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Postcards from the
Valley: Encounters with Fear, Faith and God
Author: David
Giuliano
Reviewer:
Helen Jones
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As a three time cancer survivor, I can identify with our
39th Moderator as he talks about his cancer
experience in the first section of the book “Do not fear – only Believe”.
He shares with us his feelings of lowliness, vulnerability, limitation and
beauty on the journey through the valley that has been a source of deepening
his experience of the presence of God and of the way of Jesus.
The rest of the book is a collection of short notes to
fellow sojourners on the way through this frightening health journey, as
well as articles and stories published before and after he became Moderator
in 2006.
Although each article or website “blog” has a life of its
own and was written under particular circumstances, they have been divided
into sections in this book for easy reading and reference.
Personally, I found myself returning time after time to
the first section about fear and belief to help me through a difficult and
frightening time in my own life.
The author challenges us with these words – quote – “What
does it mean to be faithful when life seems to be bringing loss to our door,
calling us to walk among the long shadows of the Valley?” We learn that
God is with us, our source of strength and hope, and will not leave us. As
we encounter those who are suffering, we encounter Jesus who was grounded in
the earthly realities of the world, and shares with us our weakness and
failures. We find that the way through the valley is the way to a new life
– God will not abandon us.
As individuals or as a community, we come to experience
life in new ways and to find our way with God, trusting that life has the
final word.
Whether you use this book for daily reflections,
conversation with friends, or a companion in your journey in the world, you
will hear God calling on every page.
