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Written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this prescient work explores a myriad of challenges and emotions. As a teacher, the author struggled to deal with the changes, uncertainty, demands, and “the overall feeling of being devalued” that she and others in the education system experienced during that time. When she learned many of her co-workers felt the same way, she first suggested they encourage each other with a daily Bible verse or devotional. That idea evolved into a kind of support group that the members named the Book Club.
The club's participants kept in touch by using their personal email accounts. Eventually, they began to hold after-school meetings. “God was bringing us together in order that we would know we were not alone and that he would give us his strength to carry on this difficult year,” the author writes. Every day, beginning on the first day of school, McDermet emailed members of the group a scripture and a short devotional. Those daily writings are included in this book.
Daily devotionals can be a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement for many people, and the ones included in this book fit that description. The entries are not preachy. Instead, they are written in plain, clear language, as if the author is having a casual conversation with fellow believers and friends. This book would be a good choice for those in need of encouragement, support, and hope, whatever the reasons. New believers interested in strengthening their knowledge of biblical principles should also find it helpful.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review