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Raw Faith: What Happens When God Picks a Fight
As a respected Bible teacher, Kasey Van Norman had dedicated her life to sharing God's Word and encouraging women to trust in God during times of crisis. Then, just as her ministry was poised to explode, Kasey was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that shattered her spirit and rocked her faith to its core. Sick, frightened, and in pain, Kasey suddenly found herself facing the greatest challenge of her life--"believing her own message." In Raw Faith, Kasey chronicles her courageous battle with cancer, taking readers on a candid and poignant journey of faith and discovery, from the depths of despair through triumphant victory. Drawing on a variety of Bible stories and characters, Kasey discovers and distills the singular truth that has existed since time began: while change and uncertainty are inevitable, God is "always" unchanging, and He is "always" faithful--even when our circumstances might tempt us to think otherwise.
- GenresChristian
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2014
22 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Kasey Van Norman
19 books25 followersKasey Van Norman is the founder and President of Kasey Van Norman Ministries in College Station, Texas. Kasey is a certified counselor with a masters degree in community counseling. She holds undergraduate degrees in both psychology and speech communication, and is currently earning a masters of religion in Biblical studies from Liberty University. Kasey was born and raised in deep East Texas, and currently resides in College Station, Texas with her husband, Justin, and their two young children; Emma Grace and Lake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 3, 2014
Love this book! Ties in nicely to the series being done by our pastor right now, too. The 7 steps at the end are definitely words to live by!
January 31, 2020
Excellent book about the author's experiences with wrestling with her faith when she gets cancer. Very applicable to my life and I recommend it highly.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 14, 2020
Van Norman is a passionate author, sharing her cancer story and teaching of raw faith.
One of the many ideas that she proclaims that stand out to me:
“God doesn’t guarantee us deliverance from hardship, and following him doesn’t mean we’ll never go through the fire. But he does promise us something better: he doesn’t waste anything we go through. And no matter what happens, he will go through it with us.”
To put her book in my current perspective...2020 surprised you. 2020 surprised me. 2020 did not surprise God. Cast all your cares upon Him for He is always with you.
One of the many ideas that she proclaims that stand out to me:
“God doesn’t guarantee us deliverance from hardship, and following him doesn’t mean we’ll never go through the fire. But he does promise us something better: he doesn’t waste anything we go through. And no matter what happens, he will go through it with us.”
To put her book in my current perspective...2020 surprised you. 2020 surprised me. 2020 did not surprise God. Cast all your cares upon Him for He is always with you.
August 31, 2014
Raw Faith: What Happens When God Picks A Fight by Kasey Van Norman is the story of her struggle through cancer. Just when Kasey thought she had it all - a ministry to women, a family, faith, etc. - her life was shattered with an aggressive form of cancer. She had to decide if she was still going to trust God and follow the message she had been sharing with so many women - to trust God during times of crisis.
This book is less memoir and more Bible study. Kasey draws on a multitude of Bible characters and stories to bring home the points and lessons she learned throughout her battle. I hadn't read Kasey's previous book, Named By God, but now I can't wait to read it. I'd love to learn more about her story - it sounds great. Kasey is extremely honest and vulnerable in this book - she doesn't hold anything back. I appreciate authors who can tell it like it is and not hold back the less pretty aspects of themselves and don't try to sugar coat everything. Kasey is a real woman just like everyone else and isn't afraid to let people know that. This is a very inspiring book. I'd recommend it to any Christian going through a trial.
This book is less memoir and more Bible study. Kasey draws on a multitude of Bible characters and stories to bring home the points and lessons she learned throughout her battle. I hadn't read Kasey's previous book, Named By God, but now I can't wait to read it. I'd love to learn more about her story - it sounds great. Kasey is extremely honest and vulnerable in this book - she doesn't hold anything back. I appreciate authors who can tell it like it is and not hold back the less pretty aspects of themselves and don't try to sugar coat everything. Kasey is a real woman just like everyone else and isn't afraid to let people know that. This is a very inspiring book. I'd recommend it to any Christian going through a trial.
February 28, 2016
Raw Faith: What Happens When God Picks A Fight
Kasey Van Norman
There are those times in our lives when we don’t understand why God let’s things happen to us. We often tell others about how good God is and how He is always there for us and He will never give us more than we can handle. Honestly, God never said that, He will always give us more than we can handle but never more than He can handle.
Kasey Van Norman is a respected Bible Teacher and she loves sharing God’s word and encouraging other women but one day her life came to a crashing halt. Kasey was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and found herself facing the greatest challenge of her life, believing her own message. Kasey uses Bible stories and characters to show us one thing: God is always unchanging. No matter what life throws at us, no matter the changes we face, He is always the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The message in Kasey’s story is to never give up. God hasn’t given up so why should we?
Thank you to Tyndale for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
Kasey Van Norman
There are those times in our lives when we don’t understand why God let’s things happen to us. We often tell others about how good God is and how He is always there for us and He will never give us more than we can handle. Honestly, God never said that, He will always give us more than we can handle but never more than He can handle.
Kasey Van Norman is a respected Bible Teacher and she loves sharing God’s word and encouraging other women but one day her life came to a crashing halt. Kasey was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and found herself facing the greatest challenge of her life, believing her own message. Kasey uses Bible stories and characters to show us one thing: God is always unchanging. No matter what life throws at us, no matter the changes we face, He is always the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The message in Kasey’s story is to never give up. God hasn’t given up so why should we?
Thank you to Tyndale for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
October 28, 2014
Good book on a journey through cancer and the faith walk it was. Great real life application for those who haven't battled cancer either. Lots to ponder. Well written, fairly quick, but very deep.
October 25, 2018
Amazing book!
April 11, 2020
What an excellent book and perfect for the times we are in right now. I love Kasey’s sense of humor and the simple practical way that she teaches!
March 11, 2014
In her book Raw Faith: What Happens When God Picks a Fight, author, Bible teacher, and counselor Kasey Van Norman relates the story of her battle with cancer and lessons she’s learned along the way, including how maturity comes with suffering and how faith can be an anchor for the soul.
Kasey says raw faith shakes things up and it may seem small and fragile, but God “is able to turn mustard-seed faith into untamed, mountain-moving faith. And in the process, we are invited to go into the depths of knowing Jesus.”
I’d say that sums up Raw Faith well. Kasey takes readers on a journey through her own story, not holding back, but sharing with brutal honesty the hurts, the doubts, the fears, and the discouragement she has faced in her battle with cancer. But she doesn’t leave the reader there. Kasey bares it all—the good, the bad and the ugly—showing how God has worked in her heart and strengthened her faith, raw, though it may be. She’s honest, transparent, encouraging and hopeful.
I appreciate how Kasey weaves scripture verses and biblical stories throughout her book so it’s not just a memoir but also Bible-based life lessons. She includes the story of the sick, suffering woman from Matthew 9, stories from the life of King David, heart cries from the book of Lamentations, the stories of the prodigal son and the Exodus from Egypt, and the story of the three men in the fiery furnace.
In Raw Faith, Kasey covers so many issues that many of us face in the struggles and sufferings of life: two lies of faith and God’s truth about them, trusting in God’s timing even when it hurts, overcoming the toxid Ds (denial, depression and discouragement), developing your prayer life when you feel God is silent, letting go of the past so you can live in the moment and so much more. You will go back to the “Seven Faith Facts” over and over as a source of encouragement and hope.
All in all, Raw Faith is a great book. I look forward to the accompanying Bible study, due out soon. Kasey sums it up saying God “doesn't waste anything we go through. And no matter what happens, He will go through it with us."
Whether you’ve journeyed with Kasey through “Named by God” and you’re hungry for more of her teaching, or you’re new to Kasey’s ministry, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book and your faith will be strengthened as you learn how to gain a new perspective on faith in the midst of pain and suffering.
Get a copy of Raw Faith from Tyndale House Publishers, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Mardel, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Christian Stores or other booksellers. You can read the first chapter at: http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/Firs...
* The publisher provided me with a copy of the book for this review.
About Kasey Van Norman
Kasey Van Norman is a licensed professional counselor with earned degrees in psychology, public speaking, counseling, and biblical studies. Kasey founded KVM (Kasey Van Norman Ministries) in 2010.
Kasey's passion is teaching others the power of their story. Able to soul-bond with people across many different seasons and circumstances, Kasey's authenticity, humor, and passion in interviews creates an atmosphere for genuine Jesus encounters. She is also the author of “Named by God,” which is available as a book with an accompanying Bible study.
Kasey makes her home on a US mission field. Along with husband Justin and their two children, Kasey works and lives each day on the largest working rescue ranch in the United States. As a child rescue agent for Still Creek Ranch in Bryan, TX, Kasey helps rescue minors from abuse, neglect, and human trafficking.
Connect with Kasey at:
www.kaseyvannorman.org
https://twitter.com/KaseyVanNorman
https://www.facebook.com/KaseyVanNorman
Kasey says raw faith shakes things up and it may seem small and fragile, but God “is able to turn mustard-seed faith into untamed, mountain-moving faith. And in the process, we are invited to go into the depths of knowing Jesus.”
I’d say that sums up Raw Faith well. Kasey takes readers on a journey through her own story, not holding back, but sharing with brutal honesty the hurts, the doubts, the fears, and the discouragement she has faced in her battle with cancer. But she doesn’t leave the reader there. Kasey bares it all—the good, the bad and the ugly—showing how God has worked in her heart and strengthened her faith, raw, though it may be. She’s honest, transparent, encouraging and hopeful.
I appreciate how Kasey weaves scripture verses and biblical stories throughout her book so it’s not just a memoir but also Bible-based life lessons. She includes the story of the sick, suffering woman from Matthew 9, stories from the life of King David, heart cries from the book of Lamentations, the stories of the prodigal son and the Exodus from Egypt, and the story of the three men in the fiery furnace.
In Raw Faith, Kasey covers so many issues that many of us face in the struggles and sufferings of life: two lies of faith and God’s truth about them, trusting in God’s timing even when it hurts, overcoming the toxid Ds (denial, depression and discouragement), developing your prayer life when you feel God is silent, letting go of the past so you can live in the moment and so much more. You will go back to the “Seven Faith Facts” over and over as a source of encouragement and hope.
All in all, Raw Faith is a great book. I look forward to the accompanying Bible study, due out soon. Kasey sums it up saying God “doesn't waste anything we go through. And no matter what happens, He will go through it with us."
Whether you’ve journeyed with Kasey through “Named by God” and you’re hungry for more of her teaching, or you’re new to Kasey’s ministry, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book and your faith will be strengthened as you learn how to gain a new perspective on faith in the midst of pain and suffering.
Get a copy of Raw Faith from Tyndale House Publishers, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Mardel, Family Christian Stores, Lifeway Christian Stores or other booksellers. You can read the first chapter at: http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/Firs...
* The publisher provided me with a copy of the book for this review.
About Kasey Van Norman
Kasey Van Norman is a licensed professional counselor with earned degrees in psychology, public speaking, counseling, and biblical studies. Kasey founded KVM (Kasey Van Norman Ministries) in 2010.
Kasey's passion is teaching others the power of their story. Able to soul-bond with people across many different seasons and circumstances, Kasey's authenticity, humor, and passion in interviews creates an atmosphere for genuine Jesus encounters. She is also the author of “Named by God,” which is available as a book with an accompanying Bible study.
Kasey makes her home on a US mission field. Along with husband Justin and their two children, Kasey works and lives each day on the largest working rescue ranch in the United States. As a child rescue agent for Still Creek Ranch in Bryan, TX, Kasey helps rescue minors from abuse, neglect, and human trafficking.
Connect with Kasey at:
www.kaseyvannorman.org
https://twitter.com/KaseyVanNorman
https://www.facebook.com/KaseyVanNorman
March 7, 2017
Excellent book-most encouraging book I have read in a long time!
July 16, 2016
Raw Faith by Kasey Van Norman
Thirty something Kasey, is happily married with two children. She and her family have just moved to a new town, joined a new church, are making new friends. She has a thriving ministry, and a book about faith. Her life is good. Then the phone call comes. She has an aggressive form of cancer.
Now there are questions, lots of questions. Not just about the cancer and treatment but about faith, about Kasey’s faith. What is faithraw and what is her faith. She has taught bible studies and wrote a book about faith. She has told others that in crisis there is nowhere to go but to God. Now she wonders; can she, will she, live what she has taught.
After the diagnosis there is chemo.
This shows Kasey that sometimes God does give us more than we can bear to prove we cannot handle things on our own. We need Him when there is nowhere else to turn. She tells of her doubts and learning that Satan uses doubt to separate us from God. She tells of knowing that the power of Satan cannot beat God’s power. She tells of drifting and depression. Drifting and not trusting God fully but going her own way. Depression that makes her draw into herself and learns that when there is nowhere else to go then she draws closer to God.
Through her cancer treatment she finds that the true foundation of faith is not what we experience of faith but in the person of Jesus Christ. We choose what to believe; God does not force us one way or the other. We choose where to place our confidence; in our emotions or God.
There are no “weak” or “strong” chapters but I found the one about prayer had the greatest impact on me. Kasey emphasizes that prayer is more than the spoken word. It is conversation with One we have a relationship with. There are two parts to prayer: speaking and listening. Both are important.
There are many personal moments shared in her book and many stories from the Bible. Everything she writes she reinforces with scripture. The book is one that can be read quickly, which I did. But if you to go back and read it more slowly and let the lessons Kasey learned speak to you, which I did, you will find depth and encouragement for your struggles. You may not have cancer but everyone at some time will find themselves in a fight that only God can win. This book is a good starting point to help you focus on the Victor.
As Kasey says, “Raw faith is not based on what God does but on who God is.”
This book was sent to me free of charge by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for this review.
Thirty something Kasey, is happily married with two children. She and her family have just moved to a new town, joined a new church, are making new friends. She has a thriving ministry, and a book about faith. Her life is good. Then the phone call comes. She has an aggressive form of cancer.
Now there are questions, lots of questions. Not just about the cancer and treatment but about faith, about Kasey’s faith. What is faithraw and what is her faith. She has taught bible studies and wrote a book about faith. She has told others that in crisis there is nowhere to go but to God. Now she wonders; can she, will she, live what she has taught.
After the diagnosis there is chemo.
This shows Kasey that sometimes God does give us more than we can bear to prove we cannot handle things on our own. We need Him when there is nowhere else to turn. She tells of her doubts and learning that Satan uses doubt to separate us from God. She tells of knowing that the power of Satan cannot beat God’s power. She tells of drifting and depression. Drifting and not trusting God fully but going her own way. Depression that makes her draw into herself and learns that when there is nowhere else to go then she draws closer to God.
Through her cancer treatment she finds that the true foundation of faith is not what we experience of faith but in the person of Jesus Christ. We choose what to believe; God does not force us one way or the other. We choose where to place our confidence; in our emotions or God.
There are no “weak” or “strong” chapters but I found the one about prayer had the greatest impact on me. Kasey emphasizes that prayer is more than the spoken word. It is conversation with One we have a relationship with. There are two parts to prayer: speaking and listening. Both are important.
There are many personal moments shared in her book and many stories from the Bible. Everything she writes she reinforces with scripture. The book is one that can be read quickly, which I did. But if you to go back and read it more slowly and let the lessons Kasey learned speak to you, which I did, you will find depth and encouragement for your struggles. You may not have cancer but everyone at some time will find themselves in a fight that only God can win. This book is a good starting point to help you focus on the Victor.
As Kasey says, “Raw faith is not based on what God does but on who God is.”
This book was sent to me free of charge by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for this review.
April 11, 2014
***a divine encounter between God, cancer and "raw faith."******
Kasey Van Norman, author, speaker and counselor, releases Raw Faith April 1, with the intriguing subtitle, "what happens when God picks a fight." It's an account of Kasey's battle with an aggressive form of cancer that taught her "raw faith is about trust" in spite of doubt, fear and suffering. Her story is one we all need to hear.
She's the first to admit she "did not want to write this book...it took God punching me in the gut with cancer to shake off my Christian anesthesia...and pacifier kind of faith," she says. Reading her story reminded me of Isaiah 48:10 where God says, "I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." I believe Kasey passed her test with flying colors!
Kasey was already familiar with affliction, both personally and in her work with abused and sex-trafficked children at the Still Creek Ranch in Central Texas. However, on a positive note, her "breakout book and Bible study" series, Named by God gained national attention and she was the headline speaker at Extraordinary Women Conferences in 2012-2013.
There she inspired more than one hundred thousand woman nationwide with an account of her "cutting edge journey into the redemptive power of Jesus." Her "ministry was poised to explode" until the phone rang and everything changed…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/raw-fait...
Kasey Van Norman, author, speaker and counselor, releases Raw Faith April 1, with the intriguing subtitle, "what happens when God picks a fight." It's an account of Kasey's battle with an aggressive form of cancer that taught her "raw faith is about trust" in spite of doubt, fear and suffering. Her story is one we all need to hear.
She's the first to admit she "did not want to write this book...it took God punching me in the gut with cancer to shake off my Christian anesthesia...and pacifier kind of faith," she says. Reading her story reminded me of Isaiah 48:10 where God says, "I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." I believe Kasey passed her test with flying colors!
Kasey was already familiar with affliction, both personally and in her work with abused and sex-trafficked children at the Still Creek Ranch in Central Texas. However, on a positive note, her "breakout book and Bible study" series, Named by God gained national attention and she was the headline speaker at Extraordinary Women Conferences in 2012-2013.
There she inspired more than one hundred thousand woman nationwide with an account of her "cutting edge journey into the redemptive power of Jesus." Her "ministry was poised to explode" until the phone rang and everything changed…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/raw-fait...
June 4, 2014
Kasey Van Norman shares a story so raw at its core that at times this reader could feel Van Norman's fears, anger, tears and despair pulsating through her words. A teacher sharing the Bible with other women, the author had dedicated her life to lifting up other women and encouraging them to place their trust in God during tough times. How was she going to face this insidious disease and continue her ministry?
Van Norman takes the reader on an amazing journey of faith and struggle, disease and battle, and self and discovery. Throughout her story, Van Norman sprinkles the Scriptures which came to her and comforted her as she traveled this path through her anger, disappointment and fear.
A moving and emotional book, Raw Faith was, for me, an incredible eye-opening look at my faith on any ordinary day. Without the diagnosis Van Norman faces, my faith struggles are often present for other reasons. This book has given me new strength and focus on what faith really means.
My Recommendation: Every Christian and seeker should read Kasey Van Norman's story. If you are not yet a believer, it will make you one. If you are a believer already, it will only strengthen your faith.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Raw Faith from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Van Norman takes the reader on an amazing journey of faith and struggle, disease and battle, and self and discovery. Throughout her story, Van Norman sprinkles the Scriptures which came to her and comforted her as she traveled this path through her anger, disappointment and fear.
A moving and emotional book, Raw Faith was, for me, an incredible eye-opening look at my faith on any ordinary day. Without the diagnosis Van Norman faces, my faith struggles are often present for other reasons. This book has given me new strength and focus on what faith really means.
My Recommendation: Every Christian and seeker should read Kasey Van Norman's story. If you are not yet a believer, it will make you one. If you are a believer already, it will only strengthen your faith.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Raw Faith from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 12, 2014
What is faith, how do we get it, and how does it help us? In this book Kasey teaches us that God sometimes wounds us to bring us to true faith. God may use pain, suffering, and cancer to make us totally dependent on Him. It matters whether our hearts are shallow, hardened, overcrowded, or good. Satan can rob us of who God is and how He wants us to serve Him. Great faith only comes with absolute dependence on Jesus. It doesn’t grow when life is wonderful, but when we struggle with infertility, persecution, raw pain, and a flood of problems. We drift away from craving God and the Spirit and give in to sinful desires when we start wanting more, entertaining discontentment, and taking control of our lives. Denial, depression, and discouragement are toxic and can act like cancer, slowly destroying our joy and spiritual health, resulting in faith fatality. To recover we must cry out to God like David did, let go of the garbage in our lives, and remember we are a child of God. If you remember past hurts or abuse, you have an open wound that God needs to heal. We have to talk to Him and ask for that healing. Jesus is strong enough to redeem our lives for His glory. In this world we can suffer pain and yet be faithful to God. We have to remember we are completely dependent on Him and that takes prayer. We also need to submit to the Holy Spirit.
April 28, 2016
What a great book written by a person I would love to meet one day. Kasey Van Norman has told her story in her previous book Named By God. In this book she talks about her battle with cancer that completely tipped her world upside down. This was a huge test of faith, I can't imagine what it must be like to wonder how long you will live.
There were so many encouraging parts to this book full of verses and personality. Kasey talks about God's promises and lists the many verses that tie in with those promises.
"We think that if things go our way, then God is faithful. If they don't then he must not be listening-or he must not be powerful enough to do anything about it...(But for the Christian) it's built on the bedrock that God is who he says he is and that he will do everything he has promised." Raw Faith
"When we stop trusting God for our future and instead choose to go our own way, we will inevitably run out of resources." Raw Faith
Kasey tells her story and it shows how powerful God is even in the worst of times.
I highly recommend!
Look for this book April 1, 2014!
"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."
There were so many encouraging parts to this book full of verses and personality. Kasey talks about God's promises and lists the many verses that tie in with those promises.
"We think that if things go our way, then God is faithful. If they don't then he must not be listening-or he must not be powerful enough to do anything about it...(But for the Christian) it's built on the bedrock that God is who he says he is and that he will do everything he has promised." Raw Faith
"When we stop trusting God for our future and instead choose to go our own way, we will inevitably run out of resources." Raw Faith
Kasey tells her story and it shows how powerful God is even in the worst of times.
I highly recommend!
Look for this book April 1, 2014!
"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."
April 10, 2014
Raw Faith is the kind of faith that we all should have in every situation and Kasey shows us why in this book. Raw Faith takes the reader on a journey of the author's experience with cancer and trust in God. The center focus of Raw Faith is not put upon the cancer, but what really is and how to obtain it. Raw Faith starts out by explaining the illusion which many people have of what is faith and starts to bring the truth of faith to the surface. The majority of the chapters start out as a diary entry, making note of each part of Kasey's journey with cancer. The entries display her struggle and how God is right there with her through it all. Following each diary entry is an explanation of faith which relates to the entry. Each explanation of faith includes Biblical scripture and sometimes a story from the Bible.
I found Raw Faith to be very interesting and it prompted me to examine my own Faith and see what I can do to make it stronger. The suggestions it gave, on reaching raw faith, made a lot of sense and were very helpful. Everything in Raw Faith was easy to understand and to apply.
I would highly recommend Raw Faith to all readers!
I have received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.
I found Raw Faith to be very interesting and it prompted me to examine my own Faith and see what I can do to make it stronger. The suggestions it gave, on reaching raw faith, made a lot of sense and were very helpful. Everything in Raw Faith was easy to understand and to apply.
I would highly recommend Raw Faith to all readers!
I have received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2014
“You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” –James 1:3-4
Regarding these verses, Kasey Van Norman, author of Raw Faith says, “The testing of our faith isn’t evidence that God has forgotten us; in fact, the opposite is true. Our trials prove to us and to others that we are genuine children of God whose faith is strengthened by these changes and hardships.”
Kasey knows about changes and hardships, trials and testing. She was married, raising two young children, and launching a new ministry when she got the news that she had cancer. Just that quickly, her whole world changed, and as she fought for her life, she wrestled with God, angry and frightened, yet determined to cling to her faith. Her book, Raw Faith, documents her personal battle, including actual journal entries and powerful lessons learned. Kasey learned that faith isn’t about what God does, but Who He Is, and she wants her readers to know this, too—especially those who are fighting faith battles of their own, enduring the unimaginable and asking God, “Why me?”
Kasey’s story encouraged me greatly! I’m happy to recommend it to you.
Regarding these verses, Kasey Van Norman, author of Raw Faith says, “The testing of our faith isn’t evidence that God has forgotten us; in fact, the opposite is true. Our trials prove to us and to others that we are genuine children of God whose faith is strengthened by these changes and hardships.”
Kasey knows about changes and hardships, trials and testing. She was married, raising two young children, and launching a new ministry when she got the news that she had cancer. Just that quickly, her whole world changed, and as she fought for her life, she wrestled with God, angry and frightened, yet determined to cling to her faith. Her book, Raw Faith, documents her personal battle, including actual journal entries and powerful lessons learned. Kasey learned that faith isn’t about what God does, but Who He Is, and she wants her readers to know this, too—especially those who are fighting faith battles of their own, enduring the unimaginable and asking God, “Why me?”
Kasey’s story encouraged me greatly! I’m happy to recommend it to you.
August 13, 2014
Raw Faith was not a book that I found easy to read because it is the story of a woman who had to come to terms with trusting God while battling cancer. The author retold her story with all the gritty details of her struggles with her diagnosis as well as how having cancer affected her faith in God. The book is also packed with many Bible verses that remind readers that God is always faithful, He is in control, and He has a reason for the struggles and hardships that His children face in life. The author used her hardships to encourage her readers, that no matter what they are going through in life, God is trustworthy and He will get us through them in a way that our faith will become stronger if we continue walking in Him. Though the author’s story was hard to read, I did find this book to be a great testimony of faith.
July 27, 2014
This is the first book I have read from Kasey Van Norman, it won't be the last!
If you are struggling in life, this book is for you! Mrs. Norman takes us into her life while she is going through her diagnosis and treatment of cancer. An amazing testimony that deals with faith - Raw faith, not a weak, maybe trust God faith, but a deep faith. Can we trust Him when things are tough, and don't look good?
This book was such an inspiring read! I loved how she showed us her journal entries, good times, and bad! She gave Scripture verses that I needed to hear!
May God continue to bless this ministry and I hope she comes back to Ewomen this year!
If you are struggling in life, this book is for you! Mrs. Norman takes us into her life while she is going through her diagnosis and treatment of cancer. An amazing testimony that deals with faith - Raw faith, not a weak, maybe trust God faith, but a deep faith. Can we trust Him when things are tough, and don't look good?
This book was such an inspiring read! I loved how she showed us her journal entries, good times, and bad! She gave Scripture verses that I needed to hear!
May God continue to bless this ministry and I hope she comes back to Ewomen this year!
August 21, 2014
This book is a cross between the story of Kasey Van Norman’s cancer journey and what I call a Biblical self-help book – how God reaches us in our brokenness and brings us through. It is not that He never gives us more than we can handle but that He never leaves us. Kasey got the call that changed her life, telling her that the pathology report did not look good, a mere two years after she lost her mother to cancer. She had a 6 year old and a 3 year old at the time and had felt fine. But now things were not okay as she thought about her mother’s battle and dreaded her own. Things were not okay and as she says as she went through the battle of chemo, “…it’s okay to not be okay.”
May 14, 2015
I just love KVM. I love that she isn't afraid to basically punch you in the gut with her statements of true faith. This study was an amazing journey and don't think it is completely about cancer because it simply isn't. It is about ANY struggle you are going through in life, and how the only true escape from it is becoming so raw you have nothing but the love of God and your Faith to fall to. KVM uses her personal tragedy to guide readers through an understanding that Jesus suffered and we must, too, but that doesn't mean that we are any less loved, or that God is punishing us. Truly a great read and a thought book!
June 16, 2014
This is one of the best books I have read on the topic of faith. I love Kasey's honesty and vulnerability as she shares about her journey through cancer and what it has taught her about true, raw faith. I would highly recommend this book to anyone but especially those who feel lost, alone, or who just want to give up. This book will inspire you to keep holding on to even just the smallest little bit of faith. Kasey has first hand experience of what it feels like to really question God and struggle to understand His way. Fantastic read!
July 1, 2014
It was helpful to read this as I have a friend hat is experiencing some of these things - & she is actually the spouse of the one with cancer. Almost every day I hear about someone else being diagnosed with cancer. It is helpful to know the process people go through concerning their faith. Do we truly believe all we have said we believe? Do we believe He is faithful and that "He's got this?" Hopefully this will help me be more sensitive as God calls me to minister to others going through the "hard stuff" or when am called to go through the "hard stuff" myself.
July 22, 2014
Raw Faith by Kasey Van Norman is a difficult book to read because of the topic (cancer), but it is also an encouraging book to read because of the topic (true, raw faith). It dredges up my family memories of hospitals & sicknesses, but I kept reading to learn more about her faith. This book is raw & real, complete with excerpts from her journals. Her book is immersed in the Word teasing out spiritual truths, but I’m not sure which translation is used.
July 29, 2014
when I first started reading this book I thought it was more about her trials thru her cancer announcement, each chapter started that way, then turned to almost a bible study type forum, which was fine for me, I'm ok with that, I have heard and read the Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego story multiple times but never put it into the perspective she did....wow, it was eye opening and wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
July 30, 2014
Raw Faith is such an inspiring story of the author's faith and road to recovery after being diagnosed with cancer. She tells of her struggles with faith, depression, and treatment. I really liked the uplifting scriptures that was included. I think it is definitely a must read for those who have been diagnosed with cancer, their families, and survivors.
4 1/2 stars.
4 1/2 stars.
September 29, 2014
Kasey writes with incredible honesty about her life and faith journey through cancer. The beginning of the book was very raw as Kasey shared her reaction to learning about her cancer and her first rounds of chemo.
Kasey's journey is inspiring and she does a great job of including a lot of Bible verses to encourage the reader.
Kasey's journey is inspiring and she does a great job of including a lot of Bible verses to encourage the reader.
August 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. The author uses scripture and her own experiences during her battle with cancer to show her faith journey. I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent study on Biblical faith.
July 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Kasey always shows such extreme faith she makes me more faithful with every book she writes. She is truly a blessing.
July 28, 2014
Wow!!! Such a powerful book. This book really forces you to examine your faith in new ways. Wonderful book for the faithful and those who are questioning their faith
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