First-time author chronicles 'journey of coming to faith'

Norwalk Reflector - 10/24/2019

Oct. 24--Writing her first book helped Norwalk resident Juliana Clark strengthen her faith and become more committed to following God.

"I wasn't following Jesus. I didn't have a relationship," Clark said.

Clark's book is titled "A Mother's Journey Through Autism, Redemption and Freedom." Published by Covenant Books, it is described as "a true story of a mother's struggle raising a child with autism, her faith and ultimately, her salvation." The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

"It's an easy read," Clark said. "It's about 102 pages. I think anyone could read it. My 9-year-old is reading it."

The Castalia native, who was raised Catholic, said she believes a non-Christian reader should get something out of her book since it addresses the struggles of parenting and caring for her 7-year-old son Noah, who has autism.

"I hope so; I hope they come to faith," said Clark, who attended Margaretta Schools. "It's my journey of coming to faith."

Covenant Books, according to an email to Clark, said it will create a web page and video trailer to promote "A Mother's Journey" and also send a press release to "thousands of media outlets."

"They are a Christian publishing company," Clark said.

Among the themes Clark said she addresses in her book is the "roller coaster" of being the mother of four children and "going through the trenches of the chaos of life." In the end, the first-time author said there is a message of "finding hope in the middle of the storm."

"My kids brought me to my knees because I couldn't do it on my own," said Clark, who firmly believes the Holy Spirit guided her throughout the writing process. "I was never meant to do this alone. I needed the help of my savior."

When Noah was non-verbal several years ago, Clark said she remembers she "cried out to Jesus" during a trying time in her life.

"My eyes are now open," she said. "I see things in a different way. God led me through the whole process."

While writing "A Mother's Journey," Clark said she saw herself as "a simple person who said 'yes.'"

"It was pretty much me saying yes to Jesus," she said.

Pastor Kevin Seager, of Norwalk Alliance Church, and his wife wrote on Facebook that they recommend Clark's book, especially for "someone who is walking through life with a special needs child."

"From tears to giggles, Juliana writes with courage and honesty about how hard and good life is. And how God makes all the difference. When Kevin read the book in one day, I knew he too was finding it as beautiful as I had. As he shut the book late Saturday night, he told me, 'I was expecting to learn about autism. And I did. But more than that, I came away with a story about Jesus. And that is the best takeaway any book can have,'" according to the post.

Clark has a Feb. 25 speaking engagement for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at Norwalk Alliance Church, 2755 U.S. 250.

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