Treasure in Dark Places: Stories and poems of hope in the hurting

MAY YOU FIND LOVE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES AND SPARKS OF HOPE IN DARKEST SPACES Life can hurt. Sometimes we wonder where God is in the mess of it all, and can't find any light amidst our shadows. But shadows can't exist without light. The Psalmists often wrote of their pain with raw honesty, yet discovered treasure in the very darkest places. This collection of poetry and short stories is filled with cries of deep sorrow and inexpressible joy, and re-imaginings of events from Scripture which point us to hope, even when we struggle to glimpse light on the horizon. Liz Carter lives with long-term illness, and writes out of her experience of how a life of pain can also be scattered with gold along the way. She is the author of Catching Contentment: How to be Holy Satisfied (IVP). What people are saying 'This book will console your soul. The Spirit of God whispers through these words. Utterly, achingly beautiful.' Dr Kate Middleton, pastor, author and director of Mind and Soul Foundation 'Liz Carter has an amazing gift to give language to some of our deepest feelings. Highly recommended.' Patrick Regan OBE, author, broadcaster and founder of Kintsugi Hope 'Treasure in Dark Places offers space to be real, space to acknowledge that life is hard sometimes, and space to see chinks of light coming into and illuminating the shadows. Take your time with this book. Go gently, and stop to mine the depths of riches you discover along the way.' Emily Owen, author and speaker 'Liz shares openly and honestly about the struggles of life, and reminds us, through the beauty and power of these words, of the hope that we have in Jesus.' Laura Neale, founder of You Belong Online Community Gripping and deeply enthralling, Treasure in Dark Places has touched me at the core, changed me, and ignited a fire of wonder in my heart. I recommend this book 100%. Tracy Williamson, Author, Speaker and co-leader at MBM Trust Engaging, challenging, beautifully crafted, deeply impactful, disarmingly honest, breathtakingly creative. This book will be such a valuable resource not only for individuals in their personal devotional times, but for churches throughout year—her poems for Advent, Easter week etc would make excellent additions to services. Claire Musters, Author of Taking off the Mask Liz writes beautifully, and Treasure in Dark Places weaves theologically rich poetry with prose which faithfully echoes the tradition of lament with honesty and hope. A gorgeous companion in dark times. Rachael Newham, author of Learning to Breathe As Christians, it is often suggested that we should be living lives of constant victory. In this collection of inspiring poems and vivid re-tellings of Biblical encounters with Jesus, Liz re-orients our hearts towards our Creator God, the One who can hold our fragile lives at every stage. Buy this for yourself, your church leader, and your friend who is hurting: this exquisite book will remind us all that, as we struggle, God is very near. Lucy Rycroft, author of Redeeming Advent and blogger at The Hope-Filled Family