Larrita Adderley’s latest book, The Stain, is a collection of poems she hopes will inspire people to keep pushing, despite life’s challenges.

“Sin is a stain,” said the author and singing evangelist. “You can’t hide it, even though you try to. You have to go the source who frees you from sin, and that is Jesus Christ.”

Ms Adderley published her first two books last year, Float: Trusting in God to Carry You and In Your Throne Room: The Secret Place.

Prior to that, she was better known as a singer and songwriter. In 2007 she won the Bermuda Idol title and, from there, focused on expanding her craft with a performance at the Apollo Theatre in New York and a solo album.

Her voice has been featured on several local music projects and in January, Ms Adderley released a single entitled New Freedom.

“I’ve found that writing helps me to process things,” she said. “Sometimes my thoughts are all over the place, until I write them down and start to see how it all connects.

“As a singer and songwriter, poetry was just another form of creative expression that I could use to give honour and glory to God.”

Butterfly, Soar and It’s Raining are among the titles of the 30 poems she wrote in one night and included in The Stain.

“The poems are uplifting and encouraging testimonies, sharing how Christ has delivered me from sin and hardship,” Ms Adderley said.

“I love poems. I have always loved poetry. I’m inspired by the greats like Maya Angelou and even the young poet from the presidential inauguration – Amanda Gorman. I’m inspired by the ability to take life experiences and create beautiful words and stories from them.”

The collection of poems was inspired by a former client said Ms Adderley, an IAP Career College-certified life coach.

“I was trying to life-coach a client and the person was having difficulty seeing a way through their current situation,” she said. “It caused me to reflect on my own journey, the many trials, and difficulties I have faced. That night after our final session I sat and wrote the entire book. God inspired 30 poems in one night.

“At the time that I was writing I did not know what was to come in my own life. I did not know how important it would be for me to read my own words. I wrote this book for others, but it turned out to be the testimony I needed to push through.”

The past year has been “a very hard” one for Ms Adderley, who was laid off from work and lost her apartment.

“I have been staying positive through it all, trusting that God will make a way as He always does. Jesus is my rock and fortress. He is my shelter through the storm.

“I realised that I needed to write through the storm. I needed to share the ups and the downs of this life. That’s what makes me relatable, as a coach and as a Christian. I still have struggles, but I choose to praise through them and give God glory for the strength to survive.”

The book is dedicated to her mother, Shirley Adderley, who the author refers to as “the love of [her] life”.

“I thank God for my mother. She is the best gift that God has ever given me. I admire her being.”

Ms Adderley is planning to formally launch The Stain this month. She hopes that the event will enable people to connect with each other and share their testimonies.

‘It’s not just about me and my book. It’s an opportunity to fellowship and to share our journey,” she said. “I wrote this book for all of us, and I want as many as possible to come out and celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.

“Life might take you on a course you were not prepared for, but the journey prepares you for God’s purpose in your life. It is all connected. We just have to trust Him and keep going.”

The Stain is available on Queen Street at Sacred, a faith-inspired gift shop, and The Bermuda Book Store. Copies may also be purchased directly from Larrita Adderley on 703-8030 or adderleylarrita@gmail.com. Ms Adderley plans to launch the book on July 24 at Newstead Belmont Hills