“The fact that I survive, even grow and thrive in my desert season of lostness has little to do with my own ability to stay alive. It has everything to do with the fact that I am kept alive and sustained by the Giver of Life. It has everything to do with the truth that even when my life seems silent and barren, if there is a heartbeat, then the Great Comforter is present. Is a heartbeat not God’s most basic presence? How can the Giver of Life be non-present if life is present? If there is a heartbeat, there is a God. He dwells within us – who are created in His very image.”

This short excerpt is just one of many gems of wisdom you will find in Baker Publishing’s new release The Road to Becoming, by former Addison Road lead singer Jenny Simmons. Her heartfelt, whimsical writing pulls us in like a warm embrace from a long-lost friend, and she continues to hold our hand and walk with us every step of the way, gently encouraging us in our walk with the Lord, and guiding us on our own road to becoming with a depth of understanding that can only come from someone who has been there.

Honestly, The Road to Becoming contains little to complain about. Picky readers may pick up on the odd comment which could have been omitted, or may feel that the occasional story becomes just a tad too personal. Ultimately, however, nearly every word of The Road to Becoming is so chock full of love and life-giving enthusiasm that these instances can almost go unnoticed.

With much insight and an abundance of humour, Jenny will help you to let go of the past, and step into the future using the wisdom and understanding she has gained from doing those very things herself.

“There will be a moment, and you might well physically feel it, when someone will crack a window and you will startle. The bright light blinding your eyes. The fresh air strangely loose in your tight chest. The feel of the wind – not sand-whipped and desert-scorched, but spring-made, sweet and dancing through your hair and across your face like a new breath from heaven. And it won’t occur to you to be terrified. You will not decide to be brave or not. You will just be brave. You will welcome it. The sun and breeze and sweet smell of flowers. The light. You will put fingers on dusty windowsills and tears will course their way down your cheeks as the sun warms a face that has not seen pure light in far too long. And you will cry tears of joy. For the sun has come. It has finally come. And your heart will soar.”

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.