A Crack in the Ceiling
A Memoir of Life Lessons & Other Teachings
by
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I used to look back over my life and feel deeply saddened. The “poor me” hole is a dark and treacherous one that paralyzes you with its suffocating venom and lulls you into a state of weariness while shoveling ample piles of blame and shame to bury you in abysmal sorrow. I used to go there when I thought of the things that I felt had scarred me for life; long unwittingly perilous walks to work as a teenager, the dynamics of my family, the father I never knew, my own soul battle with loneliness and that interminable “marching to the beat of a different drummer,” playing in my head and a host of other resounding joy snatchers. But now, I know God was teaching me and grooming me and pruning me on every long walk, that He put me in the family I needed to be in, on a path that He laid out exclusively for me. Yes, I would get off course more than once, but that was all part of the plan too. A little sidetrack or even a stubborn deviation, God has used to help me gain perspective, insight humility, value compassion, extend grace, prioritize forgiveness, as He continuously molds and makes me (transforming me daily) ready until He calls me home. Those opportunities willed me into a place where I can hear my fellow sisters with ears of compassion, who although surrounded by a crowd, yet feel so lonely that it hurts. I learned that I needn’t wriggle in my skin when I don’t feel like I belong, because sometimes I don’t. It’s just God’s way of admonishing me to behave accordingly, being royalty isn’t regular. I know I have sisters and brothers with many varying paths, many who have endured a far more hazardous and harrowing journey than I have. But whether your journey is a cakewalk or traipsing upon fiery coals in narrow caves of dark despair; God has singled you out (you who are reading this), just like He did me, with all your flaws, plagues, insecurities, and mess ups. He wants to rip off your insecurities, if you trust Him; forgive your trespasses, if you confess them; assuage your plagues if you yield them to Him; and clean up your mess if you would just allow His holy hands to touch yours. You are His prize creation. He has singled you out for His purpose!
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About the Book
What if you secretly felt like God shortchanged you in some way or another and all your turns were predestined to be crooked ones? People around you talk about their purpose, passion, and giftedness, and you have yet to fill in the blanks. Maybe you grew up in an adverse environment that mangled and muddied your hopes and dreams. Perhaps you earnestly intended to break loose and break free but were too afraid to get out of the cage because a lion was guarding the door, and now lurking fears have immobilized you. Yes, you pray, attend church services, give, and do other things that may count as good stuff, but there is no fire in your bones, no passion in your praying, or peace in your soul; and that once upon a time inexplicable joy took a hike a long time ago. You know that there is a gulf between you and God, but you hesitate to discuss it with Him. Here’s inspiration for anyone feeling like they are stuck in neutral, in too deep or never had a chance in the first place. The author weaves compelling life stories into life lessons that we can all benefit from, especially if you struggle with staying on track, grappling with your past, familial upbringing and getting to the root of where you are out of sync spiritually and your walk with God. You’ll read how He can speak to us in glowing terms of nature or as simply as a crack in the ceiling.
About the Author
Mrs. Holt lives with her husband in South Carolina. She is a proud mother and joyous grandmother. She holds a M. Ed from Charleston Southern University and is a retired elementary school teacher. Her love of writing came before her love of teaching. Now the two have come together in this book. She is passionate about inspiring and educating children, motivating the unlikely hero, and helping others, especially during challenging times. When Mrs. Holt is not enthralled in her writing, she enjoys time with family and friends, long walks, good music, reading and the awesomeness of nature.