About the Book

Book: Able Soul

Author: Lucy Goncalves

Genre: Christian Inspirational Devotional

Release date: April 27, 2019

Front Cover No stranger to adversity, Lucy Goncalves was deprived of oxygen at birth. She has lived her entire life with cerebral palsy, and the daily challenges she must face as a result.

In her award-winning debut book Able Soul: Empowering God’s Spirit Within, she explores the ground-breaking lessons garnered from embracing her struggles rather than giving up on God because of them. On the backdrop of personal stories from her life, along with related scriptures and prayers, you will find proof that the Holy Spirit is always accessible. God works with you in the midst of all your challenges.

By inviting God’s spirit in daily, Lucy has received tangible communications from God. She shares how the power of these soul-lifting reflections will lead you out of the darkness and steadfast toward pure contentment.

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About the Author

LUCY2021FINALS-12 Author, Advocate, Adventure Sport Enthusiast, Able Soul

Lucy Goncalves began her writing career by penning a sought-after blog, ‘Able Soul’ where she shares her life experiences of living with a disability, and in the midst of it found hope, faith, and the greatest love of all. Due to a lack of oxygen at birth, Lucy acquired Cerebral Palsy. She uses a powerchair for mobility, wrestling with chronic muscle spasms, and has a speech impediment, yet has fought through these obstacles to tell her story. She is the epitome of overcoming adversity.

Lucy is the daughter of Portuguese Canadian immigrants from Northern Portugal. She was raised in Kitimat, British Columbia and has been living independently in North Vancouver for the past few decades. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and has chaired several nonprofit boards, including the InterFit Society, an organization that exists to remove barriers for people with disabilities to access outdoor recreational adventures.

Anyone who has met Lucy Goncalves can attest to her radiant personality, intellect, quick wit, sense of adventure and to the depth of her character. In her book, she shares candid reflections of her life living with a disability, the abuse she encountered, and the freedom she found with God. She hopes that you too will discover your own Able Soul story.

More from Lucy

Before writing the book, I felt a bit lost and frustrated, not having my voice completely heard. I felt that I had a lot to offer especially in regards to my faith. As a person with a disability, sometimes it’s difficult to be taken seriously, as an equal. Through prayer I began to write and started a blog. With positive feedback from readers, I gained confidence in my writing ability which led to the book.

MY REVIEW

I loved reading the intro where we are greeted by the author. I’m so impressed by her outlook on life and all the things she has accomplished. She says she has a disability but it has never stopped her from doing anything. I can learn a lot from her joy and adventurous spirit. This is one devotional that penetrated my heart with truth, encouragement and God’s love.

Each chapter has a topic that the author uses as a tool in her everyday life. Prayer is very important and having her explain that prayer is like oxygen that helps us to take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit is inspiring. It is refreshing and brings new vision to us as we allow God to direct our path. The second chapter was the one I liked the most. It talks about hiding from people or God when we are ashamed of our actions or appearance. I love how she laughs at herself and still finds words to encourage us. We can build up walls around us which prevents us from hearing from God. Let’s tear those walls down and open our heart to the Word of God.

With each chapter there is a prayer that follows as well as scripture. What a well written book that is organized and really helped me get through some struggles I am having. I can imagine hearing the author speak at a church or conference and feel her compassion for life and God. It is nice to be reminded that “we can do all things through God who strengths us,” (Philippians 4:13]

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