Breathless Haste: Finding God in Ordinary Life

by Rebecca Madden, Jay Madden

Have you ever faced profound loss, received devastating news, or navigated uncertain transitions? Have you questioned your faith during life’s hardest moments—wondering where God is in the midst of it all?

After the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Rebecca and Jay Madden began a lifelong journey to discover God’s presence—not just in crisis, but in the everyday. Breathless Haste: Finding God In Ordinary Life invites readers into thirty true stories of encountering God in both ordinary and unexpected places—through sorrow, in a fast-food line, during a bankruptcy case, through music, in creation, in a scrapbook, and beyond.

With vulnerability, insight, and faith, the Maddens offer reflections that testify to a living God actively at work in daily life. Each chapter includes thought-provoking questions to help readers awaken to the sacred in their own stories.

Whether you’re seeking hope, rebuilding trust, or longing for renewed faith, Breathless Haste will stir your imagination and open your heart to new ways of experiencing God’s presence and purpose in your life.

Genres: Memoir

166 pages, Hardcover

Published December 4, 2023

About the author

For over twenty-five years, Rebecca and Dr. Jay Madden have guided others on the journey of faith through their work in churches, neighborhoods, and communities across South Carolina, Chicago, and Atlanta. Jay currently serves as Executive Pastor at Peachtree Church—one of the largest Presbyterian congregations in the country—while Rebecca serves as Senior Director of Women’s Ministry, leading as a facilitator, speaker, and writer.

Together, they inspire others to engage deeply with their daily lives and life stories—listening for God’s presence and responding with faith, hope, and trust.

Reviews

[Kim Dillard]

Reading this book that friends of mine wrote was like re-living part of their story. Knowing how far they have come and how their lives were impacted from events early on in their journey shows that love and God's plan can and will get you through things. This would be a great book for a small bible study group to read together.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A transformative literary journey that left me in awe; it is clear that this talented duo has been divinely led to pen their thoughts to assist and inspire others.

The authors weave a narrative that touches the soul, each page imbued with the radiant wisdom that flows from a heart filled with the Holy Spirit. Their dual testimonies offer an illuminating glimpse into their shared experiences, revealing the lessons learned along their spiritual path.

Each chapter is rich with valuable insights and reflective questions that encourage introspection and growth. The heartfelt vulnerability with which they share their personal stories creates a powerful connection, urging readers to explore their own relationships with God in a deeper light. They highlight both the peaks and valleys of their spiritual experiences, illustrating how they have felt God's presence guiding them through life's challenges. Their journey serves as a reminder that miracles can manifest in the most unexpected ways, urging readers to trust in God's perfect timing. Even when the path ahead seems unclear, the authors emphasize the importance of faith and the transformative power of trusting in a divine plan that fosters prosperity through every circumstance.

More than just a book, "Breathless Haste" stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement breathing new life into one's faith. The Maddens remind us that no matter how insignificant our lives may appear, God is actively working within us, shaping our experiences and guiding our steps. As we learn to seek Him in our daily lives, we discover that no matter how insignificant we may feel, we are intricately woven into the fabric of a greater story, one that is rich with grace and possibility.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Gift is Words from the Heart

I planned to order the book Breathless Haste from Rebecca and Jay Madden, but instead was gifted it at a recent writer’s conference I attended.

It was a pleasure to meet Rebecca in person and have her sign my copy. As I opened the first few pages, Jay was the first to open his heart and share a deeply personal story of loss. As the tears started to flow, I knew this book was written from a place of transparency, vulnerability, and honesty.

The Maddens have done a beautiful job of compiling stories of finding God in the ordinary places of their lives. I was moved to examine my own ordinary life and be thankful for God’s presence in the daily, often unnoticed, blessings he gives me.

I recommend this wonderful book as a gift to yourself or a friend.

[Deitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, riveting, relatable and heartfelt. A beautiful memoir that highlights the struggle to surrender to God's plans even when we don't understand. His faithfulness shows up again and again in Rebecca and Jay's lives as they trust Him to show up in His perfect timing. What a beautiful, painful, amazing picture their words paint for their readers.

[Virginia Dilkes]

If one ever wavered in his belief in God, this book will set aside all wavering. The author couple saw God in items in ordinary life - from a baby bonnet to Mexican restaurant. Knowing the couple personally added to the enjoyment of reading their story.

[Annie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a stunning testimony of the faithfulness of God’s work and presence in the lives of two of his faithful servants. This book increased my faith and reminded me about the importance of surrender in the Christian life.

[Joan F · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is still in the miracle business.

Well-written faith story that kept me cheering for the faithfulness of God's grace. I'm thankful the Maddens decided to share it with a larger audience so I could be encouraged through their journey.

[A. R. Parr Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and authentic. Rebecca and Jay bring a unique and beautiful perspective. I love reading both of their stories side by side, chapter by chapter.

[Jennifer Laing Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent memoir of faith and a reminder to be intentional and involved with God as we navigate day to day life as followers of Jesus.

[Douglas Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real walk with God!

[Shonda Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality of losing a child is one that most hold in their hearts and rarely talk about. It's in grief that we tend to struggle on our own and often wonder if anyone else knows how we feel about what we are experiencing. Rebecca and Jay pour out their hearts, touching on a difficult but needed subject. I found comfort in my grief as I read page by page, a sense of fellowship, a revelation to a calling I have been avoiding, and most importantly renewed my hope. This book is beautifully written and one that I couldn't stop reading and finished in one day. I cannot remember when a book had my attention like this one. I am so grateful that Rebecca and Jay shared their lovely hearts with us.