Down the Mountain: Skiing, Suffering, and Sufficient Grace

by Dr. Jason Kolb, T.L. Heyer

After a catastrophic ski accident left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down, Jason not only had to re-learn basic tasks like dressing and bathing, but also had to wrestle with the harder why do bad things happen? If God is good and powerful, why does he allow suffering? And how does one cope with suffering, which in one way or another visits us all? With anecdotes, humor and stories from the Bible, Jason tells the story of his accident and recovery while tackling these questions and more. Ultimately Jason believes that on the other side of suffering there is joy, on the other side of fear there is freedom, and that only God offers sufficient grace to understand and cope with our pain.

160 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2025

Reviews

[Jason Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to give it 5 stars :) Was an incredible journey telling my story with Tricia Heyer's expertise. A story of God's grace in the midst of tragedy, and finding joy on the other side of suffering

[Susan Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith based-joy can happen with suffering

[Lauren Harmison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved hearing Jason’s story and his testimony of God holding him through very dark times. I help people with SCI for a living and stories like his are much needed.

But also, the writing wasn’t great. We needed more from him and less flipping back and forth from stories to commentary to others’ perspectives. The author could have just written Jason’s story and added his faith journey in without all the extra “filler.” His story speaks for itself.

This book contained loads of Bible commentary, quotes and summaries of other books, and info about other authors. It was a bit all over the place even though I appreciated the message. Jason should definitely write more and continue sharing his story!

[Shelly Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never met Jason but I’ve heard much of his story. My daughter has been in his youth night class both before and after his accident at his church. I had tears reading much of the book and knowing his constant faith in Christ and that it never faltered. As he says His Grace is sufficient. Amen to that and praise Jesus for his undying faithfulness.

[riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was an impactful story about God's grace through suffering. it has very relevant applications to your own life about trusting God through hardships

[Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book. Great analysis of how bad things can be used for God's purposes.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a great job of explaining how although person’s journey can be unexpected and painful, that journey can lead them to have a more meaningful, purposeful life. If you love Bob Goff books you will enjoy this! It is a beautiful reminder of how moments of suffering can bring us closer to family, friends and God.

[Karen Charnigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this is an impressive true life story, Dr. Jason KOLB, an ER physician who was paralyzed from the waist down after her skiing accident. He and his wife walk in impressive Faith in a strong extended Faith family. What a testament to who God is, in such devastating circumstances.

[Hillary White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for everyone, as everyone experiences suffering. Jason’s story is encouraging and uplifting, as he reminds us that God is good, and His grace is sufficient.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read because it was so good! I had a hard time putting it down. I have met you briefly Jason, and you are a very kind hearted man. Such a great person and personality to boot! Great sense of humor, I see where your son gets it from! He’s a great young man as well.

What you have gone though and to have such great spirits. There’s not many people who can go through all you have been through and keep such strong faith.

I have given your book to my mom and dad to read, as I feel they both will absolutely love it as well. So far my mom does!

Sorry, back to your book! 😂

You better have a box of tissues because this book is unbelievable. It’s so precious how everyone, and mean everyone, family and friends all just fall into place doing anything and everything for Jason and his family. We have best friends reaching out to his family and help taking care of things when Jason’s family can’t so they can be where they need to be. It doesn’t sound like the Kolb family ever had to worry about things getting taken care of because family and friends jumped in and helped.

You do a great job putting in the stories from the Bible that go with what happened in your life. It really helped me understand your situation and how you look at life after your incident. Meaning, what you have been through could have and probably would have for many people, turn their head from faith, but it did the total opposite for you.

I just know I probably have anyone who reads this scratching their heads wondering what on earth am I talking about. To be honest, I don’t know myself half the time! 😂 I have it in my head, but then have a heck of a time writing it out.

Soooooo, I will stop now and let you see for yourself how awesome this book is. And hopefully, fingers crossed 🤞🏼, you then realize what I was trying to say but couldn’t.

Enjoy!

Thank you Jason for sharing your story!

[Wesley Suplit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason connects an inspirational story of embracing a skiing accident to a motif that symbolizes much of life's experiences: life has mountain tops, but they don't last forever and we come Down the Mountain of life to grapple with loss, suffering and pain. Jason has a story to tell, one that involves suffering, but more than that his story recounts God's incredible faithfulness to be present and near in the time of suffering. God is God. I am not.

[Nicole Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspiring!! Thank you Jason for allowing us on your journey. Such a great reminder that God's grace is sufficient enough. Your story continually points back to God and that in Him alone you can face each day with joy. NO MATTER the circumstances. I laughed, cried, prayed and learned so much throughout these pages. This book was a blessing to my heart.💗 And an amazing reminder to my soul. 💗

[Dianna L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST read! Jason's telling of his tragic skiing accident and how, by the power of Almighty God, overcame, is profound. I cried tears of sadness and tears of joy. This book will deeply touch your soul. Thank you Jason Kolb for sharing your journey. I was truly blessed.
Dianna (Riverwood Chapel) 🥰

[Mia Januszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book, it was amazing to see Dr. Kolb's faith and it was really fun to read. There were lots of biblical stories and explaining how they related to his life and what God was teaching him through it. It was a really interesting read, it was compelling. I was so interested to read what happened next, loved it.

[Luke Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with in depth theological application to the unbelievably tragic outcomes life can give us. Good writing dad!