The Color of Grace

by Bethany Haley Williams, Katie Davis (Foreword)

Pain and hopelessness are the common ground shared between two vastly different cultures--a middle-class woman in rural America and war-ravaged children in Africa--as author Bethany Haley shares her story of healing and how she built Exile International, a non-profit that nurtures child soldiers rescued from the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army).
Meet Denis. Denis was abducted at the age of ten after being forced to watch members of the LRA murder his father and grandparents. His younger siblings were left behind, and his mother was instructed to "raise them well... for one day we'll return to take them too."
Denis is one of thousands of innocent boys and girls who have had their innocence stolen and are forced to do the unthinkable on a daily basis. But their horrific experiences are just the beginning. The real story is what happens "after."
Once the children escape or are rescued, they have to find a way to live again. This is where Bethany Haley comes in. Faced with her own failures and rocky journey toward healing, Bethany founded Exile International--a foundation that uses art and expression therapy to help with the healing process. Once these children learn to face their pasts, they are given hope for a future and a vision for making a difference in their country as peace-makers.
Featuring a foreword by Katie Davis, author of the bestseller "Kisses from Katie," this riveting narrative shows us that no matter what hardships we have endured, there is always a way to healing and a positive future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir, Africa, Book Club, Biography Memoir

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

With a PhD in counseling psychology and a master’s in clinical social work, she is a leader in the specialized field of war-affected children rehabilitation with worldwide organizations such as the United Nations and the Global Trauma Recovery Institute. With more than twenty years of experience in the field, Bethany maintains a small counseling and coaching practice in Nashville, TN. She and her husband, Matthew, reside in Nashville, Tennessee, and lead the work of Exile International together.

www.exileinternational.org
www.colorofgracebook.com
www.bethanyhaleywilliams.com

Reviews

[Rey Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart gripping

I seldom write reviews, just because. I bought The Color of Grace three or so weeks again, and just finished reading it. Books do not usually take this long to read;however, I had to start and stop multiple times. Dr. Williams has painted a vivid picture of what is happening in Africa (and Haiti), making it difficult to quickly process. The pictures painted show atrocities that many of us will never know. In the midst of all the evil (because there is no other word for it) are children and adults worshipping God, giving Him praise. Many of us in the western world cannot comprehend these things. I had to stop reading because I thought of all the times something small has happened and i have went into a "tailspin" questioning God. Dr. Williams has inspired me to look beyond myself and reach out to help others. This book has shown me that whatever trauma we (I) have experienced can be used to help others.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give half stars- I'd give a solid 3.5. This book, I struggled with it a bit. The action of providing therapy to children who used to be child soldiers, and those who survived the Haitian earth quake, that's a great story. But the "praise Jesus/God"... that was a bit over done. And all of section 1, where she talked about having drama in her life, which she wouldn't describe... just hang out in front of the reader... yeah, we could've just done with out that, or with the whole story. But, lets focus on the good stuff... the work she's done in Africa, that is fantastic!!

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was meaningful and gave great information. It was hard to read at times because of the incredible abuse these children endured. I felt like it would have been a better book without the journal writing though.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so powerful. The atrocities suffered by the people of Africa—especially the children—are horrific and unimaginable, yet the power of love and forgiveness are stronger still than the power of hate and evil. This book testifies to that, both through the author's story and through the stories of the children she and her team are helping in DRC and Uganda.

Read this book. We live such isolated lives here in the U.S., and our ignorance—and dare I say greed?—not only allows these crimes to continue, but it contributes to them. We need to wake up, get up, and actively join the battle for healing and peace.

[Kristianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me in tears multiple times. The trauma and horrors these children had to endure is unimaginable. But their hope and faith in Jesus in the face of such evil is beautiful. Such a stunning picture of how God mends the broken-hearted and brings life from ashes.

It was convicting, deeply sobering, and moving. Definitely stirring in me the desire to work with kids in trauma counseling, especially in overseas missions.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suffering brings us closer to God

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is this book not a Best-Seller? For the very reason that in the Westerner world, we are caught up in a spoiled life arguing with society over the internet and screaming from afar over small potatoes. We refuse to read because the truth is the story is gruesome. We'd rather ignore and hide from it. But, this is reality for a lot of the children in northern Uganda. They are not just survivors of war and forced to do unspeakable things to humanity and their love ones... Forced... the operative word. But, they are survivors. Children that do have purpose and are going to do amazing things in this world. Why? Even going through the toughest of times that is unimaginable to all of us, they rise above it because of their faith. Their faith never wavered. They are the strongest kids you will ever meet. And to Bethany Haley Williams, you are strong even when you felt weak, you didn't give up on these kids. There should be more people in this world like you. To these kids, no words can describe your strength. You are the future. I sincerely recommend this book. One of the best I've ever read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...that was a difficult book to read, but I have a feeling it's going to greatly impact my life and I'm so thankful to the author for vulnerably putting herself out there, sharing her greatest mistakes, fears, and how they lead her to a place of people that are unbelievably stronger than any person I've ever heard of. If these people and children have been strong enough to survive or go through such atrocities, then we spoiled/blessed westerners should surely be willing to stomach and hear their stories so that we can be impacted and not let their voices go unheard. It blows my mind that these things are taking place right now, and that the world isn't coming together with a stronger presence to help them. I just can't stop thinking about what a difference one women made, just using her skills and her heart...and I find myself constantly wondering what I can do. .... and I think that any book that leaves you wondering "what can I do to help" is a fantastic book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of Grace is a true reminder of how good we have it living in the United States. This book tells the story of the author's early life and eventual mission work. She tells about her to tumultuous marriage, divorce, and the heart ache she experienced during that time. She then tells about how she began her missions to Africa. She is truly an inspiring and admirable woman. I love reading about the children she met and war torn country's. They experienced such horrors in their young lives. But those children are so special and can teach many of us a good lesson of how to forgive and how to live without bitterness.
I really thought this was a great book. Great way to show you that no matter what you have gone through in life, you can forgive and have hope.
Five stars.
I received this book from Howard Books in exchange for my honest opinion which was given.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

love more like Jesus, deepest joy via deepest pain, cry with those served, story of gospel and Jesus, purpose over pain, need to live in more loving way, dance as slave set free, emotionally depressed people US, will do something, Exile Intl, art therapy as dance and sing for children soldier rehab, despair when no purpose, leaders of forgiveness, resilience and forgiveness better than US, we will not be silent, do necessary and possible, a normal life or missionary life, look at/help individual not masses, 2010 letters to Obama, core exp of trauma is helplessness, N Uganda wars area deaths of 5m, believe in people and remind of potential, stop bleeding of violence and begin forgiveness, never again enough, storm heavens with prayer.

[Theresa Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book changed me. She starts out by giving background about her life and how she was in search of an important purpose. God brings her to Africa where children need her expertise in psychology. She heals these unfortunate ones with art therapy. In the book, illustrations are shown of how the children begin and continue the healing process through art. The stories told will change the way you think and believe about war-torn Africa. Although it is tragic; the people demonstrate true bravery by overcoming and creating better lives for themselves. I am in awe of how the author of this book turned it all around for the people of this country with her sheer determination. She did it all for the children.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of a woman who overcame her own suffering to reach out and help others. She still battles anxiety and depression yet helps children survivors of war torn African countries. She went on a short term mission trip that changed her life. Seeing women who had been raped and orphaned children, she knew she had to do something. But what would one woman do? It turns out, quit a bit. She uses her training to design and offer long term restoration to children traumatized by war. This is a very rewarding story.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1M3DwVM.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a painful and agonizing book to read. It is well worth reading, but don't expect to enjoy it. The work done by the author and others like her is inspiring and hopeful, but the horror, brutality and cruelty that causes the damage that they are trying to address and heal is so horribly shocking that it is almost beyond immagining.
Several years ago I read the book "A Long Time Gone" (also nonfiction) that introduced me to this situation. It was shocking and heart-wrenching, but this was even more so. It still haunts me and breaks my heart.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Testament to the power of healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness through God's grace in the lives of former child soldiers and slaves in Africa. The book was written by Bethany Haley Williams, founder of Exile International. While the trials and tribulations of Ms Williams ultimately led to her founding of Exile, I would have preferred less info on her personal life and more on the background of the children whose lives she has been instrumental in transforming.

[Ginger Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

Bethany tells the stories children affected by war...stories of hope, forgiveness, and love. I was unaware of horrible acts of war innocent children must face every day. This book highlights their struggles and victories. Highly recommended!

[Haley Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so easy to shut yourself off to pain and suffering around the world. This book about child soldiers, victims of the Lord's Resistance Army, was heartbreaking but also hopeful. The power of love is so much stronger than we know.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction book is very heart-wrenching. Bethany tells some of her own story of brokenness and how God has brought her "full circle" in order to help provide healing and grace to children who have been affected by severe war-related trauma in Africa.

[Mike Hipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. We can not forget that we live a privileged life in a very free nation. In Africa wars rage and children are left orphaned and many times made to be participants. Great read

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to get off our spoiled butts and help people.

[Cindy Mac Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that demonstrates that's with the Lords grace , mercy and love a life can be turned from anguish to awe inspiring.

[Jennie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read this book unless you want to be motivated to do something!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly beautiful. The amount of joy and hope these little ones have in light of their circumstances is astounding. Such an encouraging read!

[Lisa Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED reading this book. Bethany's organization is doing amazing work with organizations, people and places that are so very close to my heart.

[Kali Root · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read to page 165 and could not get into it. The base of the book is all about how God helped her through her journey to help others. Not my mind of book at all.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books God uses to speak to my soul!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following in the footsteps of alternating narrative/journal style of Katie Davis’ Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope comes Bethany Haley Williams’ The Color of Grace. For me, The Color of Grace became the bright yellow of my highlighter because nearly every sentence stirred my spirit and resonated deeply with my soul. When I summarized the gist about child survivors of war in Africa, my aunt and sister recoiled. Often we use literature as tools for inspiration, self-help, and/or escape. But in its own way, The Color of Grace fulfills all three of these criteria and concludes with a message of hope and empowerment.

The author Bethany Haley Williams describes, “I was born to be Pollyanna, sprinkled with Mary Poppins, topped with David the shepherd boy, all wrapped up in the heart of God.” She reminds her readers that hope is choosing to believe in something bigger than we are and beyond what we can see or touch. It’s holding the hand of pain and sitting at the feet of suffering, knowing that heartbreak can actually be one of our greatest teachers if we choose to learn from it. As a psychologist, she uses handkerchiefs as tear catchers, reminding us that our Creator collects and remembers all of our tears of joy and sorrow, grief and gladness, and applies Acts 19:12 to her work, “so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.”

When I look a brother in the eye and see his need for forgiveness, I realize I am looking into my own reflection. Forgiveness is the medication for misunderstanding and the only path to peace. We cannot have peaceful nations if we are at war with ourselves. In order to change the course of war, we must stop the bleeding of violence and start mending the wounds of trauma...we must start with children...the future peacemakers of their countries. He wants us to love and hold children, as extensions of His fingertips.

Speak softly and listen loudly.
Climb trees not ladders.
Don’t walk like a wounded warrior.
Dance like a slave who has been set free.

I am a child of the sun.
I am a child of the Son.
I am no more a child soldier.
I have given up my gun for a guitar.
The Word is now my weapon.

Awareness without action is an empty breath to a dying man. The semantics of our hardships do not matter. We share the same Redeemer, and our stories join hands.
Ending crimes against humanity calls us to stand as a collective group, walking as one in the same direction. It calls us to see a man living across the ocean as our brother...It calls us to see humanity as us rather than them. What would we do if this were happening in America in our towns? To our neighbors? To what measure would we go to protect our own children? Agents of change are those who elevate their voices and pursue justice for the oppressed. Can we afford to be anything less?

My heart echoes the author's prayer:
Mend my past.
Magnify my present.
Mold my future into what you would have it to be.

-all quotes the author's words

[Allie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When your greatest heartache becomes your greatest ministry, grace comes full circle."

"The Color of Grace" by Bethany Haley Williams is a poignant, at times gut-wrenching, convicting and captivating story of one woman's journey to redemption--not only for herself, but also for hundreds of children in war-torn countries.

Bethany Haley begins her book by telling of her own personal journey to redemption. A well-respected counselor, Bethany enjoyed a successful career and ministry. Eventually, though, after years of pretending her marriage was perfect, it began to dissolve. After a fairly public separation, Bethany retreated to Texas for a recovery program, ashamed and embarrassed that she, a devout Christian, had allowed her marriage to crumble--and ultimately had a hand in its demise.

After much personal counseling, Bethany returned home and became involved in church again. Then, through a meeting with the leader of a nonprofit helping children in war-torn countries, Bethany participated in a mission's trip, and her life was changed forever.

Bethany could not look away from the devastation surrounding her. She became a grief counselor, helping children with PTSD find healing, hope, and purpose. Although the general theme of her ministry seems unrelatable (How many of us will choose to dedicate our lives to nonprofit work overseas?), Bethany does a good job of incorporating relatable themes. For example, I think all of us, at times, feel overwhelmed by the task assigned to us by God, whatever it may be. All of us, at times, feel insufficient to complete the work given to us. Therefor all of us can relate to Bethany's story.

The decision to begin a non-profit, spend much of the year in Africa, sacrifice a career and begin anew cannot have been easy, but Bethany did it with a resilience that I cannot claim to have. The stories detailed in this book are hard. Traumatic. Unbelievable. The situations and scenarios these children lived through will make your stomach curl. It's tempting to close your eyes and put the book away, at times. But ultimately, the stories turn toward hope, toward redemption, toward Jesus.

And isn't that what we all wish for in our stories?

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sitting with some of the world's most wounded souls and hearing their pain, their stories become a part of my own. Sometimes I can almost feel the pain...and the joy. I am burdened almost daily by the pull to write down all of their stories. There are so many-trapped inside my heart and dancing inside my mind. They need to be told.
Being gifted with their stories, I feel as if I have blood on my hands, and I imagine God whispering over my shoulder, "What are you to do with it?"
Should I wash it off because it makes me weep? Should I wipe my hands because I am uncomfortable or because of what others may say? Should I pretend it isn't there because I don't know what to do with it or how to make it go away? No, I should not. And I will not.
Today I stopped to think of my own path. How my own steps and story of roundedness walked me into their stories. It was no accident.
Having recently been forced to once again look my own past darns in the eye, I realize I am a walking testimony to His redemption. Looking into my soul, I see a wondrous, colorful image, no of my own doing or creation. It is a tapestry woven with the remnants of my spirits broken past and knitted together by the threads from others' stories- enveloped by the hands of a healing Savior and a merciful God. It is the color of grace. When you greatest heartache becomes your greatest ministry, grace comes full circle."

From broken to whole, from hopeless to restored and purpose driven - Bethany Williams is the amazing story of how sin brings heartache, pain, sorry but God can give healing, restoration, and hope. Some heartaches and troubles are the result of our own actions while some are the afflictions caused by others - despite who caused them God's grace is always greater than the deepest pain or the greatest need. Bethany Williams struggles brought her face to face with the power of God's love and the strength and opportunity to help others find restoration and healing. Although some stories or details may be uncomfortable to hear or take in, these are real and they are happening around us. We are never too small or too insignificant to help others as Bethany testifies through her own personal actions.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story of hope - a quest for one broken woman to follow God's calling to Africa to bring healing and restoration to former child soldiers. It's proof that all things are possible with God. Having travelled to the border of the DRC, I could imagine the land, the layout and the children, who in the midst of their sorrow and shame, found redemption and forgiveness through Jesus. When Beth writes about the physical poverty but spiritual wealth there, it totally resonated with me. The most joy filled people I've met were in Africa! God's work through her and Exile International is amazing.

[Abbie Shunkwiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Color of Grace follows Bethany Haley Williams, who shares the gruesome stories of former child soldiers and their journey of forgiveness and healing through her impact of missionary work. I personally really enjoyed reading this book because of the emotional connection I had to the stories of survival and rehabilitation. The love and spirit of joy that flowed throughout this book was inspiring and made the book hard to put down, especially when the author shared her own personal journal entries during her outreach. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel inspired and more aware of the issues in the world, and who are willing to feel strong emotions from the accounts told.