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Reflections with God While Waiting to be Healed
Almost everyone faces some physical or mental or emotional challenges. Spiritual people pray about it, hope, try to stay positive, sometimes argue with God, and remind God of the many promises there are in Scripture about healing. But sometimes, healing doesn't come, or doesn't come as desired. Although many turn their back on God when God doesn't heal, others stay in the struggle with God, expand their theology, and learn more about the nature of God and the nature of suffering. Dr. Linda Seger, one of the world authorities on screenwriting, has struggled with dystonia (a movement disorder) for some years. Then, as she was improving, she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in fall, 2015. Both disorders have caused physical, emotional, and spiritual frustrations and the rehabilitation for each has been counter to the other, causing her to make difficult choices, and to be challenged to persevere. In this book, she reflects on the many theological issues and spiritual issues that we encounter when we're ill - and how we re-form our relationship with God when healing doesn't come as desired.
144 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2016
101 people want to read
About the author
Linda Seger
35 books103 followersDr. Linda Seger has a Th.D. in Drama and Theology, and created her script consulting business based on her dissertation project about the elements needed to make a script work. She explored the integration of Drama and Spirituality during her five years in seminary. She holds three M.A. degrees: Drama from Northwestern University, Religion and the Arts from Pacific School of Religion, and Feminist Theology from Immaculate Heart College Center.
She has a broad religious background. She grew up Lutheran and did several years of spiritual seeking in her 20s. She became a Born-Again Christian and then joined the Quakers (Society of Friends) and is a member of The Colorado Springs Friends Meeting. Throughout the years, she has meditated at a Zen Buddhist center, attended New Age conferences, has done the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignacious, and has read and taken classes in the religions of the world.
Dr. Seger's thoughts about how spirituality influences her work:
“Many readers are surprised and even confused when they see I’m the most prolific writer in the area of screenwriting, an international screenwriting consultant and a screenwriting teacher. Yet, I also do theology/spiritual books. Some of this comes from having an M.A. In Drama, 2 M.A.s in theology and a ThD in Theology and Drama. They seem to be separate, but they are actually integrated.
Drama shines a light on the human condition. It explores the conflicts, struggles, doubts, uncertainties, and possibilities for transformation and redemption. Even secular drama deals with hope and goodness and the struggle for authenticity and love.
When I consult on scripts, I am trying to help the writer reach deeper into the truth about who we are as humans and what are our possibilities. When I write books on spirituality, I am doing the same thing – digging deeply into our experiences and struggles, and then shining the light of Scripture and theology on making some sense out of what we see and feel. I am trying to get at The Truth and to dig deep into our experiences. So, I never look for easy answers, and I don’t try to pigeonhole either our stories or our spirituality.”
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 25, 2016
It is a hard time when people of faith are waiting for healing. Seger has had that experience and shares here insights she has gained. She was diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a movement disorder where the brain sends the wrong message to a muscle.
Seger decided not to go with the Botox shots every three months for the rest of her life. She tried alternatives but they did not work. Then she found a chiropractic neurologist who had had some success in treating people with this condition. It's been seven years and there has been some improvement. She's been doing two to four hours of therapy every day all those years. Then, in 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now she is working with diet and supplements to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Seger shares her spiritual thoughts from her journey to health. These are universal spiritual principles for people dealing with with an illness that may or may not be healed. Some lessons she learned include realizing that the most important thing was not her healing but whether she loved God. She also learned to surrender and that it was not the same as resignation. She found that her illness brought her to a greater understanding of God and caused her to expand her relationship with Him. She also gained insights into listening to God, being willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in her alongside her own efforts at healing.
Conservative evangelical Christians may have difficulty with Seger's spiritual generalizations. Her aim is to make her insights available to people of all faiths. For example, when she suggests we need a person with wisdom to help us, she suggests it could be a religious figure such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed or a saint.
Seger has given us a thoughtful book on the spiritual aspects of waiting for healing. It is designed to be an encouragement to all people of faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Seger decided not to go with the Botox shots every three months for the rest of her life. She tried alternatives but they did not work. Then she found a chiropractic neurologist who had had some success in treating people with this condition. It's been seven years and there has been some improvement. She's been doing two to four hours of therapy every day all those years. Then, in 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now she is working with diet and supplements to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Seger shares her spiritual thoughts from her journey to health. These are universal spiritual principles for people dealing with with an illness that may or may not be healed. Some lessons she learned include realizing that the most important thing was not her healing but whether she loved God. She also learned to surrender and that it was not the same as resignation. She found that her illness brought her to a greater understanding of God and caused her to expand her relationship with Him. She also gained insights into listening to God, being willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in her alongside her own efforts at healing.
Conservative evangelical Christians may have difficulty with Seger's spiritual generalizations. Her aim is to make her insights available to people of all faiths. For example, when she suggests we need a person with wisdom to help us, she suggests it could be a religious figure such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed or a saint.
Seger has given us a thoughtful book on the spiritual aspects of waiting for healing. It is designed to be an encouragement to all people of faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 14, 2017
Reflections with God While Waiting to Be Healed by Dr. Linda Seger is an uplifting and powerful message to everyone about a loving and healing God in times of pain and suffering. She shares her wisdom and insights from her personal journey and trials with dystonia and also cancer. She addresses questions and concerns and struggles; waiting; faith; surrender; hope and much more.
Each chapter begins with an inspiring scripture or quote such as the following: “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” –Hippocrates. “The wish for healing has always been half of health.”—Lucius Annaeus Seneca. “Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.”---Virginia Satir. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”—Helen Keller. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”—Joseph Campbell. Each one of these and others included in the book are thought-provoking and profound and a good introduction to the wisdom that Dr. Seger shares.
Her approach to her afflictions and struggles is encouraging and inspiring and shows the resilience of the human spirit that hopes and trust in a loving and healing God. There is much for anyone to reflect upon and to follow. I recommend this amazing, enlightening book which I received through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
Each chapter begins with an inspiring scripture or quote such as the following: “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” –Hippocrates. “The wish for healing has always been half of health.”—Lucius Annaeus Seneca. “Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.”---Virginia Satir. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”—Helen Keller. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”—Joseph Campbell. Each one of these and others included in the book are thought-provoking and profound and a good introduction to the wisdom that Dr. Seger shares.
Her approach to her afflictions and struggles is encouraging and inspiring and shows the resilience of the human spirit that hopes and trust in a loving and healing God. There is much for anyone to reflect upon and to follow. I recommend this amazing, enlightening book which I received through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2016
What I received from reading ‘Reflections with God’` is invaluable. It is a book to keep handy to read, re-read and highly recommend and/ or purchase copies of for others who struggle with a chronic disease and their loved ones. There are such wonderful nuggets of wisdom and – dare I say hope – that will help someone with any disease or injury.
Each chapter is short with a specific subject, perfect for those who are in a season of injury or illness in which concentrating is hard. Each chapter builds on the one prior. There are four parts to the book: the first is ‘Questions, Concerns, and Struggles’, second is ‘The Journey of Faith, Dialogue, and Try’, third is ‘Surrender, but Don’t Give Up’, and fourth is ‘Hope in Spite Of’. There are chapters in each part that are helpful in any stage of one’s illness or injury. For example, many chapters in parts 3 and 4 apply to where I frequently am, but after a particularly challenging time, part 2 brought particular encouragement where the author helps me find my ‘Try’ again. She reminds me of celebrating the little victories and blessings. Each chapter begins with a verse of scripture or a quote by a noted person, one of whom is Dag Hammarskjold.
The author shares her feelings, faith and the challenges of concurrent injury and illness. One thing I find helpful is being reminded of ‘Expanding our Names for God’ and re-learning prayer and meditation while seeing Jesus in a particular attribute as it relates to where we are. She challenges me through ‘What Must I Do to Help God Heal Me?’, ‘Reflecting Light in our Brokenness’ and ‘The Third Day Always Comes’. In addition, I have learned how the author rejected the ‘Shadowy Dark Force’ that is sometimes an unwelcome guest.
The author shares the spiritual and medical team she has in her healing. Her two primary doctors have shared, one in the Forward and one in the Afterward. She writes with vulnerability that is refreshing. As a very intelligent and learned woman with a degree in theology, her writing is clear and can be understood even by those of us with frequent bouts of brain fog as a symptom of our illness. Her writing encourages, is empathetic without pity, and shows her journey in such a way that does not burden the reader with ‘shoulds’. This reader also found a companion on paper who has had some of the same feelings and continues to move forward. This reader is encouraged to know the Lord might want me to learn about Him, myself and what might need to be changing in me.
Do not let the part of the title “While Waiting to be Healed” stop you from reading it. The author, who anticipates healing, writes: ‘…we would like to be the person who is struck by the miraculous healing power of God…We recognize a miracle may or may not happen, but we know if we stop hoping for a miracle we would feel abandoned and lose hope.’ (page 140). A blessing to rich to miss in our journey is: “We have the possibility in our illnesses to see more deeply into life.” (page 136) I highly recommend this book to those with an illness or injury that may or may not require long-term healing as well as their loved ones and those who might minister to them.
From a grateful heart: I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Each chapter is short with a specific subject, perfect for those who are in a season of injury or illness in which concentrating is hard. Each chapter builds on the one prior. There are four parts to the book: the first is ‘Questions, Concerns, and Struggles’, second is ‘The Journey of Faith, Dialogue, and Try’, third is ‘Surrender, but Don’t Give Up’, and fourth is ‘Hope in Spite Of’. There are chapters in each part that are helpful in any stage of one’s illness or injury. For example, many chapters in parts 3 and 4 apply to where I frequently am, but after a particularly challenging time, part 2 brought particular encouragement where the author helps me find my ‘Try’ again. She reminds me of celebrating the little victories and blessings. Each chapter begins with a verse of scripture or a quote by a noted person, one of whom is Dag Hammarskjold.
The author shares her feelings, faith and the challenges of concurrent injury and illness. One thing I find helpful is being reminded of ‘Expanding our Names for God’ and re-learning prayer and meditation while seeing Jesus in a particular attribute as it relates to where we are. She challenges me through ‘What Must I Do to Help God Heal Me?’, ‘Reflecting Light in our Brokenness’ and ‘The Third Day Always Comes’. In addition, I have learned how the author rejected the ‘Shadowy Dark Force’ that is sometimes an unwelcome guest.
The author shares the spiritual and medical team she has in her healing. Her two primary doctors have shared, one in the Forward and one in the Afterward. She writes with vulnerability that is refreshing. As a very intelligent and learned woman with a degree in theology, her writing is clear and can be understood even by those of us with frequent bouts of brain fog as a symptom of our illness. Her writing encourages, is empathetic without pity, and shows her journey in such a way that does not burden the reader with ‘shoulds’. This reader also found a companion on paper who has had some of the same feelings and continues to move forward. This reader is encouraged to know the Lord might want me to learn about Him, myself and what might need to be changing in me.
Do not let the part of the title “While Waiting to be Healed” stop you from reading it. The author, who anticipates healing, writes: ‘…we would like to be the person who is struck by the miraculous healing power of God…We recognize a miracle may or may not happen, but we know if we stop hoping for a miracle we would feel abandoned and lose hope.’ (page 140). A blessing to rich to miss in our journey is: “We have the possibility in our illnesses to see more deeply into life.” (page 136) I highly recommend this book to those with an illness or injury that may or may not require long-term healing as well as their loved ones and those who might minister to them.
From a grateful heart: I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
February 16, 2017
This small, easy to read book has hope and healing between its covers. The author has struggled for her own healing from dystonia and early stage breast cancer. Even if you don't agree with all her theology, you cannot argue with her honest struggle to find hope and meaning in her illnesses. She addresses every pat answer as to why Christians suffer and goes further and asks questions we all struggle with. Questions like "What does God want from us?" and "Where is the Holy Spirit in all this?" One of her answers is that "...many times, our God is too small and we need to expand our theology and broaden our relationship with the Most Holy One and Wholly One." Serger is so honest and looks at answers she doesn't like and even ones she's afraid to entertain. She says, "In the midst of this struggle, I decided not to turn my back on God. For me, there was no other place to be and no other place to stand--but on God's side. So I move more deeply into this relationship." She talks about despair, depression, wanting to give up, feeling like no one understands. She offers the things that have helped her yet all the while sharing that she she's not at the end of her journey yet. And all this is offered in short chapters that almost read like a devotional, yet so not "preachy". This would be an excellent gift for anyone suffering with long term illness. For those of us blessed with good health it is an eye-opening experience into the world of pain and struggle of those who do suffer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from The BookClub Network in exchange for my honest review. www.bookfun.org
I received a complimentary copy of this book from The BookClub Network in exchange for my honest review. www.bookfun.org
December 22, 2016
I have come to really enjoy books written by this author. They are always informative and written with passion. I appreciate her openness and sharing personal struggles. As I began to read this book, I felt a sense of peace as the words soothed my soul. I'm sure there are many of us that are waiting to be healed from something. In some cases it is physical healing and in others it it emotional healing. I have been guilty of asking God why has He not healed me yet? The author makes a good point when she said, " Our struggle with health often triggers a struggle with faith." People around us are encouraging us to have faith but it sure is hard when you see nothing changing. I can sometimes get into the why me pity party and forget all about God's promises.
Do you find yourself angry at God when you are still waiting for your healing and nothing is happening? I never thought about the people who God places in our pathway as someone who could help me. We get so focused that we forget to look around us. We hold on to every word the doctor says in hopes of being cured. What we forget though is that there are other people who may have the answer we have been seeking. An interesting thought is seeking out someone with a similar illness and asking them for directions. Who better to ask then someone going through exactly what you are going through. What if that was God's plan all along? Yes we can get sidetracked and miss what God is trying to show us.
I really enjoyed the reference that the author used about Job. He was a man who lost everything and struggled for answers. When he realized that God was real he repented for doubting him. That is a great reminder for all of us to not give up but to keep fighting. The author encourages us to surround ourselves with family and friends who will support us and pray for us. Sometimes I find myself shutting out the world and trying to deal with things by myself. Isn't that a perfect time for the enemy to isolate you from the truths of God? Before I realize it, I find myself depressed, angry and lose my focus on His Word. The author provides many scriptures that are helpful as we go through our struggles. I find that saying the scriptures aloud gives me more strength to fight and not give up. There is power in His word.
This is a powerful book that will help you and encourage you as you walk through your illness. Reach out to God and rely on Him. Be conscious of people around us who want to help . Be sure and celebrate each improvement that brings you closer to your healing and never give up.
"We never walk alone and God promises never to leave us alone."
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and the author. This is my honest opinion.
Do you find yourself angry at God when you are still waiting for your healing and nothing is happening? I never thought about the people who God places in our pathway as someone who could help me. We get so focused that we forget to look around us. We hold on to every word the doctor says in hopes of being cured. What we forget though is that there are other people who may have the answer we have been seeking. An interesting thought is seeking out someone with a similar illness and asking them for directions. Who better to ask then someone going through exactly what you are going through. What if that was God's plan all along? Yes we can get sidetracked and miss what God is trying to show us.
I really enjoyed the reference that the author used about Job. He was a man who lost everything and struggled for answers. When he realized that God was real he repented for doubting him. That is a great reminder for all of us to not give up but to keep fighting. The author encourages us to surround ourselves with family and friends who will support us and pray for us. Sometimes I find myself shutting out the world and trying to deal with things by myself. Isn't that a perfect time for the enemy to isolate you from the truths of God? Before I realize it, I find myself depressed, angry and lose my focus on His Word. The author provides many scriptures that are helpful as we go through our struggles. I find that saying the scriptures aloud gives me more strength to fight and not give up. There is power in His word.
This is a powerful book that will help you and encourage you as you walk through your illness. Reach out to God and rely on Him. Be conscious of people around us who want to help . Be sure and celebrate each improvement that brings you closer to your healing and never give up.
"We never walk alone and God promises never to leave us alone."
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and the author. This is my honest opinion.
February 17, 2017
Very uplifting and hopeful book. Exceptional faith found with in these pages, that one can really feel and brings us closer to God. Good read.
January 2, 2017
For me the main theme of this book is summarized by author Linda Seger, Th.D. on page 28 when she states, “Our struggle with health often triggers a struggle with faith.” Our illness is a thorn in our side that must be dealt with. It is often hard to align our illness with our faith in a loving and merciful God. Why me? How can God let this happen? Is it a punishment for sins I have committed? These questions and others don’t stop but ultimately a close relationship with God is the answer needed. The challenge is to continue to trust God during our difficulties.
Life and things in nature grow naturally from small to larger. We expect that our faith should grow exponentially in the same manner without any conscious effort on our part. Unfortunately, like all things in life that are worthwhile, faith must be examined and nurtured to evolve and grow. Only with determination and putting our energies into improving our relationship with our God will God come closer to us.
God is not just a healer but a source of strength. He puts people into our lives to help us with our struggles. Take this gift and put together a spiritual team for support. It will be composed of people who all can help you in different ways according to their gifts: praying for your relationship with God; sending you inspirational writings; just listening to you or even bringing you meals. You never can tell who will become an angel in your life.
Not all who desire healing will be restored back to perfection but all will become a new creation for good according to God’s plan. Nevertheless, you must cling to God to obtain what He wants to give you because “all else is sinking sand”. He is your Rock, your Shepherd, your Healer and your Helper but you must be a part of His team. Be willing to change and follow where He leads you. You may be pleasantly surprised!
After all that the author has and is going through, her book is a positive affirmation of faith that will be an inspiration to anyone dealing with their own illness or that of a loved one. If you get a copy of Linda’s book, please share it with others after reading it. I know I will.
I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review from The Book Club Network at bookfun.org.
Life and things in nature grow naturally from small to larger. We expect that our faith should grow exponentially in the same manner without any conscious effort on our part. Unfortunately, like all things in life that are worthwhile, faith must be examined and nurtured to evolve and grow. Only with determination and putting our energies into improving our relationship with our God will God come closer to us.
God is not just a healer but a source of strength. He puts people into our lives to help us with our struggles. Take this gift and put together a spiritual team for support. It will be composed of people who all can help you in different ways according to their gifts: praying for your relationship with God; sending you inspirational writings; just listening to you or even bringing you meals. You never can tell who will become an angel in your life.
Not all who desire healing will be restored back to perfection but all will become a new creation for good according to God’s plan. Nevertheless, you must cling to God to obtain what He wants to give you because “all else is sinking sand”. He is your Rock, your Shepherd, your Healer and your Helper but you must be a part of His team. Be willing to change and follow where He leads you. You may be pleasantly surprised!
After all that the author has and is going through, her book is a positive affirmation of faith that will be an inspiration to anyone dealing with their own illness or that of a loved one. If you get a copy of Linda’s book, please share it with others after reading it. I know I will.
I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review from The Book Club Network at bookfun.org.
December 31, 2016
Reflections with God
I was given a copy of the book from the author and book club network for an opinion. This is a book that can be read more than once and be benefited from. This is about waiting to be healed and how it isn't always as fast as we think it should be. I was able to relate to this book in my current and past life. A book that everyone could relate to because either we have a illness so know someone else that does.
I was given a copy of the book from the author and book club network for an opinion. This is a book that can be read more than once and be benefited from. This is about waiting to be healed and how it isn't always as fast as we think it should be. I was able to relate to this book in my current and past life. A book that everyone could relate to because either we have a illness so know someone else that does.
December 31, 2016
I received this wonderful book from The BookClub network and will always be grateful. This author writes beautifully and from the heart. I felt that this book was given to me at a time when I was beginning to feel sorry for myself. God really spoke to me while reading. I will be re reading this great book when I feel alone and in need of spiritual guidance.
January 9, 2017
Reflections With God While Waiting to Be Healed is written by Linda Seger, Th.D. Linda developed a movement disorder and later breast cancer. Through the Promises for healing in the Bible, through prayer, daily therapy and the best doctors in the world, she improved but was not healed. She turned further to God, exploring where He is and who He is while waiting to be healed. This is a book of her journey along with very helpful information for anyone who is going through illness or injury.
She gives the reader very good information regarding what they may be going through and their walk through their condition. She explains that when we develop a condition that our life will change. Instead of having time for going to events we enjoy, we may now be spending that time with medical visits. She explains the need to reach out to others for help. We may now notice the people we look to raise us up are not the people we look to during a health condition. We look to people who will give us a smile, compassion and caring. We are to call on our spiritual community during a time of need. Even though we may be tempted to blame God for our situation, we are to look to Him to help us through our journey.
I really appreciate this book and the good advice the author has given from experience with her heal walk. I like that she points out that our life may take on a new normal. Our new normal may be therapies that take up our time or learning to do simple things in a new way. But good can come out of tragedy. Our illness may lead us to do something for others.
I received a copy of this book from BookClub Network and I have written an honest review.
She gives the reader very good information regarding what they may be going through and their walk through their condition. She explains that when we develop a condition that our life will change. Instead of having time for going to events we enjoy, we may now be spending that time with medical visits. She explains the need to reach out to others for help. We may now notice the people we look to raise us up are not the people we look to during a health condition. We look to people who will give us a smile, compassion and caring. We are to call on our spiritual community during a time of need. Even though we may be tempted to blame God for our situation, we are to look to Him to help us through our journey.
I really appreciate this book and the good advice the author has given from experience with her heal walk. I like that she points out that our life may take on a new normal. Our new normal may be therapies that take up our time or learning to do simple things in a new way. But good can come out of tragedy. Our illness may lead us to do something for others.
I received a copy of this book from BookClub Network and I have written an honest review.
February 5, 2017
“Reflections With God While Waiting to Be Healed,” by Linda Seger, is an information packed little book that contains 159 pages. Seger shares from her heart as she describes her experiences with dystonia and then cancer, and the many lessons that she learned during her journey to health. She understands how health and faith can work together. She also shares with the reader that sometimes, some people, do not find healing, but acceptance and the strength to continue on. There are some things that just can’t be returned, such as an amputated limb, but spiritual healing and acceptance are so very important.
“Reflections With God” is definitely a positive, uplifting book. It is filled with reminders that we belong to God and we must have faith, even when things do not go our way. His timing and His will, are both perfect. We need to learn to surrender our will. We need to experience life, not just sit back and keep waiting until we are healed to carry on with our lives. And during the journey, we must always love God!
While I am impressed with a lot of what Seger had to share, I was a bit disappointed to hear her suggest a few things I considered sort of New Age, Buddhist or Catholic rather than sticking with God’s word, which is found in the Holy Bible.
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
“Reflections With God” is definitely a positive, uplifting book. It is filled with reminders that we belong to God and we must have faith, even when things do not go our way. His timing and His will, are both perfect. We need to learn to surrender our will. We need to experience life, not just sit back and keep waiting until we are healed to carry on with our lives. And during the journey, we must always love God!
While I am impressed with a lot of what Seger had to share, I was a bit disappointed to hear her suggest a few things I considered sort of New Age, Buddhist or Catholic rather than sticking with God’s word, which is found in the Holy Bible.
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews