Gently Awakened - The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey by Sara Joseph is the inspiring story of the author. Sara shares her faith in Jesus Christ with which she developed her artistic qualities of painting, clay, and writing verses. She speaks of living in harmony with the creator in an artistic way. The combination of verse and artwork makes the book original and reveals the author's expertise as an artist. The author asks readers to tap into the potential given to them by God and start expressing themselves. Her book will open the mind of readers and motivate them to make their lives more interesting.

The theme is very original. All of us possess hidden talents that lie dormant inside us. We always think that these creative talents are not essential in our journey of life. But the author motivates readers to bring out their talents and channel their artistic energies in a proper way. The author's poetry and artwork are all thought provoking moments. The quotes from the Scriptures make the author's thoughts more profound and effective. The book gives a glimpse of the artistic and inner journey of the author, which is not only inspiring but also helps you to find that connection with God.

The book caters to a wide range of readers because it is artistic, profound, and has some very good messages for readers. The book is a wonderful celebration of faith and love towards Jesus Christ. An inspiring book with loads of ideas to develop one's creativity and thereby connect with Jesus Christ. A very original theme.

Gently Awakened by Sara Joseph is the extraordinary tale of how the author perceives her God and translates how she feels as an artist into her work. The author includes her poetry, paintings, and sculptures, which are sublime and she relates each piece unto the scriptures. As well as including these lovely pieces into the story, we also follow the author's unique story. There are various references from the scriptures throughout which relate well to the book. As the story unfolds, we clearly see how the author relates to her God in what she achieves through her work.

I found this book to be very moving and yet highly inspirational. Gently Awakened by Sara Joseph is cleverly written in a way which leaves her readers in awe. I found the poetry and the art throughout unique to the artist. With Sara's struggle written on paper, the reader can then see the development for themselves as she finally relates this to God. It is also clear how the author tackles each problem head on and is not afraid to forget about such issues. I was also fascinated by her elaborate Indian childhood and how this in itself creates more layers for her work. As a fellow Christian, I was thrilled by each new reference to a certain scripture. Overall, the story and the way in which Sara incorporated things into her work gave the reader something to aim for. It truly captivated my heart and if I can take one thing from this it would be to try and balance my faith somehow in my own work.

A GIFT OF A BOOK

Do you find yourself floundering in insignificance – you know you have creative gifts but have no idea how to use them and perhaps they seem of no value in the scheme of things. Sara pioneers the path to discovering how the diligent development of your unique talents for God’s glory alone will draw you into deep and joyful fellowship with Him who invested His creativity in you. It is a timely directive in my own tentative journey as a writer.

Sara’s passion for technical excellence in her art is evident in her writing. This beautifully crafted book, illustrated in more ways than one with her own works, is an encouragement to recognize art in all its many forms as a divine calling. Each sentence is a masterpiece of expertly selected words reflecting a lightness of spirit which is uplifting, illuminating and ‘gently awakening'.

Sara, together with her love, devotion, gratitude, humility and bold faith, sets a wonderful example of how using artistic expression can inspire others to reach higher.

This is a book to read slowly and thoughtfully, and to return to again.

Elegant, honest, and profound. Joseph’s prose, verse, and artwork are delicious, but this book is more than that. She speaks into the tension where Christian artists dwell and guides to a deeper understanding of both the role art is meant to play in the lives of Christians, and the role Christians are meant to play, artistically, in our culture. A unique book that makes a great gift. I gave a copy to a young woman who just graduated with a degree in art and photography.

I was given Sara's book by an aunt of mine who knew my interest in art. The soft title led me to believe this would be a gentle read but I found as I read through the journey God has taken Sara on, instead I was heartily, shaken awake! Recognizing I had been given so much profound wisdom in the area of creativity lately, yet I had not done one thing to record a single piece of it!

Then in a matter of 3 days God threw Habakkuk 2:2 in my face so many times I stopped counting. I had a responsibility, and I was not listening. Sara's book has brought me from a sleeping state to a state of fully awake and not just fully awake but struggling to keep up with a God who is pouring out creative revelation in the area of art because He is longing for His Children to awaken in such a way that His children are the one paving new pathways for the way art is made.

As I listened to hear what God would say to me about art and looked to see what He was doing in heaven, I started to release it in our church services. The fear of people not liking my art disappeared because I knew the Master had inspired me and He alone is who I was working with to create as He once created in the Beginning! I walked through many of the situations Sara has with the template she had laid out before was able to move through my seasons quicker and easily.

Although I have yet to be as successful as Sara, I've positioned my life and heart in such a way that there is no limit to where God can take me now. I've been so touched by Sara's book and the journey she has taken. Because of her obedience to write her words down, she is releasing others to do likewise and together I have no doubt we will change the way the world looks at art.

I don't think there is another book like this. If you are familiar with Oswald Chambers, Corrie Ten-Boom or Catherine Marshall then you have some idea what awaits you in this book. The author is honest about her life and faith and eager for others to be encouraged and challenged by her testimony. For Sara Joseph following Jesus and creating art are closely intertwined and lessons learned in her christian walk are carefully applied in her artistic journey. This is the single most encouraging book about being an artist I have ever read. No book on art history or technique has helped as much. Of course, if you read this book your life might change as you learn to value God over money, fame and talent. This book will challenge you to dig deeper into scripture and turn your fears into faith in God.

Sara Joseph took me on a spiritual journey through her honest and transparent life experiences. The biblical scriptures were carefully chosen to reinforce her poetry and aim for its readers. She gave her readers great encouragement to press on toward their goal using their Maker's guidance, power and truths. Her artwork was a brilliant depiction of her God-given talent. Her passion for her work and her faith were described beautifully in her poetry. Her vibrant colors in her artwork opened her readers' vision to see beyond the ordinary. Her book was a treasure for me and for others who choose to read it as well.

God has gifted Sara Joseph not only as a talented artist but also as a masterful writer. She graciously paints beautiful word pictures of Christian principles that God has made so real in her life. Gently Awakened is a must read for all who desire a daily walk with Christ.

Sara masterfully weaves her growth in faith with the very real struggles that our old natures present. Her transparency reveals the depth of her gentle, yet, bold walk with the Lord. The Creator has indeed gifted her with creative ability on the canvas of life.

Reading "Gently Awakened" is like sitting and talking with Sara, a beautiful "Proverbs woman" who is using her GOD given gifts to glorify GOD and bless GOD's children. This delightful read should be on your gift list for everyone you know.

Sara and I have been close friends for many years. In all that time, her gift as an artist has only struck me with wonderment. Each time I saw a new work of art, I have been silenced by her ability to capture a precious moment, an inner thought; she was watching when you weren’t and holding the moment for eternity.

Sara savors every moment of creating her work, “taking more time in the planning than the execution”, as she put it.

Her early watercolors were not of the heavy oils with the great capacity for particulars, nor even a photograph; but captured a large idea with a light touch and simplicity of structure that is almost ephemeral – and immensely truthful. She took on ideas that were very different from usual themes that I found and got bored with. Even her still life had a different style. I always looked forward to seeing her points of view.

Sara’s watercolor impression of my mother-in-law (who she had met only in pictures) captured so precisely the moment of intense concentration on her daily newspaper that our hearts were deeply touched.

Her later works are no less large ideas. The motif today is her purpose – a celebration of her faith -articulated by a flood of strong colors, strong contrasts and sharper lines.

To me, each and every one of Sara’s works reveals her precious gift.

Her new work – a book bursting with joy, discovery and immense detail – is no less a pleasure. It marries her idealism and her practicality into a narrative that expresses every individual’s search for meaning in life. With profound emotion and great thought, it discloses the secret fear and caution over each decision, the intense search that each of us embarks upon. It highlights to all of us that to experience life is to experience its many aspects, to learn and to develop our own capacity to hone our purpose – and to never give up.

Here, words are Sara’s paintbrush. They evoke well-crafted images of daily routine, self-encounter and faith. With her usual simplicity, she describes the terrifying journey of questioning herself to vanquishing the fear that takes over, in the end to be overcome by her faith.

I love the power of words. Sara’s ‘hungry mosquitoes’ creates an unforgettable image. Little words from today’s business practices creep in and tell the story of her efforts to season her skill, to dream dreams of success in a world of commerce.

Her poems are tidy – little nuggets of strong emotion and explosions of illumination.

I have always been amazed by the depth to which Sara explores a concept and relishes it. And this book is a testament of just that: it has brought together her ability, her single-mindedness, delight in following the path to which she is compelled and in exploring her purpose.

Peace is a reward for a few who are clear about their mission. Sara’s book is a witness to a peace beyond words, an exceptional talent and a celebration.

I would recommend Gently Awakened: The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey, to anyone, Christian or non Christian. Sara Joseph opens the door to the Christian faith wide for the world to see her heart and her love for Christ. Anyone who may have had thoughts about knowing more about Christianity, or artists who want to dig deeper into their art and the reasons they feel so much passion to create..this book is a must read with pencil in hand. Sara has written a book on art that the art world has long needed.. This a a book to read and reread.

In Sara Joseph’s new book, Gently Awakened: The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey, Sara proves she is as creative in her writing as she is with paint and sculpting clay. Like her artwork, her writing and poetry are descriptive and three dimensional.

At the center of Sara’s life is Jesus Christ. Gently Awakened: The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey, is Sara’s story of how God directs her life steps using the artistic gifts and abilities He gives her.

The power of books is that they draw you into their story line where you can find personal application. As I journeyed with Sara across the pages of her book, I came upon several statements that applied to my life and which made for thought-provoking pauses. This was a book and a journey that I did not want to end.

This book is an inspirational read. You will enjoy getting to know Sara Joseph. Join her on her artistic journey. As He did with Sara, God is waiting for you to meet Him and, in faith, offer your creative gifts for His Eternal Kingdom.

Sara is my neighbor and I have admired her commitment to Jesus Christ and her love for Him and His Word. As I began to read Gently Awakened, I was amazed at her writing skills. She writes about her personal experience with her savior and His molding of her personality and the development of her gift. I believe this verse describes Sara. Psalms 45:1 My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.” Sara’s heart overflows as she writes about the development of her gift of art and His hand upon her growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

After viewing some of Sara’s works of art, I recognize inspiration from a heavenly source. The Holy Spirit has given her the ability to communicate some spiritual experiences and spiritual truth in her art and her writing.

I just finished Sara's book this morning and know I will be visiting it again! I had been aware of Sara's moving artwork but had no knowledge of her book until an artist friend recommended it. I have been on my own artistic journey and have a penchant for reading inspirational books for the creatively inclined--Sara's book is personal and different from those other books. Her book is very much like having discussions with a dear artist friend about how God is working in our lives and through our art, our joys and fears and how we can grow as artists (people). Her poetry and artwork only enhance the experience!

I already have in mind several friends for whom this book would be an excellent gift and highly recommend it! It is filled with the wisdom and grace that God has shown Sara and that she shares with us.

Powerfully encouraging book i loved it

Full disclosure - I am married to the author and this would be a good time to skip this review if you are looking for an unbiased opinion of this work. I feel compelled however to lend some background context to this book here.

Jesus states in John 10:10[NRSV] "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." All Christians have eternal life, but most Christians fail to possess the abundant life. They are on the right side of Calvary but on the wrong side of Pentecost, on the right side of forgiveness but mired in their powerlessness to apprehend the promised abundant life. Sara helps bridge this divide in her book.

In a similar vein the bulk of the New Testament is dedicated to the progressive maturation or 'completion' of the Christian after the new birth. Sara's book documents the journey that she took along this path. It has been a path of progressive enlightenment seen through the prism of an artist in her personal struggle to apprehend and fan into flame her God-endowed creative gift (Ephesians 2:10, Exodus 35:31-32, 2Timothy 1:6). In the process she has managed to illuminate this path for us by skillfully weaving a rich narrative textured with personal anecdotes.

Personally this book is more of a devotional than a narrative meant to be read in linear order. Each chapter stands quite independently on its own. While it may sever the biographical thread running through it, it is not central to the work. I read it with a bookmark and highlighter by my side. I liken it to a fine wine best savored a few sips at a time than to a progressive five course meal.

Like me, I know that you will be edified in your reading of this book and confident that you will find yourself frequently returning to its pages in an attempt to re-acquire the 'apprehension' of this abundant life in Christ. Sara once remarked that this work came to be "in spite of her family, not because of it", and likened my role in particular to the grain of sand to an oyster, with a pearl as the result. Judging by the end result I resolve to continue to play my part (my calling?) in turning out more literary gems in the future. Eternity will be the richer for it.