Rivers of Waters

Rivers of Waters is a memoir of the author’s battle with health issues, loneliness, and inner turmoil. Debbie Jerido, who was diagnosed with fibroid tumors, heard in a dream, “God is going to heal you.” When she did not receive her healing and had to undergo surgery, she experienced a season of uncertainty, grief, and sadness. This wilderness experience caused Jerido to sort out her mixed emotions by journaling. This book is a compilation of her journal entries.

It takes a bold and courageous person to publish their most intimate thoughts. A diary (or journal) is so personal. It contains events, ideas, conversations, and thoughts that most would not want to share even with family, let alone the public. It is evident that Jerido has a heart to please God and to encourage people. In her transparency, she reveals the struggles of her faith walk. She talks about her adulterous dreams, desire for alcohol, childhood memories, frustrations with society, and addiction to rhythm and blues. Although the author reflects on many issues, she cannot forget her failed promise and emotional pain. It is even difficult for her to read Bible stories or sing gospel songs that talk about healing. Therefore, she often turns to forbidden music for solace. As she tries to sort out her desires, she asks, “Do I sing the blues because there is no Tylenol for my broken heart?”

Through the pages of this book and the chapters of her spiritual journey, Jerido discovers the true source of her pain. This road of discovery also leads her to victory and her first Love—the one who has healing rivers of living water. Her ending is actually the beginning to a better life with Christ.

Writing this type of book may have been cathartic for the author, however, as a reader, it was often difficult to follow. Similar to a diary, it contains random and incomplete thoughts, and some grammatical and spelling errors. The author shifts from subject to subject as she tries to uncover the hidden matters of her heart. Despite her fleeting thoughts, I did learn something from reading this book: Do not forfeit the promises of God by disobedience, sin, or doing what is comfortable. Cling to Hope and wait on Him.

Review contributed by Tameka Delaney Edwards, a freelance writer who lives in Virginia with her loving husband and three wonderful children. She is an avid reader and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Regent University.