Finance Chair, Georgia State Senate Legislative Session

Dawn Tolbert

Finding Hope in Struggles

July 15, 2024

Local author Dawn Tolbert invites readers on a profound exploration of faith, obedience, and the boundless love of the Creator in her book, “I’d Rather Die than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts.”

With a fresh perspective on the timeless story of Jonah, this women’s Bible study is more than a retelling of a familiar biblical tale. It offers a companionable walk through the story of God’s unwilling prophet and encourages readers to bring their angry, hurt and unforgiving thoughts to God as they draw near to him in faith.

“By examining the life of this less-than-willing messenger, we learn about God’s unfailing love and discover how much he wants to use people like us, not in spite of our hurts, but often because of them,” the author said. “Our struggles have uniquely equipped us to share his love with others who are hurting, and even those who have hurt us.

“It’s easy to skip over the book of Jonah, assuming we know the story, but when we read it with fresh eyes, we find it is as relevant in the 21st century as it was when God first used a fish and a worm to change his prophet’s heart.”

The paperback book was released in November 2023 and is available through the publisher’s website at www.eilaimpressions.com and Amazon. eBooks are available at Amazon and other major retailers.

Tolbert began her writing career working for Rome’s News Publishing Company, first at the Cedartown Standard and later as a lifestyles writer and editor at the Rome News-Tribune. Her career in higher education includes her current role as director of advancement communications at Berry College and managing editor of Berry magazine.

Readers can also find her writing at www.dawntolbert.com, where she writes hope-filled, faith-inspired blog content to encourage women in their walk with Jesus Christ. “In this hectic, modern world, we’re told to try harder and hustle more, but all that striving leaves us empty, anxious, exhausted and spiritually drained,” Tolbert wrote on her website. “But there is good news: we can have a friend named Jesus who calls us to a better way. My goal with my writing is to remind us to break free from striving and unwrap God’s gift of rest.” She also hosts the “Unwrapping Rest with Dawn Tolbert” podcast.