About the Book
Book: Able Soul
Author: Lucy Goncalves
Genre: Christian Inspirational Devotional
Release date: April 27, 2019
No stranger to adversity, Lucy Goncalves was deprived of oxygen at birth. She has lived her entire life with cerebral palsy, and the daily challenges she must face as a result.
In her award-winning debut book Able Soul: Empowering God’s Spirit Within, she explores the ground-breaking lessons garnered from embracing her struggles rather than giving up on God because of them. On the backdrop of personal stories from her life, along with related scriptures and prayers, you will find proof that the Holy Spirit is always accessible. God works with you in the midst of all your challenges.
By inviting God’s spirit in daily, Lucy has received tangible communications from God. She shares how the power of these soul-lifting reflections will lead you out of the darkness and steadfast toward pure contentment.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Author, Advocate, Adventure Sport Enthusiast, Able Soul
Lucy Goncalves began her writing career by penning a sought-after blog, ‘Able Soul’ where she shares her life experiences of living with a disability, and in the midst of it found hope, faith, and the greatest love of all. Due to a lack of oxygen at birth, Lucy acquired Cerebral Palsy. She uses a powerchair for mobility, wrestling with chronic muscle spasms, and has a speech impediment, yet has fought through these obstacles to tell her story. She is the epitome of overcoming adversity.
Lucy is the daughter of Portuguese Canadian immigrants from Northern Portugal. She was raised in Kitimat, British Columbia and has been living independently in North Vancouver for the past few decades. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and has chaired several nonprofit boards, including the InterFit Society, an organization that exists to remove barriers for people with disabilities to access outdoor recreational adventures.
Anyone who has met Lucy Goncalves can attest to her radiant personality, intellect, quick wit, sense of adventure and to the depth of her character. In her book, she shares candid reflections of her life living with a disability, the abuse she encountered, and the freedom she found with God. She hopes that you too will discover your own Able Soul story.
More from Lucy
Before writing the book, I felt a bit lost and frustrated, not having my voice completely heard. I felt that I had a lot to offer especially in regards to my faith. As a person with a disability, sometimes it’s difficult to be taken seriously, as an equal. Through prayer I began to write and started a blog. With positive feedback from readers, I gained confidence in my writing ability which led to the book.
Blog Stops
An Author’s Take, April 12
Rebecca Tews, April 13
Texas Book-aholic, April 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 15
deb’s Book Review, April 16
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 17 (Author Interview)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 18
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 19
Inklings and notions, April 20
Splashes of Joy, April 21 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 22
Stories By Gina, April 23 (Author Interview)
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24
Miriam Jacob, April 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lucy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 GlobalGiving gift card to put towards a project or non-profit organization!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1c951/able-soul-celebration-tour-giveaway
Welcome, Lucy. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
As a proud Canadian, I am blessed to live in one of the most accessible cities in the world. I have cerebral palsy and use a power chair. Because of my speech impediment, I have a unique accent. First student with a disability to graduate high school in my hometown. I’m very fortunate to be integrated in a regular class setting. I have a degree in Business Administration. I work part time a tax preparer. I love adventures. Enjoy the outdoors. My guilty pleasure is watching international film and documentaries as well as dark chocolate. I’m an idea person. Love to be creative and dream big especially with God.
Sounds like God has used you in many ways. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Romans 5: 1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
This verse is my life motto. Whenever I go through challenging times, I lean into this scripture as it reminds me that is God with me and that hope always prevails.
That’s so encouraging. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?
Before working on the book, I was going through a difficult time. I feel that my voice was not being heard. In a society, people with disabilities are often overlooked. In my case, I have a speech impediment so it takes a bit longer to understand what I am saying. As we live in a fast-paced society, we often not take the time to listen. Through prayer, I was inspired to write the book.
That encourages me to slow down more. How does your faith and your spirituality work in with your writing?
Prayer for me is essential with my writing. I need to be aligned with the Holy Spirit. Because of my disability, I have to dictate to my assistant. Prayer helps me to calm down, be more clear with my ideas as well as my communication.
I find prayer a necessary thing in all areas of my life, especially writing. What advice would you give to new authors?
In terms of self-publishing, I made a mistake of not doing my research and being prepared for marketing aspect. For example, I didn’t know how important it is to get reviews before publishing the book. Also, it is important to have a team to support you when you are launching. One more thing, enjoy the process no matter how many set backs you go endure because God is in the midst.
Some great advice there. What do you want readers to come away with after reading your book?
My answer is twofold. “I hope the readers are encouraged and feel inspired to explore their relationship with God in a deeper way, and I hope they gain a broader understanding on disability issues in a relatable way.”
That’s great. Where can readers connect with you?
Website https://ablesoul.ca/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ablesoul/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ablesoul.ca/
Thank you for stopping by today!
