Reflections

Forgiveness – it can be one of the hardest decisions to make but one of the most important actions to take to bring peace and contentment back into one’s life.


So, how would one go about forgiving others, or oneself, for the wrongs that were done? In Reflections, the first book by Christian author John Thomas, the concept of forgiveness is explored in an Irish fantasy tale through generational narration.


Seamus, grandfather to grandsons Killian and Finn, tells the Irish legend of Riley O’Toole, a hermit of a man who lives in despair over the drowning deaths of his wife and children.


Adding to Riley’s suffering is his isolation from the people of his town of A’idan Gareth, encouraged by outlandish gossip from his bitter sister-in-law.


Riley soon sees his world change when he forms an unique friendship with a good-natured, talking flower named Rose, a flower who also knows about gossip and ridicule.


Through their friendship, both begin to accept their true selves and embrace the power and peace that comes from forgiving those in their pasts. This transformation will aid both as they prepare for Riley’s unforeseen trial for the deaths of his family and final clash with his resentful sister-in-law.


The same lessons also apply to Seamus and his squabbling grandsons, who all learn their own lessons of forgiveness as the story progresses.


The tale of Riley O’Toole in Reflections is one that will encourage readers of all ages to identify areas in their own lives where forgiveness is needed while embracing who they have been created to be in God’s plan.


“The question we all need to ask ourselves is will we rise above the hurts and live in victory, or fall beneath the crushing weight of these hurts and live in bondage?”


-John Thomas