When you view the title and book's summary, The Hyssop Branch, you might wonder what a hyssop is and how it pertains to Christians. Hyssop is a wild shrub of uncertain identity whose twigs were used for sprinkling in ancient Jewish rites of purification. With that knowledge, I was ready to dive into the collection. 

Cameron Wells shares in the "Preface" that he's had moments of inadequacy, but his faith gave him the strength to continue on his writing journey. The road wasn't easy, but rarely in life is anything easy. He hopes that you'll turn to God in your time of need. He also hopes that God speaks to you through his work. 

There's no mistaking that Cameron Wells's faith is strong. He put his life in God's hands and trusted the Almighty's plan. He doesn't dwell in the past because he knows "the best is yet to come." When I read "Faux Sonnet 4," it reminded me of John 13:1–17, when Jesus washed his disciples' feet. Biblical scholars say, for Jesus, it was the display of His humility and His servanthood. I believe that by adding this poem, and every other one, to the book, Cameron is trying to spread God's message. He wants his readers to see that it's essential to turn to God through the good and bad times and let him guide you. 

Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It's common to doubt something or someone when it isn't (currently) tangible. Doubt rise. Hope starts to dwindle. When pain strikes, Cameron speaks of the "presence presses gently against the edges of your consciousness beckoning you to let go and surrender" (the One you long for). Many have testified about the feeling of peace, assurance, and relief they felt his presence. Basically, you don't have to see or touch him to know he exists.  

Poem after poem, Cameron Wells's faith shines through. No matter if he's feeling defeated, worried, or stressed, Cameron knows that he's not defeated because God is by his side as his Savior, Provider, Comforter, and Father ("I am undefeated"). He also stresses that we all sin and have moments of doubt, but the Lord forgives those sincere in their apologies. He sees what's truly in our hearts.

You don't have to love poetry to appreciate Cameron's creation. You only have to believe in the Lord and trust he'll walk beside you every step of the way. If you do, then I believe Cameron's goal will be met: He also hopes that God speaks to you through his work. 

This book is 100% intended for the people who believe in and follow The Creator.