‘Raising Love’ is not for the faint of heart

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

JA Publisher Emerita

“Every time you choose love over anger, every time you speak life instead of a curse, every time you rise when you feel like quitting, you are sowing seeds that will bloom long after you’re gone,” writes author Terri Lynn Bell, PhD in the final chapter of “Raising Love”. 

The real-world guide to parenting through struggle, faith, and triumph is not your typical inspirational book. It doesn’t start off with success and anticipated applause. However, it offers the reader every opportunity to reserve any skepticism or criticism until they get to know Dr. Bell through her journey of a frightened 17-year-old pregnant dropout student to a God-fearing mother of four with a PhD and a desire to support parents of at-risk children. 

She should be commended for her courageous outlook on life and profound ability to stand firm in her faith and family. 

Dr. Bell’s “Raising Love” is akin to a double sided mirror with a 1X/30X magnification. The “life size” side is how the reader views themself as they begin to peer into her life. The magnified side is a deep dive into the heart of the book lover. Luckily, magnify has a double meaning as well. 

It is this writer’s hope that the reader will be blessed for opening not just “Raising Love”, but their hearts and wallets to join Dr. Bell in her mission “to teach parents to build strong relationships with their children.” All proceeds from the book will benefit P.R.A.Y., her nonprofit foundation detailed in the book. 

A special thank you to Lou Helen Sanders, PhD for her mentorship to Dr. Bell and writing the foreword.