By Onyeka Ezike

With the emergence of her new book, “Dear Lady in Distress,” a thirty-one-day letter series, the author, Chiamaka Wilfred, an addiction recovery therapist and award-winning teen coach rekindles hope among women in society going through unfriendly situations in life, as they evolve from struggle to strength.

The book serves as a calendar Journey guide; each letter contains words of wisdom, encouragement, hope, faith, and scriptural reference for women in difficult situations covering relationships, career, personal development, and family.

In a world where women are pillars of strength, care and resilience, it is heartbreaking to acknowledge that many still face challenges that threaten their safety, dignity, and peace. From domestic violence to workplace discrimination and financial struggles to emotional turmoil, countless women find themselves in distressing situations every day.

Behind every distressed woman is a story of courage, survival, and hope. The book was written in a calendar series, each day containing a letter of hope, love, encouragement, and faith. The book serves as a tool of inspiration to women, designed to remind women that they are stronger than their worst day, brighter than their darkest moment, and more resilient than they are credited for absolute truth.

The Table of Contents contains a daily letter series for a thirty-one-day calendar month such as; You Got This, The Journey Begins, Career Climb, Heart Matters, Breathing Room, Relationship Reflections, struggling with a Negative Habit, Handling Pressure, Trusting the Process, prioritizing you.

In the book, day one is sub-titled ‘The Journey Begins’ a letter to the soul, to accomplish the huddle before it with an ‘Operational uplift’. The author pens down a letter to the soul, reassuring the soul of her winning power to overcome every baggage on her shoulder.

“I know life can feel like a juggling act sometimes, between work, relationships, family, school, business, or trying to figure out what’s next as a graduate, and on top of that trying to stay connected to God.” It can also be overwhelming, gosh! I feel you, girl.

“There’s a beautiful scripture in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” On day two, the author speaks to the lovely soul; ‘You got this’. For women who need healing, the road to healing is a process and no one expects you to be all better overnight, as time and patience are the victims of healing.

The author emphasized the importance of trusting God even in the toughest situation, even when things seem not to make sense, but having the mindset that the Lord almighty holds our future in his hands is the goal for winning ways. “Only trust in God’s plan for your life. Yes, the word is TRUST, rely on Him, depend on Him, and believe Him.” Even when you do not know where it will lead you, just keep following, He will bring you to the Promised Land.”

“The Lord assures us in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I know right now this might seem unclear but TRUST that the Lord is holding your future in His hands.

“Always remember that this moment, this present challenge, and the state of your life don’t define you, nor will they last forever, they will all soon pass. We should have the assurance that the strength of God is made perfect in our weakness.”

As the title suggests, ‘Dear Lady in Distress’ seeks to address areas like career, relationships, heart matters, overcoming doubts, handling pressures, business challenges, emotional pain, and more. We learn that victory is ultimately assured through faith, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God. 

Presented in the second-person narrative style, the letters develop from a combination of simple language. The book also features practical exercise sections that are deliberately designed to enable the readers to test their understanding of each letter title.

Page 18 of the book is dedicated to career women; sometimes it feels like running in circles, trying to keep up with deadlines and expectations, and facing an avoidable mistake which poses a question of whether you’re even on the right path. Other times it appears as if you’re making a headway or pulling through.

“As a student, you are confused about your course of choice or your future career. Today, you are feeling like an ‘A’ student, other days you are feeling you can’t continue anymore. I feel you! Honestly, these inconsistent feelings and experiences can be unsettling and discouraging. The Lord reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 Pages 18-20 contain ways to accomplish a successful career, both as a student and a career professional. Also in the book; ‘Heart Matter’, a chat about relationships, marriage, and family. The letter on heart matters, explains the importance of Love; love conquers all things.

“Ensure you are not neglecting your own needs in the process of giving to others. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup always refill your tank as you give. Treat yourself to a special gift. Take yourself out. Relationships take time and grace, but they are one of life’s biggest blessings.’’

Her passion for ladies makes her run a mentoring group for ladies named Intentional Ladies Forum, where ladies are nurtured to lay hold on their God-given purpose and assignments. She has been privileged to talk about issues around relationships in both radio and TV programs and many secondary has granted her the opportunity to speak to their students and teachers.

Mrs Chiamaka Wilfred is a certified teen coach and addiction recovery therapist, a graduate of the Human Physiology Department, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. She has authored two books-  Her FBook book- Porn; the dark side of Pornography and Dear Lady.