souls
Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a haunting, luminous poetry collection that channels the spirit of Emily Dickinson while carving a modern and contemporary voice all its own. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I was inspired to write this collection of poems after reading Emily Dickinson’s infamous poem “Because I could not stop for Death.” Her personification of Death in this iconic poem is unique and ingenious.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
My objective was to personify Death in various different ways, using Dickinson’s poem as an example of one of Death’s multiple personalities. Further on in my book, my poems depict deaths that have resonated with me personally. In my book’s final section, I was inspired to describe experiences of travelling souls, when fear of death has been overcome.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
One of my favorite poems in my book is “Rather an Odd Quirk of Death”, which was first printed in Blue Unicorn Poetry Journal. It has a very tight and mesmerizing rhyme scheme, and I feel it depicts Death as a novel and intriguing personality, someone you would want to be your friend.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is another book of poetry entitled Extraterrestrials Congregate and it should be out next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
In this mesmerizing collection, Death steps forward—not as something to fear, but as a presence offering grace, wisdom, and a strange kind of solace. Through rhythmic, lyrical verse, Jackson explores life’s impermanence, weaving together themes of faith, doubt, and the beauty of the unknown.
Echoing Dickinson while speaking to the modern soul, this collection challenges the way we see Death—not as a shadow, but as an invitation to something deeper.
Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson
Corey Elizabeth Jackson’s Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a haunting, luminous collection that channels the spirit of Emily Dickinson while carving a voice all its own. Through meditations on mortality, transcendence, and the soul’s voyage beyond the veil, Jackson crafts poetry that is both graceful and profound. Divided into four sections, Death Befriended, Kindred Spirits, Death Released, and Soulscape the collection reimagines Death not as an adversary, but a quiet companion. Dickinson’s enigmatic tone lingers like a spectral echo, yet Jackson infuses each page with vivid, celestial imagery that feels strikingly original.
Jackson’s emotional range is remarkable. There’s a delicate balance of sorrow and tenderness throughout, most evident in poems like Death Wrapped a Shawl Around My Shoulder, where Death emerges as a caregiver gentle, yet unnerving. In Death Amongst the Daffodils, the afterlife glows with warmth, casting eternity as a sunlit field. Light and shadow dance across the verses, invoking Dickinson’s own paradoxes while offering fresh interpretation.
What distinguishes this collection most, however, is Jackson’s distinctive, modern voice. Poems like Barbie Could Not Stop for Death and With Covid Deaths We Can More Widely See ground the work firmly in the present, bringing contemporary resonance to timeless themes. These pieces are bold and thought-provoking, yet seamlessly integrated with the more classical compositions.
The illustrations by Daniel Schmelling deserve high praise. Ethereal and deeply emotive, they do more than accompany the text, they elevate it. Each image enriches the atmosphere, pulling the reader further into the dreamlike world Jackson constructs. The visual and verbal elements work in harmony, enhancing the immersive quality of the collection.
Jackson’s ability to evoke deep feeling with spare, lyrical lines is her greatest strength. When First I Saw My Baby Boy is heartrending in its simplicity a quiet elegy for a lost child. In contrast, Owl Ensconced on Oaken Branch offers quiet wisdom and gentle reflection. The final section, Soulscape, concludes the journey with wonder and serenity. Poems like Galaxies with Memories transform death into a cosmic return, a homecoming among the stars.
Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson is an essential reading for admirers of Dickinson, Poe, or Mary Oliver for anyone who cherishes introspective poetry that lingers long after the last line. Jackson doesn’t merely contemplate death she reimagines it. Her work invites us to walk with it, to find comfort in the mystery, and perhaps even, to dance.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0D1GL5J23
I Speak to the Reader’s Soul
Your Words Your Love is a heartfelt collection of poems and photographs that intertwine themes of faith, love, and personal reflection. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Inspiration comes from God, it is a gift from Him. Nothing is more powerful than God’s love. He loves us deeply and unconditionally and I wanted to write about it because I know what a difference it makes in one’s life to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him rather than having none.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
I have several but Love would be the one because it’s very personal. I chose to share with the reader a season in my life.
Do you think there is a particular mindset or environment that a reader should be in to fully appreciate your work?
I think a quiet environment would be the best choice. I speak to the reader’s soul with simple words that have deep meaning. Also, it’s best to take your time, same for the photographs so as not to miss all the beauty or the message behind the words.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
I think the more you write, the better you become, same thing with photography. This is my fourth book and I see the change in the poems and the photographs as compared from years ago.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Facebook | Website
The sign on the door
In big bold gold letters
Reads
Vacancy
There’s room
Inside
Ample
Always
No sincere hearts
Will be turned away
For lack of any kind
An excerpt from the poem There’s room, part of this artistic new collection.
Insightful poetry that speaks directly to your heart and soul about God and His love.
Intriguing story poems where faith, hope, salvation, and trust in Him are center stage.
Among the pages of riveting verses are endearing photographs of nature in all its splendor throughout the seasons.
Your Words Your Love
Louise Bélanger’s Your Words Your Love is a heartfelt collection of poems and photographs that intertwine themes of faith, love, and personal reflection. Each piece is a glimpse into the author’s spiritual journey, exploring the depth of human connection with God and the nuances of everyday emotions. From meditations on obedience, as seen in “First Glance,” to transformative forgiveness in “The Unwanted Guests,” the book shares poems that inspire and challenge the reader.
Bélanger doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles of faith; instead, she meets them head-on with raw honesty. In “There’s Room,” the author extends an open invitation to the Kingdom of God, painting it as a space of boundless inclusion. The metaphor of an invisible door resonated with me. It’s both poetic and relatable, reminding readers that spiritual journeys are personal yet universal. The simplicity of her language makes profound truths accessible, which I found refreshing.
I also loved the way the book balances introspection and storytelling. “The Box” is a standout piece, where mirrors and self-absorption become metaphors for isolation. The narrative builds into a powerful call for generosity and humility, turning the poem into a parable of transformation. The imagery is vivid, yet the message is simple enough to linger long after the page is turned. Similarly, “Dominoes” poetically explores the ripple effects of God’s actions, portraying life as a carefully orchestrated masterpiece. The poem’s rhythm mirrors the falling dominoes, creating a sense of motion that captivated me.
The blend of hope and vulnerability in poems like “Come Sit Close to Me” makes this book more than just a spiritual exploration. Bélanger’s candid plea for divine love and solace feels like a prayer shared among friends. The accessibility of her emotions and her willingness to bare her soul make the book feel intimate. Each poem, no matter its theme, is a reminder of God’s unfailing presence and a nudge toward deeper faith.
I recommend Your Words Your Love to anyone seeking spiritual encouragement or a thoughtful exploration of Christian faith. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just curious about connecting with something greater, this book has something to offer. Its gentle guidance, combined with beautiful poetry and evocative imagery, makes it an uplifting companion for moments of reflection or prayer.
Pages: 136 | ASIN : B0DM2R13G4
