Saint Rafael Arnaiz was born in Burgos, Spain, on April 9, 1911. When he was twenty-one years old, he left behind the comforts of his wealthy family and an unfinished degree in architecture to join the Trappist-Cistercian abbey of San Isidro de Dueñas. A sudden onset of diabetes and the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) turned his monastic journey into an unusual one. In these unfavorable circumstances and despite the shortness of his life (he died soon after his twenty-seventh birthday), Rafael developed a solid spirituality, which in its simplicity is a straight path to holiness. He has been compared to mystics like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross, whose writings inspired him, and his theology of the cross, born from his prayer, places him in continuity with the best of the monastic tradition. In his letters and journals, compiled in this volume, his heart speaks of the joys and struggles of striving to live for God alone.

What do you do when faced with persistent physical hurdles? You may do your best to follow medical instructions and take your prescribed medications, expecting to get better. But what do you do when medication can only do so much? Life is made of unequal struggles, and author Josephine Ng certainly had her share. In No Longer Alone through the Valley, she describes more than forty years of health problems. With few resources and opportunities, her options were scarce, and her ideals often collided with unfulfilled expectations. She lost motivation, abandoned her dreams, and became frustrated with recurring obstacles. But finally, she found solace, acceptance, and identityin the Bible. Men and women of the Bible grapple with failures and future goals. Ng found encouragement in their stories and their strength, and she shows how you can, too. Although Ng continues to wrestle with challenges and adjustments to lifes unpredictable changes remain in her life, she is no longer alone in dealing with those problems. No Longer Alone through the Valley seeks to help you find Jesus gifts to guide you through your challenges, whatever they might be. All you have to do is ask.