A Path through Pain: How Faith Deepens and Joy Grows through What You Would Never Choose

by Ed Young, Lisa Young

In the midst of deep pain, how can you move forward? Most of us spend our lives avoiding pain at every turn, so when we inevitably experience it, it sends us into a tailspin. We begin to question why God doesn't stop bad things from happening, if there's significance in our pain, and whether or not God is truly worthy of our trust or actually cares about us. Ed and Lisa Young, bestselling authors and pastors of Fellowship Church, know the kind of pain most of us hope never to experience--the death of a child. With refreshing vulnerability and power, A Path through Pain shares their family's journey from sorrow and anger to hope and healing after the tragic and sudden loss of their daughter. As they share their incredible perspective, they will inspire and equip you God really does care for us, and in the darkest of places, his light still shines to show us a way through.

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Ed Young is the founding pastor of Fellowship Church and a New York Times bestselling author. Ed and his wife Lisa have been married for over 40 years and have four children, one who is in Heaven. Fellowship Church is known for creatively and boldly communicating the Bible and equipping people for the challenges of everyday life.



Through his leadership as founding and Lead Pastor of Fellowship Church, the church has been consistently ranked as one of the most attended churches in North America over the past decade. Since 1990, Fellowship has grown from 30 families to multiple campuses in Dallas/Fort Worth (TX) and an online campus as well.



With a passion to equip and train leaders in the church, Ed began C3 Global, CreativePastors.com and the Creative Church Conference (C3) in order to provide resources to thousands of pastors and leaders around the world.



Ed has also had the opportunity to publish several books on the topics of leadership, Christian living, marriage and parenting.

Ed is a New York Times best-selling author and his books include: Sexperiment: 7 Days to Lasting Intimacy with Your Spouse. His other books include: The Marriage Mirror; The Creative Leader; and Outrageous, Contagious Joy, The Fear Virus.

Reviews

[Brad White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book unveils the heartache and loss of losing a child and It unveils the hope in the darkness that can only be found in Jesus! None of us get a pass on pain and this book will encourage and strengthen you and you walk the Path Of Pain.

[Caleb Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really powerful and practical. The 4 steps they laid out and walked through made something so complex, simple to digest. 1. Admit you can't process pain alone 2. Believe Jesus loves you 3. Choose Him daily to lead you 4. Discover hope and healing in community. These steps unravel how we can find healing and even joy in our darkest days. I wish I would have had this wisdom in my more difficult years of personal pain but it is a great reminder of how good, caring, and faithful God was and continues to be. The way the authors wrote this book in such a conversational, relational, and honest way, makes it relatable and helpful to think through how you and I process pain. How pain and joy can coexist is supernatural. They are very real with the painful story of the loss of their oldest daughter but there is no doubt in their tone of faith. What an incredible inspiration Ed and Lisa Young are in this book. A story worth sharing. If you or someone you know is walking through a pain you can't imagine overcoming, this is the book for you. I highly recommend.

[David Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Path Through Pain" by Ed & Lisa Young is a heartfelt journey through the complex terrain of pain. The authors demonstrate a deep understanding of human suffering, whether it's physical, emotional, or psychological, making the book profoundly relatable. The heartbreaking story of the loss of their daughter breaks your heart. They use personal anecdotes and real-life stories effectively, adding a personal touch to their advice and making the content engaging and memorable.

The book's empathy and compassion shine through, offering solace to those navigating challenging times. "A Path Through Pain" is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and comfort in the face of adversity, offering a genuine and empathetic perspective on the human experience of pain.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard about the death of Ed & Lisa Young's oldest daughter I immediately asked God why? Why does he allow us to go through the pain we go through? I asked that question recently when my father died of cancer, and I've asked that question time and time again in my life, as have many. What I love about this book is that it does not sugar coat anything, it's raw and honest, but it also gives a perspective the world doesn't offer. Pain and joy can coexist; our pain is not in vain. I hope others will take a journey through this book to discover the hope and healing on their own path through pain that it's helped me discover.

[Rob Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a true and honest reflection of walking through pain! I love how this book lays out how grief and joy can coexist. I can't begin to understand the unimaginable heartache and pain that comes with the death of a child and to see their journey is nothing less than inspiring. This book puts pain, whatever kind of pain you are walking in, into perspective and helps you clearly see that it is something you don't have to stay in but can walk through. Everyone will experience pain of some kind and I highly recommend this book to help you navigate through the darkest times in life and still have joy!

[Erin Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really well written book, by both a husband and wife, about physical and emotional healing. This story begins with how this couple copes with the tragic passing of their daughter. They talk a lot about what helped them through the pain process, shared heresies and Bible stories, shared some parts of their daily journal, and talked a lot about standing firm in the Faith, not losing hope, and leaning on Jesus. They also spoke a lot about community and having family and friends who you can lean on.

[Max Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to bring so much healing to those who read. Pastors Ed and Lisa speak from such a vulnerable place. Pain can be such a complex thing to describe at times, but they do a thoughtful job in explaining it. I would recommend this to anyone I know who has experienced trauma, a tragedy, or is going through a difficult season of their own. I know this book will be an encouragement to so many!

[Roxanne Suggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Ed and Lisa Young’s daughter, LeeBeth, died unexpectedly. Their poignant journey of grief has been purposed to forge a path of hope and healing. My husband passed away suddenly, and I am hugely grateful for this wonderful resource for myself and to share with others who have suffered great loss. The life-giving truths of God’s Word sprinkled throughout the pages will powerfully transform lives and enable readers to also experience joy in the mist of deep sorrow.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad was killed suddenly in a car accident when I was 20 years old. I have lived 23 years seeking God's peace and understanding from the sadness and heartache of losing a loved one unexpectedly. What Ed and Lisa have been able to put down on paper in this book shares what so many of us who have walked this path cannot articulate. I pray that all those who read this book and have gone through the sadness and pain of death will be reminded that there is joy and healing in Christ.

[Andrea Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Pastor Ed and Lisa Young is a book for everyone. We all face pain and this book illustrates how we can walk through that pain while still having joy. I like how they shared their story and action steps on how they walked through, and still are walking through, their pain and suffering. I would suggest this book to anyone and everyone because we all face pain and I believe it is so powerful to be able to find comfort in God through the midst of pain.

[Colette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In looking for inspiration rather than asking, "Why, God?", A Path Through Pain offered refreshing insights of God's faithfulness when we step out into obedience. Rather than looking for purpose in the pain, I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31, that our strength will be renewed if we trust in Him.

A quote that I continue to be drawn to is, "Healing isn't the absence of hurt- healing is the presence of peace."

Sound tokens of wisdom and hope for the future.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the outset I need to mention that I'm a former member of Ed's church and was treated very poorly by his pastoral staff (one specifically mentioned in the book) to the point I was basically shunned and run off (to this day, only one former member has ever reached out to me).

Normally I deduct one star from an Ed Young book on that basis but given the tragedy he and Lisa suffered through no fault of their own (in terms of child raising) I will not make a deduction here.

The book itself is quite beneficial for anyone experiencing pain of whatever kind.

[TianneMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't like reading pain and grief books because it often feels trite when you read the words on the page. But I liked this book because they shared so much of their story and acknowledged how hard this journey is. One of my favorite lines is: "Healing isn't the absence of pain; healing is the presence of peace." This book gave me hope. It's just good knowing you're not alone.

[Kimberly Messick · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a sneak peak, I am looking forward to the release of this book. Pain is such a hard hard feeling! Sadly, Ed and Lisa Young know this pain first hand. I know they will help guide us through, in Gods way of helping all deal with pain by putting our faith and continued trust in Him! God bless and thank you Pastors Ed and Lisa for sharing your suffering and showing us Gods path!

[Madison Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Path Through Pain will be such an encouragement to all who read it. Pastors Ed and Lisa share their heartaches, disappointments and frustrations yet, always have chosen to turn their eyes back to Jesus and follow what He has for them. Finding a path through pain is a choice. It's a process. But we find out from this book, that pain and joy can truly co-exist. What a gift that is.

[Grant Toce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The transparency of this book is both heartbreaking and eye opening. Reading the inner struggle of two very public people really places you in the shoes of their pain and makes you feel not alone in your own. Every couple of minutes you will read something that requires you to stop and readjust your mindset around your own pain. The writing will show you that you are not alone in your pain.

[Lexa Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how much this book means to me. Ed & Lisa write like they are on this journey with you guiding you lovingly by the hand as you discuss some deep stuff!!! Reading it feels like a big hug. Thankful to be on the receiving end of a message like this- it gives me hope. I’m excited to point other people that I know who are struggling to it as a great healing tool!!!!!

[Derek Donley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. The blend of their personal experience and practical advice truly sets this book apart. Whether you've faced loss yourself or wanting to help someone in the grieving process, this book is for you.

[Wade Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the authors authentically live out what they say. We have witnessed their journey of processing the pain mixed in with joy as they surrender their story to the Lord. This book shows how to live through the grieving. We all know someone going through grief that needs this message.

[Paola Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides practical guidance for taking courageous steps of faith especially in those moments when life takes unexpected turns. "God's power is available to you, and it can transform you, one risky step at a time."

[Roy Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Christian life application books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book. It has been said that you are either going into a storm or are in a storm or you have just come out of a storm. This book helps/prepares you to deal with these storms in your life.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found so much practical help through this book. We all go through times of pain and this amazing book points us to Jesus through it!

[Lisa Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and inspiring!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical guide with specific steps helpful in walking through pain as a Jesus-follower. Received as an anonymous gift in the mail.

[Susan Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! It gave me reassurance that the pain you have endured/will endure isn’t for nothing and how you can find joy in unimaginable situations.

[FC - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pain and loss are inevitable, we all deal with it. This book shows it’s possible to go through these times with hope.
Carter

[Mallory Russell]

This book will bring so much healing for those who read it. For someone who has personally seen their fair share of struggles, I wish I had this book to read in those times. This will allow you to find joy in all the chaos and hurt. I hope for those who read it - you will find comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for the pain and that you are never alone in your pain.

[Keaton Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an amazing job of inspiring hope even within the midst of extreme pain and loss. I strongly recommend this book as it outlines the faith and strength that we find in Jesus!

[Scott Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never could have imagined that when I preordered this book a month ago that before it arrived, my dad would have passed away. From the start, I immediately found comfort in the conversational style and practical steps reinforced by relatable stories. I also realized there are other sources of pain I have never felt with. It is so easy in a world filled with distraction to disassociate from your pain and, exist, numb, and just go through the motions. The authors challenge you and help you instead to take intentional steps through your pain because real hope and healing are not a one-time event but a daily journey. Such an important message that our world needs. I have already picked up a book for a friend.

[Vanessa Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why me? How did I get here? It’s not supposed to be this way. These are thoughts that many of us have had when facing hard moments in our lives.

If you are hoping and searching for a new perspective on your own personal journey through pain, I highly recommend giving this book a try. Pastors Ed and Lisa are vulnerable in their writing and I know it will speak to your heart as it has mine.