About Joyful in Hope

"Jean Gibson has an extraordinary ability to draw us into the lives of the women whose stories she tells. I was completely absorbed, touched and challenged by the way they not only came to terms with a host of difficult situations, but faced them with courage, dignity and hope. This book is indeed a treasure trove of surprising joy in unexpected places."

Michele Guinness, author and speaker

"In his letter to the believers in Ephesus 2:10, the Apostle Paul wrote, For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. As Jean traces the story of one courageous woman’s life after another, she invites us to wonder at the beauty of God’s workmanship which shapes lives that, in the midst of the brokenness of our world, shine with His goodness. Read and be inspired to run with perseverance the race that is set before us."

Mike Treneer, International President, The Navigators

"What a wonderful compilation of personal stories lived in God. As I read, I was struck again by the faithfulness of this God who breaks into history and into our own personal histories. Each of these personal stories told so vividly by Jean, drew me again into the wonder of our God who is at work in the intimate details of our lives. Our life journeys are times of graced light and graced darkness. Jean’s book reminds us we live bathed in grace, and it is this that enables us to indeed live ‘joyfully in hope’"

Sally Longley, Retreat Leader, Spiritual Director and Hon Assoc Minister; Sydney, Australia.

Encouraged and excited is the way that “Joyful in Hope” has imprinted my life. As I followed their lives and stories of 8 women I was encouraged by their faithfulness and hope in Jesus as they faced very difficult family and sometimes life threatening situations. I was gripped by the sensitive way each story has been written and felt a bond with these people. I was continually reminded that when we become Christians God promises to be with us in all situations. He never promises, however, to remove the trials of the world. In spite of the difficulties faced these people have always felt God standing beside them every step of the way, pouring compassion on them even in very dark hours( Psalm 103:13). I found it difficult to put the book down and saw it as a great encouragement for my Christian walk.

Julie F. Mathews, Head of Education, Wesley Institute, New South Wales, Australia

This book is a story of real women living real lives. It shows us that there is hope in the midst of despair and that God does give inner strength to cope with life’s tragedies. It is a reminder that faith in God is the greatest hope we have - here we see the reality of women whose living faith in Jesus carries them through. Women everywhere will draw much strength and encouragement from this book.

Caroline Hawthorne, General Secretary, Presbyterian Women

An accident, illness or trauma can change our lives in a moment. How would YOU cope? We are indebted to the individuals who have been willing to be vulnerable and share their warts and all stories in Joyful in Hope. Jean Gibson's gift of sensitively documenting these accounts brings hope to all of us that God's grace and comfort takes many forms.

John Brown, Operation Mobilisation

About Seasons of Womanhood

"These personal stories will inspire, challenge, and encourage women in all stages of life. We journey with these women as they, and we, learn to overcome circumstances with God's help, finding ultimate peace."

Jean Daly, wife of Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO

"I was deeply challenged and encouraged by the stories of these different women. Their lives speak powerfully of God’s love and faithfulness through some of life’s most difficult twists and turns. Jean has created a lasting gift by bringing to us, in such a readable and compelling form, the faith journeys of these courageous women."

Chris Treneer, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO

"If it hasn't happened to you, it has happened to someone you know. Marital strife, affairs, divorce, illness, depression, substance abuse, civil or cultural upheaval, death of a loved one, abandonment, loneliness. We have all experienced that moment of fight or flight. How do we cope? What can be done? Jean Gibson shares the stories of real women in all seasons of life who have faced trauma and found creative and courageous ways to not only survive, but to thrive. This is one of those inspiring books you'll want to share with others."

Deanna Haught Kappelmann, Haught Topics, Dallas, TX

"Within the pages of this book are some remarkable stories of some remarkable women."

Di Parsons, Care for the Family

"I am delighted to be part of this book. As I look back over my own life and the lives of the other women here, I am overwhelmed by our God’s supreme faithfulness and love in every circumstance."

Joanne Hogg, vocalist with Iona

"Do read this book! I promise it will inspire you, and that you’ll pass it on to others. These ten very different women captured my imagination and gave my faith a real fillip. God is at work in our lives, bringing us a future and a hope."

Celia Bowring, CARE

"There are no celebrities in this book; no guaranteed happy endings, comfortable career choices or stories of star-struck success. Instead, there are real lives of real faith in a real God who shows up in the toughest of circumstances for the most ordinary of women."

Wendy Bray, writer, speaker, author of In the Palm of God’s Hand

"Jean Gibson understands what happens when we as women struggle on life’s journey. As our pasts reflect who we are, our futures are determined by embracing “ Whose” we are. When you meet Elaine, Suzanne, Pamela, Karen and others in this book, imagine your own name, with your own stories inserted into the pages. Jean’s writing encourages all of us to discover what is hiding behind our masks and to find the courage to remove those masks. Read on with courage and hope!"

Yvette Maher, Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO

"This book is a real page-turner! The moving stories of ten women are very varied and the common thread of hope in Christ through their difficulties, is compelling. All who read them will be inspired and encouraged."

Fiona Castle, author and speaker, widow of Roy Castle the popular TV entertainer

"These stories make it clear that Christians are not exempt from the trials and tribulations of life. The women in this book have shown their true colours of faith and courage, and have not given up on God even when there appeared to be no hope. When life threw ugly darts at them, they found a strength to navigate life with a confidence that God was there helping them with each step. This book is an inspiration – read it and be encouraged."

Kay Lucas, Executive Director, Jeff Lucas International Ministries