This mother-daughter memoir features alternating chapters in which the two authors reflect on their lives and their relationship with each other. Though both mother and daughter have faced substantial trials, even a separation, they credit their strong Christian faith in helping them survive. Both suffered abuse as children, and they use these personal stories to illustrate to others the power of God to heal the broken. Each author reflects on shared memories, revealing two unique views. Throughout the book, both mother and daughter stress the importance of their faith and provide scripture passages to emphasize lessons they’ve learned or Bible quotes which have given them comfort. Not only is this the story of two lives and their connection through the mother-daughter relationship, but it is also the testament of the power of God in one’s life.
The first thing that is evident in this unique memoir is the underlying love of the authors, both for each other and the God they worship. Like every mother-daughter relationship, theirs is filled with the ups and downs of navigating life. Yet, they have reached a place where they share honest communication and friendship within their familial relationship. This memoir takes the reader on their journey, both separate and together, which leads them to the amazing relationship they enjoy today. It is a heartwarming tale of faith and forgiveness which illustrates the human capacity to survive and thrive through painful, life-shattering situations.
Their thoughts on parenting are thoughtful and profound: “I never considered that maybe she didn’t need a perfectly curated version of life, one where I softened the edges and covered the tracks. Perhaps she needed the truth, in all its messy, complicated, sometimes painful glory. Maybe she needed to see the complex parts, feel them, and learn how to navigate them instead of being shielded from them. Love, I’ve learned, isn’t just about protection; it’s about preparation.” Epiphanies like this are spread throughout both mother and daughter narratives.
The ability of both authors to incorporate poignant scripture passages within the text enhances one’s understanding and illustrates the deep faith that instructs their lives and actions. Both authors are successful, accomplished women in the business world. Gutzmore is an award-winning stylist and founder of Sojonee Designs, LLC. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she is a minister in training and uses her fluency in ASL (American Sign Language) to minister to deaf communities. Grandy is an award-winning author and founder of Sonji K. Grany Consulting, LLC, where she mentors and coaches clients to reach their full potential. Another thing they have in common is the call to ministry. Gutzmore is a minister in training, while her mother is a minister. Their experiences on the road to becoming successful women and the spiritual growth of each author are interspersed with the scripture passages that give them strength and guidance. The lessons they’ve learned about themselves and each other are substantiated by the strong faith and knowledge of God’s word. It is clear that both authors are compelled to share the faith that gave them the strength to not only live through challenges, but to thrive and succeed. The authors invite readers on their inspiring journey of honest self-reflection. It is a journey worth taking.
