Contact: Abigail Davidson, Publicist, WinePress Publishing, 360-802-9758, abigail@winepressgroup.com

ENUMCLAW, Wash., Aug. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Faith Lifts" (WinePress, 2010), a collection of poems, photos, and accompanying music CD reflects the author's source of strength in spite of a lifetime of suffering.

Born with Spina Bifida, a spinal deformity, Gayle Ottemiller required surgical intervention when she was five weeks old. At 12 years of age, she developed scoliosis which required surgical fusion of ten more vertebrae and a year of immobility in a full body cast.

Throughout years of physical and emotionally suffering, Ottemiller questioned the existence of a loving God and the purpose of her own life. Depression and anxiety disorders set in, yet she continued her search for meaning and purpose.

An avid reader, Ottemiller sought comfort through the study of philosophy, poetry, and science. At age 44, Ottemiller was introduced to Christian poet Thomas John Carlyle and his writings. Shortly afterwards she put her faith in Jesus Christ.

"[My] poems represent steps of faith I've been compelled to take as I faced some difficult challenges such as the loss of a loved one, undergoing open heart surgery, or the result of recognizing and experiencing the holiness of God, his amazing grace and unfailing love."

From 1978-2004, Gayle worked for the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, assisting developmentally disabled adults. Gayle holds an A.A. degree from Penn Hall Jr. College; a B.S. from Utica College, and an M.S. from Syracuse University.

A lifelong New Yorker, Ottemiller currently resides in Cicero. Now retired, she travels and speaks to several local churches and groups in Central New York. Ottemiller enjoys writing, photography, calligraphy, and the German craft of Scherenschnitte, or literally "scissors-cutting."

Ottemiller's book, "Faith Lifts" offers a glimpse of her journey from brokenness to wholeness and the freedom she has come to experience through her relationship with Jesus Christ.

For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview, please contact Abigail Davidson by phone at 360-802-9758, by email at abigail@winepressgroup.com, or by fax at 360-802-9992. To purchase a copy of this book visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323.