When Only Faith Remains is a study in the life of Mary as she appears in Scripture, and her journey of faith to the cross and beyond. Alongside Mary’s story, the author shares portions of her own life story and journey of faith and draws many parallels for every believer to glean from on their own journey to the cross and beyond.
When Only Faith Remains: Finding Yourself in the LIfe of Mary, the Mother of Jesus
By amycoreilly
I’m not quite sure I can write a review for this book without getting emotional. God knew I needed this book and he knew exactly the right time for me to read it. I felt such inner peace as I began this story and couldn’t wait to see what God was wanting to share with me. I have always loved stories about Mary. She is someone who was chosen by God to give birth to the King of Kings. We don’t know what she was really thinking as she obeyed and trusted God. The author mentions one of my favorite songs called, Mary, did you know?” Did Mary have any idea what was in store for her and her son? Mother’s want the best for their child and Mary was no exception.
I appreciated the author sharing her struggles with eating disorders, depression and self image issues . I could so easily relate to the author as I have struggled all my life with similar problems. In a dysfunctional home, there is really no one to turn to. I knew Jesus and I did cry out to him many times. What was missing was my love, faith, trust and relationship with Him. Have you ever wondered what your purpose was in life? I asked that every day. Just like Mary, God has a plan for each of us. Whatever the calling is, it is no less important than giving birth to Jesus.
When the author talked about having friends to call she struggled with friendships with other girls. Oh how I know what that is like. Growing up I had no friends. I was very shy and because of what was happening to me at home, I didn’t want anyone to get close to me. I became closed off as a child and grew into an adult not trusting anyone. But God in His grace and mercy gave me someone I trust completely. My husband is my best friend. I can tell him anything and he loves me unconditionally. Mary had a friend she was able to turn to who was Elizabeth. God knew just what Mary needed and gave her a friend she could share things with.
I loved each chapter of the book and felt ready to fully understand the life of Mary. The book is written in a way that is easy to follow as she includes scriptures to go with each chapter. I liked the prayers she places at the end of each chapter. Mary comes alive in the book and we follow her as she gives birth, rekindles a relationship with Joseph and finally comes to the realization that Jesus was going to pay the ultimate price.
It is hard to imagine having to watch your child suffer and you can’t do anything to help. Mary was there as her son was on the cross and with her faith she knew that it was his destiny. She never spoke but I wonder what was going on inside her. Perhaps she was asking God for strength. The author asks the question, ” Do we love and trust him enough to surrender all?” In this moment it was clear to me that Mary was surrendering all to Him. She was grieving but still knew that God was there to comfort her.
As the author concludes the book, it gave me time to search my heart and seek Him knowing that he has always been there, just like He was with Mary. I am encouraged to grow deeper in His word and “be assured that faith will lead you to the ultimate source of Hope and Love.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
When only Faith Remains
The author tells her life story and struggles while also had stories from the Bible. There is a prayer at the end of each chapter. The author has experience a lot of hard times in her life but also good times. Faith is what got her through.
The majority of the book covers Mary who gave birth to Jesus. She had to have a lot of faith to do what God wanted her to do. Why she was chosen to give birth to Jesus.
This was a very interesting book. Loved the parallels the author did.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
“Mary treasured up of these things and pondered them in her heart” Luke 2:19
This Bible scripture is found in the introduction of When Only Faith Begins and first-time author Amy C. O’Reilly gives readers a lot to ponder in the rest of her book. It is evident that she has deeply researched the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and we are reminded how this young girl was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, how she treasured this honor, and how she had to watch her son die. In each of the fifteen chapters, O’Reilly shares details from Mary’s life with some of her own thoughts and experiences and she also begins each chapter with Bible scripture and ends with a prayer.
When Only Faith Remains is listed as a book for personal growth and Christian living and I feel that the author has accomplished this. It is inspirational and thought-provoking and I believe it can be used for both personal or group Bible study.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.