Title: Thrusting Against Negative Forces
Author: Dr. Belinda Ball
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 9781532056475
Pages: 298
Genre: Self-Help & Spirituality
Reviewed: Rae C. Bernard

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We are, unfortunately, living in a world that feeds on negativity to strive and that is not a good way for anyone to live. As we’re all sinners, the majority of us are trying our best to become the good child God created us to be, one day at a time. For the rest of us who are possibly seeking a spiritual guide or a clear understanding of their life’s purpose, this book will be an eye-opener. As each day goes by, some people suffer more and more from the negative things that are happening to them. This would usually be the time where individuals tend to stray off the path to righteousness, which is completely understandable from a human’s point of view. What then happens is the decisions and actions performed out of desperation and anger only makes their circumstances worse. Both positive and negative energy must co-exist to maintain a universal balance, but it shouldn’t stop anyone from seeking just positivity to feed on? If there was a drastic shift of people embracing more positive forces, would the world finally be at a peaceful state? As a community of humankind, we have so much repenting, relearning, and growing to do in order to experience a world worth living during our temporary stay.

In Thrusting Against Negative Forces, author Dr. Belinda Ball breaks down everything one could consider to be negative and how to overcome them. The strength within us was given by God, as our internal spirit, which allows us instant communication directly with our Father. Although we are all sinners, Dr. Ball doesn’t dwell on just negative behaviors, she goes into depth on spiritual methods we can use. Prayer has been the most popularly discussed topic and by reciting and including Bible verses for reference, which makes the reading experience more authentic. Not only is this a short read, but it’s also created in such a way that can be purposefully used as a daily spiritual journal. It is like a resourceful guide that would ensure you’re heading in the right direction and strengthening what Dr. Ball classified as our “spiritual character.” As Christians and those that believe in Jesus Christ, our main focus is to repair the damages of our sins by repenting, asking God for forgiveness; then work on changing our life around. It was great to read several pieces of advice with one being to give it to God and “keep it movin’” because that’s something many of us forget to do. We’re carrying a weight that does not belong to us and it drags us down, greatly. Out of all negative forces described and discussed within this book, one interesting part stood out, which was when Satan tried tempting Jesus by telling him to throw himself from the highest point of the holy city temple. What Jesus said clearly points back to everyone who thinks playing with their own life is a joking matter. He said “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’,” meaning don’t cry wolf or try to cheat with life because you never know when or how God will punish you. Understanding that mental illness is on the rise, the author not only encourages spiritual health but to also speaks with professionals to get your mental health treated. Our overall health is very important and this book clearly states that along with verses to aid your spiritual journey.

Reading through each page has been like a discovery because I was able to be more aware of certain situations which were mentioned that exist in my own life. This book is extremely relatable and will immediately capture you from the first couple of pages. Even though this has been formatted as a daily spiritual journal, I learned that each day, whether when you first wake up or before going to sleep to give God what troubles us. By doing this exercise, we clear our hearts, soul, and mind from all negative forces and carry on in our lives feeling lightweight. It allows you to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, giving them a level of validation – and that it is important will bring you closer to God. There’s so much that I have taken away from this book and will begin applying this into my life.

Thrusting Against Negative Forces is a well-written journal that encourages everyone that we all can live peacefully and wrapped in love if we build our spiritual character. To take a step back and evaluate your thoughts and write them down, demonstrates a level of accountability and grants the ability to correct your inner flaws. I feel inspired to live a better life than the one I’m currently living simply because I know I am deserving of the great life God has planned for me. I highly recommend this to anyone, as you’ll gain a new perspective to your surroundings and then begin to work on your spiritual fitness.