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From Depths We Rise: A Journey of Beauty from Ashes
“It's one thing to talk about the moments you'll need faith the most. It's another to live through them. Sarah is someone whose story will inspire you to live your own!” —Jon Acuff, New York Times Bestselling Author of Do Overa miraculous story of hope and overcoming. . .a journey of beauty from ashes Sarah Rodriguez experienced more loss and heartache in a short period of time than most people will endure in a lifetime. Infertility. Her husband Joel’s cancer diagnosis (not once, but twice). Miscarriage. Her husband’s death. Her two-week-old baby girl in a fight for her life. . . Still, Sarah clung to her faith. And it was that imperfect faith that helped Sarah march toward the purpose from her pain. From Depths We Rise is a miraculous story of hope and overcoming. Sarah's is a journey of beauty from ashes, of marching toward purpose out of the pain. Her awe-inspiring story will encourage you to grasp tightly to your faith and to rise above even the most daunting of circumstances.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 17, 2017
1.5 stars
A lot of telling, very little showing.
The author recounts her husband Joel's battle with cancer, their struggle to conceive, his eventual death, and her attempts at IVF afterward. I feel a little guilty saying it, but as I read, I didn't care very much.
Sarah was writing about incredibly emotional experiences but rather than allowing me to see her emotion, she had to tell me that she was sad, angry, etc. I didn't ever feel that I was invited to be present and experience it with her. I never connected with her so I wasn't invested in her story.
The writing is simplistic, abrupt, and clichéd. (There were several variations of "little did I know that was the last time that...," "a smile slowly crept across my face," "peace washed over me," and on and on.)
I started caring a little more when she documented her time in the PICU with her daughter, Ellis, but the clichéd writing continued.
One part that really irked me happened after she had started the process of IVF for the second time (after Joel died). One of the nurses informed her that they'd never before had a situation where one of the biological parents was deceased. The nurse goes on to say:
"We don't have a box [on the legal paperwork] that states what exactly should be done in a situation like this. We want to make sure we are handling it the right way, but it's a situation our lawyers may need to be involved in..." (p. 133)
They received the green light to proceed within 48 hours, and Sarah is once again interacting with this nurse. The nurse tells her that everyone at the clinic thought she was so brave. Sarah's thoughts in response to this?
"Stunned, I didn't know quite what to say. She was one of the first oppositions I had encountered in my decision. Now, her opinion had softened." (p. 136)
The nurse was not "opposed" in the first place. It wasn't her "opinion" that Sarah shouldn't go through with the procedure or something – she's a nurse, and had a responsibility to be sure everything that transpired was legal. It really frustrated me that Sarah villainized her.
I would, of course, never wish anyone to have to go through what Sarah experienced; however, I don't think Sarah's story was done justice through her writing.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
A lot of telling, very little showing.
The author recounts her husband Joel's battle with cancer, their struggle to conceive, his eventual death, and her attempts at IVF afterward. I feel a little guilty saying it, but as I read, I didn't care very much.
Sarah was writing about incredibly emotional experiences but rather than allowing me to see her emotion, she had to tell me that she was sad, angry, etc. I didn't ever feel that I was invited to be present and experience it with her. I never connected with her so I wasn't invested in her story.
The writing is simplistic, abrupt, and clichéd. (There were several variations of "little did I know that was the last time that...," "a smile slowly crept across my face," "peace washed over me," and on and on.)
I started caring a little more when she documented her time in the PICU with her daughter, Ellis, but the clichéd writing continued.
One part that really irked me happened after she had started the process of IVF for the second time (after Joel died). One of the nurses informed her that they'd never before had a situation where one of the biological parents was deceased. The nurse goes on to say:
"We don't have a box [on the legal paperwork] that states what exactly should be done in a situation like this. We want to make sure we are handling it the right way, but it's a situation our lawyers may need to be involved in..." (p. 133)
They received the green light to proceed within 48 hours, and Sarah is once again interacting with this nurse. The nurse tells her that everyone at the clinic thought she was so brave. Sarah's thoughts in response to this?
"Stunned, I didn't know quite what to say. She was one of the first oppositions I had encountered in my decision. Now, her opinion had softened." (p. 136)
The nurse was not "opposed" in the first place. It wasn't her "opinion" that Sarah shouldn't go through with the procedure or something – she's a nurse, and had a responsibility to be sure everything that transpired was legal. It really frustrated me that Sarah villainized her.
I would, of course, never wish anyone to have to go through what Sarah experienced; however, I don't think Sarah's story was done justice through her writing.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
June 30, 2018
Sarah Rodriguez tells the story of how she met her husband, Joel, and her dreams came true only to take a tragic turn. Through the loss of her husband we watch her walk with strength and faith in the Lord. Though you may think that’s the whole story, there is more. Her journey continues to provide tragedy and blessing. I would have loved to learn more about different parts of her life she didn’t share. But if you are going through a valley in life, this book will bring you joy and hope through tears. My favorite line “You never move on. You only move forward.”
October 17, 2016
Amazing and inspiring story.
September 4, 2018
SPOILER ALERT, do not read further if you do not want to know what happens in this book!
I don’t remember if this book was free at some point or if I purchased it for cheap. If I read the blurb, I may not have read. After explaining to my husband all the misery this poor woman went through he asked why I was even torturing myself by reading. And I thought there has to be a silver lining in this book! First she and her husband struggle with infertility. The do IVF and get pregnant with twins! Yeah for them, then one dies before she gives birth. Her husband goes through kidney cancer, fights hard and wins the battle. Then gets cancer back. He is young, like 35, then has a stroke, goes on a ventilator and dies! She still had two embryos from their IVF, she decides to try and get pregnant. And she does and I’m happy again for her. She has already been through so much. At two weeks old her daughter develops meningitis. She keeps having seizures , is on eight meds to control the brain swelling, the seizures and this horrible infection. The doctors do and MRI and her brain has major dead spots in it. It’s time to take her daughter off the ventilator and just give up. Now this is a Christian woman, who has been praying like crazy. Her friends have been by her side also praying. I didn’t get the picture that her parents were
Christians, but with her blog people all over the world are praying for this little girl. They take her off the vent, they expect her to live minutes. Miraculously at the last God comes through in a HUGE way. Not only does this little girl start breathing on her own, they thought they were going to have to do a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. Since she has dead spots in her brain they don’t think she will ever function normally. She mysteriously defies all logic and is able to do all these things on her own and is basically normal now. So I’m glad I was able to push through the bad and hear this woman’s amazing story.
I don’t remember if this book was free at some point or if I purchased it for cheap. If I read the blurb, I may not have read. After explaining to my husband all the misery this poor woman went through he asked why I was even torturing myself by reading. And I thought there has to be a silver lining in this book! First she and her husband struggle with infertility. The do IVF and get pregnant with twins! Yeah for them, then one dies before she gives birth. Her husband goes through kidney cancer, fights hard and wins the battle. Then gets cancer back. He is young, like 35, then has a stroke, goes on a ventilator and dies! She still had two embryos from their IVF, she decides to try and get pregnant. And she does and I’m happy again for her. She has already been through so much. At two weeks old her daughter develops meningitis. She keeps having seizures , is on eight meds to control the brain swelling, the seizures and this horrible infection. The doctors do and MRI and her brain has major dead spots in it. It’s time to take her daughter off the ventilator and just give up. Now this is a Christian woman, who has been praying like crazy. Her friends have been by her side also praying. I didn’t get the picture that her parents were
Christians, but with her blog people all over the world are praying for this little girl. They take her off the vent, they expect her to live minutes. Miraculously at the last God comes through in a HUGE way. Not only does this little girl start breathing on her own, they thought they were going to have to do a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. Since she has dead spots in her brain they don’t think she will ever function normally. She mysteriously defies all logic and is able to do all these things on her own and is basically normal now. So I’m glad I was able to push through the bad and hear this woman’s amazing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2018
I did not rate this book because of profound writing, although there are a few reflective ones. I rated it because of its raw emotion. I do not give three stars lightly and infrequently does a book receive four stars from me. I read this through the night as I experienced the pain, joy, bewilderment, shock, and absolute awe, along with the writer. The author takes you through her journeys of several dark nights of the soul. She has a profound realization of God’s power despite circumstances on this earth.
I recommend this to those who are grieving and those struggling with their faith. Additionally, it is just an interesting and encouraging read for anyone.
I recommend this to those who are grieving and those struggling with their faith. Additionally, it is just an interesting and encouraging read for anyone.
June 11, 2018
From Depths We Rise: A Journey of Beauty from Ashes by Sarah Rodriguez
What a beautiful story of love and of not giving up. I marvel at the courage Sarah went through during the death trip she shared with her husband. She was always so optimistic. When he died, I cried as her feelings were the same as mine when my husband died. However, she moved forward and trusted GOD with her life. She never gave up and the gift of her two children means she will never give up. She is young and her children have a remarkable mother who will lead them to GOD. I just couldn't put this book down.
What a beautiful story of love and of not giving up. I marvel at the courage Sarah went through during the death trip she shared with her husband. She was always so optimistic. When he died, I cried as her feelings were the same as mine when my husband died. However, she moved forward and trusted GOD with her life. She never gave up and the gift of her two children means she will never give up. She is young and her children have a remarkable mother who will lead them to GOD. I just couldn't put this book down.
December 18, 2019
~~ Heart breaking, gut wrenching and raw with some joy interspersed! ~~
Life isn't what we would always deem fair. Falling in love and getting married, we expect it to last more than a few years. Not only that, children come along naturally, right? WRONG! At least not for Joel and Sarah! Not only was conceiving hard (impossible without medical intervention), Joel was taken from her when he was just 35. How does one process all this?
There's more but I will let you read the book for yourself. Sarah's story is INCREDIBLE! Yes, you'll likely cry but this book is well worth the read. It is well-written and there are some photos included. Thanks, Liz
Life isn't what we would always deem fair. Falling in love and getting married, we expect it to last more than a few years. Not only that, children come along naturally, right? WRONG! At least not for Joel and Sarah! Not only was conceiving hard (impossible without medical intervention), Joel was taken from her when he was just 35. How does one process all this?
There's more but I will let you read the book for yourself. Sarah's story is INCREDIBLE! Yes, you'll likely cry but this book is well worth the read. It is well-written and there are some photos included. Thanks, Liz
January 17, 2019
From Devastation to Hope
This book will walk you through devastation that you could never imagine. I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to see what would be next. I know there are many people who have such sad stories in this world. But I was so thrilled to see the devastation turn to hope and then a good outcome for this family. She has truly come ashes to beauty.
This book will walk you through devastation that you could never imagine. I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to see what would be next. I know there are many people who have such sad stories in this world. But I was so thrilled to see the devastation turn to hope and then a good outcome for this family. She has truly come ashes to beauty.
September 30, 2023
I love hearing people's stories and the description of this book drew me in. Sarah has been through a lot and her story made me cry. I was hooked the whole way through. Unfortunately, I found she really missed the boat on writing how her faith helped her through the hardship. At the end of this book, it left me with no real purpose of why she shared her story. Also, in my opinion the ending was rather abrupt.
September 8, 2017
I haven't read such a heartbreaking story of hardship, death and sadness in one book. Sarah's story will grip at your heart and soul and have you praying right with her with each turn of the page. If anyone is looking for a gut-wrenching story of faith and hope this book will inspire them.
I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
January 6, 2018
Strong journey of faith.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. This is a journey of one woman's greatest joys, deepest hurts, and soul-racking grief. As you walk with her, you can't help but feel her triumphs and tragedies.
The miracles of God will uplift and strengthen you.
Don't miss this incredible read.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. This is a journey of one woman's greatest joys, deepest hurts, and soul-racking grief. As you walk with her, you can't help but feel her triumphs and tragedies.
The miracles of God will uplift and strengthen you.
Don't miss this incredible read.
February 11, 2018
A beautiful true story
What a miraculous story...Proof that our God still performs miracles. How could a baby with such serious brain issues, seizures, etc., ever become normal—better than normal—again? Let’s all practice our faith the size of a mustard seed daily. This book is full of faith and hope.
What a miraculous story...Proof that our God still performs miracles. How could a baby with such serious brain issues, seizures, etc., ever become normal—better than normal—again? Let’s all practice our faith the size of a mustard seed daily. This book is full of faith and hope.
February 20, 2018
Painful, Encouragingly and Uplifting!!!
I laughed, cried, prayed but in the end you saw the beauty of what God can do in ALL THINGS. I loved how Sarah fought, loved, cried and prayed. Knowing God would answer her prayers. We don't always receive what we want but we do receive what's best. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.
I laughed, cried, prayed but in the end you saw the beauty of what God can do in ALL THINGS. I loved how Sarah fought, loved, cried and prayed. Knowing God would answer her prayers. We don't always receive what we want but we do receive what's best. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.
August 24, 2019
Walking with An IVF
Sarah allows us to feel her confusion, pain, and elation by sharing lots of detail, and - yes! it’s all relevant! The dreams of love and marriage, children and family, all swell and wane for the IVF patient, and Sarah had more challenges than most. Well worth your read!
Sarah allows us to feel her confusion, pain, and elation by sharing lots of detail, and - yes! it’s all relevant! The dreams of love and marriage, children and family, all swell and wane for the IVF patient, and Sarah had more challenges than most. Well worth your read!
July 30, 2024
This is the absolute best book I've read in a long time. It's a true story of heartache and triumph. It's the author's story of love, infertility, cancer, death, a baby and near death again in the family. I don't think Sarah could have made it through these things without her great faith and believing God would help her get through the trials.
June 5, 2017
I purchased this book after hearing Sarah share her story on a podcast. While the book divulged little that I hadn't already heard, it was moving and heartbreaking. I finished the book in two hours--it isn't a difficult read.
October 18, 2017
A story I couldn't put down. A raw and intimate view of Sarah's heart as she walks through the valley's of disease, loss, death and excruciating agony... yet still manages to emerge on the mountaintop. A miracle of God that defied all medical odds.
December 6, 2017
A powerful read
I had some of her experiences. It is hard to have faith, after so much emotional pain. She is brave, to have the second child alone. I hope all goes well for her now.
I had some of her experiences. It is hard to have faith, after so much emotional pain. She is brave, to have the second child alone. I hope all goes well for her now.
December 16, 2017
Heart Touches Heart
Sarah has simply described a story written by her God. Yet she's done it from deep inside her soul. Few can do this the way she has. Inspiring, faith-affirming, God-honouring. Thanks so much for sharing this odyssey of love and commitment.
Sarah has simply described a story written by her God. Yet she's done it from deep inside her soul. Few can do this the way she has. Inspiring, faith-affirming, God-honouring. Thanks so much for sharing this odyssey of love and commitment.
December 19, 2017
Has the WOW factor
I couldn't put this book down. It was sad, funny and had a lot of love put in it. She faced a lot of obstacles during and after her husband's death but kept her faith that GOD would see her through and he didn't disappoint.
I couldn't put this book down. It was sad, funny and had a lot of love put in it. She faced a lot of obstacles during and after her husband's death but kept her faith that GOD would see her through and he didn't disappoint.
January 2, 2018
This is a beautiful story, and beautifully told. Sarah Rodriguez tells about the extreme challenges her family has endured, but she tells it beautifully. She is a wonderful writer. I couldn't put this book down. I recommend it.
January 3, 2018
Amazing Strength
You always think that the worst can't happen to you, but then when it does you learn where your true faith lies. I was amazed at her strength and endurance and ultimately her happy ending.
You always think that the worst can't happen to you, but then when it does you learn where your true faith lies. I was amazed at her strength and endurance and ultimately her happy ending.
January 11, 2018
Courage uner fire
An amazing true experience of the utmost faith and courage! I was engulfed with Sara's emotions as I read deeper into this family story. One of the best books I have ever read!
An amazing true experience of the utmost faith and courage! I was engulfed with Sara's emotions as I read deeper into this family story. One of the best books I have ever read!
February 25, 2018
Be prepared to cry.
The book was written full of anguish and joy. At times I wondered if God was listening. I could feel the trials but believed God had a plan. It was truly a joy to be able to share the author's life and rejoice with her.
The book was written full of anguish and joy. At times I wondered if God was listening. I could feel the trials but believed God had a plan. It was truly a joy to be able to share the author's life and rejoice with her.
February 10, 2021
Excellent true life story. This family had an almost unbelievable amount of difficult circumstances to overcome. Yet Sarah's faith in God remained strong throughout all the painful experiences. I highly recommend this book.
April 13, 2021
A powerful journey
This book touches your soul. If you have a little faith this will increase it a thousand fold. If you are struggling it will give you courage. It gives you hope in miracles. Highly recommend.
This book touches your soul. If you have a little faith this will increase it a thousand fold. If you are struggling it will give you courage. It gives you hope in miracles. Highly recommend.
Read
February 24, 2022This author lays her life open for all to ponder because she has learned life lessons only gleaned from pain and the beauty found after. I cried tears of joy, pain, and understanding as I read this amazing book.
April 25, 2024
Great read
This book was so touching. I can’t imagine going through everything Sarah has. The only negative thing I have to say is, it’s really hard to read through tears. It’s hard to put down!
This book was so touching. I can’t imagine going through everything Sarah has. The only negative thing I have to say is, it’s really hard to read through tears. It’s hard to put down!
December 8, 2017
Fantastic book of amazing courage and strength from a couple and then the woman who had to carry on alone. I would love to meet this author and congratulate her on her courage and strength!!!
December 11, 2017
Wow
What a great testimony u have. Our God is so amazing! We r so greatly loved it only we all could understand. Thanks for sharing
What a great testimony u have. Our God is so amazing! We r so greatly loved it only we all could understand. Thanks for sharing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews