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Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace
When we are lost in the storms of grief, only God can pierce the darkness. How can a broken, bewildered woman who lost . . . Her sister, a brilliant PhD nurse, to suicide Her youngest son to respiratory distress caused by an accidental drug-alcohol interaction, on the night of her brother-in-law’s memorial service Her sister-in-law to cancer, four years to the day after her son’s death . . . want to get out of bed and live—out loud and in color? Simple. God revealed Himself to her and breathed life back into every nook and cranny of her very being. In Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace, author Susan B. Mead shares her personal story of how God came to her in the midst of grief with a display of love, insight and comfort far beyond her expectations. Have you ever: Held the Hand of God? Felt God caress your broken heart? Heard Him speak out loud? Seen Jesus dancing with your lost loved one? Seen your loved one in the holy presence of God—on His Mercy Seat? Do you want to? In her vibrant, inspiring, and up-close-and-personal style, Susan freely shares how her encounters with God in the midst of overwhelming grief led her to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him that truly restored her soul. Are you ready to laugh through the tears and dance—with Jesus? Susan B. Mead, a medical technologist with an MBA, spent 22-plus years in the diabetes sector with Johnson & Johnson prior to founding the blog Agog4God.com. After Susan lost her youngest son, she came to realize that even when things get broken, discarded, or replaced, people matter most. Susan is a Charter Blogger on the Bible Gateway Blogger’s Grid, has been published in Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO), is on the path to becoming a Chaplain with the IFOC and has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world. 10% of the profit from Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!
- GenresChristian
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
6 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 25, 2018
Dance With Jesus is the kind of book that I’m never sure how to review.
On the one hand, I really liked the verses included at the beginning of each ‘chapter’. Some I’ve highlighted to go back and study more on my own. I also enjoyed the questions for reflection at the end of each of the very short chapters, though I had some reservations about them too (I go into more detail below). Her conversational tone is accessible and friendly. And honestly, the verses alone make this quick read worth my time.
On the other hand … I was hoping that Dance with Jesus would give me some practical steps to lean in to Jesus during days where that triple whammy of grief hits hard. Or even just some inspirational reminders that He is there, singing over me and turning my mourning into dancing. Instead, it’s mostly just a collection of very short (sometimes choppy) vignettes that follow the author’s personal journey through her own grief and her relationship with Jesus. And while I enjoyed the questions at the end of each vignette/chapter (as I mentioned above), most of them too were focused on personal experience and not practical, rooted-in-Scripture truth to ponder.
Therein is one of my main issues with the book – while there are solid Scriptures heading each chapter, everything the author herself writes is nearly all her own experience that she is encouraging us to emulate and take stock in. And while I can’t argue with her experience, I also can’t take much help from it. Because, you see, Jesus is an intensely personal Savior. He never does anything that contradicts His Word and yet at the same time He ministers to each of us in ways that are unique to the way He created & gifted us. This is why I hesitate to recommend books like this, like the Heaven is For Real or 90 Minutes in Heaven books, etc. because it’s a fine line between being edified by someone’s story and building a theology around someone else’s experience. He’s probably not going to speak to me in a dream about dancing with my late loved one, so what I really wanted to see was how does that concept of ‘dancing with Jesus’ transfer into other expressions, etc. I’m not questioning that her experience was authentic, but I am saying that it doesn’t help me personally go from grief to grace.
There is also the whole Advocare sales pitch disguised as a story, in its own chapter and in the acknowledgements section that is nearly as long as the book itself. I’m sure the author did not mean for it to feel like a sales pitch, but it really just felt out of place with the rest of the book and kinda put my defense-against-sales-people mechanisms on alert lol.
Bottom Line: Dance With Jesus is a quick read with an engaging author who seems like she’d be really fun to sit and chat with, but it’s not a book I am comfortable recommending. If you put a lot of stock in personal Heaven stories like Heaven is For Real or 90 Minutes in Heaven, then you’ll probably really love this one too. For me, however, it fell flat in the areas of practical application and Scriptural foundation. The verses which began each chapter are wonderful, but I didn’t see much application of their truths within the chapters they headed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
On the one hand, I really liked the verses included at the beginning of each ‘chapter’. Some I’ve highlighted to go back and study more on my own. I also enjoyed the questions for reflection at the end of each of the very short chapters, though I had some reservations about them too (I go into more detail below). Her conversational tone is accessible and friendly. And honestly, the verses alone make this quick read worth my time.
On the other hand … I was hoping that Dance with Jesus would give me some practical steps to lean in to Jesus during days where that triple whammy of grief hits hard. Or even just some inspirational reminders that He is there, singing over me and turning my mourning into dancing. Instead, it’s mostly just a collection of very short (sometimes choppy) vignettes that follow the author’s personal journey through her own grief and her relationship with Jesus. And while I enjoyed the questions at the end of each vignette/chapter (as I mentioned above), most of them too were focused on personal experience and not practical, rooted-in-Scripture truth to ponder.
Therein is one of my main issues with the book – while there are solid Scriptures heading each chapter, everything the author herself writes is nearly all her own experience that she is encouraging us to emulate and take stock in. And while I can’t argue with her experience, I also can’t take much help from it. Because, you see, Jesus is an intensely personal Savior. He never does anything that contradicts His Word and yet at the same time He ministers to each of us in ways that are unique to the way He created & gifted us. This is why I hesitate to recommend books like this, like the Heaven is For Real or 90 Minutes in Heaven books, etc. because it’s a fine line between being edified by someone’s story and building a theology around someone else’s experience. He’s probably not going to speak to me in a dream about dancing with my late loved one, so what I really wanted to see was how does that concept of ‘dancing with Jesus’ transfer into other expressions, etc. I’m not questioning that her experience was authentic, but I am saying that it doesn’t help me personally go from grief to grace.
There is also the whole Advocare sales pitch disguised as a story, in its own chapter and in the acknowledgements section that is nearly as long as the book itself. I’m sure the author did not mean for it to feel like a sales pitch, but it really just felt out of place with the rest of the book and kinda put my defense-against-sales-people mechanisms on alert lol.
Bottom Line: Dance With Jesus is a quick read with an engaging author who seems like she’d be really fun to sit and chat with, but it’s not a book I am comfortable recommending. If you put a lot of stock in personal Heaven stories like Heaven is For Real or 90 Minutes in Heaven, then you’ll probably really love this one too. For me, however, it fell flat in the areas of practical application and Scriptural foundation. The verses which began each chapter are wonderful, but I didn’t see much application of their truths within the chapters they headed.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 28, 2018
Dance with Jesus claims to take the reader from grief to grace—to experience a “deepening of your faith.”
I think, rather, that this book is more of one woman’s journey through her grief to grace. Do I think it can help others see the Lord’s hand in the little things that come in the wake of painful loss?
Of course.
I requested a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit because I wanted a book that would be a simple, easy read to share when people suffered pain and loss.
Unfortunately, this book won’t serve that purpose for me. Aside from it being more of a memoir of Ms. Mead’s own grief process than anything else, I also noted a few things that stood out to me as problematic.
In more one place, Ms. Mead states that she audibly heard the Lord tell her something specific to her situation—something about the death of a loved one. In another, she describes a vision of Jesus “gettin’ down” (dancing) with her son in Heaven. I know that’ll not jive with everyone’s understanding of Scripture, so I made note of it.
Additionally, at one point, there is a somewhat heavy-handed promotion of the author’s direct sales business. To be honest, I felt a little like I’d had friends call to say, “Hey! Want to get together?” And then after they arrived and talked for a while, they laid out the plan of financial salvation a.k.a. Amway.
I don’t know that it was meant to be the advertisement it sounded like. I suspect the author is just truly grateful that they were in a position to have income when they were called to serve instead of needing to earn a living for a time. However, the specifics of it (including the name of the company) really felt a bit like a backhanded hard-sell.
This is coming off much more negative than I like to do with reviews.
It feels as though I’m trampling on a woman’s grief. That is not my intention, but there’s no way to provide an honest review if I don’t share what I found in the book.
So, after all that, am I sorry I read it?
Nope. And here’s why. At the beginning of the book, before anything else, there are these words:
Have you ever thought that you have no space or time in your life for the people who matter most to you? Create space for them. It may be the last kind hug, word, or kiss you get to share with them. You deserve that special, sacred time, too. Things get broken, discarded, or replaced. People matter.”
And that right there is the motto of my life.
I’m always saying, “People are more important.” It’s not always easy to say that. However, I mean it even when for a moment I resist.
The chatty diner at Denny’s—the server with family trouble. The person chatting with me on Facebook when I have other things to do. My daughter’s gabfests when it’s too hot to think. My son’s request for help with a project.
People are more important. I’ve never regretted keeping that at the forefront of my mind but I have regretted not doing it.
And that quote is what gave me an "it's okay" rating for this book. Outside of that, for what it advertises itself to be, I didn't like it.
Who do I recommend the book for?
Um, people who like the “Heaven is Real” type stories and personal memoirs may enjoy this book.
I think, rather, that this book is more of one woman’s journey through her grief to grace. Do I think it can help others see the Lord’s hand in the little things that come in the wake of painful loss?
Of course.
I requested a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit because I wanted a book that would be a simple, easy read to share when people suffered pain and loss.
Unfortunately, this book won’t serve that purpose for me. Aside from it being more of a memoir of Ms. Mead’s own grief process than anything else, I also noted a few things that stood out to me as problematic.
In more one place, Ms. Mead states that she audibly heard the Lord tell her something specific to her situation—something about the death of a loved one. In another, she describes a vision of Jesus “gettin’ down” (dancing) with her son in Heaven. I know that’ll not jive with everyone’s understanding of Scripture, so I made note of it.
Additionally, at one point, there is a somewhat heavy-handed promotion of the author’s direct sales business. To be honest, I felt a little like I’d had friends call to say, “Hey! Want to get together?” And then after they arrived and talked for a while, they laid out the plan of financial salvation a.k.a. Amway.
I don’t know that it was meant to be the advertisement it sounded like. I suspect the author is just truly grateful that they were in a position to have income when they were called to serve instead of needing to earn a living for a time. However, the specifics of it (including the name of the company) really felt a bit like a backhanded hard-sell.
This is coming off much more negative than I like to do with reviews.
It feels as though I’m trampling on a woman’s grief. That is not my intention, but there’s no way to provide an honest review if I don’t share what I found in the book.
So, after all that, am I sorry I read it?
Nope. And here’s why. At the beginning of the book, before anything else, there are these words:
Have you ever thought that you have no space or time in your life for the people who matter most to you? Create space for them. It may be the last kind hug, word, or kiss you get to share with them. You deserve that special, sacred time, too. Things get broken, discarded, or replaced. People matter.”
And that right there is the motto of my life.
I’m always saying, “People are more important.” It’s not always easy to say that. However, I mean it even when for a moment I resist.
The chatty diner at Denny’s—the server with family trouble. The person chatting with me on Facebook when I have other things to do. My daughter’s gabfests when it’s too hot to think. My son’s request for help with a project.
People are more important. I’ve never regretted keeping that at the forefront of my mind but I have regretted not doing it.
And that quote is what gave me an "it's okay" rating for this book. Outside of that, for what it advertises itself to be, I didn't like it.
Who do I recommend the book for?
Um, people who like the “Heaven is Real” type stories and personal memoirs may enjoy this book.
March 14, 2022
This book is not what I was expecting it to be. Going in, I thought it was going to be a bunch of bible versus about taking comfort from our Heavenly Father in a time of loss. I thought the chapters would be filled with instruction in how to take your grief and turn it into something good. What I did not expect was to read a memoir of the author’s own personal experience. And while I enjoyed reading her story, cried and laughed at the appropriate times, and felt like I was really getting to know her like a friend instead of an author, I felt like this book could have used some other perspectives.
I do appreciate that scripture is woven throughout the entire book. It’s important to rely on God’s Word during our time of need, and I felt the verses chosen for this book were spot on. They are verses you’ll want to highlight in your bible to not only use yourself, but to share with others. Each chapter had reflection questions as well. Some of them are very in-depth, which I liked, however I wish there was a little more meat to back them up. More biblical representation in how to deal with grief rather than the author simply sharing her experience.
Here’s the thing, people deal with grief differently. Just because this book wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for someone else. In fact, I think it would be a great start for a non-believer. They can connect with the author, and the questions will help them contemplate their relationship with the Lord. If someone were to also share a bible with them, then the could look up the verses themselves and really understand what the author is talking about. And maybe, just maybe it might lead to a conversation down the road you’ve been waiting to have with that person for a very long time. Unfortunately for me personally, I did not feel as though it was a book that would strengthen my walk with the Lord, nor did it provide me with any tools to be able to respond to grief in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do appreciate that scripture is woven throughout the entire book. It’s important to rely on God’s Word during our time of need, and I felt the verses chosen for this book were spot on. They are verses you’ll want to highlight in your bible to not only use yourself, but to share with others. Each chapter had reflection questions as well. Some of them are very in-depth, which I liked, however I wish there was a little more meat to back them up. More biblical representation in how to deal with grief rather than the author simply sharing her experience.
Here’s the thing, people deal with grief differently. Just because this book wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for someone else. In fact, I think it would be a great start for a non-believer. They can connect with the author, and the questions will help them contemplate their relationship with the Lord. If someone were to also share a bible with them, then the could look up the verses themselves and really understand what the author is talking about. And maybe, just maybe it might lead to a conversation down the road you’ve been waiting to have with that person for a very long time. Unfortunately for me personally, I did not feel as though it was a book that would strengthen my walk with the Lord, nor did it provide me with any tools to be able to respond to grief in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2015
Susan B. Mead’s Dance with Jesus is a surprisingly enticing book. The chapters move smoothly from life’s small calamities to haunting tragedy, drawing readers in, gentling them with well-presented questions, and hooking them with a wealth of wisdom drawn from real experience. It’s a Christian book, offering a Christian answer to grief. But it’s also a book of amazing depth, inviting the grieving, whether they’re Christian or not, to know another has walked this path and life really does continue despite the pain.
Each section starts with a quote from scripture, then continues into a scene from the author’s life. From small child wondering how all that money gets out of the collection plate into God's hands, to a grieving mother learning how love gets back from God to man, it’s the tale of a real person, told with pleasing humor and honesty.
The steps into the author’s grief are gentle, offering a helping hand to readers along that road to tears. The questions are healing, even to the not-yet-broken. The tragedy is real, and it’s shared so beautifully I almost didn’t want to put the book down. I had no idea a book on grief could be so graceful, grace-filled, and grace-giving. I truly loved it.
Disclosure: The author gave me a free copy of this book and I offer my honest review.
Each section starts with a quote from scripture, then continues into a scene from the author’s life. From small child wondering how all that money gets out of the collection plate into God's hands, to a grieving mother learning how love gets back from God to man, it’s the tale of a real person, told with pleasing humor and honesty.
The steps into the author’s grief are gentle, offering a helping hand to readers along that road to tears. The questions are healing, even to the not-yet-broken. The tragedy is real, and it’s shared so beautifully I almost didn’t want to put the book down. I had no idea a book on grief could be so graceful, grace-filled, and grace-giving. I truly loved it.
Disclosure: The author gave me a free copy of this book and I offer my honest review.
September 6, 2018
A book that addresses the pain and grief we feel when we lose a loved one.
Susan B. Mead reminds us that they are not lost. We know where they are. They are Dancing With Jesus.
The questions at the end of each chapter are helpful and thought provoking. This would be a treasured gift for someone who is going through grief. Each Bible verse can bring comfort and a reminder that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
John 1 1:25-26 NIV
I am comforted thinking my loved ones are Dancing with Jesus. How could you not smile and be comforted with this image.
I received this free to review.
About the Book
Book Title: Dance with Jesus
Author: Susan B. Mead
Genre: Non-fiction: Christian life, Bereavement, Grief
Release date: March 31, 2015
Dance With Jesus Book CoverGrief hits each one of us and can come from so many different directions…
HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU? A brother, sister, parent, grandparent, family member, friend or a child? A relationship? A body part to cancer or an accident? Do you want to experience the joy of moving from broken to blessed? From GRIEF TO GRACE? Do you want God to take your hand and teach you to dance…with Jesus? Yes?
Then devour the words of Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace! Expect to laugh through the tears and experience a deepening of your faith.
Are you looking for a free mini-course to deepen your faith? Text DanceWithJesus (all one word) to 444-999, then reply with your email to receive 6 days of Biblical encouragement.
10% of the profit from Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
susan b meadA master storyteller and award-winning, bestselling author, Susan B. Mead leaves audiences motivated to live a life free of regrets even though she has done the hardest thing any parent can do – bury her youngest son, Kyle. With over 22 years in corporate America, 2 million airline miles under her belt, 1 eLit Book Award Gold Medal and 2 Christian Literary Awards on the shelf, an MBA and a Certificate of Ordination hanging on the wall, as well as a Doctor of Theology candidacy in process, Susan shares her expert teachings on business, grief, spiritual warfare and relationships.
Susan has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world.Whether speaking to business professionals, women’s conferences, industry leaders or writer’s workshops, Susan’s insightful wisdom inspires audiences, empowering them to make healthy mental u-turns to help them find calm in the chaos.
Guest Post from Susan B. Mead
Why did I write, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace?” Such a funny story how that happened. I was in the midst of a Bible study by Henry Blackaby called, “Experiencing God” and one night a question asked, “What does God want you to do right now? Right now?”
I heard, sing my love song, and I laughed out loud and said, “Seriously, God, you’re going to have to send me a bucket because I can’t carry a tune, and you know that.”
Then that gentle spirit inside whispered, what’s in your hand? There was a pen in my hand because I was writing in a workbook. I swept the workbook away, got a journal out, put pen to paper, and the story simply flowed onto paper. At 5:30 a.m., I put the pen down and thought well that took more than the two lines provided (in the workbook).
The very first email I read later that day was from Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks, Speakers and Writers Conference. Writers conference, I thought? Seriously God, you want me to do something with this? Okay, and the story began.
That’s how I wrote the book, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace.”
And to think from that humble beginning, Dance With Jesus won TWO 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards from Christian Literary Awards. I stand in awe of our mighty God. When we turn to Him, God holds us close as He comforts and heals us, His children, simply because He loves us.
Lysa TerKeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministries President and New York Times Bestselling Author, shared, “Susan has personally experienced one of the deepest forms of grief. Yet she writes this treasure of a book from her point of grace not grief. I plan to give this book to any of my friends that find themselves crying and needing someone who deeply understands.”
May I ask you to give Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace as a gift to any friend who has lost a loved one or to yourself, if you too have loved and lost.
Video from Susan B. Mead
Blog Stops
Just the Write Escape, August 28
Josephine’s Thoughts, August 29
Carpe Diem, August 30
Multifarious, August 31
Simple Harvest Reads, September 1 (Spotlight)
proud to be an autism mom, September 2
Reading Is My SuperPower, September 2
Texas Book-aholic, September 3
Artistic Nobody, September 4 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5
Janices book reviews, September 6
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 7
Margaret Kazmierczak, September 8 (Interview)
A Baker’s Perspective, September 9
Bigreadersite, September 10
Giveaway
e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click the link below to enter. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
Susan B. Mead reminds us that they are not lost. We know where they are. They are Dancing With Jesus.
The questions at the end of each chapter are helpful and thought provoking. This would be a treasured gift for someone who is going through grief. Each Bible verse can bring comfort and a reminder that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
John 1 1:25-26 NIV
I am comforted thinking my loved ones are Dancing with Jesus. How could you not smile and be comforted with this image.
I received this free to review.
About the Book
Book Title: Dance with Jesus
Author: Susan B. Mead
Genre: Non-fiction: Christian life, Bereavement, Grief
Release date: March 31, 2015
Dance With Jesus Book CoverGrief hits each one of us and can come from so many different directions…
HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU? A brother, sister, parent, grandparent, family member, friend or a child? A relationship? A body part to cancer or an accident? Do you want to experience the joy of moving from broken to blessed? From GRIEF TO GRACE? Do you want God to take your hand and teach you to dance…with Jesus? Yes?
Then devour the words of Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace! Expect to laugh through the tears and experience a deepening of your faith.
Are you looking for a free mini-course to deepen your faith? Text DanceWithJesus (all one word) to 444-999, then reply with your email to receive 6 days of Biblical encouragement.
10% of the profit from Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
susan b meadA master storyteller and award-winning, bestselling author, Susan B. Mead leaves audiences motivated to live a life free of regrets even though she has done the hardest thing any parent can do – bury her youngest son, Kyle. With over 22 years in corporate America, 2 million airline miles under her belt, 1 eLit Book Award Gold Medal and 2 Christian Literary Awards on the shelf, an MBA and a Certificate of Ordination hanging on the wall, as well as a Doctor of Theology candidacy in process, Susan shares her expert teachings on business, grief, spiritual warfare and relationships.
Susan has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world.Whether speaking to business professionals, women’s conferences, industry leaders or writer’s workshops, Susan’s insightful wisdom inspires audiences, empowering them to make healthy mental u-turns to help them find calm in the chaos.
Guest Post from Susan B. Mead
Why did I write, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace?” Such a funny story how that happened. I was in the midst of a Bible study by Henry Blackaby called, “Experiencing God” and one night a question asked, “What does God want you to do right now? Right now?”
I heard, sing my love song, and I laughed out loud and said, “Seriously, God, you’re going to have to send me a bucket because I can’t carry a tune, and you know that.”
Then that gentle spirit inside whispered, what’s in your hand? There was a pen in my hand because I was writing in a workbook. I swept the workbook away, got a journal out, put pen to paper, and the story simply flowed onto paper. At 5:30 a.m., I put the pen down and thought well that took more than the two lines provided (in the workbook).
The very first email I read later that day was from Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks, Speakers and Writers Conference. Writers conference, I thought? Seriously God, you want me to do something with this? Okay, and the story began.
That’s how I wrote the book, “Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace.”
And to think from that humble beginning, Dance With Jesus won TWO 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards from Christian Literary Awards. I stand in awe of our mighty God. When we turn to Him, God holds us close as He comforts and heals us, His children, simply because He loves us.
Lysa TerKeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministries President and New York Times Bestselling Author, shared, “Susan has personally experienced one of the deepest forms of grief. Yet she writes this treasure of a book from her point of grace not grief. I plan to give this book to any of my friends that find themselves crying and needing someone who deeply understands.”
May I ask you to give Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace as a gift to any friend who has lost a loved one or to yourself, if you too have loved and lost.
Video from Susan B. Mead
Blog Stops
Just the Write Escape, August 28
Josephine’s Thoughts, August 29
Carpe Diem, August 30
Multifarious, August 31
Simple Harvest Reads, September 1 (Spotlight)
proud to be an autism mom, September 2
Reading Is My SuperPower, September 2
Texas Book-aholic, September 3
Artistic Nobody, September 4 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5
Janices book reviews, September 6
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 7
Margaret Kazmierczak, September 8 (Interview)
A Baker’s Perspective, September 9
Bigreadersite, September 10
Giveaway
e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click the link below to enter. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
September 3, 2018
I liked the sweet spirit of this author's writing. The book is about grief and how to deal with it. I'm sure most of us have experienced a loss in our life. My first experience with loss was my granddad. We were very close and he was a man of honor and compassion. He left a big hole in my heart and I still think of him everyday. I was only sixteen when he died, so I don't really think I knew how to grieve at that time.
The author shares her story about loss in her life. There was a part in the book that really brought memories back to me of a loss that struck twice in our family. My mother had been battling Alzheimer and seemed to be losing her battle fast. It was a difficult time for all of us, especially since we had such a dysfunctional family. I was with her in the nursing home when she took her last breath. I think at that moment, the little girl I was never able to be cried for her mommy in a way that pierced the darkness. Exactly one week later, I get a call from my brother in the middle of the night. His son has just been killed in a car accident. My sweet nephew who looked so much like my brother only lived to be twenty-three.
The grief we felt was too much at times. How could God take two members of my family a week apart? I was so angry I shut everyone out. I was bitter at the world and I felt alone as I had all my life. As I continued the book I saw this written by the author, " However, it is our response to an event that shows our character, not the event itself." I can say with confidence now that after reading that one statement, I had to examine my heart. I was still bitter over the death of my nephew who was taken so young. The accident was investigated but the person at fault was never charged. In my heart, I knew I was going to have to deal with forgiving that person. I still had to deal with my anger towards God as well.
I appreciate the author sharing her story and giving readers nuggets of His word to help us cope with our grief. At the end of each chapter, are questions that are a useful tool to reinforce what each chapter is about. It is not an easy journey when we lose someone, but I'm thankful for books like this that help me get closer to forgiving, overcoming bitterness and being joyful again.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The author shares her story about loss in her life. There was a part in the book that really brought memories back to me of a loss that struck twice in our family. My mother had been battling Alzheimer and seemed to be losing her battle fast. It was a difficult time for all of us, especially since we had such a dysfunctional family. I was with her in the nursing home when she took her last breath. I think at that moment, the little girl I was never able to be cried for her mommy in a way that pierced the darkness. Exactly one week later, I get a call from my brother in the middle of the night. His son has just been killed in a car accident. My sweet nephew who looked so much like my brother only lived to be twenty-three.
The grief we felt was too much at times. How could God take two members of my family a week apart? I was so angry I shut everyone out. I was bitter at the world and I felt alone as I had all my life. As I continued the book I saw this written by the author, " However, it is our response to an event that shows our character, not the event itself." I can say with confidence now that after reading that one statement, I had to examine my heart. I was still bitter over the death of my nephew who was taken so young. The accident was investigated but the person at fault was never charged. In my heart, I knew I was going to have to deal with forgiving that person. I still had to deal with my anger towards God as well.
I appreciate the author sharing her story and giving readers nuggets of His word to help us cope with our grief. At the end of each chapter, are questions that are a useful tool to reinforce what each chapter is about. It is not an easy journey when we lose someone, but I'm thankful for books like this that help me get closer to forgiving, overcoming bitterness and being joyful again.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 1, 2019
I feel things deeply so I don't do well with grief. Our family lost two people two years in a row (in 2017 and 2018). It was really tough but God brought us through. I found this book encouraging and comforting. I could relate to the message in the book. I nodded. I cried. Susan Mead writes from her own personal experience (she lost her sister, youngest son, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law); therefore, she understands and empathizes with those who grieve. She wants to help people know that God cares and longs to give them peace and joy. She has been through immense grief; yet God's grace sustains her and refreshes her soul. God has allowed her to experience His presence, love, and comfort in so many ways (such as dreams, books, and paintings). She wants us to experience them, too. However, I personally would not recommend the two books mentioned by the author: Heaven Is For Real and 90 Minutes in Heaven. They are not Biblically sound. God is always with us; we just need a deeper awareness of Him. The book is small but it's still impactful. There are short 22 chapters. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse, followed by an account of the author's personal experience with God, and ends with thought-provoking questions for personal reflection time. If you are grieving right now, you may find this book helpful. It will give you hope and encouragement. God's grace is sufficient to carry you through any circumstances. God will comfort you, heal you, and strengthen you.
By the way, 10% of the profit from the sale of this book will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world.
~I received a free copy of this book via Christian Women Affiliate in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
By the way, 10% of the profit from the sale of this book will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world.
~I received a free copy of this book via Christian Women Affiliate in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 5, 2018
"Dance with Jesus" by Susan B. Mead is a short read. I read it in about an hour. This book is a memoir about the author loss and how she dealt with her grief and how Jesus showed her that her son is "Dancing With Jesus".
This book wasn't really what I was excepting, but that is a good thing because I was expecting the tears to fall while reading this book and they didn't. It really showed that the author had cause for rejoicing because her family's members are now with Jesus dancing.
This book actually reinforces what I have been feeling since my mother's death in May of this year. My mom had her leg amputated in February of this year and she loved to dance, and so I have been telling myself and everyone that will listen that mom is now healed and "Dancing with Jesus".
There was one point that the tears might had came, but the author quickly turn the scene to the reunion with Jesus instead of staying with the sadness that came when her sister-in-law died. The sentence that was the hardest for me while reading this book goes something like this, not sure of the extract words but it was " Once when she say she was done with treatment, she was done with life" I thought "Just like mom" and felt the tears start to build up but then I remember that she is dancing with Jesus and I remember the song I picked out for the funeral, "Heaven is now my Home.
I really like that 10% of the profit from Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinion are my own.
This book wasn't really what I was excepting, but that is a good thing because I was expecting the tears to fall while reading this book and they didn't. It really showed that the author had cause for rejoicing because her family's members are now with Jesus dancing.
This book actually reinforces what I have been feeling since my mother's death in May of this year. My mom had her leg amputated in February of this year and she loved to dance, and so I have been telling myself and everyone that will listen that mom is now healed and "Dancing with Jesus".
There was one point that the tears might had came, but the author quickly turn the scene to the reunion with Jesus instead of staying with the sadness that came when her sister-in-law died. The sentence that was the hardest for me while reading this book goes something like this, not sure of the extract words but it was " Once when she say she was done with treatment, she was done with life" I thought "Just like mom" and felt the tears start to build up but then I remember that she is dancing with Jesus and I remember the song I picked out for the funeral, "Heaven is now my Home.
I really like that 10% of the profit from Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace will benefit Water for LIFE to help dig water wells in remote locations around the world. People Matter!
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinion are my own.
September 11, 2018
Dance with Jesus is a short (107 page) book on death, grief, and bereavement by author Susan B. Mead. The author wrote this book to help people think differently about how God can and does act in their lives (page XIV).
The author invites the reader to join the dance with Jesus. Susan writes this book as a Christian who has experienced grief in the loss of her son. Each chapter begins with scripture usually from the NIV, a short message, and personal reflection to ponder.
The message in this book focuses on the author's life in which the reader may relate. The personal reflection question I relate to the most is found on page 39. "Have you ever felt a double whammy of grief? Or a triple whammy?" This question reminds me of the year my dad and my husband's mom died within days of each other. So heart-wrenching.
My favorite quote from the book is found on page 42. " However, it is our response to an event that shows our character, not the event itself."
I appreciate how the author is open and honest about her loss and her feelings, knowing that God wants her to keep living.
Disclaimer: I received this book complimentary the author and CWA and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The author invites the reader to join the dance with Jesus. Susan writes this book as a Christian who has experienced grief in the loss of her son. Each chapter begins with scripture usually from the NIV, a short message, and personal reflection to ponder.
The message in this book focuses on the author's life in which the reader may relate. The personal reflection question I relate to the most is found on page 39. "Have you ever felt a double whammy of grief? Or a triple whammy?" This question reminds me of the year my dad and my husband's mom died within days of each other. So heart-wrenching.
My favorite quote from the book is found on page 42. " However, it is our response to an event that shows our character, not the event itself."
I appreciate how the author is open and honest about her loss and her feelings, knowing that God wants her to keep living.
Disclaimer: I received this book complimentary the author and CWA and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2018
The day I received this book I couldn't wait to open the cover and start reading. I did so in one sitting. I've experienced grief many times in my 64 years but none hit me harder than losing my mother Thanksgiving Day 2017. I wanted to read this book to see what comfort I could grab a hold of. I've not lost a child like the author has but her insights and scripture she has included have brought great support and reassurance. I enjoyed the chapter titles and the personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter. They were thought provoking and an excellent way to give the reader a chance to think on what their grief and recovery personally means in their own life.
No one can experience the personal grief or memories we have but knowing others have gone through similar losses and felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit gives immense comfort. I have no doubt where I'm going when my time on this earth is finished and I can't wait to be dancing with Jesus!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
No one can experience the personal grief or memories we have but knowing others have gone through similar losses and felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit gives immense comfort. I have no doubt where I'm going when my time on this earth is finished and I can't wait to be dancing with Jesus!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
February 11, 2018
I loved the word picture Susan paints in “Dancing With Jesus!” It takes our focus from the casket to the gates of Glory in such a beautiful way. This tiny book is full of wisdom, and encouragement. Each chapter builds hope for a dying loved one. Susan blends Scripture with her experiences to give us a better picture of what lies just beyond our sight,
Death is a powerful, disruptive force in our lives. Everyone will face the loss of a loved one at some point, and this book would make a great gift at that time. Some writers focus on the cold hard facts of clinical death and some focus on God! Dance with Jesus brings a vision of God with our loved one in heaven. Susan shares an awareness of the presence of God with dying loved ones that give peace in moments of grief!
As ministers, we are sometimes at a loss of words, and this little book would be a great addition to your gifting literature! Susan adds a layer of peace, and joy which will minister to many who believe in God.
Death is a powerful, disruptive force in our lives. Everyone will face the loss of a loved one at some point, and this book would make a great gift at that time. Some writers focus on the cold hard facts of clinical death and some focus on God! Dance with Jesus brings a vision of God with our loved one in heaven. Susan shares an awareness of the presence of God with dying loved ones that give peace in moments of grief!
As ministers, we are sometimes at a loss of words, and this little book would be a great addition to your gifting literature! Susan adds a layer of peace, and joy which will minister to many who believe in God.
August 28, 2018
This small paperback contains twenty-two helpful chapters to assist readers working through grief. The book offers help and hope, touching both the heart and the mind. The grief can be not only from losing a person dear to us, but also other types of losses that make us feel broken and bereft. The author explains that “we are wired to seek God,” and she shows how to think differently than we have in the past. He is the only One who can bring true healing for our grief. The short chapters with catchy titles are presented in a devotional format, with an opening Scripture, brief commentary in which she shares from her life and insights, and a closing personal reflection suggestion. I found the book encouraging and easy to read. You can take a chapter a day or finish the entire book in an afternoon. It’s one you will want to return to and to share with others. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2018
Here is a lovely book that is part-memoir, part-devotional, filled with encouragement and comfort for all who experience grief. This author writes honestly from her heart with boldness, tenderness, earnestness and abiding faith in God’s almighty provision of comfort in all of our stages of grief. This volume, written in the author’s lovely and conversational style, contains a series of quick reads with prompts for personal reflection and further consideration. Each entry is delightful, thought-provoking and encouraging. This is a book to have on hand for sharing with someone in your life who is walking through the pain and process of grief while striving to move from grief to grace. Thank you, Susan B. Mead, for creating this lovely and indispensable volume.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
September 5, 2018
Dance with Jesus
This is a small big with a lot of meaning to it. This is a non fiction book that really inspired me. It is a really good book to read if you are going through grief. Like a lot of non fiction books it has questions to reflect on at the end of the chapters. I always wandered why the title. Once you read the book you will understand why the title. This is a book I want to read again. I don't read non fiction much, I found this one very interesting, I plan to put other books by the author on my to read list.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This is my own opinion.
This is a small big with a lot of meaning to it. This is a non fiction book that really inspired me. It is a really good book to read if you are going through grief. Like a lot of non fiction books it has questions to reflect on at the end of the chapters. I always wandered why the title. Once you read the book you will understand why the title. This is a book I want to read again. I don't read non fiction much, I found this one very interesting, I plan to put other books by the author on my to read list.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This is my own opinion.
September 5, 2018
My Review
Dance with Jesus is like a self help type book. It is a short non fictional read. The author wrote this through her own experiences. Grief is a hard thing to experience . This little book can help with the grief process. I can see this being a good book to have on hand to pass along to a friend in need. Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own honest ones.
December 12, 2022
Having lost my daughter to leukemia in 1999, I thought this short read might be nice. But it really didn't do much for me. It seemed to condense death into short vignettes and trust me, death is anything but a short vignette.
There were nice moments and good Scripture references, but this book just didn't touch me the way I'd hoped.
There were nice moments and good Scripture references, but this book just didn't touch me the way I'd hoped.
September 10, 2018
This is a nice read for anyone who has experienced a death. This gives you some different ways to help you handle your grief. It is a very pleasant read. I received a copy of this from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
July 13, 2019
An intentionally short book on grief saturated with injections of hope.
February 11, 2015
About the Book:
When we are lost in the storms of grief, only God can pierce the darkness. How can a broken, bewildered woman who lost . . . Her sister, a brilliant PhD nurse, to suicide Her youngest son to respiratory distress caused by an accidental drug-alcohol interaction, on the night of her brother-in-law’s memorial service Her sister-in-law to cancer, four years to the day after her son’s death . . . want to get out of bed and live—out loud and in color? Simple. God revealed Himself to her and breathed life back into every nook and cranny of her very being.
In Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace, author Susan B. Mead shares her personal story of how God came to her in the midst of grief with a display of love, insight and comfort far beyond her expectations. Have you ever: Held the Hand of God? Felt God caress your broken heart? Heard Him speak out loud? Seen Jesus dancing with your lost loved one? Seen your loved one in the holy presence of God—on His Mercy Seat? Do you want to? In her vibrant, inspiring, and up-close-and-personal style, Susan freely shares how her encounters with God in the midst of overwhelming grief led her to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him that truly restored her soul. Are you ready to laugh through the tears and dance—with Jesus?
About the Author:
Susan B. Mead, a medical technologist with an MBA, spent 22-plus years in the diabetes sector with Johnson & Johnson prior to founding the blog Agog4God.com, A Gathering of Girlfriends and Guys for God. After Susan lost her youngest son, she came to realize that even when things get broken, discarded, or replaced, people matter most. Susan is a Charter Blogger on the Bible Gateway Blogger’s Grid, has been published in Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO), and has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world.
My Review:
My husband and I are no stranger to grief. We lost our home due to bankruptcy, as well as losing my mother followed three months later by losing my grandfather followed by losing my father and then our twin babies. We were all devastated but I stayed in grief paralysis for better part of 10 years. I was so angry with God because I felt attacked by someone I loved and could never imagine Him turning against me in this way. So for 10 years, I knew He was there but chose to ignore Him. I was a child born to Christian parents who was taught to rely on God in every way including prayer and for the first time in my life, I stopped talking to my Father.
It all changed the day that I got word that I was pregnant with my third child. I went in after just a few weeks to discover the reason behind an issue I was having with the pregnancy, only to find out I was losing him as well. He had already become 50% detached, his little heart was still beating and that was enough to give us all some hope but the doctor warned me to not be too optimistic. I went home that day and started praying and I prayed after day after that for God to save my son. And after several months of ultrasounds every three weeks, and after all the praying, and after going in front of my church to be prayed over--we got our miracle. Within a few days after being prayed over by the church the separation was completely and totally gone. My sweet boy was out of the woods.
Those days of prayer and God choosing to honor that, in spite of my disobedience as one of His children was a enough to drive me to my knees again and again and beg Him to forgive me for being so terrible to Him, for blaming Him, and for not trusting Him. I know what it is to grieve so badly and for such a long time that it causes you physical pain. But my little guy "Thomas" was the instrument God used to bring me back to Him. Fast forward to almost 10 years since his birth and I have never looked back. I will never leave God's side again.
Susan Mead's book spoke to my heart because I feel like I have experienced the pain of grief and was brought back from the brink of fear, desperation, lifelessness, and complete utter sadness. Her book is a short read, took no time at all to read from cover to cover. She includes her personal stories along with Scripture designed to inspire, encourage and uplift you from the pit of grief. It's hard to see the light when you are stuck in that dark place. Her book is a good one to shine the light on that pit and to ultimately recover.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
When we are lost in the storms of grief, only God can pierce the darkness. How can a broken, bewildered woman who lost . . . Her sister, a brilliant PhD nurse, to suicide Her youngest son to respiratory distress caused by an accidental drug-alcohol interaction, on the night of her brother-in-law’s memorial service Her sister-in-law to cancer, four years to the day after her son’s death . . . want to get out of bed and live—out loud and in color? Simple. God revealed Himself to her and breathed life back into every nook and cranny of her very being.
In Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace, author Susan B. Mead shares her personal story of how God came to her in the midst of grief with a display of love, insight and comfort far beyond her expectations. Have you ever: Held the Hand of God? Felt God caress your broken heart? Heard Him speak out loud? Seen Jesus dancing with your lost loved one? Seen your loved one in the holy presence of God—on His Mercy Seat? Do you want to? In her vibrant, inspiring, and up-close-and-personal style, Susan freely shares how her encounters with God in the midst of overwhelming grief led her to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him that truly restored her soul. Are you ready to laugh through the tears and dance—with Jesus?
About the Author:
Susan B. Mead, a medical technologist with an MBA, spent 22-plus years in the diabetes sector with Johnson & Johnson prior to founding the blog Agog4God.com, A Gathering of Girlfriends and Guys for God. After Susan lost her youngest son, she came to realize that even when things get broken, discarded, or replaced, people matter most. Susan is a Charter Blogger on the Bible Gateway Blogger’s Grid, has been published in Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO), and has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world.
My Review:
My husband and I are no stranger to grief. We lost our home due to bankruptcy, as well as losing my mother followed three months later by losing my grandfather followed by losing my father and then our twin babies. We were all devastated but I stayed in grief paralysis for better part of 10 years. I was so angry with God because I felt attacked by someone I loved and could never imagine Him turning against me in this way. So for 10 years, I knew He was there but chose to ignore Him. I was a child born to Christian parents who was taught to rely on God in every way including prayer and for the first time in my life, I stopped talking to my Father.
It all changed the day that I got word that I was pregnant with my third child. I went in after just a few weeks to discover the reason behind an issue I was having with the pregnancy, only to find out I was losing him as well. He had already become 50% detached, his little heart was still beating and that was enough to give us all some hope but the doctor warned me to not be too optimistic. I went home that day and started praying and I prayed after day after that for God to save my son. And after several months of ultrasounds every three weeks, and after all the praying, and after going in front of my church to be prayed over--we got our miracle. Within a few days after being prayed over by the church the separation was completely and totally gone. My sweet boy was out of the woods.
Those days of prayer and God choosing to honor that, in spite of my disobedience as one of His children was a enough to drive me to my knees again and again and beg Him to forgive me for being so terrible to Him, for blaming Him, and for not trusting Him. I know what it is to grieve so badly and for such a long time that it causes you physical pain. But my little guy "Thomas" was the instrument God used to bring me back to Him. Fast forward to almost 10 years since his birth and I have never looked back. I will never leave God's side again.
Susan Mead's book spoke to my heart because I feel like I have experienced the pain of grief and was brought back from the brink of fear, desperation, lifelessness, and complete utter sadness. Her book is a short read, took no time at all to read from cover to cover. She includes her personal stories along with Scripture designed to inspire, encourage and uplift you from the pit of grief. It's hard to see the light when you are stuck in that dark place. Her book is a good one to shine the light on that pit and to ultimately recover.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
September 11, 2015
When I saw this up to review through CWA I knew it was something I needed to read, I’ve experienced people before passing away – I’ve lost an uncle, Great Grandparents, all of my Grandparents but losing a husband is something I thought I’d do when I was much, much older or maybe I’d go first because what do I do without my love? Also losing our first baby, then almost losing our oldest two years ago after major surgery, then hubby’s hear issues and eventual pacemaker surgery, losing our home – yes, I’ve had my share of various grief and these were just in the 13 years of marriage. This book was a quick read and did have comforting words in them, some of the ideas aren’t all Biblical but they definitely were a comfort, so one needs to be careful even in the midst of grief when reading this book. Susan intends for the book to be short because she recognizes when one is in the grips of grief their attention span isn’t long and so spending time on a long book not written for non-professionals isn’t what one needs. I appreciate this. Susan, herself is no stranger to grief losing close family members to cancer, to suicide and a lethal combination of alcohol and drugs – she knows grief.
As I said though there are some things I do want to caution about this book and the first is that Jesus sent Susan ‘visions’ – I’m in no way saying Jesus doesn’t give us words and dreams to comfort or guide us but I’m as yet undecided in regards to how He handles suicide. This may bother some of my readers but I’m no stranger to depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts and I do know God is anti-murder. She receives several visions that Jesus assures her that people who lost their lives to suicide are His. She also uses “Heaven is For Real” which is a book I cannot recommend however I won’t enter into that here. She also mentions that she is with her sister in law as she is on her death bed and she tells her that she is once again going to be with her husband, Allen, and Susan tells us that she doesn’t want to get into a religious debate on whether we’ll be re-united with our spouses and/or loved ones in Heaven.
Even while I have some reservations about a few things in the book, this was still a good read for me, the questions at the end of each short chapter allows for a bit of reflection but not so much that one going through the grieving process will be even more emotionally taxed. One of the questions was “Have you felt God’s hand in your life” and another “Do you have a tattoo or know someone who does” – it helps in evaluating where you are and how you view things. There isn’t a lot of Scripture except maybe a verse at the beginning of each chapter, I would have liked more of that sprinkled through out. Overall, it was a quick read and one that I would probably give to a friend who is going through grief especially a friend who is well grounded in God’s Word.
**I was given a copy of this book from CWA in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
As I said though there are some things I do want to caution about this book and the first is that Jesus sent Susan ‘visions’ – I’m in no way saying Jesus doesn’t give us words and dreams to comfort or guide us but I’m as yet undecided in regards to how He handles suicide. This may bother some of my readers but I’m no stranger to depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts and I do know God is anti-murder. She receives several visions that Jesus assures her that people who lost their lives to suicide are His. She also uses “Heaven is For Real” which is a book I cannot recommend however I won’t enter into that here. She also mentions that she is with her sister in law as she is on her death bed and she tells her that she is once again going to be with her husband, Allen, and Susan tells us that she doesn’t want to get into a religious debate on whether we’ll be re-united with our spouses and/or loved ones in Heaven.
Even while I have some reservations about a few things in the book, this was still a good read for me, the questions at the end of each short chapter allows for a bit of reflection but not so much that one going through the grieving process will be even more emotionally taxed. One of the questions was “Have you felt God’s hand in your life” and another “Do you have a tattoo or know someone who does” – it helps in evaluating where you are and how you view things. There isn’t a lot of Scripture except maybe a verse at the beginning of each chapter, I would have liked more of that sprinkled through out. Overall, it was a quick read and one that I would probably give to a friend who is going through grief especially a friend who is well grounded in God’s Word.
**I was given a copy of this book from CWA in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
July 13, 2016
An Easy But Somewhat Choppy Read.
If you are going through grief due to the loss of a loved one this book is a quick, easy read. It begins with Scripture, uses God's Word throughout and ends with Scripture. That was for me the highlight of the book. God's Word never returns void.
I loved the "seeing Heaven" references,books, movie, etc, that she refers to. However, I differ with why I liked them. For her in her grief they helped. My being invited into her grief and recovery, was a little lost with the parallel of fiction and the Truth of God's Word and I found myself really wanting more back story of faith that prepared and carried her through such horrible grief.
Believers of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are no longer under the old law and covered by the Grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ. Having said that, and believing that, I differ with her belief that a tattoo is forbidden by God. I know she loved the tattoos she spoke of, even though she felt they were forbidden. No, I do not have a tattoo.
I feel that the author wanted this to be a quick read that someone grieving could through. It is definitely that, albeit choppy and left this reader thankful for her sharing but still yearning for maybe a walk with Jesus rather than a quick step.
Ultimately, though, I am happy that I read it.
If you are going through grief due to the loss of a loved one this book is a quick, easy read. It begins with Scripture, uses God's Word throughout and ends with Scripture. That was for me the highlight of the book. God's Word never returns void.
I loved the "seeing Heaven" references,books, movie, etc, that she refers to. However, I differ with why I liked them. For her in her grief they helped. My being invited into her grief and recovery, was a little lost with the parallel of fiction and the Truth of God's Word and I found myself really wanting more back story of faith that prepared and carried her through such horrible grief.
Believers of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are no longer under the old law and covered by the Grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ. Having said that, and believing that, I differ with her belief that a tattoo is forbidden by God. I know she loved the tattoos she spoke of, even though she felt they were forbidden. No, I do not have a tattoo.
I feel that the author wanted this to be a quick read that someone grieving could through. It is definitely that, albeit choppy and left this reader thankful for her sharing but still yearning for maybe a walk with Jesus rather than a quick step.
Ultimately, though, I am happy that I read it.
September 3, 2015
Have you ever had to go through the grieving process over someone close to you passing away? Are you grieving now? It may be a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or close friend, but it is all still grief. Susan Burfoot Mead wrote Dancing With Jesus, from Grief to Grace after grieving over several family members. She shares honestly from her heart what it was like for her, thoughts and questions she had at the time, and God helped her through those hard times.
Her sister passed away suddenly, and then a few years later a beloved uncle died. Her full of life son at college died within a week after her uncle, and rocked her world. Susan has a warm conversational style of writing that drew me in. She is also full of life and joy which also comes through in her writing.
Several of my family members have passed away including my daughter who was stillborn, and my mother after a horrible illness this year. Dancing With Jesus was very timely for me. God used this book to minister to me, and to confirm some things that He has shown me over the years. I highly recommend this book if you are grappling with grief, or know someone who is. It was a help to me, and I think it will be to you, too.
Her sister passed away suddenly, and then a few years later a beloved uncle died. Her full of life son at college died within a week after her uncle, and rocked her world. Susan has a warm conversational style of writing that drew me in. She is also full of life and joy which also comes through in her writing.
Several of my family members have passed away including my daughter who was stillborn, and my mother after a horrible illness this year. Dancing With Jesus was very timely for me. God used this book to minister to me, and to confirm some things that He has shown me over the years. I highly recommend this book if you are grappling with grief, or know someone who is. It was a help to me, and I think it will be to you, too.
June 28, 2016
Excellent
This was a great read. I have not lost a child but have lost close loved ones and the thread of the book, grief, is the same. I too read all I could find about grief and heaven, then it came down to me and God. Through my experiences God was always there for me; therefore, I enjoyed the personnel reflection questions after each chapter for the reader to think about what God has done. Great book, would highly recommend to others. I'm actually considering gifting it to some friends who came to mind while I was reading.
This was a great read. I have not lost a child but have lost close loved ones and the thread of the book, grief, is the same. I too read all I could find about grief and heaven, then it came down to me and God. Through my experiences God was always there for me; therefore, I enjoyed the personnel reflection questions after each chapter for the reader to think about what God has done. Great book, would highly recommend to others. I'm actually considering gifting it to some friends who came to mind while I was reading.
July 28, 2017
My friend Susan B. Mead wrote this short and poignant book on grief. She tells of the depths and heights that she walked through with loss and love. God met her in amazing ways as she encountered Him in the hard. Susan offers a welcome hand to others that are hurting through this book. Susan's incredible story will touch you and help point you to Jesus. Her genuine joy and passion to help others radiates through the pages of this gift book.
April 7, 2015
Susan Mead's message is that the minutiae of moments remembered and the bigness of our God help us to heal. She shares her memories as if in conversation with us, her good friends. This is an interactive book. Mead asks us to bring our own ouch moments to the mix, to help set us on the path to healing she has walked. This is a beautiful book that makes clear and simple the complex process of grief.
May 1, 2019
This is one of the most heartfelt, touching books I will ever read. God's love shines through on each page.
August 9, 2015
What a great reminder about the nearness of Jesus.
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