Title: The Voice of the Rooster and the Lessons It Teaches
Author: Ellen Beth Burman
Publisher: Bookwhip Company
ISBN: 978-1951469801
Pages: 84
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Rae Capri

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We can indeed learn almost anything by observing each other, viewing life from various viewpoints. Humans and animals were created in the image God, yet paired us to coexist in harmony. Our purpose, which many are struggling to find, ultimately gives us a reason for belonging. So many are lost in this world unsure what their mission is, so they try a bit of everything. Nothing is wrong with finding one’s self because that is what everyone has to do in their own time. We’re constantly being reminded to be gentler with ourselves because we are, indeed, God’s proudest creation. Learning from the experiences of others would save us a lot of disappointment and increases our understanding of the world.

In The Voice of the Rooster and the Lessons It Teaches, author Ellen Beth Burman shares poetry of life experiences, either captured by her or someone close to her. A rooster is a creature with a purpose each day to stand on the highest perch, let out the loudest crow to announce the rising of the sun. God gave roosters this assignment to complete without any other tasks for its life. In a similar sense of saying, “The rooster has one job and does it well.” Being grateful for daily experiences in life demonstrates we are created to go into the world and live a fulfilling life.

On the first page, the list of lessons of the rooster, as humans we can understand and put into our perspectives. Self-starting happened to be on the rooster’s lessons list, ensuring not to rely on others in accomplishing our purpose in life. We must grasp a better understanding of being here for reasons out of our control. Life is a precious gift granted to us by God and we must view it through lenses of appreciation. As a rooster crows, it vocalizes an appreciation for a new and brighter day, sharing it with all who can hear. Everything in life is a gift to be cherished for the limited time we are on earth. Nothing is certain, including a tomorrow, so we must accept each day as another day to doing things right.

The truth is necessary to look for along our journey because living life on lies will hinder us more than to help us grow. For a fairer chance of survival, having truth in our arsenal will ensure minimal harm will come our way. The author’s depiction of truth resonates because “it reveals the heart behind it,” viewing someone as genuine by knowing their intentions teaches you about people. Each day our faith in our relationship with God is tested, demonstrating whether our love for Him is waivered or not. Yes, many would want to state that He is invisible, but doesn’t understand that He is all around us. The proof is in you and me, the air we breathe is invisible, yet we believe we have oxygen. It’s such an interesting thought to compare a powerful creator to oxygen.

Many people have experienced their versions of God being real by going through life’s trials and tribulations. The love He has for us will forever be unmatched and unlike anything else, we could ever experience and we should reciprocate it more to Him and others. Shine lighter even when the sun is hiding behind enormously gloomy clouds because life should be respected and highly regarded. Understand that everyone is assigned a mission and is their job to figure out what it is. By experimenting with many subjects, we’re able to discover our likes and dislikes. Whatever we enjoy most should be our main focus, including that we’re happy and doing something that contributes to the world. Human life is delicate and precious and can thrive with God at the head of everything one does instead of making God second in anything.

I enjoyed reading about the experiences of others, especially when the author stated how much certain people have contributed to the world by their existence. One wouldn’t think we can learn something from another creature, as fascinating as it may be, we should learn from each other. My purpose is different than the next individual and there’s nothing we can do to change that. Embracing our discoveries and flaws would allow us to become better people in helping those around us. The book mentions a few individuals that gave nothing but kindness to people they encountered. It’s a blessing in and of itself.

We should appreciate the good people that enter our lives showing us their genuineness because it is a rare find in this world full of selfishness and greed.  I highly recommend The Voice of the Rooster and the Lessons It Teaches to everyone to read because you’ll learn lots of great things to add to your life survival kit.