It is rare that a book gives such strong evidence of the working of God in our lives that it gives the reader chills, but such is the power of Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace (Baker Books, June 2024).
Written by award-winning author Kathy Izard of Charlotte (speaking in photo above), who was instrumental in the establishment of Charlotte’s first permanent, supportive housing for the chronically homeless, Trust the Whisper connects the dots between people, coincidences and events touched by God’s “whispers” and nudges – what she calls God Dots.
Many people believe that God’s miraculous works and still, small voice are confined to the pages of Scripture. It is not difficult to recognize the tangible ways God worked to weave stories of redemption in the ancient world. But the truth is, God is actively at work today, yet we often dismiss the evidence as coincidence or chance.
Beginning with the story of her own insistent whisper that led to Charlotte’s first permanent, supportive housing for the chronically homeless, Izard showcases miracles that transpire when we trust the whisper.
Trust the Whisper tells 22 distinct, yet intersecting stories of “God Dots”— instances of ordinary people stepping out in courage to follow a whisper and achieving extraordinary outcomes. These whispers have led to the creation of a mental health treatment center, a community for those with a rare illness, reunion after 20 years for separated twins, and more.
In her book, Izard urges readers toward a new, empowered way of living. She prods: What if that nagging voice is the Holy Spirit speaking to you? What if coincidences are instead instances of divine grace? What would happen if you took your own leap of faith and trusted the whispers you receive?
About the Author
Kathy Izard is an award-winning author of five books and an advocate for housing and mental health services in Charlotte and other cities in the Carolinas. She co-led the citywide effort to build Moore Place, Charlotte’s first permanent, supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, and was instrumental in the development of HopeWay, Charlotte’s first residential mental health treatment center. She wrote about her efforts in her memoir The Hundred Story Home, which received a 2017 Christopher Award for inspirational nonfiction. Kathy is a national speaker and retreat leader, encouraging people to be changemakers in their communities.