Author’s soul journey through poetry

IN life we are all faced with difficulties and obstacles and how we overcome them results in growth, strength and character.

And when we share our journey, we inadvertently help others to face their dark times with hope.

Mindful that navigating the twists and turns of life is not easy, Celia Wright from Kloof has shared her journey in the form of beautifully written poems to God.

Writing has been cathartic and Celia uses it to overcome clinical depression in her search for peace and joy.

“My relationship with God began in high school when I started writing poetry to Him seeking His comfort through my pain and depression. My English teacher, and mentor, Hilary Ashton (now Matthews), inspired me on my journey of discovery,” said Celia.

“Having won two awards for poetry in my matric year, I discovered my talent for writing Christian poetry.”

Celia has written, Ruach (breath of God’s Spirit) in the Valley, Shammah (God is there) at the River (2013) and HS Special Brand (Holy Spirit) 2004, Letters to God, and A cry for help (2010) among many others.

She has self-published these books and is thrilled that a CUM books consultant has approved of two of her books, forwarding a sample of each book to a private freelance marketing and distribuion consultant in Cape Town. The well known consultant then offered her a contract whereby the store will market and distribute the books to retailers including CUM books and churches nationwide. However, being sale published, she needs to pay for the printing costs and is looking for sponsorships big or small.

“I recently had a vision to fund Bibles for those struggling in Christian-persecuted countries and want the proceeds of my books to contribute to this worthy cause. The proceeds of the sales of her books will be donated to INContext Ministeries (NPO #095158) who fund Bibles to Christian persecuted countries.

She also wants to tithe to St Agnes Church in Kloof which she attends.

Her latest book, Ruach (breath of God’s Spirit) in the Valley, is a beautiful one.

A fortuitous meeting with Doreen Philip of DP Design, who did the layout and typesetting for Xcelerator Advertising of the Angus Buchan Mighty Men Conference Conference 2009 Men of Promise book, led to Doreen also designing and illustrating Celia’s poetry book.

Inspiration to write often came during ladies Christian camps and time in the outdoors. So many of Celia’s poems relate to the equisitiveness of nature and the Creator, and Doreen’s winsome pictures are quite enchanting and compliment the text.

Celia’s poetry is already inspiring others and UK friend is publishing the poem, Close of Day, in a monthly magazine with these introductory words: “Celia has come out of deep mental, emotional and spiritual wounds into the wonderful light and healing of Jesus. Her poems are part of her healing journey and gives me hope for all of us.”

Another friend, a clinical psychologist, has been sharing Celia’s poetry with her clients who find them hopeful. One client has broken his drug habit and asked Celia if he can translate her poem into SiSwati to share with others.

Then, Julia Lof, a Wywam student from Canada, asked if she could put Celia’s poetry to music and the result is a hauntingly pleasing CD, Poetry to Song (sold as a package with her book) that is soothing and brings peace to the soul.

“I have reached a season in my life where I have grown to see that I am not broken but beautiful. My discovery has taught me to love life, love myself and others,” said Celia in the Foreword of her book.

If you would like to sponsor the printing of her books, her bank details are: Celia Wright Book Fund, First national Bank, Kloof. Account number: 627 3365 5346.