Wrestling with Angels: Adventures in Faith and Doubt

by Carolyn Arends

Life is messy. But life is also beautiful. These are the twin themes that author/artist Carolyn Arends (writer of ten Top 10 Christian songs) opens up in her searching exploration of how God meets people in the ordinary moments of life, part of the ConversantLife.com line of books. This humorous, tender, and passionate collection of personal stories illustrate the mysterious ways that God works to bring people through life’s struggles and discover the amazing power of grace. Fans of Don Miller and Anne Lamott will discover a kindred spirit in Carolyn and her transparent and gutsy meditations on life’s unanswered questions and the One who can be found there. Formerly titled Living the Questions

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Carolyn Arends is known for messages, books, and songs that stir the soul, and a warm, engaging style that leaves her audiences feeling like they've found a new best friend.

She has released 12 albums and is the author of 3 critically-acclaimed books, as well as long-standing columns for Christianity Today and Faith Today. 15 of Arends songs have become top 10 radio singles on the Canadian pop and US Christian charts. Arends has earned 2 Dove Awards, 3 Juno Nominations, and was recognized as the West Coast Music Awards Songwriter of the Year. Her prose has been recognized by the Evangelical Press Association, The Word Guild, and The Canadian Church Press Association.

Carolyn is the Director of Education for Renovaré, and an adjunct professor at the college and graduate level. She has a degree in Psychology and English from Trinity Western University, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College. She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband, Mark, and their young adult children, Benjamin and Bethany

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Carolyn was a good writer because I'd read some of her articles, but I had no idea how good her prose was until I read this book. As a natural storyteller, she is witty and attentive to the incarnational in her life. As a result, she weaves her story and her Christian faith together into a tapestry that is both beautiful and natural.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Carolyn Arends at a Renovare' conference, I was impressed with the theological depths of her songs and warmth of her spirit. I wanted to know more about how such a gifted singer-songwriter and a genuinely warm human being came to be. This book is exactly that. Carolyn in a wonderfully funny, self-deprecating way addresses many deep spiritual issues in ways that can relate to anyone who has walked on this earth. She is a gifted word-smith who also quotes poets, scripture, and theologians without making the book seem preachy (not a simple task). The book is both an entertaining page-turner and highly inspirational. Truly worth a five-star rating.

[Chrissy Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. Arends is an amazing writer, not just because of the flow of words, but because her words come from the depths of her soul. Real. Authentic.

[Becky Douthit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read on the messy, beautiful mysteries of life

[S. Shigemitsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that encourages us to look at eternity, our doubts, and our faith.

[Ken Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I stumbled upon this book by "chance" some would say. Or, did God say, "Ken, you need to read this." I think it was the latter, because Arends has such a refreshing style and a way with the pen. In this book, she admits to doubts at times and her transparency is so real, you just want to pick up the phone and call her.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

One must stand within the dark
to better see the stars
face the storms head on
the see the rainbow's arc
climb the rugged peaks
to hear the rocks cry out
creation lends perspective
to times of faith and doubt
take the time to listen
with a spirit prone to hear
be still and know that He is God
the glorious King is near

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book says just the right things at just the right time in the right way. This book did that for me. A reminder that I'm not in fact God and I don't have to have it all figured out... and there's a strange beauty in that.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn is a great person and great artist. This is a nice collection of her stories. You might also listen to 'Any Given Sunday'...a song for every church.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! Really challenged me in several areas. Carolyn has such a beautiful artistry writing about God's truth!

Must read!