A collection of true-life stories gripped with pain, heartache, tests and trials of every nature imaginable. When enduring these difficult seasons in life, we rarely see God or the good in these catastrophic events that threatened to overtake us. Rather, we are threatened by depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, grief and heartache.

Like any soldier in action on the battlefield, you don’t have time to nurse your wounds while you fight to live. Only when the battle is over and you can find rest, can you adequately assess your wounds and the damage they might have caused. It is then you realise had it not been for God, you would not have made it that far – if it at all.

As you take stock of your pain and difficulties, you realise He was always guiding and protecting you. You realise just as the cross had a purpose for the resurrection, your pain also had a purpose and you are a stronger person because of it. Everything worked out for your good. The attacks your enemies used in their attempts to kill you, became weapons you get to uplift and empower others. When you convert your pain into purpose, you have activated your God-given power. It is the power and authority to trample on serpents as He intended of you and for you.

Charlotte Gilden is a divorced mother of three, an eldest daughter, a caring sister and a loving friend. She has a strong sense of family values and unconditional love underpinned by her unwavering, palpable faith in God. She is a strong, tenacious, God-fearing woman, wise and kind to her core. Gilden has a calming, tender, patient way about her befitting of her profession as a nurse.