A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well

by Danielle Coke Balfour

From the founder of Oh Happy Dani comes a powerful collection of inspiring meditations and illustrations, encouraging readers to pursue transformation and the ultimate good.

Illustrator, speaker, and entrepreneur Danielle Coke Balfour, founder of Oh Happy Dani, is a visionary voice in the female leadership arena. Unabashedly faith-inspired, yet always culturally relevant, Danielle is a straight shooter of hard truths, inspiring women of all ages with her upbeat, curious tone and her willingness to address difficult issues with honesty, grace, and hope.

In her debut book, A Heart on 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well , Danielle Coke Balfour guides readers through the Ten Pillars of a Life of Good Work, explaining that a life of good work is both conscious and intentional. Dani explores ideas of justice, empathy, hope, community, love, consistency, awareness, creativity, honesty, and redemption. With thoughtful meditations and practical to-do’s, A Heart on Fire will inspire you to evaluate your life and make changes.
 
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Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Inspirational

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been intrigued by the popular Christian devotionals—little bite-sized inspirational readings—but haven’t ever found one that fit my paradigm, until Danielle Coke’s A Heart in Fire. My husband and I joke that they are the “Oh Happy Dani Scriptures,” because we read them together at night to gain a little inspiration, be a little better, and to spark important conversation, just like some folks do with scripture reading! I also love her illustrations that go along with each insight. Sometimes they explain the content in just different enough of a way that it clicks in my brain, or becomes more memorable. I frequently gift books as soon as I finish them, but this one, I’ve got to keep. Honestly I’m excited to start back at page one tomorrow night. I’ll just have to buy more copies for the loved ones I thought of as I was reading this! What a happy problem 💛

[Anna K Baskaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, and gently convicting, as always.

[Laura Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥 Ignite Your Passion for Justice: Why Danielle Coke Balfour's New Book is a Must-Read Right Now

I have admired @ohhappydani's work for years on Instagram. As an "artivist," she uses her talents in graphic design and public speaking to advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Her art is not only beautiful but also meaningful, aimed at educating and inspiring everyday advocates.

My Danielle Coke Balfour collection includes some of her iconic stickers, a poster promoting unity, and her highly anticipated 2024 calendar. But I've been most eager to get my hands on her new book, A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well . It's exactly the uplifting and motivating read we need right now.

What makes this book so special is that it's universally appealing, deeply insightful, and highly motivational.

Universally Appealing

"A Heart on Fire" is a stunning picture book for grown-ups, full of vivid designs that build empathy and spark ideas for taking action. Balfour uses color, text and imagery masterfully to make complex social issues relatable and understandable. Her art serves as a bridge, inviting everyday people into important conversations about fairness and inclusion.

Deeply Insightful

The book contains 100 meditations conversational in tone, so readers will feel Balfour speaking directly to them. Her personal stories and wisdom on topics from self-care to racism challenge readers to examine their values and take action aligned with them.

Highly Motivational

Balfour's passion for spreading more happiness radiates from every page. Her art and writing are presented as an invitation to readers to reflect and grow into more informed, empathetic people.

A Heart on Fire would make a thoughtful gift, especially for those not already engaged in diversity and justice issues. It uses a creative, non-threatening approach to introduce these critical topics. With its universal appeal, profound insights, and motivational spirit, this book can ignite meaningful change. I highly recommend it.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased a hard copy for myself, and I received a reader's copy of this book for free (ahead of time) in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that could be savored over a longer period of time with just a page a day or gobbled up in a delicious feast of uplifting goodness, and is one I’ll come back to reread again and again. The author’s optimistic and kind spirit shines through in each of the pages giving a feeling of hope to what can often feel like such a heavy and hopeless activist space. The artwork throughout is beautiful (I’ve followed Danielle on Instagram and have been a big fan for years, but seeing a collection together in this format was so special), and each image ties into the written messages in such a simple and sweet way.

[Rachel Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like her art online, the prints I’ve bought at target, and the journal I have ordered, Danielle Coke Balfour‘s book is beautiful. Her words are just as kind and sweet and empowering to move you through a humanity centered meditation every day. She encapsulates respect and love and genuine goodness so well, this is an incredible work to keep at your bedside table for a morning meditation, a good night mellow, or a coffee table chat.
I personally will be keeping it at my bedside as a comfort blanket.

[Ave M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is structured around the "Ten Pillars of a Life of Good Work," offering insights into how one can live a more purposeful and impactful life. Each meditation is accompanied by practical actions that readers can take to embody these principles in their daily lives. This dual approach of reflection and action makes the book not only a source of inspiration but also a practical guide for personal transformation.

Balfour's artistic background shines through in the vivid illustrations that accompany her writing. These visuals are not merely decorative; they serve to enhance the emotional resonance of her messages, making complex ideas more accessible and engaging. The combination of art and text creates a unique reading experience that feels both nourishing and invigorating.

One of the central themes of A Heart on Fire is the importance of empathy in driving social change. Balfour emphasizes that genuine connection with others can lead to meaningful action, urging readers to consider how their choices affect those around them. This message resonates particularly well in today's context, where social issues demand compassionate responses.

Balfour's writing is infused with a sense of hope and possibility. She encourages readers to reflect on their lives and consider how they can contribute positively to their communities. The meditations serve as a reminder that even small actions can lead to significant change, igniting a passion for justice and kindness within individuals.

The book appeals not only to those seeking personal growth but also to anyone interested in fostering community connections through love and empathy. This book is highly recommended for readers looking for both inspiration and practical steps toward making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Oh Happy Dani for a long time, and I've purchased several pieces of her artwork over the years. I jumped at the chance to read a digital version of A Heart on Fire, and I'm so glad I did. I definitely want to go back through the book slowly and reflect on each entry as I go. Can't wait to get a hard copy!


(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to be honest--I didn't read all the words, I just read the graphics. But what I love about Dani is that her graphics teach deep concepts in such a simple way. I'm not in a place right now where I can read all the text, but I loved what I learned in her graphics.
I saw Dani speak at an MWEG conference and I have been thinking about her words ever since. She taught that sometimes conflict (then rebuilding) is what is necessary to create real peace.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Dani’s illustrations and the heart behind her work. She does describe this as “meditations” but knowing she’s a Christian, I was hoping for something closer to a devotion. I think it would have been really impactful to take that next step and tie in more of God’s word and truth with the themes in her book. I also am not the target audience for this book, but I enjoyed it.

[Lochsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book I'd normally pick up, but I'm so grateful it found its way to me! The illustrations are gorgeous and the topics are discussed with such loving thoughtfulness. I felt wrapped in the love of a caring friend. So many things to reflect on and again, the art is just beautiful.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love everything Danielle does! She’s a great example of sharing your gifts and using them to bless others.

This book would be lovely to have on your shelf to flip through every once in a while. And it’d make a great gift!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the e-arc!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guide to the Ten Pillars of a Life on Good Work. The ideas of justice, empathy, hope, community, love, consistency, awareness, creativity, honesty and redemption are discussed in an actionable format as to what you can do to make the world a better place overall.

[Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, contemplative lens on justice. In this book, the author invites readers to cultivate a centered, generative, restorative, hopeful-filled inner life - a necessary starting point for justice work.

[Amanda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Convicting and empowering and encouraging! Danielle Coke Balfour is one of my favorite people to learn from! Helpful for anyone at any stage of life looking to be better, from the inside out.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I started this in 2023, I forgot about it for a year. Decided I would read 1-2 meditations a day starting January 1, 2025. And boy was it worth it! I truly enjoyed the slow pace of reading one at a time. Some days it helped me with what I was dealing with. Highly recommend.

[Katy Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Happy Dani, Danielle Coke, has made me a better person. She is a special light in the world.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a page or two a day for months. Danielle's words are so inspiring, loving, and calming. Her illustrations are educational, cute, beautiful, and so meaningful. Every page is a gem.

[Elizabeth Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful and thoughtful! I will read this many times over!

[Annette Bourland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than I imagined it could be. I LOVE @ohhappydani and now I love this book that goes deeper and provides even more inspiration and it looks good inside because there is so much four-color artwork. Full of challenges to do good daily but also full of motivational moments, poignant thoughts, terrific quotes, and reflective questions, I am reading this slowly and intentionally. This book is one big hug. A great gift. A book that will be read over and over again. Love the ribbon marker too! I cannot say enough good things about this title.