All Shall Be Well

The Winds Of Homecoming by Christopher Goodchild is a powerful book of fifty devotions based on the poems of Rainer Maria Rilke.

Christopher Goodchild has autism, undiagnosed until 2007, all his life he has been walking through loss and loneliness. He writes his devotions in the second person of ‘you’ as if he is talking to himself. This draws the reader in as we ‘feel’ as if the author is talking personally to us.

Each devotion has great power to speak to the heart and soul. We are all just pilgrims walking through life and “we’re all just walking each other home.”

We all go through hardships. “All your struggles in life can with God’s grace be transformed into something quite extraordinary life affirming and meaningful.” God is “found in the broken places.”  He will take the broken pieces of our lives and make something beautiful.

Scriptures are our anchor in life. We need to know them so that when the storms hit, and they will, we can press into God’s Word.

We are all searching for our identity but “your true identity is that of God.” We need to fix our eyes on God and live out lives that are in sync with His.

Prayer is important. Prayer builds relationship with God. When we pray, something inside us changes.

Forgiveness is vital. “Forgiveness is… a walking free of the prison of hurt that… held you captive.” Without forgiveness we risk becoming bitter and not better. “Forgiveness is not a one-shot deal, but instead a continuous unfolding from the hurt that previously held you captive.” Forgiveness is a process, a journey, that we may need to undertake daily.

The Winds Of Homecoming is a powerful read. It will transform your life if you let it. As you read you will draw closer to the heart of God.

Work through the devotionals alone or as part of your connect group, discussing and dissecting the devotionals.

I received a free copy from the publisher. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON