Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope

by Joan D. Chittister

Everyone goes through times of pain and sorrow, depression and darkness, stress and suffering. It is in the necessary struggles of life, however, that we stretch our souls and gain new insights enabling us to go on.

Building on the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God and on the story of her own battle with life-changing disappointment, Sister Joan Chittister deftly explores the landscape of suffering and hope, considering along the way such wide-ranging topics as consumerism, technology, grief, the role of women in the Catholic Church, and the events of September 11, 2001. We struggle, she says, against change, isolation, darkness, fear, powerlessness, vulnerability, exhaustion, and scarring; and while these struggles sometimes seem insurmountable, we can emerge from them with the gifts of conversion, detachment, faith, courage, surrender, limitations, endurance, transformation, and (perhaps most important) hope. Each of these struggles and gifts is discussed in a chapter of its own.

Meant to help readers cope with their own suffering and disappointment,  Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope  is, in Chittister's words, "an anatomy of struggle and an account of the way hope grows in us, despite our moments of darkness, regardless of our regular bouts of depression. It is an invitation to look again at the struggles of life in order that we might remember how to recognize new life in our souls the next time our hearts turn again to clay."

Neither a self-help manual nor a book offering pat answers, but supremely practical and relevant, Chittister's  Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope  will richly reward those readers seeking solace in the empathic, wise, and accessible meditations of a fellow struggler.
 

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Faith, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, Self Help

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book -- it was a slow read for me, because it took awhile to absorb and think about the ideas as I went along, so I purposely read it slowly. I really connected with Joan Chittester on a lot of things, especially my own experiences with loss, grief, and hitting major obstacles on my life-journey. She eloquently describes the transformation that happens when these kinds of struggles, in all aspects of our lives, are confronted rather than denied, when we work through the difficulties and learn from them rather than ignoring them or allowing ourselves to be defeated by them, or going into denial.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book to give encouragement during the struggles we face in life. No simple answers, and no rushing to forgive/closure/being pain free. Acknowledges the process involved in struggling with our losses, but looks at how these difficult situations can actually become a source of changing us to become stronger, more sensitive people. Should be everyone's list when the tough times hit us.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pivotal moment in Joan Chittister's life not long after she enters the monastery as a teaching nun begins a time of struggle with disappointment, of wrestling with the calling of God, of looking for meaning in the wounding from the incident and the long-term scarring it brought to her life - before, ultimately, hope springs forth once again in transformation and renewal.

The story she relates at the beginning is a perfect example, in my view, of a 'threshold covenant' problem with its signature aspects of long-term silence and lightning, last-minute change as well as crushing devastation. She, of course, does not use these words - but she does compare her situation to that of Jacob's wrestle with God. (In itself, the precursor to a 'threshold covenant'.)

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I just wish this book had been better written, because the subject matter was fascinating and useful. The author examines human struggle through the story of Jacob wrestling the angel in Genesis, pointing out how hope surfaces in the process. However, her writing style was far too non-linear, and apparently non-edited, for my taste.

[Jeanne Gehret]

My first book by Chittister, but not my last. I read this on Kindle, which I don't recommend, since a paper copy would've made it easier to refer back and forth in the book. At times it was a bit ponderous, but suffering is, after all, a weighty topic, and I felt a kindred spirit.

[Sarah Pascual · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reflective exploration of suffering. A bit more like essays than a cohesive book.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun, writes about the process of suffering and how spiritual struggle can, eventually, produce qualities leading to hope. As Thomas Moore writes on the back cover of the book, "Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope is not really about hope. It is about the conditions that give rise to hope". Jacob's struggle with God at Peniel is the story/metaphor that ties the various elements of the book together. Chittister finds within Jacob's struggle change, isolation, darkness, fear, powerlessness, vulnerability, exhaustion and scarring. Chittiser asserts that these elements of struggle are universal to the human experience. Each aspect of struggle brings a complementary gift that not only strengthen the sufferer but that transforms her/him into a new person. "Life, already fulfilled in God, is only the process of coming to realize that we have been given everything we need to come to fullness of life, both here and hereafter." (p.97) If we allow our struggles to redefine and transform us, we come to greater appreciation that God's companionship and love are with us in our darkest hours as well as in our triumphs. The transforming hope of struggle enlarges our own capacity for compassion and love. Moreover, it strengthens us for whatever lies in the future. The spirit of hope is the spirit of resurrection -- not just a hoped for bodily resurrection at some future date, but the present resurrection of our suffering spirit. We can recover from our struggles and suffering and come to recognize that God's work is done within our struggles. If we allow our struggle to transform, rather than embitter, us we will find purpose and meaning even in the most difficult of times.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate other books too highly. I know this because sometimes I need six stars. Just one of many gems from this book: "It is trust in the limits of the self that makes us open and it is trust in the gifts of others that makes us secure. We come to realize that we don't have to do everything, that we can't do everything, that what I can't do is someone else's gift and responsibility. I am a small piece of the cosmic clock, a necessary piece but not the only piece. My limitations make space for the gifts of other people. Without the grace of limitations we would be isolated, dry, and insufferable creatures indeed. It is our limitations and the trust, the dependence on others, that springs from them that save us from all the tiny little deaths that struggle brings."

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Moore says it best on the back of the book: "[This book] is not really about hope. It is about the conditions that give rise to hope--the honest emotions, the trusting vision, the steadfast struggle. I appreciate the way this powerful book offers a way toward hope without any cheating. No sentimentality. No false assurances. No spiritual illusions. It has the strong voice of personal experience plus a rare religious intelligence. Like the human character in its central story of Jacob and the angel, this book clings to life's complexity until it finds a blessing. It will help you get through, not around, the challenges that define you."

[Karin Grice · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books about grief, loss, change and the like that tell us to embrace the discomfort, walk through the valley, endure the pain, as if that were so simple. The cynic says, "I'll get right on that." But how? No one ever explains that. However, Chittister takes the idea of struggle as a pathway to hope and a new life and helps us understand that a future of well-being and new possibilities ARE attainable...if one chooses to do so.
The book cannot be rushed through for a quick fix of happiness;it must be read slowly and thoughtfully more than once. Excellent writing throughout.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life and perspective changing book

There are few moments when I sit down and read a book where I'm left exclaiming, "That's how I feel exactly!" This is extra special when you are going through the grief of loss of dreams because everyone suffers this at one time or another, but no one seems capable of exquisitely and yet respectfully verbalizing this season to one another without some sort of comparison.
This book was, for me, the perfect companion as I faced loss, despair, and struggle. It traveled through every stage with me, and it pointed to the gifts of character along the way.
I think everyone should read this book.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book! Examining the anatomy of disappointment and despair through the paradigm of the Jacob cycle in the Book of Genesis, "Hope is what sits by a window and waits for one more dawn despite the fact that there isn’t an ounce of proof in the night’s black, black sky that it can possibly come. Hope is the last great gift to rise out of the grave of despair."

[Chrysty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really needed this book when I read it. It does seem to jump from struggle to transformation without really telling you how to go about doing that. However, it is a very hopeful book in a time a crisis.

[De Vandiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift for every perfectionist, especially:

"It is trust in the limits of the self that makes us open and it is trust in the gift of others that makes us secure. We come to realize tht we don't have to do everything, that what I can't do is someone else's gift and responsibility. I am a small piece of the cosmic clock, a necessary piece but not the only piece. My limitations make space for the gifts of other people. Without teh grace of our limitations, we would be isolated, dry, insufferable creatures indeed. It is our limitations and the trust, the dependence on others, that springs from them that save us from all the tiny little deaths that struggle brings."

[Olive Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Jacob's experience of wrestling with God as a guide, Chittister takes us on a journey exploring the anatomy of our struggles and the redemptive opportunity that lies within them. I found some very insightful observations in this book. It gave me hope that although struggles are inevitable, good can still come out of it.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow. I really, really loved this book. Maybe it's just where I'm at.

If you are uncomfortable with the religious aspect, you can take out the God stuff, it still (is "profoundly" too much?) resonates. She talks about how to deal with that bottoming out feeling when struggling with anything. Please read! I want to talk with someone!

[Bev Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a collection of essays that seemed somewhat repetitive to me. I think I was hoping for something more linear which would have progressed. Instead, I felt like I was lost in the forest and kept getting on the same trail again and again. That being said, there were indeed many pearls of wisdom and deep insight into how all of us feel when life turns upside down.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently become a bit of a fan of this progressive and feminist nun, Joan Chittister. I have to say this is one of the best books I have ever read about experiencing struggle and despair, and living through it to hope. Insightful and well written, each chapter can be read in one sitting and yet the words and meaning deeply resonate within and are very long lasting. Highly recommended.

[Ann Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satiety in the hunger for meaning

Joan will perhaps always be my spiritual guru. I so admire her clarity about the things that threaten my peace and understanding. As she attests that it is the work she least wanted to write it is possibly the one I least wanted to need to read. Happily, I come from it with hope restored.

[Louise Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and powerful book by Benedictine nun, Joan Chittister. She uses the story of Jacob wrestling with God as a metaphor for the struggles in our lives, and how those struggles nourish hope. She also uses personal examples of struggles in her life and those of people she has known. It's a manual on how to deal with life!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very relatable book if you've ever struggled with anything in your life (and who hasn't). Chittister writes about how our struggles and hope can transform us if we let it. I admit it took a few chapters to really get into this book but I found it very inspiring and thought provoking once I got past the first 25 pages or so.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are true words of inspiration in those pages! This book helped clarify what I've been feeling for years, that which I could not put into words myself. I praised God all by myself when her words reflected what I deal with right now!! Excellent read...

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very inspiring book by Joasn Chissiter, we all have various struggles to over come in life, this book is great for anyone who is struggling with finding hope in the face of these srtuggles.

[Rona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a self-help book. It is not a how-to book. It is a musing, in about 100 pages, on why it is that the life events that change our plans are formative. Far beyond "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope is a wonderful book about taking responsibility for one's own destiny, despite hardships and challenged. In parts, it comes across as somewhat naive, but the overall result is a story of faith and love as results of intent and action.

[Faye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a decent book. But I was spoiled by first reading The Gift of Years--an amazing and transformative gift. The advice offered in Scarred by Struggle was not particularly new to me so didn't inspire.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

A chore. A collection of rambling essays with a very rare pebble of insight here and there. The author's firm enmeshment in her ideology made me feel excluded from her message of hope, but it doesn't matter. Scores of better books about disappointment, depression, and despair are out there.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! If you've ever been through any kind of tough time, especially an illness of some kind, I would recommend reading this book!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very real, yet hopeful perspective on the purpose of struggle in our lives.

[Kathy Mercier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered extra copies from Amazon and gave to people, that is how powerful this book was to me.