When the days get shorter, the temperatures become cooler and it feels like I’m being pulled 100 different directions with mom life, there is nothing more comforting than a cup of tea, a cozy and worn patchwork quilt and a good read.
Those moments of peace are some of my favorite and a great way to expand my thoughts beyond, “What’s for supper,” “did I get Bradley’s wrestling gear washed,” and “is this the weekend Madeline is coming in from school?”
While I love good historical fiction, a sappy (not trashy) romance, and a decorating book full of inspiration, without a doubt I will always choose nonfiction over it all. And this fall nonfiction seems to be dominating my reading list!
“Ever since I was a little boy I’ve always known there was something greater than myself, This holy force was protecting, loving, and keeping me close. It was helping me live through physical pain and emotional heartache and guiding me to envision and believe in extraordinary possibilities.”
~Tyler Perry (Higher is Waiting)
Tyler Perry has established himself as a cultural icon through acting, writing, producing, directing, as a playwright, and even songwriting. Of course Perry is most well known for his Madea movies, but the road to reach this status was rough and troubled. Perry’s new book Higher is Waiting is one of inspiration that will resonate with me for quite a while. A little biography, inspiration and faith this book encourages readers to keep going in their lives reaching out for a more purposeful life, looking for something greater than self, and of course, never giving up.
“My childhood was a story of discouragement, belittlement, and unthinkable abuse. There was no way I could have found any kind of happiness, hope or vision if my mother Maxine and my aunt Mae hadn’t shown me the grace of God.”
Due to hit shelves this week, Perry’s book is described as a “spiritual guidebook, a collection of teachings culled from the experiences of a lifetime, meant to inspire readers to climb higher in their own lives and pull themselves up to a better, more fulfilling place.”
Perry’s life story is truly extraordinary and in sharing his experiences he hopes to inspire others to reach for the stars. His success with the Madea franchise, television shows and plays is a stark contrast to the hardship he faced in an abusive home living in poverty, growing up in 1970s New Orleans; an area still suffering from generations of Jim Crow law. He recalls the beautiful moments that shaped him despite the brutality that also existed through physical abuse of his father and sexual abuse from a neighbor. He kept his dreams quiet, but worked hard with determination to reach higher.
Throughout Higher is Waiting, Tyler Perry affectionately recalls the people that kept him going, while instructing him in integrity, faith, discipline and even forgiveness. He shares stories of his mother’s never-ending faith who always maintained “God is good,” no matter the pain she lived through at home. Seeds of experiencing God even in the little things planted by his aunt Mae, and the kindness of a blind man, Mr. Butler who taught him that sometimes you have to stand still, wait and be patient when looking for answers to prayer.
With each memory shared, Perry also shares a devotional thought and scripture encouraging you to dive into your own faith.
The book is divided into four sections using the metaphor of a tree: planting seeds, nourishing the roots, branching out and harvesting the fruit. From early childhood and dreaming big despite the obstacles in his path, it is so refreshing to read of a man’s faith developing over time in an age where so many are content let their faith sit stagnant.
Perry’s vivid recollection of recognizing God’s presence growing in his life, learning to listen, carry on in the toughest of times, and choose faith over fear will inspire you to step out of your own box and reach higher in your own lives.
I am giving away one copy of Higher is Waiting to one of my readers. All you need to do is leave me a comment here on the blog, telling me someone who has influenced your life and faith. I will announce the winner on December 3, 2017. Winners will receive their books in 4-6 weeks after the giveaway ends from Penguin Random House.
** If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Penguin Random House. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Fiddle Dee Dee by Jennifer Jones 