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When Chronic Pain & Illness Take Everything Away: How to Mourn Our Losses
Chronic pain, illness, and disability take so much away. Sometimes it seems as though they take everything we have ever loved and held dear.
Our physical abilities and our jobs. Our current passions and future dreams. Our finances and our friends. Our sense of community and our ability to engage the world in ways we could before.
Chronic pain takes away our sense of self and who we always thought ourselves to be. How in the world are we supposed to deal with this fact?
In this book, I hope to teach you how to mourn your losses – everything that pain, illness, and disability has taken away. I hope to teach you what to do when life is empty and filled with grief. I hope to point you to the God who gives us Himself when nothing else in life makes sense.
Our physical abilities and our jobs. Our current passions and future dreams. Our finances and our friends. Our sense of community and our ability to engage the world in ways we could before.
Chronic pain takes away our sense of self and who we always thought ourselves to be. How in the world are we supposed to deal with this fact?
In this book, I hope to teach you how to mourn your losses – everything that pain, illness, and disability has taken away. I hope to teach you what to do when life is empty and filled with grief. I hope to point you to the God who gives us Himself when nothing else in life makes sense.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2016
96 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 15, 2016
I loved it! Christian counseling, spiritually uplifting, and introspective. Journaling questions are my thing, they help me to process my thoughts and feelings. I have read both her books and plan to read the entire series. She is fast becoming my favorite author.
November 16, 2016
Esther Smith’s book aims at healing the chronically ill individual on an emotional and spiritual plane. We generally address the physically ill with solutions to reduce the physical element of the illness which is great but it doesn’t hit the emotional and spiritual elements that are greatly impacted by a physical burden. One of the major missing components is the need to grieve, which Esther touches on beautifully in a refreshingly honest approach. An individual facing a physical infirmity needs to be allowed the permission to “hash out” the horrors of a life altered from their illness with God, just as David cried with unabashed vulnerability to his Lord, and just like Job lamented his life turned to despair. Unfortunately, all too often in the religious community, we wish to bandage up the problem with quick Bible verses that are meant to heal but are not appropriate remedies in the moment. We forget to mourn with those who mourn.
Esther Smith writes in a down-to-earth approach that allows the reader to grieve the life that once was and the life that could have been. Included in the book are her own personal struggles with chronic pain as well as input from others that are along a similar journey that is italicized throughout, all written with sincerity that does not refrain from allowing the reader to sense the palpable pain. Aside from the much admired Joni Eareckson Tada, I have found a lack of books that are both Biblically based and emotionally safe which are specifically targeted to the chronically ill. This book was so refreshingly real, that I could have read two hundred more pages of similar material and still would have wanted more. On that note, I hope to see Esther Smith use her useful skills in counseling combined with her superb writing to publish an in-print book that can be found in bookstores nationwide. If you’re looking for a healing read or if you are seeking to find material to help understand the world of a loved one I chronic pain, this is a perfect place to start.
Esther Smith writes in a down-to-earth approach that allows the reader to grieve the life that once was and the life that could have been. Included in the book are her own personal struggles with chronic pain as well as input from others that are along a similar journey that is italicized throughout, all written with sincerity that does not refrain from allowing the reader to sense the palpable pain. Aside from the much admired Joni Eareckson Tada, I have found a lack of books that are both Biblically based and emotionally safe which are specifically targeted to the chronically ill. This book was so refreshingly real, that I could have read two hundred more pages of similar material and still would have wanted more. On that note, I hope to see Esther Smith use her useful skills in counseling combined with her superb writing to publish an in-print book that can be found in bookstores nationwide. If you’re looking for a healing read or if you are seeking to find material to help understand the world of a loved one I chronic pain, this is a perfect place to start.
May 1, 2019
I found a kindred spirit in Esther Smith. This is a great short book to share with a friend or family member experiencing debilitating chronic pain/disease who knows and loves Jesus. Smith discusses some of the specific ways chronic suffering affects life, what it looks like to practically walk through the grieving process with God (grieving the loss of what you once had, grieving the pain now, and grieving the healthy future you might have envisioned for yourself).
Some might say that this is too much grieving— “be thankful for what you have and move on!” I don’t think any of those people have experienced long-term chronic pain. Smith focuses on experiencing the grief and loss honestly together with God, then points the reader toward the truth of Christ’s sufficiency despite the pain. And then, of course, our future hope of glory.
Short and sweet, relatable and easy to understand. Not the last book I’ll read on chronic pain, but probably the most Christ-centered so far.
Oh and this book is $8 on Amazon, and the audio version is about $5 on Audible. Worth the $ for anyone who can relate to the title.
Some might say that this is too much grieving— “be thankful for what you have and move on!” I don’t think any of those people have experienced long-term chronic pain. Smith focuses on experiencing the grief and loss honestly together with God, then points the reader toward the truth of Christ’s sufficiency despite the pain. And then, of course, our future hope of glory.
Short and sweet, relatable and easy to understand. Not the last book I’ll read on chronic pain, but probably the most Christ-centered so far.
Oh and this book is $8 on Amazon, and the audio version is about $5 on Audible. Worth the $ for anyone who can relate to the title.
August 2, 2020
~ Audiobook Review ~
Such a wonderful short book on mourning chronic illness, I can’t praise it enough!
Grieving my illness for the first time last year was a pivotal point in my journey - I went from years of living in my head pretending it wasn’t impacting me, to finally bringing it before God. I wish I had this book back then, but mourning illness is a continuous thing and so I’m so glad to have found this book now! It’s nice to feel less alone and know that it’s normal to feel this way.
I highly recommend this book to any Christian with chronic illness/pain.
Gift Idea: I think this book would make a perfect gift, especially for a Christian friend who has been newly diagnosed. (I’d love to hear if you gift it!)
Positives: Structurally well-written for people with cognitive symptoms. The chapters are clear and defined. The book is short and achievable yet powerful & helpful. The information is easily digestible and memorable. It was very practical and easily applicable. Had clear audio quality. And importantly the content is written by a Christian counselor who has chronic pain so she knows what she’s talking about. And it’s very Christ-Centered which is exactly what I was looking for.
Series: This is the second book in Esther’s Series “Chronic Pain and The Christian Life”. Book 1 is called “But God, Wouldn’t I be more useful if I were healthy?” She also just released a new 31-day devotional called “Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith”. I can’t wait to read them both!
Content:
My Book Recommendations: If you want to continue to understand your emotions from a biblical perspective I’d recommend Untangling Emotions: God’s Gift Of Emotions Or check out my good-reads shelf “my-CFS-journey” for more illness related book ideas.
Audio Performance: 9/10
Sarah has a relaxing and nice voice, it was smoothly read with emotion which kept my attention. And most importantly good sound quality. I found it perfect for my current brain fog & short concentration span, having kindle+audio helped too.
Author: Esther Smith
Narrator: Sarah Carleton
Length: 1hr 39min/50 pages (Unabridged)
Audio Released: 4-Jan-2017
Publisher: Self-Published
Platform: Kindle Whisper-Sync
Such a wonderful short book on mourning chronic illness, I can’t praise it enough!
Grieving my illness for the first time last year was a pivotal point in my journey - I went from years of living in my head pretending it wasn’t impacting me, to finally bringing it before God. I wish I had this book back then, but mourning illness is a continuous thing and so I’m so glad to have found this book now! It’s nice to feel less alone and know that it’s normal to feel this way.
I highly recommend this book to any Christian with chronic illness/pain.
Gift Idea: I think this book would make a perfect gift, especially for a Christian friend who has been newly diagnosed. (I’d love to hear if you gift it!)
Positives: Structurally well-written for people with cognitive symptoms. The chapters are clear and defined. The book is short and achievable yet powerful & helpful. The information is easily digestible and memorable. It was very practical and easily applicable. Had clear audio quality. And importantly the content is written by a Christian counselor who has chronic pain so she knows what she’s talking about. And it’s very Christ-Centered which is exactly what I was looking for.
Series: This is the second book in Esther’s Series “Chronic Pain and The Christian Life”. Book 1 is called “But God, Wouldn’t I be more useful if I were healthy?” She also just released a new 31-day devotional called “Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith”. I can’t wait to read them both!
Content:
My Book Recommendations: If you want to continue to understand your emotions from a biblical perspective I’d recommend Untangling Emotions: God’s Gift Of Emotions Or check out my good-reads shelf “my-CFS-journey” for more illness related book ideas.
Audio Performance: 9/10
Sarah has a relaxing and nice voice, it was smoothly read with emotion which kept my attention. And most importantly good sound quality. I found it perfect for my current brain fog & short concentration span, having kindle+audio helped too.
Author: Esther Smith
Narrator: Sarah Carleton
Length: 1hr 39min/50 pages (Unabridged)
Audio Released: 4-Jan-2017
Publisher: Self-Published
Platform: Kindle Whisper-Sync
April 17, 2023
Oh my- this book needs to be rated 10/10. As a clinician and chronic pain sufferer myself - I love the necessary step of mourning our losses. I feel like I talk about grieving constantly with clients and this book reminds me why. The practical steps that we can use to mourn and celebrate simultaneously are gold nuggets. I can’t wait to share this with clients and work through the journal prompts myself! Thank you again Esther!
November 17, 2016
This is a great book for anyone with chronic illness or chronic pain, whether they are newly diagnosed or have been living with a chronic condition for many years. In this book, Esther helps those with chronic pain and illness to acknowledge what has been taken away, and she encourages them to bring their grief and suffering to God. She offers practical tips for grieving losses, whether they are new losses or simply a new cycle of grief from losses sustained years ago. She helps the reader to move on with joy in the midst of mourning, reminding believers in the Lord Jesus Christ of the hope and joy they have in the midst of pain.
Each chapter has journaling questions to help the reader process what they’ve learned. This is an encouraging, helpful, and practical guide for anyone who is mourning losses due to chronic illness or chronic pain. I recommend it to all my chronic pain and illness friends!
I was given a free copy of this book, but that has not impacted my review. I am so grateful for this book. It is one I will keep on my shelf to read again when another cycle of grief comes.
Each chapter has journaling questions to help the reader process what they’ve learned. This is an encouraging, helpful, and practical guide for anyone who is mourning losses due to chronic illness or chronic pain. I recommend it to all my chronic pain and illness friends!
I was given a free copy of this book, but that has not impacted my review. I am so grateful for this book. It is one I will keep on my shelf to read again when another cycle of grief comes.
April 14, 2017
This was very good. It was a book I got but then forgot about, until one day I opened it and it was exactly what I needed to read at that point. I would definitely recommend it. :)
January 1, 2018
Beautiful Truths
I was blown away by this book. So many books about chronic illness focus on eliminating pain and minimizing symptoms. But what if you don't make progress with that? This book makes a life filled with chronic pain seem not only possible, but less lonely and in some ways uniquely redeemed. It is approached from a Christian perspective, and there are many Bible quotes and references, but doesn't seem rooted in a particular sect. I also very much appreciate the journaling exercises after each chapter. The text-to-speech functionality worked very well for me, and I find it very helpful to continue to read on days when I cannot focus my eyes well. Over all, a wonderful experience, and I plan to reread it several more times.
I was blown away by this book. So many books about chronic illness focus on eliminating pain and minimizing symptoms. But what if you don't make progress with that? This book makes a life filled with chronic pain seem not only possible, but less lonely and in some ways uniquely redeemed. It is approached from a Christian perspective, and there are many Bible quotes and references, but doesn't seem rooted in a particular sect. I also very much appreciate the journaling exercises after each chapter. The text-to-speech functionality worked very well for me, and I find it very helpful to continue to read on days when I cannot focus my eyes well. Over all, a wonderful experience, and I plan to reread it several more times.
December 30, 2022
Esther Smith is officially one of my top 5 favorite Christian non-fiction authors. Her ability to communicate the struggles of chronic pain and illness is a gift. I particularly enjoy the stories of different experiences that others that physically suffer have. So many people who have chronic health conditions have overlapping experiences and also extremely unique experiences. Every person suffers differently, and I really appreciate the specific encouragements Esther gives for different circumstances. Highly recommend.
October 6, 2024
“I have been irrevocably marked by suffering and pain, but because Christ is my salvation, I am going to a place where pain and suffering will be no more. I will never stop feeling the hurt and curse of chronic pain; I will never “get over” my losses, but because I believe in a God who is sufficient, I know I have been given everything I will ever need for this lifetime.”
January 24, 2023
“When pain and illness come to stay, our marriages change. There is nothing romantic about chronic pain”
“Because we know that if we can never be happy in pain, we will never be happy at all”
“Because we know that if we can never be happy in pain, we will never be happy at all”
June 16, 2020
I loved this book. I connect with it so well. My Mom read it too then she cried and she said ok now I understand you and why you are the way the way you are since you got sick. I wish all chronically ill patients and their families could read this book.
May 28, 2020
Such a great book. I felt like I could have written it myself. It’s one I’ll read many times.
April 8, 2022
So deeply encouraging and helpful.
August 23, 2024
2023 Such a blessing.
2024 so good. Reread this as my heart needed these truths.
2024 so good. Reread this as my heart needed these truths.
December 30, 2025
While I do have faith in God, I personally found this book rather depressing—especially chapter one. I may well be in the minority here, but I struggled with how much time was spent recounting personal pain, loss, and statistics about the fallout of chronic illness (such as marriage breakdowns). These are realities many of us living with long-term illness already know, and for me, having them laid out so starkly felt heavy rather than helpful.
I’ve realised that I generally don’t enjoy books that dwell extensively on the author’s own suffering or repeatedly catalogue what illness has taken away. Although this may be validating for some readers, I found it emotionally draining. There are many stories of struggle throughout the book, with a few moments of joy and hope “sprinkled on top,” but by the time those appear, I felt already weighed down by the sadness. Reading it felt a bit like eating a savoury cake when you were expecting something sweeter—it isn’t wrong in itself, just not what I was hoping for.
That said, the book does exactly what the title promises. It is honest, raw, and focused on mourning loss, so it may simply be that my expectations didn’t quite match the author’s intent. For readers who feel unseen in their grief or who need permission to lament deeply, this book may feel very affirming.
My biggest takeaway—and the part I genuinely appreciated—was the journalling component. The reflection questions are thoughtful, gentle, and in places genuinely excellent. If you are able to engage with them, they offer real value and space for meaningful self-examination. In fact, I found the questions far more helpful than the narrative itself, and for me they were the strongest part of the book.
Overall, I would say this book will resonate most with readers who are in a season of active grief and who want their pain named plainly. Those who are looking for a more hope-forward, balanced, or practically encouraging approach may find it heavy going. Personally, I’m glad I read it, but I wouldn’t revisit it—and I would recommend it selectively rather than universally.
I’ve realised that I generally don’t enjoy books that dwell extensively on the author’s own suffering or repeatedly catalogue what illness has taken away. Although this may be validating for some readers, I found it emotionally draining. There are many stories of struggle throughout the book, with a few moments of joy and hope “sprinkled on top,” but by the time those appear, I felt already weighed down by the sadness. Reading it felt a bit like eating a savoury cake when you were expecting something sweeter—it isn’t wrong in itself, just not what I was hoping for.
That said, the book does exactly what the title promises. It is honest, raw, and focused on mourning loss, so it may simply be that my expectations didn’t quite match the author’s intent. For readers who feel unseen in their grief or who need permission to lament deeply, this book may feel very affirming.
My biggest takeaway—and the part I genuinely appreciated—was the journalling component. The reflection questions are thoughtful, gentle, and in places genuinely excellent. If you are able to engage with them, they offer real value and space for meaningful self-examination. In fact, I found the questions far more helpful than the narrative itself, and for me they were the strongest part of the book.
Overall, I would say this book will resonate most with readers who are in a season of active grief and who want their pain named plainly. Those who are looking for a more hope-forward, balanced, or practically encouraging approach may find it heavy going. Personally, I’m glad I read it, but I wouldn’t revisit it—and I would recommend it selectively rather than universally.
July 14, 2021
😽😻📚Claire Bear & Mel Mel's Book Reviews 📚😻😽 'When Chronic Pain & Illness Take Everything Away: How to Mourn Our Losses' by Ether Smith.
Genre: Self Help & Christian.
About the Book: The author explains her personal journey of chronic pain and loss. She also provides examples of how other's lives have dramatically changed due to chronic pain and illness. In addition, the book provides tips to support you through your loss of self via Christianity.
My Review: The author provides powerful and accurate descriptions of what it is like to suffer from incurable chronic pain. There are too many books out there that use Toxic Positivity and Inspiration Porn. Yet, this book shows the genuine brutality of the ongoing grief a person can experience with chronic pain. I applaud the author for showing this awareness.
You will gain the most out of this book if you are Christian. I am not religious but I am not an atheist either. I still found some of the tips helpful yet not all as many of the tips are heavily based in the Bible and the belief of Christian faith. Yet, I am still giving this book full marks as the author clearly states that the content is religious.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
Genre: Self Help & Christian.
About the Book: The author explains her personal journey of chronic pain and loss. She also provides examples of how other's lives have dramatically changed due to chronic pain and illness. In addition, the book provides tips to support you through your loss of self via Christianity.
My Review: The author provides powerful and accurate descriptions of what it is like to suffer from incurable chronic pain. There are too many books out there that use Toxic Positivity and Inspiration Porn. Yet, this book shows the genuine brutality of the ongoing grief a person can experience with chronic pain. I applaud the author for showing this awareness.
You will gain the most out of this book if you are Christian. I am not religious but I am not an atheist either. I still found some of the tips helpful yet not all as many of the tips are heavily based in the Bible and the belief of Christian faith. Yet, I am still giving this book full marks as the author clearly states that the content is religious.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
August 24, 2020
At just 47 pages, this book is the perfect length for someone who struggles with chronic pain. I would also recommend this short but comprehensive and hopeful book to those who want to understand their loved one's chronic pain better. Written by a counselor, the book has the compassionate element of being counseled by someone who "gets it" in the difficult journey of processing chronic pain before God. Exercises are included at the end of each chapter, like writing out all that you've lost and all that you've gained because of chronic pain. There's a great balance in acknowledging the hard that might never go away while also recognizing the hidden blessings of the pain.
"In grief, we dive in headfirst, experiencing our pain to the fullest extent, that we might know it, understand it, and move through it, believing God is with us every step of the way."
"In grief, we dive in headfirst, experiencing our pain to the fullest extent, that we might know it, understand it, and move through it, believing God is with us every step of the way."
January 11, 2022
Wow. What a great resource to work through one's emotions about chronic pain and illness. Dealing with pain for years I had never stopped to think about mourn my losses nor even what many of those losses were. I have read other books on dealing with chronic pain, even ones that discuss lament, but I had never been challenged to really consider what I have lost. Never challenged to write out those dreams I had that never will be (not that they all ever would have come true, but some of them could have) and at the same time look at the things (even relationships) that I do have because of my pain and the things I have had to do to learn to live with that pain. This book was a great companion to "Chronic Illness: Walking By Faith" which was a great 31 day devotional by the same author.
February 11, 2023
This book changed my life. As a 22 year old who experiences chronic pain, this was the perfect read for me to finally put my feelings into words. This author had the ability to state the feelings I have never been eloquent enough to write down myself. It’s wonderful to be able to relate to others in the disabled community. To know that we experience some sort of heartbreak every day grieving the past life we once had and the life we had envisioned for ourselves in the future. I’m happy to have kept my faith and lean into God even when it felt hopeless. When I’m feeling low or reach another episode of depression from pain, I will surely return to this book. Thank you so much for writing this!!!
July 16, 2023
This is a hard but good read. It’s incredibly tough to read but it’s wonderfully healing at the same time. I really appreciated how the author looked at pain through the lens of the Bible and faith, and honestly talked about how even Job complained. We aren’t perfect and we aren’t going to be, it’s okay to not be so hard on yourself when you feel bad about not doing things, when you complain or cry. But God has us the entire way, and is not going to let us down even when we let ourselves down. I loved how this book talked about how it’s important to grieve the losses of a life we won’t be able to have, because the only way past the pain of this trauma is through it. This is definitely a book to work through slowly and with the right mindset, and also the questions at the end of each chapter is really helpful. I will definitely be reading the other books by this author and rereading this one.
May 25, 2020
Honest, hopeful, and biblically-grounded
I am so thankful I stumbled upon this book (thank you Amazon recommendations). This devotional has challenged me and given me hope; it has helped me to feel less alone in my physical pain and grief. Esther Smith’s honesty about the trials of physical pain rang true for me, and the way she points to scripture gave me encouragement and hope.
I am so thankful I stumbled upon this book (thank you Amazon recommendations). This devotional has challenged me and given me hope; it has helped me to feel less alone in my physical pain and grief. Esther Smith’s honesty about the trials of physical pain rang true for me, and the way she points to scripture gave me encouragement and hope.
November 18, 2016
I absolutely loved this author's first book, "But God wouldn't I be of more use to you if I were healthy?" and her second book did not disappoint!
In her second in the chronic illness series, she walks us through grief and loss that comes with ongoing disease, while reminding us of God's ever present love and affection for us through the scriptures. This isn't a book about sadness, however, but how to come to peace once again even in the face of suffering and incredible loss.
If your heart is weary, and you often feel alone in your struggle, I encourage you to read this book.
In her second in the chronic illness series, she walks us through grief and loss that comes with ongoing disease, while reminding us of God's ever present love and affection for us through the scriptures. This isn't a book about sadness, however, but how to come to peace once again even in the face of suffering and incredible loss.
If your heart is weary, and you often feel alone in your struggle, I encourage you to read this book.
April 16, 2020
Another way of looking at chronic illness
I find it interesting how chronic illness take so much from us in our lives. Learning how handle our pain in healthy ways. Knowing that God is with you though all. God work out our chronic pain for our good.
I find it interesting how chronic illness take so much from us in our lives. Learning how handle our pain in healthy ways. Knowing that God is with you though all. God work out our chronic pain for our good.
October 4, 2024
Inspiring and helpful
As someone who has struggled with my chronic illness's more and more recently this was truly so helpful. I have been asking God why. This helped me have a new perspective on how to look at things and I'm so glad that I bought this to read!
As someone who has struggled with my chronic illness's more and more recently this was truly so helpful. I have been asking God why. This helped me have a new perspective on how to look at things and I'm so glad that I bought this to read!
February 2, 2025
Very relatable. Provided me words for feelings that I myself didn’t know how to say. I am not religious but I’m glad I read this book as it was very thought provoking on my own life & the struggles I experience.
April 11, 2018
Too religious
Too religious. Not all of us hold faith with as high as a value in our lives. I skipped a lot due to this
Too religious. Not all of us hold faith with as high as a value in our lives. I skipped a lot due to this
December 28, 2018
I received this for Christmas and read it that evening. It's short but has so much good encouragement packed in there that I really needed to hear! Will definitely be reading it over and over.
March 18, 2024
Loved it. Short but impactful.
Brought hope while not trying to “down play” the truths of living with a chronic illness.
Would recommend doing the journaling activities along with it.
Brought hope while not trying to “down play” the truths of living with a chronic illness.
Would recommend doing the journaling activities along with it.
November 21, 2016
“Physical loss is the just the beginning” Such an overwhelming and unexpected reality for those of us living with chronic illness and pain. In her latest book, Esther Smith helps the reader (and hopefully family and close friends) gain insight into the six additional types of loss. In this brief but inspiring book Smith shares her journey to understand her life with chronic pain, including her struggles, sadness, confusion, growth and joy with honesty and grace. Other survivors share their experiences as well, adding depth and dimension to the book.
Chronic pain and illness can lead to periods of isolation from others and even distancing ourselves from our faith. It is during those lonely times that guilt, shame, and fear often gather bringing painful questions, and anxiety, played on an endless loop. By sharing her own questions, doubts, hopes and reflections, Esther invites the reader to do the same.
The reflection questions at the end of each chapter in this book and “God, Wouldn't I be More Useful if I was Healthy?” serve as roadmaps and gentle guides helping the reader navigate the “big” questions that many of us struggle to articulate. Because chronic illness and pain are well, chronic :) I know I will be re-visiting both books and using the reflection questions as a source of comfort and strength.
This is a powerful and at times painful resource and tool for those of us who striving not only to survive but to thrive.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Chronic pain and illness can lead to periods of isolation from others and even distancing ourselves from our faith. It is during those lonely times that guilt, shame, and fear often gather bringing painful questions, and anxiety, played on an endless loop. By sharing her own questions, doubts, hopes and reflections, Esther invites the reader to do the same.
The reflection questions at the end of each chapter in this book and “God, Wouldn't I be More Useful if I was Healthy?” serve as roadmaps and gentle guides helping the reader navigate the “big” questions that many of us struggle to articulate. Because chronic illness and pain are well, chronic :) I know I will be re-visiting both books and using the reflection questions as a source of comfort and strength.
This is a powerful and at times painful resource and tool for those of us who striving not only to survive but to thrive.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews