IS IT POSSIBLE THAT GOOD THINGS CAN COME OUT OF OUR BROKEN DREAMS?
Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Their lives would never be the same. Yes, with God all things are possible. But the devastating news was that no cure existed to restore Martin’s short-term memory, eyesight, and other complications. The fairy-tale life Laura had dreamed of was no longer possible. And yet in struggling with God about how to live with broken dreams, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Laura helps us understand we aren’t the only ones whose lives have taken unexpected turns. She examines the brokenness of some of the heroes of our faith, and shows how despite their flaws and flawed stories, God was able to use them in extraordinary ways. And it was not because of their faith, but because of the faithfulness of their God. God may not fix everything. In fact, although your situation might not ever change or get better, with Jesus you can.
“Our family has been ministered to by her vulnerability and willingness to walk in the valley and still say ‘God, I Trust You.’” — STEVEN CURTIS and MARY BETH CHAPMAN Grammy Award-Winning Artist and New York Times Bestselling Author
“Laura is one of my heroes when it comes to trusting God. She’s joyful, genuine, and faithful even though her story includes messy chapters. This book will be on my nightstand for a long time!” —LISA HARPER Author and Bible Teacher
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Laura Story is a Bible teacher, worship leader, Grammy Award–winning singer/songwriter, and bestselling author. “Blessings” was certified gold in 2011 and inspired her first book, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops. Laura’s music and writing show God’s love and grace intersecting with real life and serve as a reminder that despite questions or circumstances, he is the ultimate author of our story, as told in her second book, When God Doesn’t Fix It. She has a graduate degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005, but her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and the mother to Josie, Ben, Griffin, and Timothy.
After my last read, I needed something that showed a different view of society. I found it here, along with a book that raises issues about our view of God. Laura and Martin have not been married long when he is diagnosed with a brain tumour. They do what most believing Christians would do in that situation. They earnestly pray for healing. Anyone who has ever prayed for healing or anything else of great importance and feels God let them down by not answering as they wanted or expected, will relate to some of the feelings and questions this couple experience. This sentence on the first page expresses some truths that are expounded through the book. ‘We’re all just one phone call away from learning the results of a test or the news of an affair, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a thousand other ways our hope can be shattered. In that moment, we think life as we know it is over.’ Sound familiar? It sure did to me. Laura Story goes on, ‘The truth is, life, as we’ve yet to know it, has just begun.’ I could have plucked quotes from many places throughout this book but one I liked was when Laura Story was tempted to be angry with God at what had happened. But then she had another thought. ‘Am I going to let my circumstances determine my view of God, or am I going to let God determine how I view my circumstances?’ Each chapter of the book finishes with a myth and a truth. This is one: The strength of my faith is based on how strongly I believe. Truth: The strength of my faith is based on the strength of my God.’ As well as being a personal story and experience, this book is filled with a lot of helpful tips for working through situations that life throws at us. I loved the way the way Laura and Martin were enfolded by their church and the support they received throughout. It is a real picture of God’s love in action. I also liked the way their friends were prepared to speak the truth and call them out when they thought things they were doing were wrong. Being a true friend means being able to tell the truth to each other and also to accept it. Until I read this book I only knew Laura Story for her worship song ‘Indescribable.’ Since then I have listened to several others. This story is a heartbreaker. Yes, it made me cry but it also a book of hope. It made me thankful that God never leaves us alone in the hard times but is walking with us just as He is with Laura and Martin. This is a book I suspect I will be buying more than one copy of to give to friends and loved ones. An honest, hopeful and challenging read. If you are having a hard time with life maybe this book could be a help to you too.
This book is a must-read! I rarely give 5 stars to a book, but this one deserves 6 or 7! It contains a little bit of everything: humor, marriage counseling, stories that made me cry, and always, from every page- words which point us in the direction of a loving Father who rarely fixes things the way we want Him to, but always uses those broken things for our good & His glory. One of the best books I've ever read!
I had never heard of Laura Story before I picked up this book. I have never heard her songs. (Yes, in some ways I live under a rock.) So perhaps I’m reviewing this book from a slightly unique perspective. I didn’t know she had gone on to bless thousands or that she was a Bible teacher. I didn’t know what to expect. It jumps right into the heart of the events that changed her life forever. Then it backtracks and traces her spiritual journey up until that point, and slowly retraces her journey through it. Her struggles, doubts, and fears are all laid open for us to see. Then it shows us her growth and victories. It’s a personal journey of discovery and learning; not a book of theology. My guess though is, and I’m guessing simply based on hints and allusions in her story, that she is of a more liberal Christian persuasion than I am. Still, in this story, she constantly and beautifully points us to God’s Word as the only guide for that journey. I found that very encouraging. She discusses many Biblical truths and challenges us to discover those Biblical truths for ourselves. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much actual Bible in this book. I do wish that she had shown us directly the Bible passages that were so encouraging to her. Maybe then I could have better understood her broader theology. Eventually, it started to feel like each chapter was more of a long blog post or devotional. The later chapters especially. Each one covers one lesson or truth and starts out with a clearly defined struggle and ends with the lesson learned. Those didn’t flow very well. I never felt lost in the story, but it drifted from the autobiographical feel of the early chapters. Then there were the long explanations behind her two biggest hits. Those were long rehashings of everything she had already said in other chapters. So occasionally I did find it repetitive and slow. But God knew I needed this book now. It is a beautiful lesson in submitting our dreams and ‘rights’ to God’s perfect knowledge and love. I would recommend it for that alone.
Laura Story has done a wonderful job reminding us that God's truth vastly outweighs the myths of the world. She's honest with her story, from the struggles she faced with her husband's brain tumor and surgery, to accepting that they might never be able to have children (which they were). Truly a wonderful testimony of God's Blessings in the good and bad times!
I am so thankful Laura told her story through this book. The road she has walked is so unique, but the reality of suffering in this earthly life is not. As I walk through a challenging season that seems to not have an end in sight, the truths she learned in her own life and share in this book helped lead me toward a much needed perspective shift. A shift away from wanting God to fix the situation, to wanting God to fix ME.
This book is absolutely laced with the Gospel from beginning to end. It’s a story of human brokenness and healing; but healing in a way you might not expect. It’s a story of struggle and victory; but a type of victory that is heavenly and not earthly. It’s a story of dying to self, taking up the cross and following Christ on whatever road He asks us to walk; this road is not easy, but it’s where He leads and so it’s safe and it’s good.
Highly highly highly recommend to every believer!!
"The answer to why doesn’t help us heal. But knowing that God’s glory can be displayed, even in the brokenness of our lives, gives us hope despite our circumstances. I promise you will find more purpose and joy in your life if you set aside the why and begin to ask how. How does my story fit into God’s greater story of redemption? Even when we can’t immediately see how our story fits into God’s story of redemption, Scripture promises that it always does."
Laura Story's book (and song) has greatly encouraged my heart in particular ways during this particular season. She doesn't shy away from confession and transparency, all the while pointing to Christ, the only One who has sustained her. I'm so glad I read this, and I know I'll be reflecting on much of it, and also commending it to others, in the days ahead. My gratitude is renewed in the truth that He's the Author, and that His grace and truth shine brightest in the dark.
"When God Doesn't Fix It" is a thoughtful book about unresolved trials and challenges of life. The author, Laura Story, is the writer of the song "Blessings" which is a Grammy award winning song (you have probably heard it at church or if you're at all involved in the Christian worship scene), and she details the story of her family's experience when her husband had a brain tumor and all the ensuing complications. What a story! It details deep biblical lessons from her experiences. I would definitely recommend this to anyone going through major life challenges and trials, or if you just want an inspirational or encouraging read.
This book is so heavy but so good. Laura Story invites us into her life, sharing the journey of her husband's sudden illness and the lifelong results of that illness. I had to pause and cry several times while reading about her struggle to understand the ways of God. I nodded my head when she would share her pursuit of a fix: "We will do this, and that will fix it"...only for something else to break apart. After reading this incredible book, I will never listen to "Blessings" the same way again. The lyrics of that song were truly birthed in tears.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is actually a question: “Am I going to let my circumstances determine my view of God, or am I going to let God determine how I view my circumstances?” Ouch.
This book will be of great comfort to anyone walking through trials.
Very inspiring story. She talks a lot about telling your unfinished story. At times she sounds unattainably Pollyannish. But you can tell she has fought for joy in her life. At the end of each chapter she states a myth we believe and the truth. My favorite was Myth: The strength of my faith is based on how strongly I believe. Truth: the strength of my faith is based on the strength of my God.
I need to say up front that I think Laura Story and I have a LOT of differences in personality, life style, and even theology. There are parts of this book that I find uncomfortable and even a little cringey. BUT God is clearly working in her life, and her willingness to share His story through her and her family led to some really amazing, five star sections in this book.
I wouldn't recommend this as the first book you read on trials and suffering. (Maybe start with A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty if you haven't read it yet.) But God has you in a place in life where you need encouragement from multiple sources on how to make it through the hard times, definitely add this one to your list!
This is a story about a worship leader and how her fairy tail life didn't happen. When they find out her husband has a brain tumor, everything changed. I didn't enjoy this all that much probably because I started it when my little granddaughter was born and she had complications before and after birth. I had to put it away because I didn't want to think about losing her. She struggled for 5 1/2 months with less than comfortable life situations, many miracles, but finally returned to our Heavenly Father. After she passed, I could finish what I had started reading in this book.
Even though the circumstances never were miraculously taken care of by God, she and her family were able to find joy with the comfort of Jesus and his love for all his children. The basic premise was that attitudes make all the difference in the trials of our lives. (less)
All these glowing reviews and I can't understand? I struggled to get through the first half of this book, I cannot force myself to finish it. There are too many other amazing books to read. As an oncology nurse I cannot understand how selfishly Laura described her reactions and thoughts towards her husband who literally had a brain tumor and brain surgery. Is Blessings a beautiful song absolutely, can I listen to it now without thinking about how much I didn't like this book and the writer, probably not.
If you have never listened to Laura Story's song, "Blessings", you need to! What better way to get through tough times than reading someone else's story?! God does not always answer our prayers the way we want, but he will use our story and circumstances for His glory if we allow Him. He will also give us the strength we need.
Award-winning musician Laura Story supported her husband, Martin, through his diagnosis, surgery, and recovery from a brain tumor. There were life-changing effects from this ordeal that impacted the romantic hopes and dreams for their marriage. I appreciated the "myth versus truth" format as Laura shares how she grew closer to God even though what was broken may never get "fixed". It happened to many people in the Bible, and it happens with us as well. Top Five Truths from the book include: God's primary desire is to fix my broken relationship with Him, where God has me right now is the best place for me, I gain by letting go, God wants my trust, and my situation may not get better (but I can get better).
This book absolutely puts so many things into perspective. It is a wonderful story of how God can and does use brokenness in this world for His glory. It is a reminder that God is with us, always, though it's not always how we want it to be, but it will turn out far better than we could ever think or imagine. I really enjoyed this book, and found further comfort in God as a result of hearing God's faithfulness in this book.
For anybody who struggles and seeks God's healing, I think this book offers great perspective. A perspective that showcases God, and gives us further comfort in Him. God may not heal everything we wish to be healed on this side of Heaven, but He is faithful and will use our brokenness for good.
This was a wonderful read (or listen since I listened to the audiobook)! I never heard of Laura Story, besides hearing her song “Blessings” so many years ago, and reading her story was very impactful. I loved all her Scripture encouragement, pointers, and challenges intertwined with her personal story. I’m excited to read her other books!
I’ve been slowly reading this book along with my quiet time for the past couple months and it was so what I needed to read. It was so encouraging to read Laura and her husband’s story and how God was always working
Can I give this 6 stars??? If you are hung up on WHY God does what he does (i.e. : doesn't seem to answer prayer with the answer YOU want); If you wonder what God's will is for you; If you are waiting for this bad thing in your life (whatever it is) to go away so you can be happy; and a bunch of other "If's" THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! Oh, and my chaplain friend is reading it too, and is learning some significant ways to help those who are hurting. A few years ago a co-worker gave to me a copy of Laura Story's song "Blessings" and it has become one of my favorite go-to songs. I was delighted when I came across her book that explains her story behind the song. I have already given away 4 copies and ordered 3 more to give away. And I need one more to keep so I can highlight it. Two of my dearest friends and I have done numerous Bible Studies over the past 3 decades, and this one will stand out for years to come (I will give a shout out to "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp as being one we also enjoyed very much). What is the purpose of Bible study? For me, one reason is to help me identify and change any behaviors that get in the way of my relationship with God, and this book gives me encouragement, specific steps, and Biblically-based information that has taken me to a deeper, more peaceful level than I've ever experienced. The narrative is easy to follow, and each chapter has a poignant point: myth vs truth. Laura flows easily between her personal story to Scripture to how to live each day.
I heard Laura tell part of this story at a concert, and it changed the way I have listened to the song "Blessings" ever since. This book, though, goes far deeper. It is raw and honest, and she expertly weaves throughout her own life story the stories of those who struggled in the Bible, and what God is teaching her, and through that, she allows the reader to see that God can still use you, even if you haven't arrived at a happily ever after in your life.
This is not only a book I have read more than once, and probably will read again, but is a book I buy for others. I highly recommend this.
I loved this book! It really spoke to me right now. I knew nothing about Laura Story, a Christian worship leader and singer. I’m not always a fan of memoirs, but this book about the author’s experience with finding meaning and purpose in her significant struggles touched me to the core. The author did a great job telling her story, while also connecting it to the greater story in each of our lives and the eternal perspective we all need to survive mortal challenges. I (digitally) highlighted many quotes I want to remember, but I may order the physical book so it will be easier to refer to and ponder.
This is a fantastic story by a multi-talented storyteller. Laura Story bares her soul in the telling of her journey with her husband through incredibly difficult circumstances that are ongoing even now. She is ultimately grateful for God's timing and the realities that we live in a broken world and will have difficulties, that we cannot overcome our difficulties without God, and that God's plans for us are more wonderful than we can possibly imagine - all we need to do is have faith in Him. "...what if trials of this life The rain, the storms, the hardest nights Are your mercies in disguise?"
There's faith-based theory and then there's faith-based proof. And Ms. Laura, bridges the two with this book - her personal story. Based on her life, Ms. Laura produces hard truths through hardship - truth's that will resonate with anyone struggling to find God's presence in connection with a difficult, or maybe even terrible, reality they are going through. I tell you what - we NEED more books like this. Highly recommended.
Oh my goodness, one of the best books I've read this year! I got stuck just over half way through, but this book was sooo good. And so encouraging to my faith. I need to read it again... I'm still digesting it. :)
I enjoyed the open vulnerability that she was honest enough to share with everyone. I am sure that some of the thoughts that she struggled with were difficult to share. However, it is a wonderful thing to hear a true and open testimony about her struggles. Was an enjoyable read.
I don’t think I have the words to articulate how impactful this book and Laura’s story was. When God Doesn’t Fix It follows the journey of singer/songwriter Laura and her husband, newly married; they learn that Laura’s husband has an incurable brain tumor which begins their journey of trusting God more than ever and leaning into their faith.
The journey they went on probably covered every emotion and feeling that you can think of-pain, sadness, stress, frustration, despair, and beyond. Laura reflects on her husband’s suffering from short-term memory loss and other afflictions in addition to her new role as an around the clock caregiver. Laura shares how God used her pain for ministry and that although God may not have answered their prayers in the form that she expected, he was still sovereign and blessed them with more than they had imagined for their lives.
Laura circled back to scripture and people in the Bible and how they to had to rely on God in all of their suffering and didn’t turn their back on him. She goes into how her husband’s disability and this situation made her marriage better and how her life was better because of it. She reminds readers that whatever your problem is, God is bigger and he ALWAYS provides and never forsakes us. Laura was able to write a beautiful award winning song and share her pain even when she didn’t want to worship God, God still used her.
I appreciated her vulnerability, transparency, and honesty with readers. She wasn’t being a super Christian and saying “I loved this journey and everything was amazing” No, she shared her struggles and honest opinion which I appreciated. If you are needing to learn how to worship through pain, and to completely let go and trust God, then you’ll NEED to read this book! I give it 👍🏾👍🏾
It is only fitting that I finished my favorite book of the year at the very end of one of the worst years of my life. It was definitely a "God thing" when I stumbled upon this title and decided to order it online.
The author's transparency, honesty, and storytelling ability combined with spiritual truths was a breath of fresh air. It is the perfect book for anyone who has ever wondered "Why me?," or who has prayed over and over for God to deliver them from uncertainty, grief, or heartache, only to have their situation stay the same.
This year, my husband found out that his job would be ending in 2019. We engaged in a major job search, only to learn this month that none of our job opportunities worked out. In the meantime, our house is slated to close in a few weeks, and we have no other job or new location waiting in the wings. Laura's book was a great reminder that even though our circumstances might not change, our expectations and attitudes CAN change---giving God the glory, and giving us peace and calm in the storms of life.
Definitely 5 stars!!! I would give it 10 if I could!!! Highly recommended!
I don't know much about Laura story but I know her song, "Blessings" that won her a Grammy and a bunch of accolades. I know that it was inspired by her husband condition but I did not know all the details. I have to say that this book was heartbreaking, learning how much she struggled to understand her husband disability made me feel so sympathetic towards her. Despite what she was going through, the faith that she had in God was remarkable.
This book also touched on Grace and how it it is never about US but about Jesus.It is about our faithfulness that determines God's blessings or our obedience but it is about God uses us as instruments to carry out His purpose. What happens when God does not fix something? When if it never gets better? When if our blessings come through trials and pains in life? Do we still trust Him when it does not go our way? This is a eye-opening book that will probably make you weep because of the content but there is beauty in resting in Jesus finished work than on our flawed expectations from Him.
I give Laura respect for putting her life, and experiences, out there so the world can learn of her testimony to following Jesus. I think after reading this, most people today probably would have given up with the circumstances she faced. The main lesson I took from her story was it’s okay to ask questions, and wonder about God’s plan, but always keeping the faith that we may not always see His vision for our lives. The world we live in is a broken place. Bad things happen, but if you believe, amazing things can come out of the darkest circumstances.
I read reviews of this book prior to reading it. A few responses notes the book is repetitive in parts - that’s my only ‘negative’ to the book, it does repeat some ideas at times. Not necessarily a bad thing though, because the message hits home!
Love your music, Laura! An inspirational book, and life. Recommend to anyone seeking a different read to dive into the deeper questions you have about God, and life.