The Brush of Angel's Wings

Mary Beth Essary's angelic writing has something for everyone. First, there's autobiography. In this section, Mary Beth succinctly recalls her adult life, which has been and continues to be filled with struggles, challenges, and triumphs. Her honesty is refreshing in this day of self-promotion and the same generation while her infusion of Christian theology is commendable in our society that has seemed to have lost its way. In this part, she describes her battle with lupus, one shared by thousands across the world. While not all battle lupus, all of us have faced illness. Her revelations will comfort readers. Second, she confronts selected social issues such as abortion and violence. This open discussion is greatly needed in our society, not just by politicians, but also from Christians who should be informed of contemporary events and social issues. Too often Christians disdain difficult social issues, sometimes in the comfort of a pew. We need frank discussion; Jesus did not ignore social issues. Should we? The third and last part of the work is a combination of prose and poetry. Particularly meaningful to me was ?A Lost Child.? Mary Beth certainly connects with parents here. In light of terrorism from Afghanistan to Columbine, parents should heed her words: ?Can you see the children, watch the children, save the children?? and ?Evil is lying, lurking, laying, and awaiting to snatch a child just outside the house or along the child?s path out in the world. God save the children, angels please beware, parents pay special attention, and pray the human race will care!? Woven throughout the piece is some of her Christian theology. Christians who read this book will be uplifted and encouraged emotionally while being challenged intellectually. For example, in the ?No More Masks,? she confesses: ?I think that God wants me to be honest and open about my illness. He has not healed me and may never heal me. But, Jesus is there beside me in those lonely hospital rooms. I must constantly keep my relationship with God fresh daily.? God does not heal everyone from illnesses. Death surrounds us. Illness is a part of our physical life. But, Mary Beth has worked through this tragic illness to inspire. All Christians need to hear her words about keeping our relationship up-to-date?we have no promise of health or tomorrow. But, in Mary Beth?s writing, ?Another promise is that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are fresh and new every morning, great is the Lord?s faithfulness.? These are powerful words for uncertain times. Read this book if you are searching for truth, for honesty, and for wisdom. As you read, you, too, will feel the brush of angel?s wings.