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Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals
You and I are free to weep because the Savior wept first.Suffering is good. God is teaching you to be content. At least you don’t have cancer. Have you ever heard—or maybe you’ve said—sentiments like these in the face of suffering? Without being able to put our finger on why, thoughts like these can leave us feeling confused, lonely, and disoriented.Is God frustrated by our tears and weakness? Does He weep with us or is He aloof and uncaring? In Free to Weep, Brittany Allen looks to biblical texts to reveal the God who is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). In each chapter, Brittany combats and corrects lies and half-truths women (including herself) tend to believe about suffering, � Weakness is shameful.
� If you’re suffering well, you won’t be downcast.
� You’re suffering because you sinned.
� Suffering is good.
� Experiencing sadness means you’re discontent.
� Once you learn God’s lesson, your suffering will end.
� Anxiety and depression are always rooted in sin.
� And more.What does it look like to suffer well—to grieve life’s losses, big and small? How does God grieve? Looking to the example of Jesus, our Suffering Savior, readers grow in empathy, truth, and grace for themselves and others. God is with you in your pain. When you’re suffering, He invites you to draw near and rest in Him. Join Brittany in discovering the beauty of God’s heart in Free to Weep.
� If you’re suffering well, you won’t be downcast.
� You’re suffering because you sinned.
� Suffering is good.
� Experiencing sadness means you’re discontent.
� Once you learn God’s lesson, your suffering will end.
� Anxiety and depression are always rooted in sin.
� And more.What does it look like to suffer well—to grieve life’s losses, big and small? How does God grieve? Looking to the example of Jesus, our Suffering Savior, readers grow in empathy, truth, and grace for themselves and others. God is with you in your pain. When you’re suffering, He invites you to draw near and rest in Him. Join Brittany in discovering the beauty of God’s heart in Free to Weep.
- GenresChristian
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 19, 2026
Accessible and comforting- Brittany Allen has done a great job of illuminating Christ’s comfort to those who weep over the big and (seemingly) small sorrows of life.
May 4, 2026
Seen, heard, and loved in our suffering
Through personal story, expert advice, and most importantly, the example of Jesus Christ, Brittany Lee Allen not only comforts readers in their own sorrows, but also points out the crucial reasons for us to do likewise. Ms. Allen eloquently spoke truths that I have yearned for God’s people to understand. If you are suffering, let God encourage you through this book. If you want to understand how to truly comfort others in their sorrows, please read this book as well.
Through personal story, expert advice, and most importantly, the example of Jesus Christ, Brittany Lee Allen not only comforts readers in their own sorrows, but also points out the crucial reasons for us to do likewise. Ms. Allen eloquently spoke truths that I have yearned for God’s people to understand. If you are suffering, let God encourage you through this book. If you want to understand how to truly comfort others in their sorrows, please read this book as well.
May 20, 2026
How free are you with your tears?
Some of us are much more comfortable with them than others. But even as they flow, we apologize, we're stricken with shame and vulnerability, thus hiding ourselves away, as though they're a signal of weakness, a banner of defeat or a judgment of immaturity.
In Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals, Brittany Allen shows us there's no need to minimize our tears, for when we do we're robbing "ourselves of the comfort and peace found through running to Christ in our weeping." Lament is a part of our faithful worship and the Lord Jesus invites us, beckons us even to turn toward Him in our pain and suffering.
If you've had questions through seasons of hardship and grief, you'll find a helpful resource in this new book!
She writes this book to address questions many Christian women in the church have about suffering. We’ve all heard them, probably asked them and have received them at times as uncharitable attempts at encouragement. So she helps us develop a theology of suffering, reminding us that we are free to weep, because our Saviour did first.
Brittany explores grief, lament, and emotional honesty through a biblical lens. Rather than treating tears as weakness, she encourages us to see sorrow as something God welcomes and redeems.
Each chapter addresses common questions about suffering as she weaves together Scripture, personal experience, and insights from theologians like Tim Keller to help us think biblically about suffering and bring our grief before the Lord.
If you browse the table of contents and find yourself nodding at questions you’ve asked and curious about the answers, you’ll find this a very helpful encouragement.
If you have friends struggling with these questions and you’re walking alongside them, read this to equip you for the conversations you’ll have. The weary, suffering sojourner might not have the capacity to read a book about suffering, but your words of wisdom and encouragement can be a balm for their soul.
{full review here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/su...}
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review
Some of us are much more comfortable with them than others. But even as they flow, we apologize, we're stricken with shame and vulnerability, thus hiding ourselves away, as though they're a signal of weakness, a banner of defeat or a judgment of immaturity.
In Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals, Brittany Allen shows us there's no need to minimize our tears, for when we do we're robbing "ourselves of the comfort and peace found through running to Christ in our weeping." Lament is a part of our faithful worship and the Lord Jesus invites us, beckons us even to turn toward Him in our pain and suffering.
If you've had questions through seasons of hardship and grief, you'll find a helpful resource in this new book!
She writes this book to address questions many Christian women in the church have about suffering. We’ve all heard them, probably asked them and have received them at times as uncharitable attempts at encouragement. So she helps us develop a theology of suffering, reminding us that we are free to weep, because our Saviour did first.
Brittany explores grief, lament, and emotional honesty through a biblical lens. Rather than treating tears as weakness, she encourages us to see sorrow as something God welcomes and redeems.
Each chapter addresses common questions about suffering as she weaves together Scripture, personal experience, and insights from theologians like Tim Keller to help us think biblically about suffering and bring our grief before the Lord.
If you browse the table of contents and find yourself nodding at questions you’ve asked and curious about the answers, you’ll find this a very helpful encouragement.
If you have friends struggling with these questions and you’re walking alongside them, read this to equip you for the conversations you’ll have. The weary, suffering sojourner might not have the capacity to read a book about suffering, but your words of wisdom and encouragement can be a balm for their soul.
{full review here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/su...}
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review
May 14, 2026
In Brittany Lee Allen's book, Free to Weep, she gives deep reverence to holy suffering. I think there is a gap in discipleship around the topic. Lamenting and weeping before the Lord is not complaining or belittling to His goodness. I am also reading Dark Clouds Deep Mercy and I found reading them together to be complementary. Allen even quotes Mark Vroegop in the chapter about lamenting. Her perspective around suffering revitalizes how I perceive grief and sorrow. I had never considered Jesus as our Suffering Savior, the part about His fasting for 40 days gave me pause. I am thankful that there are talented writers who are pressing into these hard subjects to help us humble ourselves in this area. May we be a friend who weeps with those who weep; moreover, may we be the believer who considers the heart of the Father in our sorrow.
April 24, 2026
A balm to my soul. As I walked chapter by chapter, I felt like I was entering into each question I faced in my own grief. A beautiful example of how Scripture speaks to our own lives today.
April 15, 2026
This is a systematic theology of lament and grief in a memoir-style, easy-to-read format. It is a strictly Christian book. Christ is intertwined in the entire story, someone who is looking for a self-help book without doctrine will not find this book suitable. (No complaints here)
The author walks the readers through her own experiences, and those of others, in a discreet yet satisfying way. We are able to glimpse into her life without the book becoming a biography. The title "Free to Weep" is repeated throughout the book in word or sentiment. Brittany Lee Allen showcases the lament of arguably the most well-known kings of Judah, David and Jesus. Throughout the journey of scripture, she illustrates examples of healthy and reverent discussion with God in seasons of difficulty and painful moments. Ultimately, these things bring God glory.
Although it seems the audience would be a woman, this book would be useful for either gender of multiple ages/stages. I would not recommend to a younger audience due to the graphic nature of abuse detailed in the book - albeit a small portion of the text included this type of content. The discussion of her grief after the death of three of her children also focuses the audience on women, even particularly of child-bearing age.
I am a fairly quick at reading/comprehension, so I read it in a couple of hours. I assume others would not struggle with getting through it either. It was clearly quite rooted in scripture. Each story referenced from the Bible likely will be a familiar one to anyone who has known God for over a year or two. There is opportunity for anyone who wishes to go deeper in the study to commit the verses to memory or write out all the references the author quotes. She uses the m-dash well on page 32.
Favorite Quotes From the Book
" After all, hating ourselves is just another form of pride." page 22
"I look back with regret, knowing how desperate I was for help, yet I didn't pray like a desperate woman." page 23
"Pain can be a sign that goodness is on the horizon." page 33
Cons -
1. For those who would choose to listen - not sure if there is an audio version - would struggle to intake the verses when they are listed many in a row.
2. The book is full of quotes from other books. Though they can be for clarity, I personally get distracted when the writing styles and voices change often.
3. I would coin the term "righteous discontentment", rather than holy. That may just be personal preference.
Pros -
1. The author was concise, there was minimal rambling. Her personal stories did not drag on causing the reader to lose interest.
2. She addressed hot topic issues such as; anxiety and sin, needing not being happy to experience suffering, serving/being served and comparison.
3. Brittany advocates for the reader to draw near through prayer. To draw near to the throne. She does not offer excuses for prayerlessness.
4. With compassion (I am convinced this must be one of her spiritual gifts) the author illustrates what it looks like to empathize with those who suffer, including yourself.
5. She points to Christ, His humanity, divinity and sinless nature multiple times. Never so entangled in her own story does she neglect that of superior importance, the Messiah.
Overall a great read, and worth my dollars and time spent reading it.
The author walks the readers through her own experiences, and those of others, in a discreet yet satisfying way. We are able to glimpse into her life without the book becoming a biography. The title "Free to Weep" is repeated throughout the book in word or sentiment. Brittany Lee Allen showcases the lament of arguably the most well-known kings of Judah, David and Jesus. Throughout the journey of scripture, she illustrates examples of healthy and reverent discussion with God in seasons of difficulty and painful moments. Ultimately, these things bring God glory.
Although it seems the audience would be a woman, this book would be useful for either gender of multiple ages/stages. I would not recommend to a younger audience due to the graphic nature of abuse detailed in the book - albeit a small portion of the text included this type of content. The discussion of her grief after the death of three of her children also focuses the audience on women, even particularly of child-bearing age.
I am a fairly quick at reading/comprehension, so I read it in a couple of hours. I assume others would not struggle with getting through it either. It was clearly quite rooted in scripture. Each story referenced from the Bible likely will be a familiar one to anyone who has known God for over a year or two. There is opportunity for anyone who wishes to go deeper in the study to commit the verses to memory or write out all the references the author quotes. She uses the m-dash well on page 32.
Favorite Quotes From the Book
" After all, hating ourselves is just another form of pride." page 22
"I look back with regret, knowing how desperate I was for help, yet I didn't pray like a desperate woman." page 23
"Pain can be a sign that goodness is on the horizon." page 33
Cons -
1. For those who would choose to listen - not sure if there is an audio version - would struggle to intake the verses when they are listed many in a row.
2. The book is full of quotes from other books. Though they can be for clarity, I personally get distracted when the writing styles and voices change often.
3. I would coin the term "righteous discontentment", rather than holy. That may just be personal preference.
Pros -
1. The author was concise, there was minimal rambling. Her personal stories did not drag on causing the reader to lose interest.
2. She addressed hot topic issues such as; anxiety and sin, needing not being happy to experience suffering, serving/being served and comparison.
3. Brittany advocates for the reader to draw near through prayer. To draw near to the throne. She does not offer excuses for prayerlessness.
4. With compassion (I am convinced this must be one of her spiritual gifts) the author illustrates what it looks like to empathize with those who suffer, including yourself.
5. She points to Christ, His humanity, divinity and sinless nature multiple times. Never so entangled in her own story does she neglect that of superior importance, the Messiah.
Overall a great read, and worth my dollars and time spent reading it.
April 21, 2026
Brittany begins this wonderful work with an important and necessary question- What does it look like to suffer well? And boy does she bring the answer home. To suffer well as a believer in Christ Jesus encompasses much more than a single act. It is a way of living, a way of worship as she argues, maybe even a gift back to our Heavenly Father for the way He first suffered for us. This book teaches its readers just that. It leaves you knowing, through the truth of scripture and easy to read application, that we are not only free to weep, but that we have a Savior waiting to bring our woes-big and small, to His feet in surrender.
Brittany says, “The Godly response to tragedy is deep sadness,” and also argues clearly that nobody gets to compare what a tragedy is or what level of difficulty deserves weeping and sadness. Yes and amen!
As someone who has grieved and lamented, and also argues the importance of grieving well to anyone who will listen..I still learned and grew from what Brittany has to offer in Free to Weep. It convinced me even more so to bring every care and concern to the Lord. Although my story doesn’t include church hurt, or even overt “emotional prosperity gospel” (love that name!) I found myself connecting dots about my profound irritation with my weaknesses in life are actually a form of prosperity thinking. I’m reminded of how important it is to be needy for my God and ask for help.
I could go on and on, but frankly my purpose here isn’t to write Cliff Notes on her book so you won’t read it yourself …therefore, I’ll stop here and simply say, this is a must buy/must read for everyone who grieves, ever grieved, or knows someone who is grieving; anyone experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or the every day difficulties of life ..
…. yes, this book is for EVERYONE who is a believer in Jesus. Or perhaps you aren’t a believer but you’re curious about why us Christians have joy in suffering .. this is a good place to start.
Thank you Brittany for this important work of art!
Some noteworthy quotes:
Maybe our pursuit of self-sufficiency reveals itself in our lives by our belief that we should be able to do everything on our own…. Our goal should not be to feel sufficient in ourselves, but to know Christ as all-sufficient. Pg 24
Turns out, suffering isn’t a gift at all. Yet, in His kindness, God gives us fits amid the suffering. Pg 38
Bad theology about suffering, even if subtle, crushes image-bearers of God. Pg 63
The most harmful part of locking up our grief in a coffin is that it keeps us from communing with God in suffering. Pg68
Sadness can coincide with contentment. Pg 90
What a precious gift it is to be secured by the faithfulness of God. In our suffering, God gives us the best gift He could give: more of Himself. Pg 109
Brittany says, “The Godly response to tragedy is deep sadness,” and also argues clearly that nobody gets to compare what a tragedy is or what level of difficulty deserves weeping and sadness. Yes and amen!
As someone who has grieved and lamented, and also argues the importance of grieving well to anyone who will listen..I still learned and grew from what Brittany has to offer in Free to Weep. It convinced me even more so to bring every care and concern to the Lord. Although my story doesn’t include church hurt, or even overt “emotional prosperity gospel” (love that name!) I found myself connecting dots about my profound irritation with my weaknesses in life are actually a form of prosperity thinking. I’m reminded of how important it is to be needy for my God and ask for help.
I could go on and on, but frankly my purpose here isn’t to write Cliff Notes on her book so you won’t read it yourself …therefore, I’ll stop here and simply say, this is a must buy/must read for everyone who grieves, ever grieved, or knows someone who is grieving; anyone experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or the every day difficulties of life ..
…. yes, this book is for EVERYONE who is a believer in Jesus. Or perhaps you aren’t a believer but you’re curious about why us Christians have joy in suffering .. this is a good place to start.
Thank you Brittany for this important work of art!
Some noteworthy quotes:
Maybe our pursuit of self-sufficiency reveals itself in our lives by our belief that we should be able to do everything on our own…. Our goal should not be to feel sufficient in ourselves, but to know Christ as all-sufficient. Pg 24
Turns out, suffering isn’t a gift at all. Yet, in His kindness, God gives us fits amid the suffering. Pg 38
Bad theology about suffering, even if subtle, crushes image-bearers of God. Pg 63
The most harmful part of locking up our grief in a coffin is that it keeps us from communing with God in suffering. Pg68
Sadness can coincide with contentment. Pg 90
What a precious gift it is to be secured by the faithfulness of God. In our suffering, God gives us the best gift He could give: more of Himself. Pg 109
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
This book was such a gift during a difficult season of life for me. Brittany is a wonderful writer, and she took many complex questions and passages of scripture about grief and suffering and made it easy to understand. Her writing is filled with biblical truth, personal transparency, empathy and compassion. Reading this book felt like I had a friend sitting by my side holding my hand, sharing God’s love with me and reminding me that there is no shame in my tears.
May 4, 2026
Brittany writes with a rare combination of clarity and vulnerability, gently but firmly addressing the weak theology of suffering that often shapes how we speak to one another as Christians. She doesn’t shy away from hard questions, but instead grounds her reflections in rich, thoughtful engagement with Scripture. This is a deeply helpful book for anyone in a season of suffering—but even more so for those who want to care well for others in it. You’ll walk away better equipped to offer comfort that is not only sincere, but truly rooted in biblical truth.
May 9, 2026
“You and I are free to weep because our Savior wept first.”
This book invites readers to learn how to grieve well, to find empathy in the heart of Jesus, and to receive grace for ourselves as believers when we face suffering and sadness.
Exploring important topics such as false beliefs that our suffering is due to sin or the condemnation we often feel when experiencing emotions like sadness or loneliness, Brittany reveals truth through biblical wisdom and personal stories of her own suffering. I love how she points readers to find hope in Jesus, who suffered the most, and shows us what it looks like to experience suffering rightly positioned with God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
This book invites readers to learn how to grieve well, to find empathy in the heart of Jesus, and to receive grace for ourselves as believers when we face suffering and sadness.
Exploring important topics such as false beliefs that our suffering is due to sin or the condemnation we often feel when experiencing emotions like sadness or loneliness, Brittany reveals truth through biblical wisdom and personal stories of her own suffering. I love how she points readers to find hope in Jesus, who suffered the most, and shows us what it looks like to experience suffering rightly positioned with God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews