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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
LITERARY TITAN 