Review Title: God’s Broken Crayon Masterpiece (Review of Broken Crayons Still Color by Shelley Hitz)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars

Broken Crayons Still Color will help you reevaluate the outcome of things that brought hurt into your life. People tend to get stuck in thinking back on the hurt without consideration of how God could turn it around to make something good from the brokenness. Shelley Hitz covers this with an easygoing style of writing that engages the reader from the very beginning to the end of the book.

As you read the book, you feel like a fellow journey companion through some of the major events that have caused Shelley deep emotional hurts in life. She explains the hurt, but does not dwell there. She takes the reader forward to see what God did to advance His kingdom on earth through her willingness to let Him lead her to better places. (Shelley thoughtfully advises that some hurts are so deep and severe that the reader needs to go through the book with a Christian counselor or Pastor.)

Each chapter has a helpful memory Bible verse, questions for reflection and possible discussion, a coloring page, and a video accessible through a website. Also, at the end of the book, she has included a thorough list of additional resources for those who want further help for themselves or others.

I was surprised at the depths and variety of emotional hurts Shelley shares from her life. She relates to those who have to forgive themselves for falling into. addiction. She discusses forgiving those who have perpetrated crimes against her and other family members. She tells of being bullied for being a member of the high school band and how she gave up the enjoyment of that activity as a negative way to handle the bullying. But God has redeemed her pain by giving her the story that so many can relate to so she can help others see a better way to handle the anti-social behavior of bullies. She also has an important message regarding being too caught up with concerns about one’s outward appearance.

I loved listening to the Audible version of this book recorded by Shelley. It would be good to listen to in the car, while doing housework, or exercising. I do suggest getting the book if you have plans to utilize the resource list at the back. It would take a lot of time and effort to write down the resources.

Many people will benefit from listening or reading Shelley’s book. It is ideal for small group ministry to women. Group leader information is included. This would be just right to cover in a ladies’ weekend retreat.

I thank the author, Shelley Hitz, for giving me the Audible version of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to give a good review.