Bismillah, (In the name of God)
A few years ago, I went to the library in search of a special book. As it happened, the library didn’t have a copy of that book. The librarian suggested that I check the section, where the book would have been and see if I could find a replacement for it. I pulled out the first book I touched, and the title read “The Unmistakable Touch of Grace.” I was curious to find out what it was about so, I borrowed it.
I chose this book as the first book to launch my blog, because it is clearly written with wonderful stories. The author and her clients shared details and experiences of how they noticed grace has changed their life for the better. Also, because this book has made a difference in my life as well.
Spirituality, connecting to God, becoming your best self and protecting your soul are the objectives for a successful life. I sincerely believe one’s life mission cannot be taken over by doubt, fear or anything else so, let’s begin a journey of learning, celebration and discovery together.
The Unmistakable Touch of Grace by Cheryl Richardson
In this book, the author demonstrates how she believes our life is guided by a higher power. Every interaction, challenges, encounters have a meaning and purpose, and that nothing happens by accident. The book has 8 chapters. Each chapter details stories from the author’s life experience or her clients, encountering grace in different kinds of situations. The chapter ends with an experiment that gives the reader a chance to immerse him/herself in the pursuit of grace in his or her life and to actively bring grace into his/her world.
Introduction: My Gift to You
Chapter 1 When Grace Knocks
Chapter 2 I’m on a Spiritual Journey
Chapter 3 Search for Evidence
Chapter 4 Who Are Your Spiritual Change Agents?
Chapter 5 Dance with Grace
Chapter 6 Balance Silence with Activity
Chapter 7 Embrace the Beauty of Life
Chapter 8 Become a Spiritual Pioneer.
Chapter 1 When Grace Knocks
In this chapter Cheryl describes while standing in a nightclub, she experienced her soul awakening by hearing a voice inside of her saying” what are you doing here? You don’t belong here. You’re meant to do so much more with your life. Wake up”. Everyone possesses this inner voice. Whenever you hear the little voice within you talking to you, you should always pay attention to it and take action.
Chapter 2 Embark on a Spiritual Journey
In this chapter, the author describes the challenges she faced while struggling to either stay in the comfortable space that she is in her life now or change direction. She found out guidance and comfort can be found in unusual places. She discussed how she found help and support from strangers.
Chapter 3 The Search for Evidence
In this chapter Cheryl inspires the reader to find evidence of Grace in his/her life. Sharing her personal and her clients’ experiences, she discussed how prayer is the best way to ask God for help or guidance.
Chapter 4 Who Are Your Spiritual Change Agents?
Everyone has a friend or an acquaintance who shows up whenever things are not right in his/her life. Can you identify who is that person in your life? Sometimes, an act of kindness from a friend or a stranger is all that is needed to help you live a fulfilling life. Which person in your life helps or encourages you? Who fosters your confidence in your personal or professional growth?
Chapter 5 Dance with Grace
In this chapter, the author encourages you to take a proactive attitude in your life’s desire instead of a passive or victim frame of mind. Be proactive in directing your thoughts and words toward the outcome you most desire. She explained, that can be achieved by being grateful for what you already have. Focus on all the abundance you have in your life and spiritualize your problems to the higher power (Pray from your heart).
Chapter 6 Balance Silence with Activity
This chapter talks about how the brain operates. There are four patterns of operation: beta, alpha, theta and delta. Meditation can help relax and create a balance state of mind that will help build your spirituality and the strong relationship with the higher power.
Chapter 7 Embrace the Beauty of Life
This chapter deals with surrendering your life to God and accept all things, people and experiences that come to you with faith.
Chapter 8 Become a Spiritual Pioneer
This chapter deals with the different ways you can purposefully become an agent of grace in people’s life and help them find grace. The best ways to share the gift of grace is to perform simple acts of kindness for others or offer selfless services. Selfless service is any service that is offered to another person only for the sake of God and no other reason.
Summary
Reading is the cheapest way to explore our universe. Reading this book will be a great benefit to whomever reads it. The author presents a topic that very few people truly take the time to think about, what it means to have grace in their life. Let’s suppose you don’t want to read the whole book; you could choose any chapter that speaks to you and it would still be beneficial. Each chapter comprises of a title with subtitles that are accompanied by a story or stories, a lesson, a hands-on experiment and a list of books, magazines and websites in case you are interested in getting more information on the topic covered in the chapter. This is a book that everyone should have in their library or read at least once. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in their spirituality or connecting with the Sustainer and Creator of all that exists.
Say: Surely grace is in the hand of Allah (God), He gives it to whom He pleases; and Allah (God) is Ample-giving, Knowing.” Surah 3 Verse 73
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