...of "We Snap in Silence," by LaVender Shedrick Williams

“…As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword…” Exodus 17:8-15 NIV



Just when my hands began falling from the weight of feeling as if I’m “in this” alone, >>“We Snap in Silence: Unveiling Private Pain and Finding Perfect Peace as a Woman, Wife, and Mother,” authored by LaVender Shedrick Williams, arrived in my mailbox. Sister-friend LaVender steps forward from behind the mask of false-perfection-appearances by recognizing the importance of meeting herself where she is and accepting herself whether she likes herself or not. She says, “Unmasking began my healing process and placed me in a position to encourage other women. Prayerfully, my hope is that others will feel the liberty to unmask and begin their healing process also.” (P.9)

“We Snap in Silence" is a straightforward read. It’s not overwhelmingly large, which makes it, in the sense of time, an undemanding read. Usually, I shy away from books that are large no matter how enticing the title may be because I immediately feel as if I’d “never” have the time to read it. Getting personal for a moment, I have a husband, three kids and I put up with depression. Therefore, reading is a lavish luxury for me. Give me a book that is going to make an impact without trying to entertain me with flattering words and doesn’t require me to punch a time card to read it! In an electronic conversation with LaVender, I told her that I appreciated the simplicity of her book by telling her that she gave me exactly what I needed. She replied, “Larie, thank you also for encouraging me about the length of the book. The enemy tires to laugh in my ear because the book is so thin, but like you said, not many mothers have time or want to read a thick book. Since this book was so necessary for me to write, I had to get to the point and shut up.” In regards to my depression, most of the time I do not feel motivated to do anything so attempting to read a book that appears to be as thick as my dictionary…nah-uh, not gonna happen!

Thanks LaVender!

Back to "We Snap in Silence," we’re delivered perceptible applications in the “Now What?” section. Authoress LaVender Shedrick Williams educates women on how to apply what we read in her book, so that it will not be another inspiring bookshelf book. “Look” at y’all, eyes wide in anticipation ‘cause you thought I was ‘bout to say how LaVender says to do it! HA-HA! Of course not my dear friends, you’ve got to get the book and read it for yourselves!!! smooches :)

Lastly, my favorite section is “Parting the Curtains” because it is here that our friend lets us into her life. In doing so, LaVender gains credibility by revealing personal masked moments. She made herself relatable, in saying, “I definitely couldn’t write about something I know nothing about.” (P.19) So you see, Mrs. Williams is not on a quest to write a book just to see her name in print, she has lived & is living what we read about. One of her goals is for us, (women), to know that we are not alone, and y’all know that this is what I strive to be about as well, hence, my recommendation of "We Snap in Silence: Unveiling Private Pain and Finding Perfect Peace as a Woman, Wife, and Mother," written by, LaVender Shedrick Williams.

But sorry, you can’t have mine. There are some books that I read and pass on. Then there are others that I read, highlight, make notes in and read again and LaVender’s book is one of those that I used my highlighter in. In fact, I had to get another highlighter because the first one ran dry on me! Instead, I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from "We Snap in Silence,"

“The candle burning at both ends doesn’t burn forever. These melting moments are experienced by every woman at various degrees. Although the moments are only temporary, they can have life-long effects. These melting moments can be controlled or even avoided.” (P.60)

Congratulations and thank you, LaVender, for >>“We Snap in Silence: Unveiling Private Pain and Finding Perfect Peace as a Woman, Wife, and Mother.” I, for my part, greatly appreciate it and am inspired. I love you!

smooches,
Larie

Further Resources:
MomsWeb
Mom's Peace Bites
Raising Mothers
Mom's Peace Place