The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul, published by Thomas Nelson, is written by Ruth Chou Simons, an accomplished author and talented artist. She writes thirty Gospel-focused meditations that help release our burdens and focus on God. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lonely, or broken, this book provides you with a sense of joy, peace, hope, and healing. Each chapter offers thoughtful reflections, Scriptural references, and prayers that reset your soul with Jesus.

The five chapters include: 1) The Way of Dependency, 2) The Way of Freedom, 3) The Way of Resilience, 4) The Way of the Unhurried, and 5) The Way of Belovedness.

The title of the book refers to the Biblical passage Luke 12:25–27: ”’Who of you by worrying can add a single hour of your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin …’”

In the Introduction, Ruth explains how she became inspired to write these meditations. Seeking reprieve from the demands of the world, a walk in the mountains among the hills of wildflowers opened her eyes to the glory of God’s creation. She was surrounded by all different colors, shapes, sizes, and fragrances which reminded her of our unique and God-given purpose. We too can live the way of the wildflower, free from the fears that rob our joy.

I was astounded by the sheer beauty of the hand-painted floral artwork by Ruth in each chapter. A different species of wildflower was paired with the Gospel meditation that addresses a difficult issue you may be facing. In fact, each chapter has a page defining the scientific designation (Latin name included) of the botanical and how essential they are in the environment. Have you ever noticed wildflowers exist in the most unlikely places? Similarly, we are dependent on our Creator, thriving in grace and love. Watch out for nuggets of wisdom from philosophers, poets, singers, and writers throughout the book. In the chapter, “The Way of Resilience,” Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted; “Love is like wildflowers; it’s often found in the most unlikely places.”

As I finished The Way of the Wildflower, I was left with a profound sense of calm and renewal. Ruth’s meditative texts, spiritual metaphors from the ground up, Scriptural references, and prayers all lead us to God’s promise and a new way of living. In sum, I highly recommend this book to book clubs, Bible studies, women’s circles, support groups, or as a gift to a loved one who seeks solace from life’s burdens.

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6–7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

The publisher provided a copy of the book for this review.