Shirley's writing comes from a place of deep love for and faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have often heard her say, and pray, that the Cross of Christ is at the center of all that God has done for us. The Cross must also be at the center of our lives, our families, our churches, our nation, and our world. The Cross is at the center of our Lenten journey of faith.
In this book of devotions Shirley uses scripture, song, photos, wise words, and prayer to bring us to the foot of the Cross. She reminds us of our sin, which made the Cross necessary. She writes of God's love for us, which made the Cross possible. She urges us to come to the Cross and receive the forgiveness that is offered there. She leads us to rejoice in the new life that is ours because Jesus conquered sin on the Cross and conquered death as He rose from the grave.
I join Shirley in praying that this book will bring glory to God. May it find its way into the hands of those who don't yet know Jesus, and be used by the Holy Spirit to show them the Cross which leads to life; May it bless those who do know Jesus, helping them to draw closer to Him through the Lenten season, the season of the Cross. May the Holy Spirit lead you to the Cross and perform God's renewing work in you as you read this.
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, pastor, Amsterdam United Methodist Church and Restoration Ministries, Bilingual, Spanish/English, Amsterdam, NY.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed Shirley's hope-filled devotions. Her themes of trust in Jesus and the importance of sharing the Good News with others resonate for those of us striving to do both, but sometimes faltering. This volume is incredibly helpful to those seeking to move through Lent and Easter with a sense of purpose and intentionality. We particularly enjoyed the language of the prayers - spirit filled and from the heart. Shirley has presented us with an opportunity to reflect on our place in the grand scheme of God's saving work in the world. She invites us to claim all the rich blessings that life in Christ has to offer.
- The Rev. Brooke Newell, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, pastor, Queensbury United Methodist Church, Queensbury, New York.
