Hope – Anchor of the soul

This small, full-colour booklet is made up of thirty-one readings consisting of Bible verses, simple meditations, hymns and poems. As the introduction indicates, ‘it is written with the sole intention of helping to ease the pain often caused by sickness, sorrow, disease, and death’. Chapters include: The passing storm; A God full of compassion; A blessed hope; Just standing; and Help in the time of need.

For those affected by serious illness or bereavement, this book will be a welcome help. It is beautifully illustrated and each meditation should take only a few moments to read. There are selected Bible verses and passages that fit the day’s theme. There are well-known hymns by Fanny Crosby, Horatio Spafford, John Newton, Joseph Scriven and others, as well as some poems written by one of the authors. There are also true stories based upon other themes. Overall, there is a diverse mix of material that is intended to offer hope to those in life’s darkest times.

It is clear that considerable attention has been given to the overall presentation of the book’s content and this reviewer is confident that there will be something to encourage and uplift the reader. The only minor irritation is the occasional error that careful proof-reading might have spotted. Otherwise, it is a very timely and helpful book.