As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water
Written by Michelle Addison Jones
Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
If I were to list two things that we all share along life’s journey, I would place the words “love and loss” at the top of that list. Why? Well, they are both as common to the progression of our existence as air and water.
In her book, “As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water,” author Michelle Addison Jones pulls into the drive-way of deep pain, gets out of the vehicle, walks to the other side and opens the passenger door — inviting you to sit down, buckle up; and courageously embrace your highway to healing and renewed joy.
She transparently reveals her trials; and triumphantly unveils the power of God that carried her through the loss of her beloved Father, Leonard Harry Addison, to Alzheimer’s disease.
Poetic reflections, prayer and meditations lovingly leads readers into the arms of the Father, where he releases his healing balm into the broken places. It is nearly impossible to read this book void of a box of tissues and moments of mutual agreement and understanding. There were times when the words between the pages spoke to my own soul.
No matter where you are in your grief process, place of loss or along your healing journey, your soul will be touched and your spirit ignited with hope by this well-written, well-presented and well-ordered path of triumph. It is evident that Father has breathed over this compilation. It carries a powerful, yet simple message: True peace, no matter the storm, can only come as we surrender our soul to God’s presence through prayer – trusting that He alone will see us through.
This is a book of surrender. It is one that reveals how to let the Spirit of the Lord lead.
As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water is pure ministry, a reconciling journey within itself that speaks to the kind of strength that is only available in the Lord. I would highly recommend it as an encouragement for anyone who is grieving loss in their lives or who find themselves in need of encouragement. While Jones does speak of the passing of her father, the lessons within are relevant to all loss — whether it is divorce; or rejection and abandonment from other relationships. You see, the healing process … for all of us is the same in so many ways.
Truly, the book title captures its scriptural namesake: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.”
BOOK INFORMATION:
Pages: 62
Format: 8.5×11
SUBJ: Inspirational/General
ISBN 13 (SOFT): 978-1-4568-5195-8
ISBN 13 (HARD): 978-1-4568-5196-5
PURCHASE: www.amazon.com or www.bn.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michelle Addison Jones is the founder of Universal Ministries and serves as an Associate Minister at New Shiloh Baptist Church where she currently teaches the New Members Class. She completed her studies at Harold A. Carter Determined Biblical and Theological Institute and matriculated to the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, where she has been inducted into the National Honors Society for Religious and Theological Studies. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband while endeavoring to pursue the completion of her academic studies. As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water is her first book. Her second book is entitled, “Strengthened By Prayer.” To contact the author email revmichellejones@yahoo.com or visit www.asthedeerpants.com.
