Leland author DiBiase schedules two Delta signings for memoir on grief, faith and healing

Special to The Leland Progress

A new memoir by Rhonda Lynn DiBiase explores grief, faith and the long process of letting go after the loss of a parent.

DiBiase, a Hollandale native now living in Leland, will sign copies of her book, Fear Finds Faith, at the Torry Woods Memorial Library in Hollandale on April 25 from 9 to 11 a.m., and at The Next Chapter in Leland on May 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The book, published by Sunrise Press, grew out of DiBiase’s experience following the death of her mother, Linda, in 2024 after a lengthy illness.

She said the idea began with encouragement from family and friends.

“One was my husband, Mark,” DiBiase said. “He loved Mama’s funny sayings and kept a list of them on his computer, telling me they would make a great book.”

She also credited a friend, author Alisha Nelson, who encouraged her to begin writing.

DiBiase said the first draft was completed in about two weeks, followed by revisions before she contacted Joe Lee, editor-in-chief of Dogwood Press.

“I was mainly calling Joe for advice,” she said. “But he reminded me of Sunrise Press and said he wanted to read it.”

Lee said the manuscript stood out for its directness.

“I’ve received lots of requests to publish books by people who have lost loved ones,” Lee said. “All are heartfelt, but this one really struck a chord in the brutally honest, plainspoken way it was written.”

He said the story brought back his own experience of losing his mother and described the book as “a test of faith.”

DiBiase said that is the message she hopes readers take from it.

“I want people to take away from the book that prayer works, faith holds, and God always listens,” she said. “Even when it’s hard to understand, you have to trust that He’s still working for your good.”