Retired healthcare executive and author Rick Wilton has announced the release of his new devotional, 'Every Breath,' published by Clay Bridges Press. The book aims to provide encouragement for individuals facing unexpected diagnoses, broken dreams, grief, uncertainty, and seasons of waiting, emphasizing that God remains faithful even in life's most challenging journeys.
Wilton, who spent his professional career as a healthcare executive before retiring to focus on writing, family, and ministry, draws from decades of personal experience and his own spiritual journey. 'Every one of us will eventually face a journey we never would have chosen,' Wilton said. 'My prayer is that readers will discover they are not walking those roads alone. God is present, He is faithful, and He can use even our hardest seasons to deepen our trust in Him and bring glory to His name.'
Rather than offering superficial encouragement, 'Every Breath' speaks candidly about the realities of suffering while pointing readers toward hope found in Christ. Each devotional invites readers to see how God transforms pain into purpose and uncertainty into deeper dependence on Him. 'There is no candy coating in this book,' Wilton explained. 'I wanted to tell the truth about what it looks like to walk through an unwanted season while holding tightly to God.'
Wilton's writing journey began more than fifty years ago when his tenth-grade English teacher recognized his gift. Although he briefly considered journalism in college, life took a different direction, but the desire to write never disappeared. 'Looking back, I can see God was planting seeds all along,' Wilton said. 'Now I simply want to use whatever gift He's given me to encourage others to trust Him more deeply.'
For Wilton, writing is an act of obedience, and he describes his writing journey as 'inspired by God.' When facing creative stalls, he turns to what he calls 'mental health and prayer walks.' 'Every time I step away and spend time with the Lord, He faithfully meets me there,' he said.
A native West Virginian and graduate of Marshall University, Wilton has been married to his wife, Sandy, for more than forty years and treasures his role as a husband, father to two sons and two daughters-in-love, and grandfather to six grandchildren. When not writing, he enjoys family time, walking or hiking scenic trails, relaxing at the beach or mountain camp, or trout fishing.
Wilton hopes readers of 'Every Breath' come away believing that no matter what unwanted journey they face, God has not abandoned them. 'He is using every step to shape them into who He created them to be,' he said.
For aspiring writers, Wilton offers simple advice: 'Do the work. Follow the prompting of your heart and the Holy Spirit. Write every day. You never know how God may use your words to encourage someone else.'
Clay Bridges Press, a Houston-area hybrid publisher, helped Wilton edit, publish, and promote the book. For more information on Clay Bridges, visit claybridgespress.com.
