Evangelicals Now
<< January 2001 >>

One Step at a Time

The sequel to 'Dancer Off Her Feet'

When you're struggling with chronic illness

One Step At a Time
Julie Sheldon
Hodder & Stoughton.164 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 340 74623 8

One Step At a Time is the sequel to the author's bestselling first book Dancer Off Her Feet which chronicled her own fight against the crippling neurological disease dystonia. In her second book, she describes her family's turmoil as her ten year-old daughter is diagnosed with, and treated for, cancer and then M.E.

This book would be particularly helpful to anyone struggling with chronic illness, either as a sufferer or as a carer. It graphically describes the highs and lows, both physical and spiritual, of an existence governed by constant hospital visits and the absence of any normal daily routine. As the author struggles with the pain of watching not only her daughter suffer, but the toll on the rest of her family, her faith in God is severely tested.

Eventually, however, through the reading of Scripture and the writings of others who have faced similar trials, she is brought to a new acceptance of the daily perseverance required to take one more step.

For me, Julie Sheldon's challenge is to be a faithful friend to those in trouble. The story of 'The Seventh Friend' on pages 158-159 is especially poignant. This book is a challenge to us all to take One Step At a Time.

Pippa Underwood,
Soham