Category: A Woman of Excellence Book Review

“It is hard trying to find some semblance of normalcy, while waiting to see what might happen next.”

I just love this first chapter.  You have no idea how hard it is to write a review when you are privy to only one chapter!  But the first indication that it was going to be good was that I did not want to stop reading, I even requested to read the next chapter!

From the first paragraph, Sheri has fashioned the female lead as relatable and warm.  She nervously jokes with her husband and goes on a short time later to pray for a safe flight home even though she knows there may be disaster to come from a looming storm.

Continue reading “Book Review – Chapter 1: The Storm” →

“Though she found him, her father was still absent. Her sorrow remained and the void had ‘no name.”

“Before I begin to read Chapter Two “None Given”, I’m overwhelmed with emotions as I didn’t know what to expect. It’s been 10 years and 2 months since “Ma” passed, and I’m saddened by the fact that it’s been that long, yet excited for the chance to revisit her existence as she was such a phenomenal woman whose light shined so bright.

As I began reading, the words on the paper were a blur from my tears flowing like a faucet. I had to pause and ask God to help me make sense of the words that I wanted to share…

Continue reading “Book Review – Chapter 2: None Given” →

“As I was going through her belongings, I found a birthday card that she never got to send me. I opened the card and it read.”

This chapter starts with thought provoking questions about how well you know your mother.  It closes with questions that inspire a mother and a daughter to take off the mask, be deliberate about getting to know one another.

Sheri and her mom had a relationship that blossomed over time. Her mom was encouraging and continued to speak even after her passing; in the cards and letters that Sheri discovered.

Sheri was blessed to witness her mom grow in the Lord. But it was the journals that her mom left behind journals that revealed things her mom’s heart that she maybe didn’t get to all-together see. This chapter made me curious, I’d like to get to know a mother figure like hers.

Thank you, Sheri, for letting me read this selection. Your truth really touched my heart.

-Rebeca Flores Clark

“Despite your praying and your encounter with God, are you still afraid?” 

I find myself, almost daily, reflecting on the many similarities I share with my older relatives, and how much my personality has been shaped by them. Whether for the good or bad, if we are not careful, we will live our lives through their shaping, and not that of the Lord. We can take on traditions and ways that are in keeping with family, rather than within the borders of God’s Word.

Sheri’s book helps us stay, or for some return to the place where we fully identify with the Lord and recognize the differences. Reflecting is good and helpful; “remove not the ancient landmarks” according to His Word. With that said, our eyes are set on what lies ahead and taken together we can better live a fuller life. No more fragments; no more limits or uncertainties. Sheri’s book will help clear that path, for many.

-Pastor Sandra Cedra

“There are a lot of traditions that are passed down from one generation to another that are worth preserving.”

Three little words, such volume spoken here. What a blessing to have such sweet insight into one’s mother’s heart.  A legacy of her love and faithfulness for the Lord, in her valley or on the mountain top experiences.

Every now and then, we look back and wonder what will our legacy will be? Have we made an impression upon our children’s hearts. This chapter makes one consider writing down some thoughts or being deliberate about making memories that will outlast us?

Even though it’s years later, it is profound to see where the spark started. Three little words, “I love you”, “A mother’s love”,  “A Father’s (God) love” and  “A Daughter’s love”.

DeLorise had that figured out and passed it on to her precious daughter, so she would pass the baton to the next generation.

-Carla Coleman

“When Mom was finished, she stayed awake while I read my notes from the beginning to the end.”

What a warm and touching display of love and loyalty. Not only to the Lord, but within a mother & daughter relationship. I think it was a wonderful idea to parallel the story of Ruth and Naomi. Your writing is teaching the Word and life experience. Not only did your mom display her loyalty through her faith, but your relationship with her exhibited the loving heart of Jesus. One that stands beside us through all things.

I am reminded that we never have to be alone. Both, your mom and you displayed a sacrifice that is contagious. You devoted your time and love to her and she sacrificed her life to care for you. This memoir shall birth love and I pray reconciliation.

If that doesn’t sound like Jesus, I don’t know what does. By and large, this chapter grips at the heart strings and made me anxiously desire to read the next chapter. Well Done!

-Kimberly Matthews

“…each of us will become all we were created to be – Woman of Excellence.

“Wow”, “wow” was my constant exclamation as I read through this. I am touched by your mother’s heart for others, despite her own pain and struggles. I am also touched by how much Jesus suffered to procure for her eternal life in Him. Amen, what a witness!

I can identify with the shaping process outlined in this chapter and my spirit jumped and leaped when I read the conclusion of the matter – my God, beauty for ashes! What an exemplary example of answered prayer, when a mother ‘s and a daughter’s prayer is heard.

Continue reading “Book Review – Chapter 7: It Is Finished” →