Thank You for the Pain : Poems and Reflections on the Journey to Gratitude

"Thank You for the Pain" presents a collection of stories and poems that explore what it means to have a true walk with God. Author Gigi Blackshear believes it is in the peaks and valleys of life, that we truly discover who God is and who He has created us to be. Through our experiences, God, the author and finisher of our faith, becomes very real to us. Times of testing and trial have value because it is during these times that we move from religion to relationship with God. The stories and poems included in this collection touch on both life's pain and its healing balm of gratitude. They examine the relationships, journeys, and trials we experience on the path to the restoration of a life of faith. "Do You Know Me? How is it you say you know me and yet trust me so little? Repeatedly, I have said, "Be still and know that I am God, rest in me, be at peace and rest." Yet, you fret And at the root of all your fretting, doubt and unbelief Come back to me and believe Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden (that means you), and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls Do you really know me?"