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A Beautiful Tapestry; Two Ordinary Women, One Amazing God, Many Lives Transformed
The memoir of blind Gospel singer Marilyn Baker and prophetic teacher and writer Tracy Williamson who is deaf and partially sighted - how they formed an unlikely friendship and ministry partnership that has spanned over three decades. This is an inspiring and hope filled read. An ideal gift or to read personally to be built up in God's love. it will make you laugh and cry by turn.
- GenresNonfiction
244 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 20
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 11, 2026
Absolutely loved this. Didn’t think I’d enjoy the dual perspectives but it was a real strength. Laugh out loud funny. Touching. Inspiring. Faith strengthening. I couldn’t put it down.
It’s refreshingly honest. Occasionally heartbreaking, and shows how God heals people’s brokenness.
Story after story of answered prayer, God’s direction and how God used these two women of faith!
The biggest compliment I can give is I immediately ordered two of Tracy Williamson’s books and researched Marilyn’s Zoom seminars/concerts.
100% recommend
It’s refreshingly honest. Occasionally heartbreaking, and shows how God heals people’s brokenness.
Story after story of answered prayer, God’s direction and how God used these two women of faith!
The biggest compliment I can give is I immediately ordered two of Tracy Williamson’s books and researched Marilyn’s Zoom seminars/concerts.
100% recommend
November 22, 2020
I've just finished "A Beautiful Tapestry" which is an amazing, inspiring, life-changing read. I have felt half-asleep and saddened for so long about many things, but this book woke me up. Two wonderful women telling their stories and what stories they are! This may well be one of the most important books I've read in some time.
November 16, 2020
Tracy writes the book “is a tapestry of threads woven together by God; a tapestry of stories, both our own and other people’s; so many examples of God speaking, acting, comforting, inspiring, providing, anointing and enabling… when all the threads are woven together the tapestry comes into being, a beautifully complete and unique picture… it is our hope that through this beautiful tapestry you will encounter the God who loves you so much and be blessed.”
In Part 1 of the book, we learn about Marilyn’s story and her music ministry and in Part 2 Tracy’s story. It was also interesting to read how they both came to know Jesus as their loving, personal Saviour. What really stood out to me in both sections of this book is how God was there right from the beginning, even when Marilyn and Tracy were not aware of it themselves. He was there working behind the scenes. I found this encouraging because it made me look back over my own life and see how God has always been there, working his purposes out for my good.
They have both had their trials yet none of this has made them bitter. They are both full of the joy of the Lord and this shines through not only in the book but also in everything they do.
As I continued to read further on in the book, I learned how God brought them both together.
The world might look at these women and just see the difficulties and their disabilities – a blind woman in partnership with another who is deaf and partially sighted – and draw the conclusion that they would not amount to much. But God sees beyond what others look at, what are weaknesses in the eyes of others can be a way of God demonstrating his strength through us. God knew exactly what he was doing when he brought them together.
This is something else which encouraged me as I read. I can dwell too much on my own frailties and weaknesses and think because of them I can’t do anything for God. Yet, Tracy and Marilyn’s book reminds me how God delights to use us in our weaknesses. He delights to use those who the world might dismiss, if we will just choose to be available to him and follow in obedience. It’s so important for us to see ourselves as God sees us and not as the world does. His opinion is the only one which counts. And when we are obedient he is glorified and he uses us to bless others. This is what we see when we read Tracy and Marilyn’s story.
You may be starting to think from what I’ve written that these two ladies are perfect, but they are not and they would be the first to admit that and they do give examples of times when they are not ‘perfect’, such as losing their patience with one another. But I’ll leave it for you to discover this for yourselves when you read the book.
As I end this review I just want to add that I found this book inspiring and challenging. I look at them as individuals want to be more like them. I am challenged in my own faith and relationship with God. I am inspired to see what God can do when an individual commits their life to him, who walks in close relationship with him, listening to his voice and following his directions.
In Part 1 of the book, we learn about Marilyn’s story and her music ministry and in Part 2 Tracy’s story. It was also interesting to read how they both came to know Jesus as their loving, personal Saviour. What really stood out to me in both sections of this book is how God was there right from the beginning, even when Marilyn and Tracy were not aware of it themselves. He was there working behind the scenes. I found this encouraging because it made me look back over my own life and see how God has always been there, working his purposes out for my good.
They have both had their trials yet none of this has made them bitter. They are both full of the joy of the Lord and this shines through not only in the book but also in everything they do.
As I continued to read further on in the book, I learned how God brought them both together.
The world might look at these women and just see the difficulties and their disabilities – a blind woman in partnership with another who is deaf and partially sighted – and draw the conclusion that they would not amount to much. But God sees beyond what others look at, what are weaknesses in the eyes of others can be a way of God demonstrating his strength through us. God knew exactly what he was doing when he brought them together.
This is something else which encouraged me as I read. I can dwell too much on my own frailties and weaknesses and think because of them I can’t do anything for God. Yet, Tracy and Marilyn’s book reminds me how God delights to use us in our weaknesses. He delights to use those who the world might dismiss, if we will just choose to be available to him and follow in obedience. It’s so important for us to see ourselves as God sees us and not as the world does. His opinion is the only one which counts. And when we are obedient he is glorified and he uses us to bless others. This is what we see when we read Tracy and Marilyn’s story.
You may be starting to think from what I’ve written that these two ladies are perfect, but they are not and they would be the first to admit that and they do give examples of times when they are not ‘perfect’, such as losing their patience with one another. But I’ll leave it for you to discover this for yourselves when you read the book.
As I end this review I just want to add that I found this book inspiring and challenging. I look at them as individuals want to be more like them. I am challenged in my own faith and relationship with God. I am inspired to see what God can do when an individual commits their life to him, who walks in close relationship with him, listening to his voice and following his directions.
December 5, 2020
A Beautiful Tapestry; Two ordinary women, One amazing God, Many lives transformed is both biographical and autobiographical. It tells the story of two remarkable women, Marilyn Baker and the author, Tracy Williamson. The first two parts tell about their early lives and the time before they met. The rest of the book is about their ministry together.
In spite of losing her sight as a young child, Marilyn Baker became a very accomplished musician. Tracy Williamson is deaf and partially sighted due to a childhood illness. They both achieve more than many people, who do not have to contend with these limitations.
The emphasis is on the way God provides and guides people. There are sad stories and funny stories, notably the first meeting between Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson. They have travelled to other countries together, sharing Marilyn’s worship songs and Tracy’s insights gained through prayer. Some people attending their meetings have been healed.
As well as Marilyn and Tracy’s memories, other people have contributed their own recollections of the events described.
A Beautiful Tapestry would make a good Christmas present, but do read it yourself!
To find out more about Marylin and Tracy’s ministry, which has continued online during the pandemic, visit Marilyn Baker Ministries , where it is possible to listen to Marilyn’s music.
In spite of losing her sight as a young child, Marilyn Baker became a very accomplished musician. Tracy Williamson is deaf and partially sighted due to a childhood illness. They both achieve more than many people, who do not have to contend with these limitations.
The emphasis is on the way God provides and guides people. There are sad stories and funny stories, notably the first meeting between Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson. They have travelled to other countries together, sharing Marilyn’s worship songs and Tracy’s insights gained through prayer. Some people attending their meetings have been healed.
As well as Marilyn and Tracy’s memories, other people have contributed their own recollections of the events described.
A Beautiful Tapestry would make a good Christmas present, but do read it yourself!
To find out more about Marylin and Tracy’s ministry, which has continued online during the pandemic, visit Marilyn Baker Ministries , where it is possible to listen to Marilyn’s music.
September 20, 2023
I am one of the many people whose lives have been profoundly touched by Marilyn Baker's music in a way that increased my awareness of God's supportive love. I first heard her music in 1987 via hospital radio, whilst recovering from an operation, and I have been a fan of Marilyn Baker since then.
I don't say this lightly, as I tend to be 'high Church' and mostly prefer old hymns, only occasionally liking a new song. But it's clear to me from her songs, that Marilyn Baker sings from a deep well of spiritual compassion.
Hence, I came to this book with some curiosity to discover what more Marilyn Baker might have to say to me in print. What emerges from this book is a woman of valour, who trusts in God, and also has a great sense of humour. As someone who has ELCI (Energy Limiting Chronic Illness), I found the book inspirational in terms of the confidence Tracy Williamson and Marilyn Baker express that God loves all individuals and that those with disabilities have as important a role in this world as everyone else. All individuals can use their life experiences ('good' and 'bad') to enhance their understanding and ability to reach out to other people.
I'm giving this book five stars, because beauty can be found within it if you take the time to read and appreciate the challenges overcome and the creative efforts by its writers with the support and love of God.
I don't say this lightly, as I tend to be 'high Church' and mostly prefer old hymns, only occasionally liking a new song. But it's clear to me from her songs, that Marilyn Baker sings from a deep well of spiritual compassion.
Hence, I came to this book with some curiosity to discover what more Marilyn Baker might have to say to me in print. What emerges from this book is a woman of valour, who trusts in God, and also has a great sense of humour. As someone who has ELCI (Energy Limiting Chronic Illness), I found the book inspirational in terms of the confidence Tracy Williamson and Marilyn Baker express that God loves all individuals and that those with disabilities have as important a role in this world as everyone else. All individuals can use their life experiences ('good' and 'bad') to enhance their understanding and ability to reach out to other people.
I'm giving this book five stars, because beauty can be found within it if you take the time to read and appreciate the challenges overcome and the creative efforts by its writers with the support and love of God.
November 17, 2020
This book is so inspirational, it’s the story of how God brought together two amazing women of God and led them into a ministry that has touched numerous lives. It’s full of wonderful stories that at times made me laugh out loud. Tracy’s prophetic writing takes you right to the heart of God and the faithfulness of these two friends living a life dedicated to Jesus will not leave you unmoved. God’s fingerprints are all over their lives and this book, I highly recommend it.
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May 7, 2022A truly amazing read. This book really shows how the Lord works to guide us every step of the way on our life's journey, through the highs and the lows, he is always with us. The title is truly fitting, as we see just how the Lord weaves each thread of the beautiful tapestry for these two truly inspirational women, as he does for us all. Amen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
This is a beautiful book of testimonies. Taking us through the lives of Marilyn & Tracey and MBM. I've only given 3 stars because, personally, I don't tend to read a lot of non fiction books. I found it tough to get through but that is just me. If you enjoy Faith filled non fiction, then this is definately the book for you.
February 10, 2023
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book but found it an amazing and thought-provoking book. Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson give an insight as to how walking in God's way feels and what can be done when we are in step with Him.
November 14, 2020
Love this book and so excited by its message of hope
February 7, 2021
Lovely book. Beautiful biography. Felt like I was sitting in the front room just reminiscing and chatting!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews