The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE STORY of how Bahamian minister Valderine Knowles overcame attempts at suicide and took control of her life is told in the recently released book ‘No Shame Only Power.’

As a teen, feelings of guilt, unworthiness and self hate often hit Minister Knowles. She did not know how to get free.

Minister Knowles told Tribune Religion: “I never felt I mattered or was good enough. One day I was at my wits end and I went to a midday prayer meeting at St Paul’s Baptist Church in Fox Hill. It was there I decided to give my life to the Lord. I remembered most my spiritual mother staying there with me as long as it took, because I was crying so much. After accepting Christ things did not automatically become perfect, but I remember that Mom Grant and Minister Laura Glinton was always there. They would not let me go. They laboured with me as a young Christian until I could walk my new life out.”

She was inspired to share her story after attending a training session during which a speaker said ‘there is at least one book in all of us’.

She was convinced she should put pen to paper.
“That statement stuck with me and gave me a way to not just tell a story, but to help others who may be facing struggles as well. As much as I wanted to help, I also wanted to give people some hope that even in the midst of life’s challenges and tests we have in us the innate ability of the Holy Spirit to overcome. We do not lose if we do not quit,” she told Tribune Religion.
Minister Knowles, who serves at Jesus Christ Centered Ministries International, said ‘No Shame Only Power’ is aimed at helping people from all walks of life understand their importance.

It also offers steps to help them fulfil their God-given assignments, she said.

The book is written in three parts: the first tells of the greatest love story ever told, when Jesus sacrificed his life and died for humanity. This part of the book outlines in great detail God’s love for mankind from the beginning, and how that love drove him to the cross. Minister Knowles said it also represents him as a victorious father who conquered death, hell and the grave. As a result mankind has the free gift of salvation.

The second part in book speaks to the victory and power every believer has and shows how they too, like Minister Knowles, can experience that power in their lives.

“Most people give up on their walk with God because they get frustrated in trying to live right. This book shows us how to grow up in God without being frustrated,’ she said.

The third part shows us the path to success.

“God’s word is vital for our spiritual growth and transformation. We need his word and must make it a priority in our lives daily. We have true success when we become a functioning partner with the Holy Spirit,” she said.
Minister Knowles’s ultimate goal is to win souls for Christ, she said.

She believes the book will inspire others to believe in the ‘unfathomable love’ Christ demonstrated 2000 years ago.

“There are a lot of hopeless people out there right now. People need to know that there is hope and to hold on to it. Hope is for the believer, what an engine is to a car. We need it to keep us going. ‘No Shame Only Power’ gives us the hope that not only were we born to win, but that we can if we never quit.

“Every new convert, non-believer, or seasoned Christian can use encouragement sometimes. The book seeks to do just that. I believe that people will be refreshed, revived and challenged to keep going because they will have a clearer understanding of the unlimited power they carry inside,” she said.