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When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment
Nobody is immune to disappointment. Unfortunately, at some point all of us will face that horrific moment when the bottom completely drops out of out of our life, leaving us broken, devastated, and desperately searching for God’s grace.
Pastor and theologian Robert Bugh has experienced unthinkable pain and disappointment firsthand, having lost both his wife and his best friend to cancer within a year and a half of each other. Though devastating, Bugh’s tragedy also brought him into a stronger, deeper relationship with God.
When the Bottom Drops Out chronicles Rob’s journey from loss to restoration and shows readers how to find and hold tightly to Christ through even the most painful episodes of life. Bugh’s story is proof positive that while pain and disappointment are an unavoidable part of life, God is nonetheless faithful, holding us close at all times and in all circumstances.
Pastor and theologian Robert Bugh has experienced unthinkable pain and disappointment firsthand, having lost both his wife and his best friend to cancer within a year and a half of each other. Though devastating, Bugh’s tragedy also brought him into a stronger, deeper relationship with God.
When the Bottom Drops Out chronicles Rob’s journey from loss to restoration and shows readers how to find and hold tightly to Christ through even the most painful episodes of life. Bugh’s story is proof positive that while pain and disappointment are an unavoidable part of life, God is nonetheless faithful, holding us close at all times and in all circumstances.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2011
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bugh
1 book1 followerRobert Bugh is a graduate of Southern Methodist University. He received a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has served as the Senior Pastor at Wheaton Bible Church in West Chicago, Illinois since 1994. Rob also serves as the chairman of the board of Greater Europe Mission. Rob is married to Dr. Rhonda Williams. Rob and Rhonda’s crazy family includes six young adults (3 are married) and one teenager.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2023
A book helping to understand grief and the process of dealing with loss. Many biblical principles to remember. Rob is a genuine human sharing his flaws and Gods grace in his life.
April 6, 2024
This wasn't a bad book, just not what I expected from reading the blurb from goodreads and on the back of the book.
This is more for those extroverts who experience the death of their spouse (albeit chapters 6 & 7 are easier to extrapolate to other death losses than some of the other chapters).
Overall this book didn't resonate with me, but definitely has good morsels of truth in times of loss regardless of the not exactly applicable aspects.
This is more for those extroverts who experience the death of their spouse (albeit chapters 6 & 7 are easier to extrapolate to other death losses than some of the other chapters).
Overall this book didn't resonate with me, but definitely has good morsels of truth in times of loss regardless of the not exactly applicable aspects.
July 12, 2016
We Westerners, particularly in America, tend to have it pretty good when it comes to our existence. Whether we know it or not, most of us live rather charmed lives. The evils and difficulties of life that are front and center before so many-- illness, famine, oppression, and other such trials-- rarely come upon us. While there are many benefits to such a life, what happens when things start going wrong? What do we do when the "bottom drops out"?
Robert Bugh recently experienced this type of trial when he lost both his best friend and then soon after his wife to cancer in the prime of life. He recounts his story and some of the lessons he has learned in When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment.
The book describes first the death of his friend Tom and then his wife Carol and the lessons he learned throughout the process. He does well at illustrating stories of overcoming difficulties and standing firm in the face of challenge in Scripture with Joseph, Abraham, and Jeremiah. He describes the challenges experienced during the periods of the illnesses, the immediate after-effects of grief, the nuances of change vs. transition and how to handle both (with the Exodus story as a paradigm), and concludes with his later marriage to his best friend's widow and the challenges inherent in forming viable stepfamilies.
The author is Evangelical with strong Calvinist flavors but at least recognizes the critical need for growth, development, and obedience in faith. Much of his Biblical commentary and exposition is sound but places a lot of trust in the proposition that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations.
There is value in the book in terms of understanding that life was never promised to be all roses and cherries; sometimes an author's personal journey can be helpful to people in distress to see that there can be a way forward while holding firm to the faith. At times the book does get overly personal, which can be good but it also can limit the scope of the book. For one seeking to come to grips with the mortal illness of a loved one, this book has great value; for others seeking to come to grips with other tragedies, this book may not always hit the mark.
Nevertheless, any message that reinforces our need to trust in God in the face of trials and difficulties, declaring that difficulties will come whether we like it or not, and therefore our need to prepare for such events is useful. Americans today often live in a fantasy world where everything should be great, and when things go wrong, it must be God's fault, maintaining a superficial faith that cannot withstand any such challenge. Problems in life is no evidence of being forsaken by God; problems in life happen, they try us and test us, and whether or not we continue to believe in God says far more about our level of trust in God than about God Himself. The Bible is replete with stories of people in far more dire straits than ourselves finding sustenance, strength, and ultimate deliverance through their trust in God. Few today can grapple with God with the questions of evil and suffering in complete faith like Job; faith seems to be the first casualty in such questions. It need not be, but it will demand the promotion of a more robust faith.
Trials and difficulties will come; faith will be tested. Will it stand or not?
*--book received as part of early review program
Robert Bugh recently experienced this type of trial when he lost both his best friend and then soon after his wife to cancer in the prime of life. He recounts his story and some of the lessons he has learned in When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment.
The book describes first the death of his friend Tom and then his wife Carol and the lessons he learned throughout the process. He does well at illustrating stories of overcoming difficulties and standing firm in the face of challenge in Scripture with Joseph, Abraham, and Jeremiah. He describes the challenges experienced during the periods of the illnesses, the immediate after-effects of grief, the nuances of change vs. transition and how to handle both (with the Exodus story as a paradigm), and concludes with his later marriage to his best friend's widow and the challenges inherent in forming viable stepfamilies.
The author is Evangelical with strong Calvinist flavors but at least recognizes the critical need for growth, development, and obedience in faith. Much of his Biblical commentary and exposition is sound but places a lot of trust in the proposition that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations.
There is value in the book in terms of understanding that life was never promised to be all roses and cherries; sometimes an author's personal journey can be helpful to people in distress to see that there can be a way forward while holding firm to the faith. At times the book does get overly personal, which can be good but it also can limit the scope of the book. For one seeking to come to grips with the mortal illness of a loved one, this book has great value; for others seeking to come to grips with other tragedies, this book may not always hit the mark.
Nevertheless, any message that reinforces our need to trust in God in the face of trials and difficulties, declaring that difficulties will come whether we like it or not, and therefore our need to prepare for such events is useful. Americans today often live in a fantasy world where everything should be great, and when things go wrong, it must be God's fault, maintaining a superficial faith that cannot withstand any such challenge. Problems in life is no evidence of being forsaken by God; problems in life happen, they try us and test us, and whether or not we continue to believe in God says far more about our level of trust in God than about God Himself. The Bible is replete with stories of people in far more dire straits than ourselves finding sustenance, strength, and ultimate deliverance through their trust in God. Few today can grapple with God with the questions of evil and suffering in complete faith like Job; faith seems to be the first casualty in such questions. It need not be, but it will demand the promotion of a more robust faith.
Trials and difficulties will come; faith will be tested. Will it stand or not?
*--book received as part of early review program
June 18, 2013
To start with I was not very impressed with this book. It seemed very ordinary to me.
However as I progressed through it I discovered that there was a wealth of information in this book from a guy who is no stranger to pain, disappointment and having the bottom drop out in his life a number of times.
The author, Rob Bugh, Senior Pastor of Wheaton Bible Church, shares from his own personal experiences the tragedy of losing his best friend, and on top of that losing his wife as well to cancer in a very short space of time.
He shares the processes he went through the thoughts, the doubts, the tears and the pain of these situations in this book, so he can relate to just about anyone who is experiencing the bottom falling out of their lives.
On top of this though, Bob also gives us suggestions on how to act around and comfort those who are going through such suffering, with tips on what to and not to say, what to do and what not to do.
Throughout the whole book Bob shows how God is sovereign and in charge and fully loving - even when it does not seem like he is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has had "the bottom drop out" in their life, or the friends of people who have had such a thing happen to them. Also, pastors and Councillors could do a lot worse than reading this book and applying what it says.
A quick quote: It doesn't matter so much what your reaction is when you are faced with a trying time in your life - it matters most what you have done in the weeks and months to prepare for it, even if you didn't know it was coming.
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Kindle Edition]
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Paperback]
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of DisapWhen the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]
However as I progressed through it I discovered that there was a wealth of information in this book from a guy who is no stranger to pain, disappointment and having the bottom drop out in his life a number of times.
The author, Rob Bugh, Senior Pastor of Wheaton Bible Church, shares from his own personal experiences the tragedy of losing his best friend, and on top of that losing his wife as well to cancer in a very short space of time.
He shares the processes he went through the thoughts, the doubts, the tears and the pain of these situations in this book, so he can relate to just about anyone who is experiencing the bottom falling out of their lives.
On top of this though, Bob also gives us suggestions on how to act around and comfort those who are going through such suffering, with tips on what to and not to say, what to do and what not to do.
Throughout the whole book Bob shows how God is sovereign and in charge and fully loving - even when it does not seem like he is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has had "the bottom drop out" in their life, or the friends of people who have had such a thing happen to them. Also, pastors and Councillors could do a lot worse than reading this book and applying what it says.
A quick quote: It doesn't matter so much what your reaction is when you are faced with a trying time in your life - it matters most what you have done in the weeks and months to prepare for it, even if you didn't know it was coming.
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Kindle Edition]
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Paperback]
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of DisapWhen the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]
November 2, 2011
All of us, without exception, go through different phases in life. Life is a mixed bag of joy and sadness. As it is with the sun that appears to shine ever brighter after rain, the journey of life has its ups and downs.
While the depth and intensity of the setbacks that we face in life may differ from person to person, and from one culture to another, no one can escape from the reality of the devastation that life can bring at some point in life. On a more personal note, when cancer visited my family I was shaken but not broken. Certain thoughts did creep in but deep down in my heart of hearts hope was still burning. But after two years of painful treatment and quite of tidy sum of money was spent in vain – and when my wife went home to be with the Lord – leaving me to take care of our four young girls, I was totally devastated.
I am well aware that my personal experience is the story of many families. And if such a time comes, what would be your reaction? How would you respond to such a situation in life? And for those who have experienced life laid bare, how did you react or respond?
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment by Robert Bugh, a Pastor and theologian, is a must read book for all Christians who are keen to find and hold onto Christ even through the most painful episodes of life.
The book will teach the readers that God’s grace is available in abundance even during the tough and rough patches of life.
Paperback, 256 pages
Published October 1st 2011 by Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN 1414363494 (ISBN13: 9781414363493)
Price: $ 14.99
While the depth and intensity of the setbacks that we face in life may differ from person to person, and from one culture to another, no one can escape from the reality of the devastation that life can bring at some point in life. On a more personal note, when cancer visited my family I was shaken but not broken. Certain thoughts did creep in but deep down in my heart of hearts hope was still burning. But after two years of painful treatment and quite of tidy sum of money was spent in vain – and when my wife went home to be with the Lord – leaving me to take care of our four young girls, I was totally devastated.
I am well aware that my personal experience is the story of many families. And if such a time comes, what would be your reaction? How would you respond to such a situation in life? And for those who have experienced life laid bare, how did you react or respond?
When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment by Robert Bugh, a Pastor and theologian, is a must read book for all Christians who are keen to find and hold onto Christ even through the most painful episodes of life.
The book will teach the readers that God’s grace is available in abundance even during the tough and rough patches of life.
Paperback, 256 pages
Published October 1st 2011 by Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN 1414363494 (ISBN13: 9781414363493)
Price: $ 14.99
December 10, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).
I had high hopes for Robert Bugh's When the Bottom Drops Out, which explores the challenges to life and spirituality when we face the deepest pains. Bugh's personal experiences definitely lend credibility to his encouragement to find faith in the darkest of circumstances. Unfortunately, the book can be frequently disjointed, moving between anecdotes, theologizing, and references stories of pain in the Bible.
Bugh's books shone brightly when he validated the emotional pain involved when the bottom of life drops out. However, just when the recognition of the reality of the situation was becoming strong, Bugh would switch to abstract theologizing. This would turn the book into more of a cognitive intervention to an emotional problem that served more to invalidate than help encourage.
The book was not bad, it just seemed like Bugh was trying too hard to provide a profound theology and reflection on the pain of life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I had high hopes for Robert Bugh's When the Bottom Drops Out, which explores the challenges to life and spirituality when we face the deepest pains. Bugh's personal experiences definitely lend credibility to his encouragement to find faith in the darkest of circumstances. Unfortunately, the book can be frequently disjointed, moving between anecdotes, theologizing, and references stories of pain in the Bible.
Bugh's books shone brightly when he validated the emotional pain involved when the bottom of life drops out. However, just when the recognition of the reality of the situation was becoming strong, Bugh would switch to abstract theologizing. This would turn the book into more of a cognitive intervention to an emotional problem that served more to invalidate than help encourage.
The book was not bad, it just seemed like Bugh was trying too hard to provide a profound theology and reflection on the pain of life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 10, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).
I had high hopes for Robert Bugh's When the Bottom Drops Out, which explores the challenges to life and spirituality when we face the deepest pains. Bugh's personal experiences definitely lend credibility to his encouragement to find faith in the darkest of circumstances. Unfortunately, the book can be frequently disjointed, moving between anecdotes, theologizing, and references stories of pain in the Bible.
Bugh's books shone brightly when he validated the emotional pain involved when the bottom of life drops out. However, just when the recognition of the reality of the situation was becoming strong, Bugh would switch to abstract theologizing. This would turn the book into more of a cognitive intervention to an emotional problem that served more to invalidate than help encourage.
The book was not bad, it just seemed like Bugh was trying too hard to provide a profound theology and reflection on the pain of life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I had high hopes for Robert Bugh's When the Bottom Drops Out, which explores the challenges to life and spirituality when we face the deepest pains. Bugh's personal experiences definitely lend credibility to his encouragement to find faith in the darkest of circumstances. Unfortunately, the book can be frequently disjointed, moving between anecdotes, theologizing, and references stories of pain in the Bible.
Bugh's books shone brightly when he validated the emotional pain involved when the bottom of life drops out. However, just when the recognition of the reality of the situation was becoming strong, Bugh would switch to abstract theologizing. This would turn the book into more of a cognitive intervention to an emotional problem that served more to invalidate than help encourage.
The book was not bad, it just seemed like Bugh was trying too hard to provide a profound theology and reflection on the pain of life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 4, 2012
Dealing with loss and grief are things that all or us will experience during our lifetime and it's so helpful to have guidance when the time comes. This book, written by a pastor who had comforted people in his church during their times of loss and grief and then experience loss and grief firsthand, is excellent.
It's a great guide for those of us who counsel day after day and a helpful tool for those who are walking through this very difficult time. I'm thankful that Robert Bugh was willing to share what he and his family experienced during this very difficult time and that he included relevant quotes from others as well as references to Bible passages that will be so very helpful.
I'm not looking forward to a future time when this book will prove to be useful, but I'm thankful that I will have it in my library when that time comes.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
It's a great guide for those of us who counsel day after day and a helpful tool for those who are walking through this very difficult time. I'm thankful that Robert Bugh was willing to share what he and his family experienced during this very difficult time and that he included relevant quotes from others as well as references to Bible passages that will be so very helpful.
I'm not looking forward to a future time when this book will prove to be useful, but I'm thankful that I will have it in my library when that time comes.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
February 11, 2013
have a bias bc my uncle wrote it, but thought it was a practical, gospel-centered approach to trials/tragedy.
October 24, 2013
A thorough look at the grieving process with a biblical perspective, from a pastor who has both counseled others and has been through the loss of a spouse himself. Very poignant and heartfelt.
October 10, 2013
"Happiness is fleeting. Joy is everlasting. Joy is not the absence of problems, joy is the presence of God in the midst of these problems."
Terrific.
Terrific.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews