This new book by Gerjo Ben is aptly titled Breath. You must make time to breathe when life crushes you, knocks you down, or takes your breath away, because without breath you’re in serious trouble.
It reminds me of Job who said to the Lord: Why don’t You look away from me for a moment, and let me catch my breath for a little while? Job 7:19 literally says: “Let up on me, will You? Can’t You even let me spit in peace?” (The Message).
This practical book wants to help you, in God’s presence, to swallow your spit, catch your breath, and gain a fresh perspective on life from God’s point of view.
I can recommend this book, because I’ve known the author for many years. His writing is like him – honest, authentic, and full of grace. It is like heavenly ointment for life’s wounds. And who among us doesn’t need that kind of healing balm?
When Robert Louis Stevenson was near the end of his life, his wife stood at his bedside and said: “I suppose in spite of all your troubles you will tell me again that it is a beautiful day.” The famous author replied: “Yes, my dear. I refuse to let that row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon.”
With Breath, Gerjo Ben wants to help you do just that.
Augustine believed that hope is the greatest of the three virtues.
Faith tells us: God exists.
Love tells us: God is good.
Hope, however, tells us: God will do what He has promised.
This is the kind of hope no one can take away. Why? Because it is anchored in the Eternal. And more than that, Hope is a Person. Paul calls Christ Jesus our Hope (1 Timothy 1:1).
That is what Breath invites you to hold on to. Through its pages, Gerjo Ben wants us to experience something like heavenly mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, because God breathes His life into us. And His breath makes us stand strong.
Thank you, Gerjo Ben, for this timely book.
Ewald van Rensburg
Somerset West
