Book Review

“Where is your favorite place to go to relax, unwind, and center on life’s issues? Who do you turn to when you're down, discouraged, or wanting a hug? What is it that brings you joy, comfort, encouragement, and peace? As I read Judy's book, INSIDE, OUTSIDE, UPSIDE, DOWN, it felt as if I was entering a quiet place! The poetry felt like the arm’s of a caregiver, whose embrace can carry you through one more day! It stirred up memories of the “days gone by” when life felt a little bit easier to traverse, and was NOT so harsh in what it was doling out!

As I mused over the poetry which Judy was sharing, I felt as if I was being transported to one of my favorite readings in the Bible, the Book of Psalms! There was King David, being chased by an army of foes, sometimes in the depths of despair, yet clinging tenaciously to his hope in God! King David was such a comforting writer! He could be down, discouraged, and running from an entire host of enemies! And yet continuously turn to God as his source of strength and comfort!

That is what I felt as I read Judy's book! She was being vulnerable, sharing from the depths of the “hard places” in her life! And yet, in that place of being vulnerable, there came a strength and courage shining through the “cracks” of her life! At times, I could almost feel the arms of one who had struggled, and conquered! “Been ‘Der! Done ‘Dat!” can be such strong words of encouragement when you know that another one has faced the same trials, and yet come out victorious on the other side!

And finally, Judy told us in her introduction that this was NOT a “religious” book! But God was ever present! Me thinks of the Book of Esther from the Bible! The NAME of GOD is NOT MENTIONED ONCE! AND YET THE GLORIOUS VICTORY OF GOD SHINES THROUGH THE ENTIRE BOOK! THAT is what I experienced as I read Judy's book! Well now, she does name the name of God, because HE is the ONE who brings sanity, to all of that which was insane in her life! But her sharing about God was gentle and quiet, like a friend who accompanies you on a long walk! A favorite radio host, that I enjoy listening to, opens her program with the words, “You are loved, with an everlasting LOVE! And underneath are the EVERLASTING ARMS!” Such is the encouragement which I gain from Judy's book! Whenever I need HIM to hold me up, and to carry me through, I can be assured that God will be there, present with me!” - Daniel

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