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Length: 102 pages |
Touching
the Clouds When crisis comes and emotions crumble, questions multiply. We may ask: “How can I cope?” “What next?” “God, where are You?” Through the years I have been acquainted with women who have asked similar questions. Their lives impacted mine because of their response to unexpected events. Some women had searched for meaning in all the wrong places before giving their hearts to Christ. Others struggled with obeying God in a certain matter. A few remembered the principles of faith and inspired others. Still others cried out to God in their distress. Yet even when God was silent, they made a decision to trust His heart and to believe His Word. Touching the Clouds shows how exercising biblical faith really does make a difference. It challenges the reader to strengthen her own faith, encouraging her to stand firm, whatever her situation may be. Popular recording artist Cynthia Clawson once said, II have always been enamored with the first chapter of 2 Corinthians. Paul talks about the common sufferings and the common consolations that we share. I know this it true. When I know some else survived an experience, and I find myself in a similar situation, I feel that I can survive, too.” Is faith enough? What is faith? Why do we need it? Where do we find it? Faith is not something we can handle and touch, yet its results are plainly evident. It’s main elements include:
Our faith walk beings when we believe in God’s character and trust Him. But when trials and testings come, and they will, according to James 1, what is our response? “Dwight L. Moody described three kinds of faith
in Jesus Christ: While the women I interviewed are graciously sharing their lives as a way of reaching out, each of us determines our own response to life and its trials and what kind of faith we’ll demonstrate. Faith grows with exercise. When body muscles are idle, they become flabby and weak. In a similar way, if we become spiritually lax, we rely upon our feelings rather than upon God’s Word and so become discourage. Just as a good workout builds healthier bodies, exercising faith is oxygen for the soul. The “"Faithlifter"” at the end of each chapter is designed to help you to exercise your faith and apply it to daily living. Each “"Faithlifter"” is divided into three sections:
Through them you’ll connect another woman’s story to your own, find strength in the Scriptures, and being to nurture an important characteristic of faith for the rest of your journey. And remember, you do no walk alone. I am holding your hand, walking alongside you on this faith journey, because, like you, I have not yet arrived. However, I am excited about our final destination and about what we can both learn along the way. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Excerpted from Touching the Clouds, copyright 2003 by Fran Sandin. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. |
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Table of Contents
A REVIEW OF THE BOOK TOUCHING THE CLOUDS by Fran Caffey Sandin This title is like a stop at a gas station: after leaving, tanks will be full and refreshed. The 17-story collection (each written by Fran) is by women who lived situations that try our souls. Stories (in first person) are told frankly but with sensitivity—readers will walk with women who have or are experiencing difficult times, including children with eating disorders, the death of a husband or child, a child with AIDS, personal sickness, and more. Stories don’t depress but enlarge hope and faith. Citing Cynthia Clawson in the introduction, Sandin reminds readers how one can’t comfort well unless one has been comforted. The book may be read straight through or by topics. The chapters have a story (“In Her Shoes”); a miniature Bible study (“In His Word”); and lesson application (“In Your Life”), which is one of the book’s best parts. Sub-themes, such as passion and steadfastness, are listed in the table of contents. Recommend to women and couples who are or know someone going through faith-stretching times. Reviewed by--Bianca Elliott A DIVINE ENCOUNTER When I travel I always carry a copy or two of Touching the Clouds, and I pray before I go asking the Lord to show me who needs the book. A fellow-writer, Rebecca and I were traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta for the bookseller’s convention when the DFW attendant announced, “Your flight has been delayed due to bad weather in Atlanta.” A passenger sitting nearby named Peggy lamented the delay because some of her family would be waiting for her at the Atlanta airport. After we chatted for awhile, I felt the inner promptings of the Spirit to ask, “Do you like to read?” “Oh yes, I love to read.” I reached into my attaché case and pulled out a copy of my book and handed it to her, “This is a book I’ve written and I’d like to share it with you. I interviewed fifteen women who have undergone life-changing experiences and their stories reveal how their faith saw them through. Two of the stories are my own.” Peggy seemed genuinely grateful as she handled the book like a treasure. Then as she examined the back cover, she began to cry, “How did you know?” she asked. “My best friend’s husband took his life last night. My friend is devastated and so am I. I feel so alone and I don’t know what to do.” About that time her name was called to join another flight and she had to leave. Both Rebecca and I rose and almost simultaneously hugged her. “We’ll be praying for you, Peggy.” As she hurried to her plane, I really didn’t expect to ever hear from her again, although I had tucked a business card inside the book. When I returned the following week, this email note appeared: Hello Fran, I am the woman you gave your book to at the DFW airport. I just wanted to tell you that God reached out to me through you, and I believe that your book has a two-fold purpose—to let me know He has things under control and to let my friend know she is not alone. What came to me loud and clear on that airplane is that I need to trust God. I needed that then and I am still finding it to be a source of comfort. I am going to step out in faith and let you know that I am a recovering addict with the last 12 years clean. I belong to a fellowship called Narcotics Anonymous and now Touching the Clouds has found its way to a circle of women who are searching and seeking a better understanding of God. Please use my name if you share this story—it is a powerful testament to the realness of our Lord. God did for me what I could not do for myself. He used your book to give me encouragement to build a relationship with Him. I can never thank you enough! Needless to say, I felt overwhelmed. In a later contact, I learned that Peggy and her friend attended a grief recovery seminar, began a Bible study at a local church, and eventually Peggy and her husband began attending church regularly. Peggy wrote that both she and her husband had changed through their newfound relationship with Christ. I like to share “divine encounters” like this so I can give God the glory! |
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