Reader’s Corner: Local author shares encouragement for hard times

I always enjoy hearing from area authors about their books and learning the stories that have shaped their lives or inspired their work. Recently, I was privileged to read “Yea, Though I Walk Through the Valley,” written by my friend Amelda Beede. 

Amelda transparently shares the story of her mental health crisis, possibly caused by supplement poisoning, that landed her in the hospital and then follow-up care. Amelda shares how even during the darkest days, including her sense that the experience was a spiritual attack, she felt sustenance from God and His Word. She was even inspired to pray for some of the other patients, and later learned that her prayers were timely and appropriate for their need even as she was walking through her own trial. 

While her family tried to be supportive during the crisis, they were understandably not equipped to handle something of that magnitude. Amelda shares honestly about trying to be appreciative of her family’s efforts, yet at the same time feeling frustrated by their lack of understanding of her own feelings. Families struggling to understand or assist a loved one in crisis will find her thoughts and suggestions helpful. 

Just as the mental health crisis began to resolve and life returned to normal with her husband, retired Air Force Master Sergeant Marc Beede, and their adult children, a new challenge hit: The COVID-19 pandemic, which eventually took Marc’s life. Even in the ongoing journey of loss and grief, Amelda’s message is, “Pay attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to remember that no matter what the crisis, God’s got this!”

Amelda lives in Branson and continues to share her testimony and witness to others. She enjoys reading, hikes and walks with her friends and her dog, and keeping up with the political climate and praying for our country. “Yea, Though I Walk Through the Valley” is available at major online retailers.