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Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace
Ever feel like it's easier to believe we'll meet God in the afterlife than it is to feel God at work in this life, with its chores and schedules and messes and unrealized dreams? The truth is, God is at work every day of our lives, but because this work is quieter than we expect, we so often dismiss it as coincidence or chance. What if we could clearly understand those divine whispers? What if listening to them is the beginning of living out our truest story and purpose?
In Trust the Whisper, Kathy Izard shares compelling true stories that help you connect the "God Dots" in your life. Sharing her own and others' experiences of moving from a place of doubt that a higher power even exists to being certain about the divine weave in the world, Kathy offers you the courage to recognize God's guidance in your own life. She helps you ask the right questions, trust your deepest intuition, be powerfully present, embrace the unexpected, and risk believing in the dreams God is quietly urging you to follow.
In Trust the Whisper, Kathy Izard shares compelling true stories that help you connect the "God Dots" in your life. Sharing her own and others' experiences of moving from a place of doubt that a higher power even exists to being certain about the divine weave in the world, Kathy offers you the courage to recognize God's guidance in your own life. She helps you ask the right questions, trust your deepest intuition, be powerfully present, embrace the unexpected, and risk believing in the dreams God is quietly urging you to follow.
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Published June 11, 2024
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About the author
Kathy Izard
11 books47 followersI grew up a little off the grid in El Paso, Texas. My father always believed my sisters and I could change the world. I don't know that I really believed him, but his message imprinted on me. I became a Longhorn (University of Texas at Austin) graduating with a B.S. in Advertising and took my first job out of college in Charlotte, N.C. where I have lived most of the last thirty years. Being an art director for ad agencies meant long hours so I started my own graphic design business in order to be home for carpools and naptime for my four daughters. While I loved helping clients and nonprofits communicate their mission, I kept feeling I was missing my own.
I was forty-four with a great family, a business, but no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Denver Moore, a formerly homeless man turned best—selling author of Same Kind of Different As Me, changed all that in 2007. On a tour of the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte where I volunteered, Denver very memorably pointed out to me that while I was helping the homeless by serving soup, the one thing a homeless person actually really needs is a home. Denver put me on the spot and wanted to know if I would do something about that. In a complete moment of guilt and insanity, I promised him I would.
Two months later, I closed my design business to join the staff of the Urban Ministry Center as the first director of Homeless to Homes, developing Charlotte's only Housing First program for the chronically homeless. That startup program turned into a $10,000,000 capital campaign to build an apartment complex named, in part, for the man who inspired it, Moore Place. With the experience of building for the homeless, I have spent most of the past two years working on another project (HopeWay) which will be Charlotte's first nonprofit residential mental health treatment center opening later this year. My path over the last ten years with those two projects involved so much coincidence, serendipity, and God-incidence that I finally wrote it all down in The Hundred Story Home: A Journey of Homelessness, Hope and Healing. In my book and on this website, I want to encourage you if you are restless for purpose to have courage to listen to what's calling you—whatever it is, big or small. And especially, no matter how crazy it feels! I think each of us has something we are meant to do and as my dad always told me: You can do anything, really anything.
Today, I live in Charlotte with my husband, Charlie, who listens patiently to all my crazy ideas. My four amazing daughters, Lauren, Kailey, Emma, and Maddie, encourage me to keep busy trying to change the world so I don't worry about changing them. And my black lab, Dexter, keeps me sane, taking walks every day and showing me the truest example of lovin' life.
I was forty-four with a great family, a business, but no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Denver Moore, a formerly homeless man turned best—selling author of Same Kind of Different As Me, changed all that in 2007. On a tour of the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte where I volunteered, Denver very memorably pointed out to me that while I was helping the homeless by serving soup, the one thing a homeless person actually really needs is a home. Denver put me on the spot and wanted to know if I would do something about that. In a complete moment of guilt and insanity, I promised him I would.
Two months later, I closed my design business to join the staff of the Urban Ministry Center as the first director of Homeless to Homes, developing Charlotte's only Housing First program for the chronically homeless. That startup program turned into a $10,000,000 capital campaign to build an apartment complex named, in part, for the man who inspired it, Moore Place. With the experience of building for the homeless, I have spent most of the past two years working on another project (HopeWay) which will be Charlotte's first nonprofit residential mental health treatment center opening later this year. My path over the last ten years with those two projects involved so much coincidence, serendipity, and God-incidence that I finally wrote it all down in The Hundred Story Home: A Journey of Homelessness, Hope and Healing. In my book and on this website, I want to encourage you if you are restless for purpose to have courage to listen to what's calling you—whatever it is, big or small. And especially, no matter how crazy it feels! I think each of us has something we are meant to do and as my dad always told me: You can do anything, really anything.
Today, I live in Charlotte with my husband, Charlie, who listens patiently to all my crazy ideas. My four amazing daughters, Lauren, Kailey, Emma, and Maddie, encourage me to keep busy trying to change the world so I don't worry about changing them. And my black lab, Dexter, keeps me sane, taking walks every day and showing me the truest example of lovin' life.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 9, 2024
One of the biggest things that we can do for each other is to be present and to listen. Part of slow living at its finest. But it’s such hard work. And in Kathy‘s newest book, Trust the Whisper, I found myself reading with such anticipation as she seamlessly wove the fascinating stories of women who, over time, listened to God‘s whisper to help another person. This book is not only a joy to read as we see ways we can help our fellow humans, but a deep introspection, and a tap on the shoulder to be aware of the whispers that have been coming our way all along. Kathy, thank you for trusting your whisper.
June 9, 2024
Have you ever felt a nudge, a stirring in your soul, or if you’re a person of faith like God was speaking to you to do something? In Kathy Izard’s new book, Trust the Whisper, Kathy shares her and other’s personal stories about trusting their whispers and the amazing miracles and connections that have occurred.
Kathy’s own story is inspiring! After volunteering for years in a local soup kitchen in Charlotte, NC, she felt a whisper after a pivotal meeting to do more than serve meals. Kathy followed her whisper to co-lead a city-wide effort to build Moore Place, a first-of-its-kind permanent, supportive housing solution for people experiencing chronic homelessness in Charlotte. Through connections that stemmed from her whisper, or as she calls them, “God Dots,” Kathy also helped establish HopeWay, Charlotte’s first residential mental health treatment center.
This is such a moving and inspiring read! From people who have felt the nudge to start organizations helping others, such as The Green Chair Project in Raleigh, NC, to the Way Station in Birmingham, Alabama, to individuals deciding to adopt or spend their precious free time ministering to those experiencing homelessness. This book is full of stories about everyday ordinary people from all ages and walks of life, answering the call to do more to help make our world better.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps seeing how God works in mysterious ways. I highly recommend Trust the Whisper!
Thank you to Baker Books for the gifted advanced galley and to Kathy Izard for an early finished copy!
Kathy’s own story is inspiring! After volunteering for years in a local soup kitchen in Charlotte, NC, she felt a whisper after a pivotal meeting to do more than serve meals. Kathy followed her whisper to co-lead a city-wide effort to build Moore Place, a first-of-its-kind permanent, supportive housing solution for people experiencing chronic homelessness in Charlotte. Through connections that stemmed from her whisper, or as she calls them, “God Dots,” Kathy also helped establish HopeWay, Charlotte’s first residential mental health treatment center.
This is such a moving and inspiring read! From people who have felt the nudge to start organizations helping others, such as The Green Chair Project in Raleigh, NC, to the Way Station in Birmingham, Alabama, to individuals deciding to adopt or spend their precious free time ministering to those experiencing homelessness. This book is full of stories about everyday ordinary people from all ages and walks of life, answering the call to do more to help make our world better.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps seeing how God works in mysterious ways. I highly recommend Trust the Whisper!
Thank you to Baker Books for the gifted advanced galley and to Kathy Izard for an early finished copy!
June 15, 2024
Trust the Whisper
How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace
by Kathy Izard
Pub DateJun 11 2024
Baker Books
Christian| Religion & Spirituality
Netgalley and Baker Books have provided me with a copy of Trust the Whisper for review:
Do you ever feel as if meeting God in the afterlife is easier than feeling God at work in this life, with the chores, schedules, messes, and unrealized dreams? God is working every day of our lives, but we dismiss this work as coincidence or chance because it is quieter than we expect. Wouldn't it be great if we could clearly understand those divine whispers? Could listening to them be the beginning of living out our truest story and purpose?
Throughout her book, Kathy Izard shares compelling true stories that help you connect the "God Dots" in your life. Sharing her own and others' experiences of moving from doubt to certainty about the divine presence in the world, Kathy offers you the courage to recognize God's guidance in your own life. By asking the right questions, trusting your intuition, being powerfully present, embracing the unexpected, and believing in the dreams God is gently urging you to pursue, she helps you ask the right questions, trust your deepest intuition, and be powerfully present.
I give Trust the Whisper five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace
by Kathy Izard
Pub DateJun 11 2024
Baker Books
Christian| Religion & Spirituality
Netgalley and Baker Books have provided me with a copy of Trust the Whisper for review:
Do you ever feel as if meeting God in the afterlife is easier than feeling God at work in this life, with the chores, schedules, messes, and unrealized dreams? God is working every day of our lives, but we dismiss this work as coincidence or chance because it is quieter than we expect. Wouldn't it be great if we could clearly understand those divine whispers? Could listening to them be the beginning of living out our truest story and purpose?
Throughout her book, Kathy Izard shares compelling true stories that help you connect the "God Dots" in your life. Sharing her own and others' experiences of moving from doubt to certainty about the divine presence in the world, Kathy offers you the courage to recognize God's guidance in your own life. By asking the right questions, trusting your intuition, being powerfully present, embracing the unexpected, and believing in the dreams God is gently urging you to pursue, she helps you ask the right questions, trust your deepest intuition, and be powerfully present.
I give Trust the Whisper five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 11, 2024
Wow. This is one book you need to read if you’ve ever wondered if you should take a chance, if you’ve ever thought you heard a whisper, if you’ve ever wanted to make a difference, if you’ve ever needed a nudge to try for more, if you ever questioned if you heard God right, if you’ve ever hoped for inspiration for what seems too hard.
The author is a master storyteller, telling and retelling what she calls “God Dots” that ultimately connect us together and to God: “We are each like a unique thread in a divine weave, and if we do not connect our own God Dots, a hole will remain in this larger tapestry of life.”
She reveals a new way to see ourselves in this fragmented world, recalling how we are actually very much alike in our differences. She also stresses the importance of vulnerability: “If we do not share when we have a direct experience with God, we limit the possibility that these encounters will have the fullest impact in our lives.”
Highly recommend especially for those in the second half of life, to see that God has not given up on their story, and that by leaning into His whispers and learning from others who did, we can still become part of the divine tapestry He is weaving.
The author is a master storyteller, telling and retelling what she calls “God Dots” that ultimately connect us together and to God: “We are each like a unique thread in a divine weave, and if we do not connect our own God Dots, a hole will remain in this larger tapestry of life.”
She reveals a new way to see ourselves in this fragmented world, recalling how we are actually very much alike in our differences. She also stresses the importance of vulnerability: “If we do not share when we have a direct experience with God, we limit the possibility that these encounters will have the fullest impact in our lives.”
Highly recommend especially for those in the second half of life, to see that God has not given up on their story, and that by leaning into His whispers and learning from others who did, we can still become part of the divine tapestry He is weaving.
August 18, 2024
Trust the Whisper is a unique book, and I am so glad I was able to read this! I have been having God whispers, and I am not the only one. The whispers in this book often revolved around helping people needing homes, and there were quite a few others that were mentioned, like the linking of mothers whose young sons were suffering from a rare and misunderstood disorder. Skeptics might think these are strange coincidences, but there is an underlying "web" of purposefulness. God does speak to us if we choose to listen. Retelling these stories makes these God whispers complete. One part of the book describes the death of someone who had really made a difference. In his memory, his friends were asked to commit to spreading love, joy and kindness for a certain number of days, around 2 months. This is something to remember! A hint about whether something is a whisper is "that little voice inside you telling you to do something that feels inconvenient, unexpected and uncomfortable." We can trust the Whisperer!
I appreciate being able to read this book, compliments of the publishers. The opinions expressed are my own.
I appreciate being able to read this book, compliments of the publishers. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 13, 2025
Our Global Impact team at church was using this book for a book talk as part of our Celebration. Although I couldn't join the weeks of the book club, I am looking forward to hearing the author come and speak next week. Maybe I will add to my review then.
I was happy to read this book and see the origins of some local organizations that I respect and appreciate, who help those who are vulnerable in very real and tangible ways. The stories were heart-warming and inspirational.
I honestly feel like in my life there are so many "God Dot" stories. From fostering to missions to my own family, there are so many ways that I have heard God whisper and then weave his tapestry through amazing stories of people. I have often joked that I could write a book and people tell me that often. However, I like how this book was a compilation of stories but that Kathy gave them the structure that they are due - she tied them together and gave all of us practical applications of what we can learn from these stories.
I was happy to read this book and see the origins of some local organizations that I respect and appreciate, who help those who are vulnerable in very real and tangible ways. The stories were heart-warming and inspirational.
I honestly feel like in my life there are so many "God Dot" stories. From fostering to missions to my own family, there are so many ways that I have heard God whisper and then weave his tapestry through amazing stories of people. I have often joked that I could write a book and people tell me that often. However, I like how this book was a compilation of stories but that Kathy gave them the structure that they are due - she tied them together and gave all of us practical applications of what we can learn from these stories.
May 24, 2024
Trust the Whisper
Kathy Izard
4 stars
This is an absolutely inspiring book about how God touches lives and interconnects people in amazing ways. Kathy Izard has shared a number of stories of people listening to the whispers of God to go on an make impacts in their lives and those of the people who are helped by the very programs or people those whispers inspired.
This book would make for an excellent Bible study or small group. It would be amazing to see the whispers be applied and God's hand at work.
I highly recommend this book. Trust The Whisper would make a fabulous gift for anyone. I had not heard of Kathy Izard prior to the book, but I have already bought her other book, the 100 Story Home.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
Kathy Izard
4 stars
This is an absolutely inspiring book about how God touches lives and interconnects people in amazing ways. Kathy Izard has shared a number of stories of people listening to the whispers of God to go on an make impacts in their lives and those of the people who are helped by the very programs or people those whispers inspired.
This book would make for an excellent Bible study or small group. It would be amazing to see the whispers be applied and God's hand at work.
I highly recommend this book. Trust The Whisper would make a fabulous gift for anyone. I had not heard of Kathy Izard prior to the book, but I have already bought her other book, the 100 Story Home.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
August 25, 2024
Won this off of LibraryThing.
Found this book interesting. I have never read anything by this author before. Found it
very well written.
You know that little whisper or neighing at the back of our mind we ignore. Is it just something
we have thought about and pushed out of the way. What does it mean? Is this something we
have thought about doing and say oh it is just a dream and out it on the shelf. Or do we feel
we want to do this to help others. Even if it just one person that means a lot to us.
Do we follow through on it.
Let the story of others show you what can happen if you listen.
Found this book interesting. I have never read anything by this author before. Found it
very well written.
You know that little whisper or neighing at the back of our mind we ignore. Is it just something
we have thought about and pushed out of the way. What does it mean? Is this something we
have thought about doing and say oh it is just a dream and out it on the shelf. Or do we feel
we want to do this to help others. Even if it just one person that means a lot to us.
Do we follow through on it.
Let the story of others show you what can happen if you listen.
May 2, 2024
This is an inspiring and reflective read that is in line with my faith and Im honored to have read this in advance. The interconnecting stories were remarkable that experiencing it first hand may feel surreal. Kathy Izard wrote this so effortlessly that the words were easily digestible and I was glued to every page. She left you not only inspired but also vigilant with those quiet calls which shows God is always at work in our lives. Thank you so much NetGalley and Baker books for the advance copy!
May 16, 2024
Trust the Whisper by Kathy Izard show the wonderful God-planned results if we only listen to those whispers that He sends to us. It is not by our power, but by His, that those mentioned in this book were able to achieve such works for His Glory. That chance meeting with a stranger, your seat mate on a plane, a misplaced book, a positive response to a misunderstood message. It is amazing the many ways will get our attention.
Releases June 11th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Releases June 11th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 31, 2024
Trust the Whisper is an amazing collection of true stories, transporting the reader on a faith journey that served to help many. Over a number of years, Kathy Izard documented the “whispers” that she and others experienced and helped in encouraging them to implement life-changing plans. As Kathy writes: “It takes courage to listen to a whisper. It takes faith to step out of the life you know and into something completely unexpected.” This is one very inspiring read that may even help you to follow your own dreams!
April 15, 2025
Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace by Kathy Izard is a wonderful book. It is full of stories from the author’s life and the lives of others. The author refers to “God Dots,” instances where it is clear that the Lord has intervened in a human’s life. I loved the author’s perspective on the divine intervention we can see in our lives if we just keep looking. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
May 6, 2024
In TRUST THE WHISPER Kathy Izard tells stories of the miracles happening every day when we listen to God speaking to us. When we are still and listen to the little voice telling us to do or not do things, miracles occur all around us.
She shows us how the choices we make in our lives not only affect us but also, the world around us. It isn't always easy, but the benefits are there even if we don't immediately see the results.
She shows us how the choices we make in our lives not only affect us but also, the world around us. It isn't always easy, but the benefits are there even if we don't immediately see the results.
June 11, 2024
This is your bold reminder that heeding small nudges invigorates massive results—in lives, community, & humanity! We all encounter different whispers and get to respond with heart and grit. I can only imagine a world where we each trusted the dots connecting us to a higher purpose. Please spread the message in this book. I know I will. Thank you, Kathy Izard and all the souls in these stories, who trusted the whispers and connected the God dots!
October 15, 2024
It started off great, but I have to say, for me became a bit repetitive. I realize this was the point of the book, but it almost made it seem more of an infomercial than a practical praise of God’s speaking to her and how He speaks to us. She did finish strong in that she kept giving God the credit, yet, made sure that the unbelievers of God could interpret this whisper as coming from whoever they believed in.
February 21, 2025
Extraordinary book about extraordinary people. At the same time, Kathy Izard helps us understand that if we honor the whisper that we, too, will find our purpose. Perhaps quiet our minds and listen. It was a very special read for me, learning more about the many people featured that I have known for years here in Charlotte. Having been a part of HopeWay from its inception and had my own God Dot experiences surrounding it. To see them highlighted was a true gift for me.
June 21, 2024
Honestly, I was expecting this book to be “inconvenient, unexpected, and uncomfortable,” but it surprised me. Halfway in, I did start feeling that it was a bit repetitive. However, I am glad that I stuck with it. Although I am not a big fan of religion, I am a God fan. I think I have forgotten to listen and I thank the author, Kathy Izard, for reminding me of its importance.
August 25, 2024
A beautiful reminder to expect God to be at work in you and others. Sometimes I can take connections and events for granted and lose the possibilities for what God has in store. And I can forget I have a role to play as do others. A great book that helps me look for and expect God to be in those details.
December 17, 2025
This is such a special book! There is not one person in this world who could not be emotionally affected by the stories that Kathy has so beautifully woven together!
For those readers who are looking for signs from God, this says it all! This is a wonderful book that everyone should read!
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing so we can see God all around us!
For those readers who are looking for signs from God, this says it all! This is a wonderful book that everyone should read!
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing so we can see God all around us!
Want to read
July 3, 2024-----
7/3/24—From a Rambull rec. Sounds pretty good, but it's fun to see praise for the author as a person, too.
7/3/24—From a Rambull rec. Sounds pretty good, but it's fun to see praise for the author as a person, too.
August 17, 2024
This book is both inspirational and informative. I didn't know much about homelessness or the breakthroughs that some are making to overcome it. I have recommended this book to several others.
October 19, 2024
These are beautiful stories of how we are all connected to each other. Kathy is an amazing person who has heard many whispers and had the courage to listen. She has inspired so many others in the stories she shares in this book. I love the way her books have been randomly found in many other places and inspired people who might never have otherwise “heard” their whispers. I am a person who strongly believes that everything happens for a reason. I love the term “God Dots” for these divine whispers we are being urged to follow.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews