helen c birch

What would you do if God suddenly switches maps on you?
One minute, you are soaring the heights...and the next, on the floor of a valley you do not want to be in.

That was me! A shock diagnosis of breast cancer when I was on the cusp of a new venture left me reeling. Could I get back up again and continue? Using Psalm 84 as my compass, I discovered that with Jesus this unwanted valley could become a place of springs.

Within the pages of this book is a unique mix of testimony and devotional teachings. My hope is that my story is an encouragement to you, and my teachings give you the wisdom you need, if like me, God unexpectedly takes you on a surprise detour.

Further Information:
’Into the Valley’ was born directly from the pages of my journal. As I embarked on my unwanted journey of breast cancer, I recorded all my thoughts, feelings, prayers, scriptures and personal revelations from His Word in order to process all that was happening. As the pages of my diary filled, a question started to form in my spirit. What did I want to focus on? Should the focus be on the malignant tumor which had rudely interrupted my Christmas, or would it be better instead to focus on Jesus Himself? Should I allow the cancer to direct my path, or should I find a way to accommodate this unwelcome guest into my walk with Jesus and make Him my guide and helper instead?

I decided on Jesus. Therefore, as you read this book, you will find woven within the pages a unique mix of testimony and devotional teachings. Unique, because I have written my testimony in present tense narrative, infusing it with scriptural insights I gleaned along the way. Jesus taught using parables to enable His listeners to see how His Word related to their everyday lives. My aim is much the same. My hope is that by allowing you into my inner dialogue of the physical, emotional and spiritual journey I walked, you will gain a deeper understanding in how God’s Word can be applied to every life experience we go through. God’s Word is living, so it is therefore present. My story therefore is also present.