“Beholding and Becoming” is an utterly gorgeous book both in its captivating watercolour illustrations as well as the depth of beauty of its text’s exhortation.
I’ve been a fan of Ruth Chou Simons’ GraceLaced IG feed for many years, and have constantly been amazed at her authenticity of her family life sharing and the beautiful original paintings and biblical quotes she posts.
Having said that, this book is on a totally different level, and reveals a depth of Ruth’s life that I had erstwhile not known. Like her, I am ethnically Asian but grew up with predominantly western influences with regard to language and culture. Like her, I have been saved by grace and am keenly aware of my sinful self in the now and not yet. So it resonated when she shared about her father’s oblique answer that was so foreign to her yet so familiar in our culture. And again it resonated when she so effectively pointed out how we need not be trapped by our culture and the expectations that are so deeply melded within, but rather we have such freedom to react from a new source of love and belonging.
I found myself being constantly encouraged as I read the book, and awe-struck by the loveliness of the nature-inspired paintings. I was reminded how important it was to “preach to my own heart”, an oft-used phrase of Ruth’s.
Certainly a perfect book to gift any friend who’d like to soak in the Word and gaze upon wondrous artistry. Thank you so much, Ruth, for using your God-given gifts so beautifully to encourage and exhort God’s people to bear fruit for His Kingdom.
9/10 ⭐️
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