GEMSTONES OF THE HEART

Baker reflects on the nature of God’s love in this debut poetry collection.

Dedicating the book “to those who desire to go on the adventure of discovering God’s heart for them and to get to know their own heart better,” the author notes that she first started writing poetry in response to “some of the challenges I had to face in my life.” Written over the span of more than two decades, the book’s poems cover Christian-themed topics that range from the benevolence of God (as in the poems “Loving Father” and “Jesus my friend”) to the joy that comes to the faithful who experience God’s grace (as in the poems “Celebration of Joy” and “The joy of the Lord is my strength (song)”). An entire section of poems was written during the the Covid-19 pandemic and accompanying government shutdowns; they emphasize the Christian virtues of courage, hope, and restoration. While most of the poems have traditional, Protestant interpretations, the book occasionally challenges orthodoxy. Reflecting upon Rembrandt’s famed painting of the prodigal son, Baker sees in the father’s hands both a male and female hand, which, she notes, “reminded me that our Heavenly Father has male and female characteristics.” Other poems are described by the author as “unashamedly autobiographical” in discussing her own doubts and spiritual “awakening” later in life. While this short volume consists of just over 100 pages, its more than two dozen poems are not designed to be read in one sitting; instead, Baker encourages readers to approach them as “devotionals, biblical meditations, and thankful prayers” designed to be reflected upon as a supplement to their faith. To this same end, the book’s appendix material provides uplifting Bible verses that inspired (or can be read in conjunction with) each poem. While non-Christians may not agree with the poetry’s spiritual premises, Baker’s non-judgmental, welcoming approach to the faith is refreshing.

A heartfelt assemblage of encouraging Christian poems.