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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
Consider What Is Truly Important
Poetry to Ponder: Good News! Hope for the Heart is a beautiful collection of poetry that will inspire readers and give them hope and a better understanding of God and creation. What was the inspiration for this collection of poems?
My first book, Journey to Joy: An Inspirational Memoir, was published in 2016. Four years later, I felt it was time to attempt another book. I wanted this to be a collection from the many poems I had written. As I pondered the theme, I had no idea what was up ahead. I began early in 2020, not anticipating how relevant this book would become in light of the dissension, division, and denial of reality that would project themselves to center stage in our country.
The mixed messages about the pandemic, the growing fear and alienation, the countless lives lost, the grabbing of political power by some elected officials wanting to eclipse our freedoms, the brutal murder of George Floyd and the ensuing eruption of violence and destruction clearly established the fact that humanity was in trouble. Peaceful protests against the wrongful actions of police were being undermined by more killing and destruction. Whoever thought that the response to social injustice would be more social injustice?
I thought the terror of the Corona Virus would cause people to pause and consider God, would urge them to reckon with their mortality and consider what is truly important in life. Instead, there was a segment of our population who believed that attempting to destroy our past or the memory of it, would make our future better. I believe it is the memory of our past and the acknowledgment of the atrocities committed that should inform our future and cause us to make better and sounder judgments in the present.
People, myself included, were terrified by the news being spewed from the airways. There was a widespread aura of doom and gloom. It was time for some “Good News!”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I considered the poems for this collection, I wanted to remind myself of who God is and why I could trust Him amid the turmoil. I needed to bolster my own spirit as the daily news assaulted my ears. I also wanted to highlight the fact that people are not who we were created to be. The rebellion and anarchy in our society is a result of our fallen nature and need for a Savior. I purposefully chose poems that described creation, the nature of God, the fall of man and the provision for sin through Jesus who showed us how to love God and our neighbor. I wanted the concluding poems to express a triumphant resolution to the problem of evil, the hope we all long for when Jesus returns and when we will all give an account to Him for the deeds done in the body, whether good or bad.
What is one thing you want readers to take away from your collection of poetry?
The poems had already been written but the social maladies of 2020 informed my selection. My prayer was that the hope presented in Poetry to Ponder: Good News!–Hope for the Heart, would turn some hearts toward God, our only hope in the midst of the ongoing madness.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
That has not yet been decided, but I am always busy writing new poems inspired by Bible Study Fellowship (BSF.) I have to wait and see what comes next. I follow the inspiration that God sends my way as to if and when there will be another book. I am still awed by the fact that I have 3 books under my belt. It is a daunting task to undertake considering my legal blindness.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
The overarching message of this collection will bolster the faith of the believer while answering some of the skeptic’s questions: Is the God of the Bible the only true God? If God created everything, why did He create evil? If God is good, why does He allow injustice and suffering? How can a loving God send people to hell? Why do I need a savior? Who is Jesus and why did He die? Did the resurrection really happen? Is Jesus the only way to God? Will God accept me if I live a good life? Where will I go after death? What must I do to be saved? When will all this suffering end?
Powerful in its simplicity, rhythmic and captivating in its cadence, each poem is followed by relevant quotations from the Bible that enhance the message of the poem. Altogether, they present a cohesive narrative beginning with creation and ending with the promised return of Jesus Christ.
The opening poem describes the Sovereign God at work in creating a beautiful and unblemished world. We are reminded that He requires our allegiance and that we have a responsibility to love and serve Him. There is a depiction of the fall of man when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, bequeathing the sin nature to the rest of us. That act disrupted their relationship with the Creator and with each other, and spoiled the beauty and harmony of creation. Despite their rebellion against His authority, God promised to eventually restore all that is broken.
We see God’s love in action as He enters our misery, humbling Himself in the form of the man, Jesus, who suffered and died to procure our forgiveness. He promises to walk with us in our brokenness and through our storms. He offers His peace for the journey, and guarantees His imminent return to remove those who love Him from this present darkness. The final poem is a cry for Christ’s return that will bring relief from the burden of sin for His followers. It ends in triumphant assurance of God’s promise to establish a new creation ruled by love, peace and justice, a kingdom where joy abounds.
In a world filled with turmoil, fear, uncertainty and heartache, many are losing hope and some, sadly, have abandoned all hope. This book is a rallying cry: All is not lost. The Sovereign God is still in control. Although trouble is inevitable, He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him. There is still good news! These creative expressions of life-transforming truths, as they reflect the divine light of spiritual hope for the human condition, will resonate with the reader.
Poetry to Ponder
Joy Walker’s Poetry to Ponder: Good News! is a remarkable collection of over thirty poems that offer a unique perspective on the human experience contextualized by religion. The anthology begins with a comprehensive summary of the Christian Bible, making it accessible to readers of all faiths. It welcomes them into exploring life’s deeper literary and lifelong themes of loss, worry, and hope.
Even as a non-religious reader, I found Walker’s heartfelt inclusion of Christianity moving in a way no other book has accomplished. Moreover, the poems’ themes are complemented and enhanced by quotes after each poem, which further illustrate the biblical stories of Moses, Jewish people, and the Holy Trinity, inspiring the reader to live a pure and happy life.
Poetry to Ponder: Good News! It is a compelling and memorable read, regardless of what the reader believes, and opens their eyes to the message of God. The beauty and mystery of each poem offer a fresh perspective on life and the obstacles we must all overcome. As an avid reader of poetry, I have been moved by the works of greats such as Dickinson, Poe, and Plath, who have shaped my current appreciation for the drama, intensity, and vehemence rarely captured in long-form prose like novels. I found these poems exceeded my expectations, for these same elements and emotional draw are portrayed in Walker’s poetry. While the brevity of each poem might have, at times, romanticized the motif of personal struggle, I believe that this minor issue does not detract from the overall intricacy and beauty of the collection.
Poetry to Ponder: Good News! is a short but intricate collection that I would gladly reread without hesitation. Joy Walker’s poetry speaks to the heart and soul, offering insight and inspiration that transcends religious boundaries. This anthology is a testament to the power of words to uplift and encourage, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life’s joys and struggles.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B08J3XKNM4
Writing As The Spirit Leads
Poetry To Ponder is a heartwarming collection of poems that provides a unique perspective on the Christmas season, encouraging readers to examine themselves and their relationship with God. What inspired you to write and publish this collection?
“I have been writing poetry for several decades, reflecting on my journey through many trials and happy moments. I had so many poems related to Christmas that I wanted to share them. As I considered the dire condition of our society, I felt that the joy and promise of Christmas and the ultimate hope of redemption needed to be shared with the world. What good would these poems do just left in my desk drawers? It was my way of spreading the good news of hope through faith in Jesus.”
What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
“Despite the moral corruption in our world, God is still Sovereign and His offer of mercy and deliverance for failing humanity still stands; there is a light in the darkness.”
What advice would you give to aspiring poets who want to use their writing to inspire others and share their faith?
“Keep writing. Look for opportunities to share even with one person and trust God to direct your path. There was a time that I was timid about showing my poetry to others. When I found the courage and began to share, I was blown over by the response and that encouraged me to keep writing. This is now my third published book.”
Do you have plans to write and publish more works of poetry?
“I already have two other books which I will soon send to you for reviews. I will keep writing as the Spirit leads. Producing a book is no easy task for me because of my visual impairment and the challenge of using adaptive technology.”
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Poetry To Ponder
Poetry To Ponder: Spread The News!-There’s A Reason for Singing by Joy Walker is a thought-provoking and heartwarming collection of poems, songs, prayers, and descriptions that provide a unique perspective on the Christmas season. This book serves as a personal devotion and spiritual revival and encourages readers to examine themselves and their relationship with God. Through the story of Christmas and the birth of Christ, readers will find that they are forming a deeper relationship with God. With a touch of vulnerability and personal stories, Walker’s poems capture the essence of humanity in all its frailty and need of a savior.
I found this book to be uplifting and a joy to read. Walker is proud of her faith, and her collection will be a great encouragement for those who are looking to walk in the confidence of their beliefs and convictions. Her contemporary writing style makes the story of Christmas fresh and fascinating, and her empathy and understanding will resonate with readers who may feel otherwise.
Poetry To Ponder is a treasure to read, providing many meditative readings for individuals seeking personal devotion, revival, and spiritual artistry. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to grow in faith, hope, devotion, understanding, humility, boldness, and love. While this collection would be especially moving when read during the anticipation of the Christmas season, it can be read at any time and still provoke a stirring of the heart.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0BQWZS3Q9
