Wisdom and insight from an uncommon friendship

Curled up in my favorite chair with new book in my lap, the soft voices of two friends in conversation, drift from the pages of their lives and fill my mind with images of two distinct lives that God brought together.

Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women  (by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud) is infused with humor, scripture and stories of God's provision, sprinkled with the challenges, frustrations, joys, and the honesty and insight of women from two different walks of life, forged through years of  their uncommon friendship. 

One of the unique qualities of the book are found in the writing style of both authors. While Cindy has a more polished style, readers get a glimpse of Miriam's life through her journal type writing - both written from the heart.  By sharing their perspectives and experiences, recounting events that reflect the honesty and hearts of two women, you are invited to the private Amish world.

A humorous threat can be a great way to caution someone who's out of line and bring a smile at the same time.  But more than that, it helps people be more comfortable in their own skin.   Cindy  

We get only one chance at making a good first impression.  Being imperfect humans, we tend to be overly cautious, afraid of messing up.  But when we're not our true selves, we can lose more than we gain.  Miriam

The book focuses on seven themes, which are broken down into 6-9 short chapters, begin with corresponding scripture, followed by warm personal memories from both Cindy and Miriam,.  At the back of the book, you'll find an index of the recipes that were sprinkled throughout the book and a helpful discussion guide.

•   Seven Themes: 

• The Rhythm of Life
• Timeless Beginnings
• Challenges Great and Small
• Laughter in Odd Places
• Beauty, Ashes, and things Between
• In His Hands
• The Shape of Tomorrow

 How is it possible for two women, living in two totally opposite cultures and seemingly different worlds, to connect and form a lasting friendship spanning thousands of miles with grace and strength?  I hope that you add this book to your reading list and discover from the how they crossed boundaries and formed a unique bond. 






I received this book free for review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  I was not required to write a favorable review.

The following is a video of Cindy Woodsmall, speaking of how the friendship of Miriam and herself blossomed and why the book was written.