Book on growth in adversity relatable for many

About 10 years ago, Sherrie Humphries followed God's prompting and sat at her computer, typing out the story of a young flower resisting the negative elements needed for healthy growth. She never imagined that three years later, her life would follow that story line or seven years after that, she would have a published book.

After going through a tragic time in her personal life, Humphries realized she could see the story of "Lucinda: The Flower That Refused to Grow" reflected in her own actions.

"Sometimes it's the very things that maybe hurt us the most that God can use to help us grow in our relationship with Him," said Humphries, a member of Northside Baptist Church, Jasper, in Walker Baptist Association. "I was just like Lucinda, fighting against everything [God] was trying to use to help me grow. He loves us so much He even takes the bad things and He can bring good. And we can grow through difficulties in life."

Published by Tate Publishing, the book offers lessons on not giving up, accepting change, listening and growing through adversity, as well as character education lessons for life application at the end.

Humphries uses the book as a resource for speaking at churches and to women's groups, sharing her testimony and paralleling life struggles with Lucinda's experiences.

"I believe God is using that story," she said. "I never set out to write a book. I believe God did that three years before I was going to live it out."

To purchase the book, visit www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore. For more information, call Humphries at 205-387-8903.