A Song, a Book, and a Giveaway!

 Let me begin this post by painting you a mental visual of Geneva asking for help....

A woman struggles up a steep, ragged hill, clutching the hands of her two tiny daughters. She's got the weight of a million little things and a few big things strapped to her back and its beginning to rain. Soon, it becomes a freezing, torrential downpour. A friend with a free hand appears. "Can I hold an umbrella for you?" 

The woman laughs, weary. "An umbrella? For me? No. No, I don't need an umbrella. I mean an umbrella might be nice but like I said, I don't NEED one. Thanks for offering though." Silently, the friend extends her arm and shields the woman from the storm. But the woman still can't see to take another step. Tears can blind like rain. 

She collapses under the shelter and chokes out, "I guess I did need an umbrella. Maybe I could use a friend. I might even need a little bit of help." And then, desperately, "PLEASE??"

Can you relate? I know you can. As women, we are really good at showing up and loving and caring and filling all the needs of the aching world. It's our job. But when the tables have turned and we find ourselves with that annoying little thing called need, we cringe and squirm and return that casserole dish filled back up with cookies. 

I wish this wasn't true. I wish I knew how to ask for help. I wish I knew how to receive it. I'm trying to learn these skills. I have such a long way to go. I recently found a song and a book that are helping me see need from a new perspective.

First, the song. Verse one undoes me every time.

There Is a Mountain

lyrics by Carolyn Cobb

Verse 1:

There is a mountain only the lame can climb

There is a table only the hungry find

Only the beggar will have the currency

When need is all you need

Verse 2:

There is a victory only the conquered gain

There is a glory that you get when you give up your name

Oh the peace when you finally yield your fight

In surrender rise

Verse 3:

Come to the mountain, He carries the cripple to the feast

Come to the table, come sit, He has saved you a seat

Come and eat and drink without money and without a cost

He has paid it on the cross

Chorus:

Come with open hands in need

Come hearts broken, bended knee

A gift can only be received

Received

Bridge:

The King bends low to wash our feet

To give Himself as an offering

To lead us home to that wedding feast

We taste it now, at last we'll eat

Of that richest food, oh that well-aged wine

The shroud will lift, our tears He'll dry

Come hungry souls, be satisfied

Both now and forever

Second, the book. 

This book comes out on July 2, 2021. I joined the launch team because Shari Zook is one of my favorite writers. Even though I've followed her blog for years and knew some of her stories, this book blew me away. I will be processing and rereading this book for years to come. I struggle to even find adequate words for a proper review. All I can say is that if you have ever walked through something hard and wondered where God was, this book is for you. Go, preorder it now and thank me later for telling you to do so.

Oooorrr..... you can leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of it. This is the first giveaway I've ever done and I'm so excited about it for two reasons. One, I just can't wait to share this book with you. And two, I really want to know who is on the other side of this screen. Now is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself and I'd love to hear how you found this little space on the internet! :) 

The giveaway will close on June 4th and I will announce the winner here, on June 7th. Share this post with your friends and family and strangers and may the random winner generator be in your favor. :) Happy Wednesday!