Out of the Ashes We Will Rise

Hoop believes that sharing stories of those who have overcome adversity can help others who are facing challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds. She was inspired by a quote she stumbled across when she was scrolling online: "You can bring a crown of beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. You can glean Joy out of sorrow!" She based her anthology on the scripture "to grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified." Isaiah 61:3 ESV. As you read these co-authors' chapters, you will be deeply moved not only by their experiences but by their resilience. Find inspiration and hope to rise from the ashes from your past.-Liz Hoop