Thoughtful, insightful, rich, and pretty practical.

However, I have to admit that I found the end of the book to be very icky. As Allender described sex with God (which feels wrong to even type), dancing with God, and similar imagery, it just doesn't seem appropriate for how a creature ought to relate to their creator.

Yes, there is a wedding metaphor between Christ and the church, but there is never an implication of sexuality within that. This kind of description makes me feel uncomfortable and confused.

I think that when we talk about the relationship between God and humans, we should use more appropriate and respectful language. We should focus on the spiritual connection and the love and grace that God has for us, rather than using such strange and inappropriate imagery.

Overall, although the book has many good points, the end part really detracts from its value. I hope that in the future, authors will be more careful when using language to describe the relationship between God and humans.

A truly remarkable and solid book that delves deep into the profound ways in which God operates within the hurts and difficulties that we encounter in our lives. It offers profound insights and comforting perspectives on how God is present even in the midst of our pain and struggles. Through engaging stories, thought-provoking teachings, and spiritual wisdom, this book helps us to understand that God is working behind the scenes, guiding us, strengthening us, and using our experiences for His greater purposes. It reminds us that we are not alone in our hardships and that God is always there, ready to offer His love, grace, and healing. Whether we are facing physical ailments, emotional turmoil, or relationship challenges, this book provides a source of hope and inspiration, showing us that God can turn our hurts into blessings and our difficulties into opportunities for growth and transformation.

I truly relished this book. It is one of the more beneficial Christian books regarding suffering. I valued the perspective offered by a psychologist.

The chapters titled “Ambivalence and the Loss of Love” and “The Wager of Faith” held particular significance for me. I surmise that I will be pondering over them for some time and will likely re-read certain parts in conjunction with my therapist.

Here is a final thought: If you have ever tuned in to the Place We Find Ourselves podcast, this book provides an excellent foundation for the key concepts they expound upon there concerning story work. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's understanding and exploration of these important topics.

Overall, this book has been a valuable addition to my reading list and has provided me with much food for thought and reflection.

Dan Allender, one of my online and seminar mentors, penned this book in 1999.

I was initially hesitant to read it. I was aware that he is a writer/teacher whose ideas are progressive and who interprets the horizon. I questioned whether this book would withstand the test of time as his work continued to evolve.

However, it turned out to be a fundamental work of his. It emphasizes that a life of fullness, healing, and connection with God involves holding our pain and hopes hand in hand. The combination of the two reveals the complete picture of who we are and how we are meant to impact the world.

When I read Allender, I often find myself getting stuck around two-thirds of the way through. While he teaches and guides me through a process of understanding, I begin to long for practical applications. He takes readers on a journey, unearthing each rock, digging deep, and then inviting us to examine what has been discovered.

Readers who desire quick bottom lines may become frustrated. Nevertheless, I am grateful that I took the time to read this book. I am committed to learning what real emotional healing can look like and what it can involve in daily life, utilizing both the frameworks of faith and the studies of psychology and people.

This thought-provoking book truly led me on a remarkable path to greater healing and peace.

It delves into the deeper elements of faith, hope, and love, which are so crucial in our lives.

Allender has managed to bring a new and extremely welcome twist to the dark and difficult task of piecing together broken lives.

His unique perspective and approach offer a glimmer of light in what often seems like a hopeless situation.

The book challenges us to look beyond the surface and explore the hidden recesses of our hearts and souls.

It encourages us to face our past traumas and embrace the possibility of transformation and growth.

By doing so, we can find the strength and courage to move forward and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is seeking greater healing, peace, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

This is a truly fantastic read.

It is filled with life-changing and inspiring content that has the power to transform one's perspective and actions.

The concept of "HOPE" is presented as the new favorite word, and it holds great significance.

Hope gives us the strength to persevere through difficult times, to believe in a better future, and to take the necessary steps to make that future a reality.

It is a powerful motivator that can drive us to achieve our goals and dreams.

This article not only offers valuable insights and inspiration but also encourages readers to embrace hope and use it as a guiding force in their lives.

It is a must-read for anyone looking for a positive and life-affirming experience.

Overall, this is an excellent piece of writing that leaves a lasting impression and has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of its readers.

I read this for the internship.

It is a super great book that is extremely helpful in enabling one to bring their wounds before Jesus and the community.

The book provides valuable insights and guidance on how to deal with our inner hurts and find healing in the presence of God and within the context of a supportive community.

However, at some points, it does get a little long and drawn out.

This made the reading process a bit slower for me.

In fact, it took me about two months to complete the book.

But it was one of those special books where I would read a chapter, take about a week to process the ideas and emotions it evoked in me, and then I would be ready to move on to the next chapter.

This method of reading allowed me to truly absorb the content and apply it to my own life.

Overall, despite its length, this book was a worthwhile read and had a significant impact on my internship experience.

Some of his chapters express thoughts that I have long yearned to hear regarding suffering.

The apostle Paul informs us that as we experience inner groaning, we eagerly anticipate our ultimate redemption (Romans 8:23). However, very few of us truly enter into the tragedy of residing in a fallen world and concurrently engage in a struggle with God until our hearts are filled with hope to the point of bleeding.

We either succumb to pain with a hopeless and cynical attitude, or we accept an artificial resolution that contends that things are not really that bad and we do not need to dwell on the negatives of life.

It is essential to recognize that suffering is an inescapable part of our human experience. Instead of avoiding or denying it, we should strive to understand its significance and seek God's presence and guidance through it.

By doing so, we can find meaning and purpose in our pain and emerge stronger and more resilient.

We must not let suffering define us or rob us of our hope. Instead, we should use it as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to develop a deeper understanding of His love and grace.