I must say that  walking with you on the journey you outline in your book was quite  fabulous, intriguing, and encouraging. I use the word ‘journey’ to capture  my feeling of moving from one state to another without a clear visible  destination, as I traversed the inspiring chapters of this book. A journey,  outlined by faith, and hope in which the destination is yet to be manifested and substantiated. A paradoxical journey, might I add – adorned with  comfort and interlaced with mitigation. A journey that triggers anxiety, yet  provides solace deeply rooted on the sacred reassuring words from the  bible. A journey not travelled only by the author, but by supporters and  bystanders along the way, shrouded with empathy and the occasional  apathy. A journey that is guided by hope, yet, clouded with latent despair.  A journey strengthened by faith, and weakened by the occasional doubt. 

Our Miracle Baby – Dare to Believe - is a literal ammunition directed at manufactured societal shortcomings and anachronistic African taboos. That  which occupies the silent mind, the unspoken voice, the unfulfilled promise  and the unrevealed yearning for a desire, is carefully captured using  appropriate words, supported by a combination of scripture and science,  blended into a beautiful narrative with the output being this beautiful book  that binds with emotions and pondering thoughts that will continue to  weigh on the reader’s mind. 

This book addresses anticipation associated with what the author refers to  as ‘Delayed Parenthood’ (Chap 1) and immediately leads into what science  might offer in ‘Seeking Medical Solutions’, (Chap 2) and the roadblocks or  

‘Twist and Turns’ (C3) that can suddenly appear and throw a monkey  wrench into the process. Ironically, in the process of building a home, it was  interesting to see how reclaiming a home miles away reinforced faith. You  will have to purchase the book to learn more about ‘the Rhodes residence’.  This chapter leads to ‘The waiting period’ (c4) – Dreams, Impatience, 

Reassurance, Worries and Fellowship Indeed, Delay is not Denial, Hope  needs to be kept alive. But, as humans, ‘Curbing Negative Emotions’ (c5) is  a necessary tool in the arsenal against doubts, fear, resentment, anger,  denial, pain and guilt, and if these emotions are not sufficiently curbed,  ‘The snare of resentment’ (c6) could reveal itself. This was a tough and  emotional chapter to read - But the author makes it quite clear that ‘God  never leaves nor forsakes his own’. – which is the perfect ammunition for  ‘Rising Above Discouragement’(c7). Here, the author offers coping  strategies to do just that – one being, ‘Check yourself before you wreck  yourself’. This leads to the inspiring case of Rumbidzai (c8). Rumbidzai was  a source of inspiration, always standing on the scriptures – a sure bridge to  ‘Standing on the Promises’ (c9) - a chapter that encourages us to continue  to be productive instead of wallowing in pity. And finally, the author  challenges us – Dare to believe (c10) – Never allow anything or anyone to  destabilize you. If it is in His word, then you better believe that it will come  to pass. You better believe! 

This book is not only a fantastic read, but a source of inspiration and a  potential reference manual for many of us in challenging situations. I pray  that the author and all readers be blessed by the words of encouragement and lessons of life contained therein.  

I cannot resist the urge to leave you with the words of David, the Psalmist  recorded in the first 3 verses of Psalm 40: I waited patiently for the LORD;  And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. 

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my  feet upon a rock, 

And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to  our God; 

Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. – Dare to Believe!

By David During