Too Much and Not Enough: Sacred Thoughts Said Out Loud

by Karen Shock, Laci Bean (Foreword)

In Too Much and Not Enough, author Karen Shock writes with a refreshingly brutal honesty about her experiences growing up under the influence of toxic theological systems that left her doubting her sanity, her identity, and her voice. Like many men and women who have been hurt by the Church they loved, or betrayed by the pastors they trusted, Karen’s story is filled with disappointment and grief.
But, as she writes from her heart and makes room for healing, she discovers a deeper hope, and a surprising amount of grace waiting for her—and all of us—on the other side.
This book is a poetic manifesto from the heart of a woman whose exceptional vulnerability and profound courage unleashes a flood of healing, hope and strength for anyone who finds themselves struggling with feelings of spiritual betrayal and disillusionment.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Ashlee P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I’ve talked with other ladies, the more I’ve realized most of us can struggle with fear of being “too much” or “not enough” at some point in our lives. As I read I had moments of feeling seen and understood. It’s a good reminder that we are not alone and our struggles in life are not so unique to only us after all.

It’s heart breaking to read about the hurt Karen experienced from “the Church,” but a good reminder that the church and its leaders are still a bunch of broken people in need of His grace too. I’m thankful to read of healing and hope through the pages written here as well. I’m encouraged by her words and thankful she’s been vulnerable and brave to put all her thoughts out there.

If you’re looking for something to put some of those feelings you may have into words, this book might provide that. If you’re looking for answers to all the deep questions you have about life and theology, this is not the book for you. Karen will encourage you to ask those questions and wrestle and remind you that God’s love is big enough to handle all of our questions, but she didn’t write to tell you all the answers. I’m not sure that Karen and I would agree on everything (do any two people? Aren’t we all fallen people?), but I think it’s important that we all allow space for asking questions and being vulnerable (with whatever community you decide) with one another and loving one another through the Love we learn and experience and hopefully overflow from God. This book can encourage you on that journey.

Thanks Karen for putting your words out there. I pray that this book will help others know they aren’t alone if they have fears and anxiety and to know that God loves us so deeply and He can handle all of our questions. I pray that others who have also experienced hurt from people in a church would have grace, forgiveness and healing too. And may we all see good counselors to help us work out our faith well. Thanks for modeling these things through your words.

PS. I know Karen personally and was privileged to read a copy of the book before the release date!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Too Much and Not Enough: sacred thoughts said out loud” by Karen Shock absolutely resonated with me.

We both share a troublesome first name, both have the same love/hate relationship with the word “cute,” and we both constantly entertain deep thoughts.

Shock, on the other hand, wrote a book about it – in verse.

(My goodness, I love that last name!)

Done by any other Karen, I would be massively jealous.

Instead, what this author has done is so impressive, I can’t do more than applaud from the sidelines.

Well done, you!

I just may be a fan for life.

If you long to fully embrace questions about life and spirituality, if you are slightly ashamed to look truth and authenticity straight in the eye, then let me encourage you to pick up this book and ingest it from cover to cover.

You will be the better for it, and it may even inspire a bit of bravery in all of us.

Thank you, Karen Shock, for courageously allowing your readers a glimpse into your wonderful, surprising, penetrating thoughts.

I will be savoring this book for a while.

[Ava Burkheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beyond proud of Karen for being fearless and real in a world that doesn’t always allow for such raw emotion and the realities of our feelings and faith. I’ve often said when reading her social media posts that her words are too important to not share with the world. Having known Karen for the last 35 years, I am sooooo excited for others to hear her heart and for Jesus to continue to use her in such a mighty way to share love and hope with a hurting world!

[Jill Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even describe how much I loved this book. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, much of it rooted in past church trauma, this book spoke to me on a personal level. It will be one that I turn to regularly for encouragement on the days when the dear and doubt begin to seep back in. I am not alone in my struggles, which is incredibly encouraging.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this beautiful author personally. For the first time in a long time as a Christian misfit, I felt seen. I felt like I was having a conversation with a good friend who helped me heal.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a refreshing read - felt like having coffee with a girlfriend and just getting real about things. Talking about kids, husbands, work, church and just life without pretense. The conversational style was such an interesting way to make it feel more down-to-earth and relatable. The essays are short and well-named. I feel like I will return to them often to read a topic when I'm thinking about it or send one to a friend when they need a pick-me-up.