Monday, October 8, 2018

About the Book

Book Title: Dare to Begin Again

Author: Rosalinda Rivera

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Life, Woman’s Issue

Release date: September 4, 2018

We all have struggles and challenges in life. Whether they are of our own making or not, things don’t always work out. Sometimes, we just give up on our dreams and goals.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! God is a God of new beginnings, and throughout the entire Bible, we read about people who were stuck, disappointed, and faced impossible situations—people God freed.
Rosalinda Torres Rivera challenges us to Dare to Begin Again. Using stories from her own life, other people, and biblical times, Rosalinda offers inspirational, down-to-earth advice on beginning again. Each chapter tackles a different issue where you may be “stuck”—such as an inability to forgive, trust, or hope—and examples of people who overcame similar challenges. Practical tasks at the end of each chapter walk you through a DARE challenge (Decide, Allow, Rise, Enjoy) to help you move closer to a fresh start.
Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from Brooklyn, New York, and his wife, Carmen, founders of the New Life For Youth ministry. She has seen more than twenty thousand people get out of tough situations and turn their lives around.
“They’re people whose tales of transformation prove God is still at work,” she says. “He’s written and re-written their life’s chapters—and He’s willing to do the same for you.”
It takes a commitment, but with the help of God, inspiring, true stories, and practical applications, you can Dare to Begin Again.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Rosalinda Torres Rivera is the executive director of New Life For Youth, one of Virginia’s largest residential facilities helping to rehabilitate people from a life of addiction. She has been reaching out to families in crisis, poverty, and hopelessness for over twenty-five years. Using her business skills, Rosalinda developed a model of social enterprise to sustain the non-profit New Life For Youth by creating businesses that train thousands of young people in job skills and leadership.
She is also the president of New Life Enterprises, the founder of Mercy Moms Home, a place for single mothers to find hope and healing, and the founder of Bella Women’s Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, which hosts annual conferences for over five hundred women.
Each year, Rosalinda is a featured presenter at various events nationwide. She has ministered throughout the world and has traveled to over twenty-two countries. From the White House to the local community, she has been nationally recognized for her impact in bringing hope to the hopeless.
Rosalinda was appointed to the Board of Governors of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, headquartered in Washington, DC. Style Magazine selected her as a “Top 40 under 40” leader for her impact in Richmond, Virginia.
In 2018, the Valentine Museum in Richmond will feature the work of her family as one of the city’s first Hispanic families to impact Richmond in the non-profit sector.
Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from the streets of New York, and his wife, Carmen, the founders of New Life For Youth and pastors of New Life Outreach International Church. She served as an associate producer on Victor, a movie about her father’s journey from drugs and gangs to Jesus and redemption.
Rosalinda and her husband, Carlos, have three children: Alana, Gabriel, and Victor.

When you were little, did you ever play , "I dare you, I double dog dare you" game? Most of us didn't want to be called chicken so we took the dare. When I saw the title of this book, I thought how awesome it would be to begin again. I could wipe the slate clean, forget my past and be a new person. There was one thing I didn't take into consideration though. Would I have the strength to start over? This book has taken me on a journey I will never forget. I must keep my head clear, and not listen to the voice of the enemy. If you have heard all your life that you are stupid and would never amount to anything, it becomes part of your belief.

Today is a new day for me. Today I take the challenge and begin again. I loved when the author said, " If you spend your time and energy focused on all of the reasons someone else is at fault, you will never allow yourself to start over." It really is time for each of us to stop wasting our energy on what happened to us and start focusing on the new beginning we can have. Believe me I am talking directly to myself as well. I lived in a violent and abusive home growing up. Needless to say, it left scars that have followed me through my entire life. I am thankful for this book and all the wonderful encouraging words the author has written.

The enemy knows each one of our weaknesses and he is ready to pounce at any minute. I deal with anxiety and depression and it has taken a toll on me. This book has given me hope again as I read how other people from the bible overcame adversity. I always think about Job and all that was taken from him. Yet he still stood in faith and never faltered. I want to be like that. I want to focus on the plans God has for me and stop falling for the trap the enemy sets for me. How do I do that? I start to spend more time with Him, let Him be the one I turn to, let Him encourage me and remind me of His promises.

There are so many great chapters in the book that I devoured each one with hope. I love how the author is compassionate as she talks about forgiveness, taking risks and yes even starting over. God does have a plan for each of us. But in order to see that plan happen we need to give up control. That is so hard for me. I want to be in control of everything and I guess I think God needs my help. Thankfully He is gracious and " will release you from past failures hurts, disappointments, bitterness, and pain, if you will let Him." It's time for us to step aside and let God have control.

I really enjoyed the book and will continue to look through it daily. I "Dare To Begin Again" is a book that will change how you see and feel about yourself. We are not alone and each of us have struggles. God is right there waiting for us to reach out to Him. He wants to dry our tears, show us unconditional love and let us know we are special to Him.

"Your past is not the problem ; It's only when you live there that you're stuck."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.