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"The deeper the sorrow, the deeper the joy" must be said of Kelli Deister's book "Embracing the Storm..." Like the island on which she lives which has been formed by erupting lava from deep within the earth, Kelli has the ability to turn the deepest sorrow into pure joy, death into life, and emotions into revelation. Her poems and the thoughts contained therein ring out like psalms of praise and exaltation (originally songs) from themes of nature’s “majestic mountain tops” to “motherhood” with all its trials and pleasures.

Kelli’s experiences have even greater meaning for us in that having received love and support from others, she has learned to reach out and share her innermost feelings. Kelli’s strong and loving words are capable of lifting burdens from others and removing mountains of fear, repressed emotions and despondence in order to effect change in the lives of those who have suffered as she has.

I have yet to write about similar experiences in my life because God has given me a different way to deal with them, but I can relate in essence to everything Kelli has gone through. It is comforting to know another soul who has chosen to allow herself to walk on a different path and to challenge the rules of a false "religious" doctrine that would allow abuse in one’s life to pose as "virtue" instead of an evil to be reckoned with and removed.

Go with God, Kelli. You are on a path that can only lead to happiness for yourself and others now. We are blessed to know you.
_________________
Joyce Ann Edmondson

Mayor Jeremy Harris
Honolulu, Hawaii (7/22/2004)

Embracing the Storm offers a message of hope and healing for families torn apart by the tragedy of domestic violence. In this moving collection of poems and personal relections on her own experience in an abusive relationship, Kelli Deister pulls back the curtain of fear and ignorance that obscures our understanding of violence in the home. Eloquently and compassionately, she reminds us that while the victims of domestic violence feel trapped in private, seemingly inconsolable worlds of pain and hopelessness, they are never alone in their suffering. Healing and renewed confidence await those resolved to reclaim their lives through courage and counseling. This book is as much a tribute to Hawaii's dedicated social workers as it is to the women and children who have suffered the pain of domestic violence and risen above it by yielding to the power of transformational love. Embracing the Storm is an inspiring testament to the boundless resilience of the human spirit.

Diane
Hawaii/USA (4/15/2005)

In a most courageous way, Kelli has brought the issue of domestic violence out of the closet. Her poems reveal so much depth and emotion and the comments that follow give hope to all who have been touched by domestic violence or who know someone who has been a victim. Her personal testimony is a must-read for all women. Mahalo, Kelli. YOU are a precious jewel.

Jill
Hawaii?USA (4/12/2005)

Kelli suffered for eleven long years before having the courage to write this collection of poems for victims of domestic violence. Her poems are a testament to her enormous courage. Writing them was not easy. It never is, but writing about abuse is particularly painful. Each one speaks to a step she took that she is now willing to share with others who are facing or have faced abuse. I particularly appreciate the comments following each poem. These enhance her work by interpreting the poem and recommending a step the reader can take to remove herself from a destructive relationship. The poems and comments are reminders also to all those who have not experienced violence directly but who know those who have. They provide a way for all of us to reach out to help victims in many different ways. One of my favorites in the collection is "She's the One." This poem reminds us that these women are all around us, if only we would pay attention and know how to recognize and embrace them.

Vivian
Hawaii/USA (8/16/2004)

Hopefully, Kelli G. Deister's,Embracing the Storm, will fall into the hands of the countless women and families caught in the storm of domestic violence. Her poems and passages carry readers through the layers of despair to the height of freedom. Victims and survivors will be touched and inspired to soar!

Karen
Hawaii/USA (3/29/2005)

Domestic Violence is destroying our nation one family at a time! Kelli has taken a subject that is difficult to explain to an outsider and describes the scene so throughly of what happens behind closed doors. She has given eloquent words to express many women's thoughts thereby validating that domestic violence is wrong while she has given hope to the hurting. Kelli has embraced the storms of her life while finding jewels that have given her the strength to move forward victoriously and generously shared with the reader. Embracing the storm gives courage to those who are still caught in the cycle of violence. It helps advocates and family members catch a glimpse of the intensity of abuse to have compassion. Kelli's poems opened the eyes of pastors and gave them a deeper understanding of the torment of women sitting in every congregation and in every walk of life. I encourage judges and lawyers to also read to open the eyes of the courts to see the danger that is real! Thank you Kelli for words that pierce the heart to heal the soul. As an advocate for the safety of women and children I have utalized this book in our woman's support group. I encourage other advocates to share this book of healing and wisdom with their clients. Embracing the Storm is small yet powerful!