Rising Like the Sun: A Self-help Guide: Taking You from Brokenness to Wholeness

ARE YOU READY TO RISE?
In the words of Anita Joe, "Early in the morning just before the sun comes up, you look out and see the darkness giving way to blue skies. Though it is a bit obscure, you know something is happening. Then you wait a little while, and the next thing you see is a beam of light peaking over the horizon. A little more time passes and you look again—what do you see now? The rays of light, shining brighter and brighter. It's the full grandeur of the sun telling you to get ready; "the future is going to be gloriously bright!" This excerpt from her book explains the purpose of Rising Like the Sun and how healing should come to all men.
Rising Like the Sun x-rays the processes and patterns of healing from life's trauma. Anita Joe explains these explicitly as she is a victim of brokenness. She was born to a verbally abusive mother and a sexually abusive father. One touch from the Master and her story changes. This riveting self-help is a resource for individuals going through terrible conditions, yet find the strength to rise to rise.

As I read this book I found myself inspired by the well-written story of struggle and perseverance. It became clear that this book was a reflection of life and its many obstacles, such as abuse, poverty, lack of love, and a season of turmoil. This book touched on many areas facing our youth: gender confusion, peer pressure, relationship woes, stealing, jealously, and false prophets.

Anita’s story of childhood abuse at the hands of her father caused me to view my own alcoholic father as more endearing to me, and my Pentecostal minister mother as even more loving compared to her mother. I found myself celebrating Anita’s victories in the Lord while she continued to weather life’s struggles. 

My favorite character in the Bible is King David. Anita summarized his many stories using the analogy of overcoming pits. That was so profound and inspirational that I find I love the Lord even more.

The father of lies—Satan—has a way of allowing one’s own free will to dictate in a negative way how one interprets the evils of the world. Anita’s words add up to a roadmap of diligence and faith that will reinforce those struck in such a struggle.

The personal reflections after each section were an interesting way to use pointed questions to challenge the reader to reflect on the chapter and provide an opportunity for readers to write down their own perspectives.

Finally, Dare to Rise? is a challenge that gives the reader a reason to rise up over all the evil in their lives and to allow God to lift them through it. God takes us through our worst to get to our best!

Nathan Keith Stephens, MPA 

Academic Advisor/Adjunct Instructor;
Wayland Baptist University