On the Wings of Hope

Book excerpt: Life is not always easy. In this life, we all suffer. We all hurt. We all mourn. We all feel pain. On the Wings of Hope is a collection of poems and devotions to remind us we are not alone. It is a book for those who are enduring some sort of trial, whether they are being abused, suffering the loss of a loved one, or simply feeling unloved. As someone who has experienced all of those things, author Toni Blea-Torres seeks to offer readers some hope and encouragement, reminding them that they can find comfort in God, our Father. As a child, Toni was the victim of sexual abuse. Later, as an adult, she suffered terrible physical, mental, verbal, and emotional abuse at the hands of her first husband. Then, when her parents passed away within a few years of each other, the emotions were compounded, and she felt completely lost. Writing became a cathartic release for her, a means to a new life. Friends found the work inspiring and encouraged her to use the writings as a sort of devotional. Others will be blessed by the topics she covers in her book, including family, friends, and faith. Toni Blea-Torres lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the Wings of Hope is her first book.