“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit” ~ 3 John 1:2, NLT If you are buying this book for yourself or giving it as a gift, know that it is for every mother, daughter, sister, mentor or mentee, friend, or enemy. The words written in this devotional are meant to uplift, inspire, encourage, ignite, and remind us women, young women, and the little girls within us that we are so much more than what we think of ourselves. Sometimes we fall short of our gifts, other times we know we have a gift but are unsure how to use it. At times the world can take a toll on us and make us forget our potential—but all in all we are a treasure, specifically made to be great and do great things! It is only by walking crooked roads, that He has straighten my paths; it is only by failed attempts in life that I stand victorious; it is only from falling to the bottom that I can shout from the mountain top. It is only through my TRUST in HIM that I can do all things, for He is my strength. ~ Monique J. Abraham

Pure Moments is a book of just that. Moments in life that I don't want to forget or experiences that God spoke to me through over the years. Sometimes, I would sense the Holy Spirit telling me to write in the middle of the night. The words would come and I knew it wasn't me. However, it usually had to do with something I was going through at the time; things like motherhood, parenting, grieving, and marriage. These words would just flow onto the paper. I pray these poems remind us of how special moments can be. Whether it is in good times or bad, God will always be there for us. They may be words you want to pass on or express; however, didn't know how. Words that will encourage you in your journey. It's those moments in life that are precious. We just need to take the time to notice and capture them. God will bring us through, bless us with beauty, give us wisdom, or comfort us when we need it. For the joyful moments that come that we want to remember or the times when you need to know someone else felt that way too. May these poems bless you and speak to your heart as they did mine. God bless you.

'The best and the worst of our shared humanity...breathtaking and heartbreaking.' The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO One woman's astonishing journey from unimaginable trauma to becoming a power for good. In 1999, Sierra Leone was in the midst of a brutal civil war where mindless violence, vicious amputation and the rape of young enslaved women were the everyday weapons of bloody conflict. It was also where rebel soldiers snatched the young Aminata Conteh-Biger from her father's arms, then held her captive for months. After she was released, the UNHCR recognised that her captors still posed a serious threat to her safety. So, still in her teens, she was put on a plane and flown to Australia to start afresh as a refugee in a land she knew nothing about. It is here that she has proudly built a life, while never allowing her trauma to define her. Yet it was a near-death experience she suffered during the birth of her child that turned her attention to the women of Sierra Leone - where they are 200 times more likely to die while having a baby than in Australia. So she set up the Aminata Maternal Foundation, then returned to the land of her birth to help. This is her story. PRAISE FOR RISING HEART 'Aminata knocked me out at our first meeting in Sydney some years ago...courage shining through as she spoke of some of her experiences in Sierra Leone. Her story, Rising Heart, will never leave you; searing, powerful, disturbing, hopeful.' The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO 'The spirit of Aminata's story will stay with you long after you finish reading. Rising Heart has refuelled my sense of perspective and purpose. Aminata's courage in sharing this intensely personal story is rewarded with the power of inspiring hope. Thank you, Aminata, for sharing.' Yael Stone, actor and activist 'A powerful read that will make you cry at the injustice and brutality of our world - especially the treatment of women and girls - but then shed tears of admiration and hope. Aminata reminds us of the power of an individual to make a difference. She is an inspirational woman who has brought about extraordinary change, and is a shining example of why we must all be good global citizens. What a beautiful Australian story.' Natasha Stott Despoja AO 'A gripping story of courage, survival and redemption.' Wendy McCarthy AO 'An incredible story of hope and transformation, one that we can all learn from.' Emma Isaacs, Founder and Global CEO, Business Chicks 'Women's reproductive health is one of the most important factors in determining their quality of life and that of their children. Aminata's extraordinary efforts in her country of origin will make a life-changing difference to the mothers and children of Sierra Leone.' Professor Kerryn Phelps AM 'I have met many refugees the world over, and the courage of Aminata's personal account as a survivor of unimaginable cruelty is both disturbing and inspiring. Her unwavering belief in human kindness in the face of so much adversity is what makes her a role model for so many women and girls.' Louise Aubin, UNHCR Representative 'Aminata not only gives an important voice to her own intensely personal story but also to the many forgotten women and girls caught up in war and conflict today. She is a compelling advocate for the rights of these women and also for the work of the UN Refugee Agency who supports them.' Naomi Steer, National Director Australia for UNHCR

This gift book includes more than 90 short prayers arranged in various categories including “Facing a New Day”, “Busy, Busy”, “Marriage” and “Connecting with Others.” The prayers are written by various Christian women throughout the world. The cover features an attractive magnetic closure flap.