The devotions in this book are short, encouraging, and a reminder of the light when everything seems dark. Philippa Wilson has begun each chapter with a five-word Bible phrase that is easily memorised and ended with a prayer. Beautiful illustrations by Rebekah Lesan make this an ideal book to give to friends who are struggling.
Readers in the midst of hardship - those seasons when it's so taxing to read and process - will especially appreciate how Philippa presents comforting truths from Scripture in five short words. I'm making a list of friends and counselees who will love this book, confident it will help them feel embraced and strengthened by the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
-- Janice M. Cappucci (Biblical Counselor and author)These simple, yet profound, devotions, bring the light and life of scripture to those who are struggling through times of darkness and depression. Philippa writes with raw honesty, gentle humour and, above all, Christ-centred hope. There are treasures here for all of us, however we are feeling.
-- Vaughan Roberts (Rector of St Ebbe's, Oxford and Director of Proclamation Trust)By bringing us back to gospel basics with gentleness, passion and poise, 'A Certain Brightness' offers the full breadth of God's promises to us in manageable - five word! - chunks that even the most weary can handle. These words of hope will refresh your soul.
-- Katie Stileman (Publishing Consultant)In the darkest of days, sometimes all we can consume is a few morsels at a time. A Certain Brightness provides just that - morsels of gospel truth. This devotional is written for the weary and down-trodden. It is a gentle and quiet whisper that cuts into the cacophony of our minds, reminding us of the One who loves us most.
-- Christina Fox (Counselor, retreat speaker and author)When the brokenness of the world feels overwhelming, and we feel as though the darkness is surrounding us, these bite-size, yet Biblically rich, devotions, will help point us back to the saviour who meets us in our brokenness, remind us of the gospel, and encourage us to keep rejoicing in the midst of the darkness.
-- Charlotte Downing (UCCF Staff Worker (2016-2018) )A wonderful and refreshing treat, written out of personal experience of loss and depression. These five-word biblical truths and Philippa's thoughtful meditations provide bite-sized nourishment and encouragement for dark times. A book to be savoured slowly and reread.
-- John Wyatt (Emeritus Professor of Ethics and Perinatology, UCL, London and author, 'Matters of Life and Death' and 'The Robot Will See You Now')... a breath of fresh air in a world of carefully curated social media profiles and their unremittingly upbeat images. ... encourages us to lift our eyes off ourselves and fix them on the unchanging character and purposes of God.
-- James Griffiths (St Denys Church, Cardiff)These beautiful, honest and hope-filled devotions are a joy to read. With a poet's ear and a pastor's heart, Philippa Wilson gently points bruised believers to the saviour who became bruised for us.
-- Matt Searles (Director of Training, South Central Gospel Partnership Author of Tumbling Sky: Psalms for Weary Souls)This is a lovely book. Pastoral, sensitive and full of wisdom, it offers comfort and companionship to those who are struggling. I've been blessed and encouraged by it. I am thankful to Philippa for sharing from her own experiences and for reminding me of the God who shines brightest in the dark.
-- Emma Scrivener (Blogger at emmascrivener.net and author of 'A New Name' and 'A New Day')This book helpfully distils profound gospel-centred thoughts into accessible daily devotionals. It will help anyone facing trials and darker seasons of life to cling to Jesus (or rather, and more wonderfully, to see how Jesus clings on to them).
-- Scott and Cathy Thomson (Gospel Centred Parenting)