The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love [Paperback]

Lily L. Ratliff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2008

Are you going through life s ups and downs alone? Are you a victim of the foster system or adopted and want to know, Why me? Can there ever be life after abuse or abandonment? If you have experienced opposition or neglect, this book is for you. In her autobiography, The Life of a Lily, author Lily L. Ratliff shows you that through all of your mess, God can bring you to a point of acceptance of what life has given you, with the vigor to carry on. A catalyst for hope and restoration in your life, with easy-to-read vignettes and relevant corresponding Scriptures, The Life of a Lily shows how a young girl triumphs by discovering what so many others failed to realize: that God had a plan for her life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises (April 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604622288
• ISBN-13: 978-1604622287
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,318,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lily L. Ratliff Jenkins is a writer, educator, entrepreneur and speaker. Lily is the author of the Christian inspirational memoir, The Life of a Lily that has been ranked consecutively for weeks on the Top 50 Black Christian Book Company Independent Publishers Bestsellers List for Non-Fiction. She also owns and operates "Everything That's Lily, LLC," an online book and inspirational jewelry business. The company brings literature and style with the word of God together to create a sense of fashion for everyone who loves jewelry, but also doesn't mind being reminded of the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Her testimony of how she got over and ultimately created her business, Everything That's Lily LLC will be featured in her short story "The Breakthrough" June 2009 in the anthology, Stepping Out on Faith. Her children's book series entitled The Last Shall Be First was released in March 2009 with the first story entitled, "An Act of Forgiveness."

Lily is an honorary member of Cambridge Who's Who for Entrepreneurs, Professionals, and Executives, a finalist in the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Best Overall Design, and a nominee for the 2008 African American Literary Award for Non-Fiction.

Lily has taught elementary through high school English and Reading for fourteen years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of South Florida. A master's degree in Reading Education and an educational specialist in Educational Leadership were both earned from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Lily is also a dynamic inspirational speaker who has been sought after by churches, writing circles, schools, and community organizations to motivate, encourage, and inspire today's youth & young adults. She has been featured as a writer on Internet Cafe Devotions, Written Magazine, Booking Matters Magazine, and Inspired Women Magazine, on the cover and featured on Faith-Filled Stilettos Magazine, interviewed on various radio shows, and a guest on Atlanta Live Ch. 57 TV. Lily resides in the Atlanta area with her family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRULY AMAZING!, April 18, 2008

By 

CHayes "Cheryl" (Bronx, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love (Paperback)

The life of a Lily by Lily L. Ratliff is a must read! There is a certain sadness and awareness that the writer approached, caressed and owned in penning this story of her life. Meet Lily the product of two people who did not know how to love or take care of each other. Once Lily's mother felt abandoned by the love of her life, she no longer cared if her baby lived or died. Born into this world prematurely, at three pounds, Lily proved to be a fighter from the very beginning and she has shown over time that she is indeed here for a reason.

I read this short autobiography in one sitting; where I found myself laughing, crying, concerned and full of every emotion possible. This is not a book for the weak at heart, because you will be forced to feel and walk in Lily's shoes as she candidly talks about her childhood. Where she fights for attention from her mother, not knowing her father and worshipping her grandparents. Ms. Ratliff has bared her soul and has come out on top after the grueling ordeal that she faced growing up, she was able to repair herself mentally and physically.

She is a breath of fresh air-- here to let you know that you are not alone no matter how you feel. That you can not let anyone guide you, destroy you, or kill your dreams because when you are at your lowest all you have to do is call out to God and he is always on time. I recommend this book to readers of all genres! And I look forward to reading more from Ms. Ratliff in the near future!

Reviewed by: Cheryl H

APOOO BookClub

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forgiveness, May 22, 2008

By 

Dwan Abrams "Author of Divorcing the Devil" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love (Paperback)

"The Life of a Lily" was a poignant tale. The author opened her heart and shared her life experiences with the reader. What I liked about the book was that the author did not sugarcoat her actions. When she was wrong, she took responsibility for her behavior. She gave readers insight into her strained relationships with her parents and half siblings. For me, the overall message of the book was forgiveness. This book was a quick and easy ready with a powerful message. I recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First comes rain....Then comes blossoms, April 21, 2008

By 

Kendra N. Bellamy (Stone Mountain, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love (Paperback)

Sometimes heartwarming and sometimes heartrending, 'The Life of a Lily' is a fast-paced true-to-life account that is sure to open its readers eyes to what it genuinely means to be a human flower, nurtured by the hands of God.

National bestselling author,

Kendra Norman-Bellamy