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A Closer Walk : Spiritual Discoveries from Her Journals
Do you long for a closer, more intimate walk with your Lord? If so, you will find help and direction in A Closer Walk. The sections are drawn from the personal journals of Catherine Marshall LeSourd during her most creative years. Throughout her journey the Bible was the traveler's staff on which Catherine learned. When the way was shrouded in clouds, again and again she turned to the Book for guidance. What resulted was a true love affair between Catherine and her much-thumbed passages of the Scripture. From every page of A Closer Walk shines her commitment to daily Bible reading- and her drive to understand what she reads. Catherine's struggles and discovers provide road makers around such impediments as - Criticalness, The Poverty Complex, Resentment, The Dry Period, Chronic Worry, Illness. At the end of the book is Cathrine's Scripture Lifeline- 42 power packed versus that Catherine absorbed during those times of crisis when she needed all out heavenly support. Traveling with Cathrine for the last 23 years of her life was her husband Leonard LeSourd. Together they began each day in prayer, seeking answers for the difficulties that surrounded them. Together they probed Scripture. While Cathrine wrote in her her journal, Leonard made entries in his prayer log which charted the results of their prayers. When Catherine's pen was stilled on March 18, 1983, the journals were her rich legacy to Leonard with instructions to disclose the contents with wisdom and discretion. A closer Walk is the result. Catherine's hope and prayer would be that this book will encourage many of you to take the same journey. It will enrich your life beyond your wildest hopes and expectations.
251 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1974
9 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Marshall
196 books1,019 followersMarshall was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the Reverend John Ambrose Wood and Leonora Whitaker Wood. From the age of nine until her graduation from high school, Marshall was raised in Keyser, West Virginia, where her father served as pastor of a Presbyterian church from 1924 to 1942.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
While a junior at Agnes Scott College, she met Peter Marshall, marrying him in 1936. The couple moved to Washington, DC, where her husband served as pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1940, Marshall contracted tuberculosis, for which at that time there was no antibiotic treatment. She spent nearly three years recovering from the illness. Her husband died in 1949 of a heart attack, leaving her to care for their 9-year-old son, Peter John Marshall. He later also became a minister and author.
Marshall wrote a biography of her husband, A Man Called Peter, published in 1951. It became a nationwide success and was adapted as a film of the same name, released in 1955. Her success encouraged her to keep writing.
Marshall wrote or edited more than 30 books, which have sold over 16 million copies.[citation needed] They include edited collections of Peter Marshall's sermons and prayers, and her own inspirational writings. Her most successful books were A Man Called Peter (1951); and her novel, Christy (1967), which was inspired by the story of her mother's time in the mountains teaching the impoverished children of Appalachia. Christy was adapted as a CBS television series, starring Kellie Martin, beginning in 1994.
In 1959, Marshall married Leonard LeSourd, who was the editor of Guideposts Magazine for 28 years. Together they founded a book imprint, Chosen Books. They had three children, Linda, Chester and Jeffery.
Marshall died on March 18, 1983 at the age of 68. She was buried alongside her first husband.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 22, 2015
Catherine Marshall's husband compiled this book from over 23 years of journaling that she had done. It covers great topics such as defeating fear, praying for God's will, studying the Scripture and raising kids in a Godly way to name a few of the areas she addresses in her personal life.
I've enjoyed several of her other books, both fiction and non-fiction and this book is special and different. It really shows her vulnerableness and the different learning curves that Christians go through during their lives.
I've enjoyed several of her other books, both fiction and non-fiction and this book is special and different. It really shows her vulnerableness and the different learning curves that Christians go through during their lives.
January 4, 2019
This book helped me realize that there is a more intimate level of relationship God wants to share with us. But we often fail to go any further, sometimes due to our fear to let God have complete control, or maybe we get so wrapped up with the things of this world that we don't take time with Him. Truly, it's only through Him that our life has any meaning or purpose.
October 17, 2022
Not having read anything else from Catherine Marshall I don't have any comprehension of the immense respect and influence Marshall held in the 20th century?! This book is a collection of diary entries beginning from her second marriage (after the death of Peter Marshall) to Leonard LeSourd who also put the volume together. What emerges is a deeply committed disciple of Jesus seeking to become Christlike herself, but one with who is also inadequate and flawed in a number of ways (e.g. addiction to sleeping pills). This could be called vulnerability and may well enhance the relevance of the book but I didn't find it that ways.
While we see much spiritual healing along the way many of the issues or answers just didn't resonate. Likely this has something to do with lacking the feminine perspective which I surmise Marshall most effectively encapsulated in all her writing?? All the same this is quite touching story of a faithful and deep woman of God journeying victoriously through serious health issues.
While we see much spiritual healing along the way many of the issues or answers just didn't resonate. Likely this has something to do with lacking the feminine perspective which I surmise Marshall most effectively encapsulated in all her writing?? All the same this is quite touching story of a faithful and deep woman of God journeying victoriously through serious health issues.
June 8, 2008
In this book, Catherine Marshall shares experiences that helped her learn more about herself and God. Her voice is real--she speaks frankly about her own doubts and fears, as well as her spiritual discoveries and the guidance she received. This is a book I've turned to again and again, both for encouragement and practical application of Christian truths. I recommend this book highly.
January 6, 2013
Haven't finished. this was recommended about a year ago by a friend/mentor. It is a great encouragment to stay faithful to the Word of God that we may stay faithful to God Himself and His ways. Short chapters and an easy read!
March 20, 2019
I appreciate Catherine's heart to center her life around the Lord. But I was frequently confused by her tingly feelings of His leading and questioned some of the ways she strung bits of scripture together.
April 11, 2020
I procrastinated reading this book even though it came highly recommended by my mom. I was surprised how encouraged and delighted and inspired I was by Catherine Marshall. I expected her to be super-spiritual, taking all her pretty issues to the Lord and finding perfect answers. But, some of her journal entries were quite like my own, hurt, confused and trying really, really hard to be the kind of Christian she knew would please God. She even talked about not liking some people and being irritated by others (horrors!).
I liked this book a lot. It was easy to read and as I've said before, very encouraging.
I liked this book a lot. It was easy to read and as I've said before, very encouraging.
February 10, 2020
What a fabulously deep and personal book! I love all of Catherine Marshall's books and God just seems to direct me to a new one every time I am faced with learning to go deeper with Him. If you're searching for answers or looking to hear from someone who understands what walking with God is all about, here's your book. It's like talking to a friend.
November 15, 2022
This is a collection of writings taken from Catherine Marshall's journals so the topics vary and do not always connect completely to what came before or after. Marshall's struggles were apparent and may help readers connect despite the years since the writing.
I thought "Satan's Best Weapon" and "The Other Side of the Mountain" were worth reading several times.
I thought "Satan's Best Weapon" and "The Other Side of the Mountain" were worth reading several times.
April 15, 2020
One of my favorite books of all time!
August 29, 2024
Catherine Marshall, always an author of the authentic life of a true Christian
September 24, 2021
A Closer Walk, by Catherine Walker, is an engaging book. The manuscript focuses on living life to the fullest, understanding our God-given purpose, how we connect with people, and the quest for daily communication with God.
The writer provides a plethora of hearty spiritual inspiration and examples of issues affecting many families. Another section I enjoyed was the excellent scripture references and how she shared her health challenges.
The book is part memoir and part memorial to Catherine as it was compiled from her journal and notes after her death. A fantastic and inspiring look at a life well-lived. I highly recommend this book for others seeking biblical inspiration and encouragement. I'm sure I will reread parts of it.
The writer provides a plethora of hearty spiritual inspiration and examples of issues affecting many families. Another section I enjoyed was the excellent scripture references and how she shared her health challenges.
The book is part memoir and part memorial to Catherine as it was compiled from her journal and notes after her death. A fantastic and inspiring look at a life well-lived. I highly recommend this book for others seeking biblical inspiration and encouragement. I'm sure I will reread parts of it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews