Image Bearers

Author Rachel Atkinson & Michael Lloyd
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton £18.99
Format pbk, 2023
ISBN 9781529318661

Subtitled ‘Restoring our identity and living out our calling’, the book was inspired by the life of the late Ruth Miller, a Christian counsellor skilled in restoring and developing the relationship between her clients and God. This may seem harsh, but to me the first part of the book, written by Michael Lloyd, seemed to be trying to make people feel guilty. It was not a dialogue, but rather a lecture on how sinful and broken we all are. Although challenging, it was too prescriptive for the questioners among us, although it did make me think. The second and subsequent parts, written by Rachel Atkinson, came as a breath of fresh air. There are outstandingly helpful chapters on recovering from childhood with a mother and/or a father who had not been kind, loving parents, people who were probably very mixed up themselves, and may eventually be forgiven. The chapter on dying well, including contributions from Ruth Miller, deals with fear and trust in God during terminal illness. This would be very helpful to any Christian or carer facing this eventuality.

Reviewed by VERONICA BRIGHT

Pastoral