Title: THE BREAKING POINT ...When Life Requires a Shift
Author: Paulette Harper
Publisher: Thy Word Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"THE BREAKING POINT When Life Requires a Shift" by Paulette Harper
My Assessment:
Get ready for twenty different authors sharing their 'Breaking Point' and how they survived it all.
"The Breaking Point is stories by men and women about how they came to that turning point and were able to overcome adversity and reach their own personal breakthroughs in life.
Each story will encompass their unique struggle of how they overcame the challenges to find that they had the courage, the power, and the resolve to build their life again.
This book will serve as a potent reminder that everyone has the power to choose which direction they want for their own lives.
Are you ready to take the journey with us? Buckle your seatbelt. Your life will never be the same.
The Breaking Point... when life requires a shift!"
Your Visionary Author,
Paulette Harper
www.pauletteharper.comThese reads are excellent, so other than telling the reader to pick up and read, here is a little glance at their stories. Once starting to read...one will see how excellent each read is for the reader to take it all in enjoying the read. The reads will keep you turning the pages till the end, only left wanting more from these well-written stories that have been delivered to us.
So, let's start with...
CHAPTER 1 Love Broke Me, by Betty Collier
What happened in this person's life brought her boyfriend William and her back to each other? I will not answer the question because this is where I say you will have to pick up this read and see how these 14-year-olds have loved each other but broke up in HS and then something terrible happened that brought these two back together again. Will this be a lasting love?
I loved this quote: "Open their hearts to receive natural and supernatural love. Bless them to fully expect to love and be loved."
CHAPTER 2 OH Boy by Jane Efua Asamoah
Suffering through dysphoria...what happened when she heard a preacher saying, "Jesus says 'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I'll give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 KJV)' His love does not lie in the 'loveableness' of the loved one being loved…." Why did she get her attention? Was she at the right place at the right time to start reading her scriptures and wanting to know about God? Why was her son Andrew so crucial in her accepting and following God? ...She had wanted a daughter, but God gave her a son that 'she would trade for any girl in the world.' You will have to pick 'OH BOY' up and see how things turned around for this mother to get the whole story.
CHAPTER 3 Almost Out for the Count, by Melissa Powell-Harrell
Why was I at my breaking point...where I wouldn't recover from another miscarriage after my third pregnancy...30 and no children? Now beyond being depressed...was this a punishment? Being diabetic, now I was pregnant again. What will I have to endure to keep this pregnancy? However, life was even more complicated when I found out that the father of my child was with another woman. More drama in her life...will she make it? One must remember, 'Don't settle, but know what you want and get it. You can get up from everything that tried to destroy you when God is with you.'
CHAPTER 4 Dust from the Lions Den by Vernice Cooper
I may not have had COVID-19, but something had taken over my body that caused me to be fearful. Will God be able to take care of me as He had Daniel? While wallowing in self-pity, why was I practicing accepting this illness? Finally, Vernice soon started doing what I should have done earlier:' pray for healing and expect my vulnerability to open me up to new possibilities.'
I will stop here and say pick up 'Dust from the Lions Den' and get the whole story...that 'God will not only deliver you, but He will also propel you to new heights when you are operating in obedience and purpose. I still get sick sometimes, but I no longer fret because I understand it is dust from the lion's den, and God is still on the throne.'
Surrender...
Seek...
Soar...
That is what this story was about!
CHAPTER 5 Tear Stained Pillow by Teresa Ward
Hypertension...was in my husband's family. I lived in panic and fear because he made 'poor food choices and disregarded the necessity of his prescribed medication.' What was I to do? How did she cope with this situation? Pick up this read and see how Teresa was led by God's beautiful blessings.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" Psalm 3:5a KJV.
CHAPTER 6 Silent Killer by Sondra King
After six months of marriage, what happens when you notice 'little red flags' that you ignore? What happens when your love is questioned? This gentle person becomes a monster... he's always angry, bitter, spiteful, and resentful...its time to make a change.' How will this turn out for Sondra as she salts God's help? What happens when Sondra finally sees who the 'Silent Killer' was in her life and what she had to do? To get all of these questions answered and more, pick up this read...it will help all that need it! "Don't kill your dreams, aspirations, or purpose. God has such a great plan for your life. Just trust his process."
CHAPTER 7 My Breaking Point to Manhood by Santos Howard
Being raised by a single parent...my mother, especially after hearing my father say... "That's not my son; that's a trick's baby. I heard it, and I just kept playing. It took forty-two years to realize the effects of what I heard my father say in his rejection of me." This rejection affected Santos for many, many years! As the story continues, we have 'My Conversion,' and this is where I stop and say pick up 'My Breaking Point' to get the rest of this exciting story..." The steps of a good man are ordered by God; your actions are called by God. I encourage you to break through, live your best life, and don't sacrifice any more of yourself than you're not willing to give up freely."
CHAPTER 8 My Season Of Purpose by Judy A. Hewitt
"To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).
Season of Wilderness...painful memories of her past. Season of Restoration...focusing on God's Word and loving myself...Then we were faced with the pandemic in 2020, where I was guided through a reset experience...Season of Winning...His grace is sufficient; he knows that your impossible is possible with God. As a matter of fact, 'God is comfortable with the impossible. That is where He shows up.' This story was beautifully written! 'He is faithful! If he said it! that settles it, and it shall pass.'
CHAPTER 9 Single Mother to the Streets by Lisa Humdy
"How did I get here? This is not how my life is supposed to end." Saved by the police from a horrible husband. Being raised to believe I wasn't necessary, so why would anyone else see me as important or care about what I have to say, especially her grandfather? Finally, realizing I needed help...I called my mom. Learning that only 'Lisa can make Lisa happy and only Lisa can believe in Lisa.' All this was done through prayer and hard work getting into a career she always wanted. Isn't our God a good God!
CHAPTER 10 A Journey from Pain to Purpose by Diana Smith
What happens when you stop loving who you are? After the divorce, would dating online be something for me to try? Well, I did..met Greg...at first, it was great, but later he was possessive and controlling...forgiving him time after time, finally ending this relationship after he threatened my life. After rededicating myself to church and joining the women's ministry, I found several women who shared their life stories similar to mine. It was great to overcome the 'feeling of being worthless, unloved, and damaged, to being empowered to help other women overcome toxic connections and become stronger on the other side.'
'Psalm 28:7 NIV says, "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. So my heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him."
'A four-step process to love and accept me for me again...Surrender...Forgive Yourself...Focus on the present, Not the past...and Own Your Truth.' This was wonderfully brought out in this story.
CHAPTER 11 Evacuate - Evacuate!! by Joanne Harte
What happens when you have had enough of it all...from lies, criticisms, verbal and mental abuse, cheating, and lastly, having to adjust to fit into his unstable world? What was happening to me where I couldn't recognize myself? What had happened to Joanne as she was at her breaking point? Had she finally had enough and asked for help? 'Evacuate-Evacuate'... I had to escape this toxicity to save my life and thank God for the folks I now had in my life. One must remember 'you are valuable...you are valuable to God.'
The scripture says it all...' Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee.' (Isaiah 60:1 KJV
CHAPTER 12 Growing Through Grief by Nicole Thomas
What happens after the death of Nicole's husband? Will she be able to go on with her life with her three children? 'Would she be able to process the trauma and grief of her husband's death and move forward?' The main question of this story is: Are you a widow, or do you know someone grieving but having difficulty processing the death of their loved one? Then this story is for you.
CHAPTER 13 Undefeated by Marilyn Evans
What happens when you are at your breaking point as it was for Marilyn...being hated by her mother? Dealing with health problems and holding on to things...like forgiveness from her mom. There was a change in her life after listening to a female pastor... "Marilyn, you have to release it. When I changed the roles, God first, I could see what God had for me." 'Releasing unforgiveness and pain...now blessings, peace-giving my purpose through the obedience of hearing the voice of God because He is there for you.'
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25 KJV).
CHAPTER 14 I Quit by Shannon Hancock
What do you do when you are at your breaking point? Single mom with children...lost her job of six years...she was at the lowest point in her life...got a new job, but feeling like an outsider within a few weeks, I felt neglected from the team. Being talked down to and being bullied seemed to be what she had to endure every single day. So, I left for another job.. 'I knew this new job was where I was supposed to be, and I knew from day one that I was loved by the staff. So, for the next six years, I walked through the doors of that company, and I loved every day of it.' See how it all worked out for Shannon. He can do the same for you!
CHAPTER 15 Surviving Post-Partum Depression by IIesha Carney
What causes 'Post-Partum Depression?' 'Sometimes, a woman's hormones go haywire during pregnancy and after. This is believed to be one of the causes of postpartum depression. "One's common symptoms included hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, excessive eating, weight gain, irritability, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include forgetfulness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, weight loss, and even thoughts of death or suicide."
Please take this seriously!!! will stop here and just say please read this one because this person was at her breaking point, and thanks to our God, she was able to get the help she needed... 'a breakthrough had come, and today she feels complete and whole.'
CHAPTER 16 Cutting Loose: I Choose Me by Sonja Babino
"I'm leaving and taking our sons with me." Life for me was unbearable, and I knew I had to do something about this situation. "While praying for clarity in my decision-making, my heart was opened, and I surrendered to His guidance with God revealing to me that we weren't equally yoked." So how was staying in this marriage helping my sons...or myself? What happens as Sonja submits to God and starts living fully from his guidance. "I became courageous instead of thinking that life was over for me or that it was too late to be happy after many years. I'd become comfortable in my discomfort from sacrificing myself."
"The message here is to simply listen to God's voice and your body. You'll experience deep peace and a knowing that you will never want to leave. So please, choose yourself, take care of yourself, and understand yourself. Then, you will be able to care for those who depend on you."
CHAPTER 17 The Switch Up by Lissha Sadler
'The Switch Up' for Lissha was her divorce, leaving her feeling abandoned. What had happened to Lissha? Had she 'lived life, but I stopped trusting God's plan and started believing in my own, which caused Him to Switch Up on me?' As I continued to read, I saw how well this person felt in her marriage situation. "Marriage is not a trend or a thing to do. It has the power to build and destroy if you are not with the right person. And divorce is not bad; it prevents you from continuing on a dead-end road to nowhere. Sometimes the most profound truths come from difficult situations and uncomfortable experiences." "People have to do what is best for them, and everyone you meet is not meant to be in your life forever. But, everything will always work out in your favor" if you keep God's complete control. He will do it if you let Him!
"The more you stay in control, the weaker you become, and the more challenging and traumatic your Switch Up will be.
Good read!
CHAPTER 18 Discovering My Strength by Carolyn Coleman
"Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 KJV).
How will Carolyn survive...with a child, no job, and her husband wanting a divorce?
This story leads Carolyn on the right path...finally doing something she loves...having dreams of becoming a therapist, but was that really what she wanted to do? Then, she heard about the nursing program...that caught her interest...going to nursing school and passing. Ll Carolyn be able to get her bachelor's degree in nursing? W ll, it was graduation day...
Carolyn had finally found a career that she loved...even moving on to Charge Nurse and on to an advisor." ore doors have opened for me, all because of this career. Great opportunities I never knew existed have been presented to me. I can genuinely say I am enjoying the journey."
"God gave Carolyn a glance back over her life...showing her from beginning to present.' know it was God who brought me through and sustained me. I am what He has best for me. Te hurts and disappointments. Listen to your heart, do not ignore that unction. God is speaking to you."
This was a good story to learn that what one asks of God just knows what you need and will be with you to the end.
Wonderful read!
CHAPTER 19 Restored by Lisa Marie Morton
How will life go on for Lisa after her husband leaves her for another woman? They had been childhood sweethearts, but today after "After all of the infidelity, emotional abuse, and physical abuse I endured in our toxic relationship, I probably y should've been happy he left. But instead, I was devastated. I loved my husband. I convinced myself for so long that a miracle would occur in my marriage. But instead, I watched the foundation I built crumble. My life was entirely out of my control. As I lay there in pain, I thought, who will ever love me? There were even suicidal thoughts. But God was there and let her know He would never leave her nor forsake her...He just wanted her to trust Him on this journey.
Forgiveness was needed in this situation. I will stop here and say you must pick up this story to see how God' Restored' what had happened between Lisa and her ex-husband. God gave them better than what they had lost. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." Restoration wouldn't have been possible if we leaned on our understanding; we needed to trust God in the process."
CHAPTER 20 Grief by Dr. Harriet Roberson
So much pain/grief, such beautiful people. Christians! I asked God, "WHY?" God asked many questions about all of these deaths but got no answer. 'I wanted nothing to do with the church or with God.' A Christian Grief Counselor was needed...this led me to start praying and searching for scriptures on grief, where I studied and meditated on them as they helped me along this journey, learning 'That God is more significant than death. He can make you sing and dance even amid your deepest pain. I learned that although we do not understand many things that happen to us, especially death, we must accept what God allows."
Here are some comforting scriptures that can help you get through your grief...that was presented...
Psalm 73:26 (KJV) "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Matthew 5:4 (KJV) "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
John 16:33 (KJV) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Philippians 4:7 (KJV) "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Many of the twenty stories found me in tears. But, these are some excellent, well-written stories that can get one through "The Breaking Point...When Life Requires a Shift."
