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Braving Sorrow Together: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard
“Little did I know at the time that I’d one day look back and remember it as the beginning of what I call our ‘weeping years.’” — Ashleigh Slater We all have “weeping years,” seasons where the trials seem to come one after another. For Ashleigh and her husband, their weeping years included miscarriage, multiple job losses, feelings of betrayal, panic attacks, anti-depressants, cross-country moves, and even suicidal thoughts. Loss is a constant of life, but the intensity of those years changed Ashleigh, altering how she understood and responded to grief. This book tells her story. Braving Sorrow The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard explores loss and trial in a conversational, storytelling manner. It gently encourages those experiencing grief of any kind to seek comfort in God and in the “me too” of community. Ashleigh gives an honest and vulnerable account of her personal stories of loss, as well as those of her friends, with reflections from literature and Scripture sprinkled throughout. She examines the nature of grief and loss in several universal arenas, such as relationships, health, career, and the home. Anyone who ever struggles (and that’s all of us) will be able to move through trial with more wisdom, releasing anxiety and receiving the help and comfort God so bountifully provides. Readers of Braving Sorrow Together will be encouraged that they are not alone, inspired to reach out to close friends, and reminded that God—the Author of all of our stories— can be trusted through the tears. Includes an appendix with further reflections on leaning into community in difficult seasons.
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
2 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Ashleigh Slater
4 books21 followersAshleigh Slater is the author of the books, "Braving Sorrow Together: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life Is Hard" and "Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage." She loves to combine the power of a good story with practical application to encourage and inspire readers. To learn more, visit AshleighSlater.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 15, 2017
Ashleigh Slater's Braving Sorrow Together is bravely shared and beautifully written. As I poured over the pages of this book I felt as if Ashleigh was gently yet firmly leading me where I needed to go. Better, leading me where I did NOT even know I needed to go. As a spinal cord injury survivor, I am no stranger to loss and the devastating grief, isolation, and anxiety that can follow. After my injury during our youngest child's birth, we entered our own weeping years. As the months turned into years, I entered an awful place of isolation. Ashleigh Slater's Braving sorrow together is bravely shared and beautifully written! As I Braving Sorrow Together would have been invaluable to me. There is a margin quote in the book: "I sensed God calling me to lay down my dream." This was so comforting to me. Through her own stories of loss and the guest entries, Ashleigh takes you on a brave journey through loss, grief and finally, back to you again. You may not be the same you as before, however, these tales of loss and healing will give you a renewed sense of hope. In addition to hope, Braving Sorrow Together is full of simple practical things you can do to help someone you love. So many books on loss, do not do this. In addition to hope, Braving Sorrow Together is full of simple practical things you can do to help someone you love. So many books on loss, do not do this. Ashleigh's gentle and warm language draws you in, it does not lecture. This is not a "how to", it is an invitation to share some time with people that really "get" what you are going through. This book is perfect for anyone going through your own "weeping years" or loving someone through theirs. Let this book be your roadmap. It is also perfect for outreach ministry or within your own Church or counseling center.
December 7, 2017
Braving Sorrow Together by Ashleigh Slater is a short non-fiction book written for those who are grieving any type of loss in life (control, relationships, home, jobs, dreams, health, life) and for those who are walking along side of someone who is experiencing sorrow and loss.
The book weaves together the author’s commentary on her own personal losses throughout her life, how she walked through and braved them, along with the stories of others’ to demonstrate and encourage us of what braving the sorrow together sometimes looks like as well as references to various sorrows we see in the Bible and the lessons they offer us.
The greatest takeaway from Braving Sorrow Together will be realizing you’re not alone in your sorrow or loss as well as gaining some insights and tips for how it is possible to brave the sorrows of life -- and learning that it's better when we do it together.
The author does an excellent job of clearly organizing the book’s subject matter so that it is easy to read and gives each type of loss its own chapter. For me personally, I think this book would be best to have on hand as a resource when needed and to be read topically, rather than straight through. The straight through read for me became a touch overwhelming.
For instance, if your spouse is walking through job loss, I would recommend you read that chapter so you can be equipped for ways to brave the sorrow with him/her. If you’re experiencing the loss of a loved one, then I recommend you focus on that chapter and find encouragement that you’re not alone and how community can help carry your sorrow.
Ultimately this book is a good reference of encouragement for walking through loss, but it left me longing for more of the “why and how of community,” which was included as an appendix at the end. Based on the title and subtitle, I felt this would have been emphasized more throughout the book or perhaps included to as an introduction to begin the book.
I must say a thank you to the author, Ashleigh Slater, for touching on the different types of losses that result in sorrow in our lives and encouraging the rest of us to engage in community in the midst of grief. Thank you for opening up the fragile places of your own story and the losses you’ve experienced and demonstrating what bravery looks like.
“Because, just as there is nothing greater God can give us than Himself, there’s nothing greater we can give others than our willingness to brave their sorrow with them.”
The book weaves together the author’s commentary on her own personal losses throughout her life, how she walked through and braved them, along with the stories of others’ to demonstrate and encourage us of what braving the sorrow together sometimes looks like as well as references to various sorrows we see in the Bible and the lessons they offer us.
The greatest takeaway from Braving Sorrow Together will be realizing you’re not alone in your sorrow or loss as well as gaining some insights and tips for how it is possible to brave the sorrows of life -- and learning that it's better when we do it together.
The author does an excellent job of clearly organizing the book’s subject matter so that it is easy to read and gives each type of loss its own chapter. For me personally, I think this book would be best to have on hand as a resource when needed and to be read topically, rather than straight through. The straight through read for me became a touch overwhelming.
For instance, if your spouse is walking through job loss, I would recommend you read that chapter so you can be equipped for ways to brave the sorrow with him/her. If you’re experiencing the loss of a loved one, then I recommend you focus on that chapter and find encouragement that you’re not alone and how community can help carry your sorrow.
Ultimately this book is a good reference of encouragement for walking through loss, but it left me longing for more of the “why and how of community,” which was included as an appendix at the end. Based on the title and subtitle, I felt this would have been emphasized more throughout the book or perhaps included to as an introduction to begin the book.
I must say a thank you to the author, Ashleigh Slater, for touching on the different types of losses that result in sorrow in our lives and encouraging the rest of us to engage in community in the midst of grief. Thank you for opening up the fragile places of your own story and the losses you’ve experienced and demonstrating what bravery looks like.
“Because, just as there is nothing greater God can give us than Himself, there’s nothing greater we can give others than our willingness to brave their sorrow with them.”
January 1, 2018
Braving Sorrow Together addresses loss. Loss of control, jobs, homes, relationships, life, and more. It gives advice and thoughtful insight on what to do when you’re experiencing loss, and how to handle tough and painful situations.
This book is thoughtfully written by Ashleigh Slater, a wife and mother of four. She has suffered different losses all throughout her life, and this book is an engaging account of her stories. She has also included true life stories of others who have experienced similar trials, which also makes it an interesting read.
Throughout the book, in each aspect of loss she covers, she keeps mentioning how important it is to allow yourself to grieve. No matter how small or insignificant your loss may seem to you and others, it’s always healthy to grieve. Of course, we all know people grieve when their loved ones die, but often don’t think about that they may also need time to grieve when they experience a job loss or health loss.
One reason that this book was captivating to read is the references to movies, books, and other authors. Several times she mentions the movie Casablanca, and more than once Joni Eareckson Tada comes up. I’m a sucker for classic movie and book mentions, so when someone compares situations to renowned stuff like that, I’m all ears. (Or eyes, as may be the case in reading.)
The author also takes Bible figures like Leah and Judas and looks at the way they handled loss and the way they grieved. She makes interesting points that definitely make this book worthwhile to read - and purchase!
You might think you’re not grieving, haven’t experienced loss, so why would you bother reading this book? Let me give you three reasons why: (my own, not the author’s)
1. Chances are, sooner or later someone in your life will experience loss. Having read this book, you will better understand their loss and what their going through.
2. This book will teach you to ask good questions to your friend who’s grieving. The right kind of questions. Questions that will tell your friend you care, instead of questions might make it sound like you’re judging them.
3. If you haven’t yet, sooner or later you will experience loss that you’ll need to grieve. It’s a sobering and scary thought, but an inevitable part of life. This book will prepare you for that. It’ll prepare you to go through loss with grace.
October 17, 2017
Braving Sorrow Together really is a strong sophomore book for Ashleigh Slater!
Ashleigh shares her life experiences, intertwined with those of her friends with different worldviews to create a really great, easy read. Ashleigh has an effortless writing style, making the words sound like you’re sitting down together talking about the topics covered in the book: relationships, home, jobs dreams, health. She leaves little off the table and defines transparency with each story she shares of her life. Parts of this book will challenge you to grieve with loss you never had before–it sure did for me. Parts of this book with help you to be a better friend/coworker/sister/fill-in-the-blank, which is worth the read just in that alone.
Now, this is a Christian book, which the tagline should give away “The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard.” If you’re not familiar with basic biblical stories though, no worries. Ashleigh’s got the cliff notes for you and will make it super easy to understand without jumping into too much theology. And, as someone who works in ministry, she’s not just sprinkling these stories in to make it a Christian book, they truly add another layer in each chapter. Ashleigh also presented this idea that I’ve never heard before (but know to be true), of God being the Author of our stories, which will stick with me.
I was chosen to be part of the launch team and received a copy of the book early. I also attend the same church as Ashleigh and have connections with most of her friends within the book.
Ashleigh shares her life experiences, intertwined with those of her friends with different worldviews to create a really great, easy read. Ashleigh has an effortless writing style, making the words sound like you’re sitting down together talking about the topics covered in the book: relationships, home, jobs dreams, health. She leaves little off the table and defines transparency with each story she shares of her life. Parts of this book will challenge you to grieve with loss you never had before–it sure did for me. Parts of this book with help you to be a better friend/coworker/sister/fill-in-the-blank, which is worth the read just in that alone.
Now, this is a Christian book, which the tagline should give away “The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life is Hard.” If you’re not familiar with basic biblical stories though, no worries. Ashleigh’s got the cliff notes for you and will make it super easy to understand without jumping into too much theology. And, as someone who works in ministry, she’s not just sprinkling these stories in to make it a Christian book, they truly add another layer in each chapter. Ashleigh also presented this idea that I’ve never heard before (but know to be true), of God being the Author of our stories, which will stick with me.
I was chosen to be part of the launch team and received a copy of the book early. I also attend the same church as Ashleigh and have connections with most of her friends within the book.
October 12, 2017
Ashleigh addresses several areas where we all of us at some point in our lives can experience loss or grief: control, relationships, home, jobs, dreams, health, and life. She shares vulnerably from her own life with such heart and detail that the reader quickly feels like a friend being welcomed in to another friend's personal story.
Real life friends of Ashleigh's share their stories of loss and experience of community throughout each chapter as well. And, Ashleigh includes biblical accounts which only further deepens the reader's appreciation for not only how common loss and grief are but also how uplifting and sustaining community is throughout seasons of loss.
Beyond welcoming us into a plethora of experiences of loss and grief, one or many of which the reader is bound to relate to, Ashleigh offers sound wisdom and guidance to her reader on ways to walk through such seasons with dignity, courage and grace.
Here are a few gems to whet your appetite for more from Ashleigh's book:
"...today's response to loss shapes tomorrow's me."
"...how we react in the present really does affect who we become in the future."
"...even when life gets hard, God stays good."
"...haphazard grieving results in additional relational carnage, while mindful grieving results in freedom."
**I received an advanced copy of Ashleigh's book to help launch it into the world which I did and do with prayerful anticipation that it will bless all who read it!
Real life friends of Ashleigh's share their stories of loss and experience of community throughout each chapter as well. And, Ashleigh includes biblical accounts which only further deepens the reader's appreciation for not only how common loss and grief are but also how uplifting and sustaining community is throughout seasons of loss.
Beyond welcoming us into a plethora of experiences of loss and grief, one or many of which the reader is bound to relate to, Ashleigh offers sound wisdom and guidance to her reader on ways to walk through such seasons with dignity, courage and grace.
Here are a few gems to whet your appetite for more from Ashleigh's book:
"...today's response to loss shapes tomorrow's me."
"...how we react in the present really does affect who we become in the future."
"...even when life gets hard, God stays good."
"...haphazard grieving results in additional relational carnage, while mindful grieving results in freedom."
**I received an advanced copy of Ashleigh's book to help launch it into the world which I did and do with prayerful anticipation that it will bless all who read it!
October 28, 2017
Braving Sorrow Together by Ashleigh Slater is a unique book. Not only does it deal with the various trials and hardships we face in life, it does so in the context of community.
Ashleigh uses her own stories of pregnancy loss, unemployment, and panic attacks to illustrate the various sorts of losses we may all face. Whether we lose a job, dream, health, or the life of a loved one, we are all sure to go through some such trauma in our lifetime. She also uses the stories of others to illustrate her points, as well as a story from scripture in each chapter.
In every trail we face, however, we don’t have to go through it alone or in isolation. We have the opportunity to grow in our relationships with others, whether we are the one grieving or the one who seeks to give comfort. The main point of her book could be summed up in the one quote she shares from C. S. Lewis: “Grief is great. Let us be good to one another.”
Ashleigh’s book is full of compassion and empathy. She continually “asserts that your loss is deserving of grief” while also pointing us to trust the One who is with us in the midst of our trial and to be open with trusted friends or family who can support us through practical measures and emotional support.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback and review.
Ashleigh uses her own stories of pregnancy loss, unemployment, and panic attacks to illustrate the various sorts of losses we may all face. Whether we lose a job, dream, health, or the life of a loved one, we are all sure to go through some such trauma in our lifetime. She also uses the stories of others to illustrate her points, as well as a story from scripture in each chapter.
In every trail we face, however, we don’t have to go through it alone or in isolation. We have the opportunity to grow in our relationships with others, whether we are the one grieving or the one who seeks to give comfort. The main point of her book could be summed up in the one quote she shares from C. S. Lewis: “Grief is great. Let us be good to one another.”
Ashleigh’s book is full of compassion and empathy. She continually “asserts that your loss is deserving of grief” while also pointing us to trust the One who is with us in the midst of our trial and to be open with trusted friends or family who can support us through practical measures and emotional support.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback and review.
October 11, 2017
In a society that prides itself on its lift-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps mentality, Ashleigh Slater’s Braving Sorrow Together offers a timely message: when we suffer loss, we must grieve; however, we don’t have to (nor should we attempt to) brave that sorrow alone.
Ashleigh’s vulnerability gently invites the reader into her own stories of loss including the death of a baby, the breakup with a boy, the laying down of a dream, and the discouragement of unexpected joblessness. Additionally, she shares the narratives of friends, the accounts of Scripture, and even the plots of TV shows, movies, and musicals — all to seamlessly illustrate both healthy (and sometimes unhealthy) ways to bear sorrow.
Succinctly, Ashleigh identifies practical ideas that encourage readers to “actively seek comfort in the Author of our faith and the ‘me too’ of community” when experiencing loss.
Braving Sorrow Together is a companion for those going through tough losses, for in this book, readers will understand that they are not alone. Ashleigh Slater’s book is also a handbook for readers wishing to come alongside those who grieve, for in it, they will find very specific, doable suggestions they can use to reach out to hurting friends. Highly recommend.
Ashleigh’s vulnerability gently invites the reader into her own stories of loss including the death of a baby, the breakup with a boy, the laying down of a dream, and the discouragement of unexpected joblessness. Additionally, she shares the narratives of friends, the accounts of Scripture, and even the plots of TV shows, movies, and musicals — all to seamlessly illustrate both healthy (and sometimes unhealthy) ways to bear sorrow.
Succinctly, Ashleigh identifies practical ideas that encourage readers to “actively seek comfort in the Author of our faith and the ‘me too’ of community” when experiencing loss.
Braving Sorrow Together is a companion for those going through tough losses, for in this book, readers will understand that they are not alone. Ashleigh Slater’s book is also a handbook for readers wishing to come alongside those who grieve, for in it, they will find very specific, doable suggestions they can use to reach out to hurting friends. Highly recommend.
April 21, 2018
We all have some kind of hardship that either we ourselves or our loved ones are going through. This is a great resource to help plow through those painful, confusing, sometimes heartbreaking seasons within supportive community rather than in isolation. In my own experience, it never helps to withdraw or avoid the pain in my life, and yet it is a recurrent defense mechanism I gravitate towards. But in the past years, I have personally seen the redemptive healing and joy that comes out of vulnerability through the hard stuff, trusting friends and church community to come alongside me during seasons of loneliness, anxiety, and bitterness. The encouragement and Truth-filled words they spoke over my life were a soothing balm when my own mind was filled with negativity, despair, sorrow, and a threaten sense of self and identity. And that is what this small but powerful book is all about. Slater divided the chapters into different areas where we can experience loss and sorrow, titling the chapters Control, Relationships, Home, Jobs, Dreams, Health, and Life. Within each chapter, she shared personal accounts of her own loss and sorrow, such as her husband's season of job loss, her own battle with crippling anxiety, the heartbreak of miscarriage, and a loss of her dream career in exchange for a homeschooling, stay-at-home-mom. Her humility, vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom shine through this book, which makes it relatable. She offers practical steps in bringing community into each of these areas of loss rather than trying to carry the burdens alone. I found it a very useful resource that I know I will return to, either for my own future seasons of loss, whatever they may look like, or to be learn to be a more supportive and intentional shoulder to lean on whenever people in my life are experiencing loss.
May 23, 2018
Book 28 this year. This book is primarily about leaning into God during times of difficulty and tragedy. But the author explains that one way God ministers to us is through our relationships with others. We aren't destined to be "lone heroes". Our Creator wants us to be "raw and vulnerable and broken with each other." And that's how grieving gives birth to growth in us. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.
November 1, 2017
This book is a beautifully written look at the harder times of life and how to find hope in God’s Word and in community with others. I greatly appreciated the author’s authenticity and vulnerability in sharing her struggles. This will be an encouragement to those facing struggles of any kind!
October 9, 2017
“Braving Sorrow Together” is a tough book to read because it brought me face-to-face with grief from relationships that aren’t what I hoped they would be. But author Ashleigh Slater doesn’t leave me there in the pit of hard memories. With her words, she points me to Jesus and reminds me God has given me a community that also doesn’t look like I expect in the best ways possible. We have to grieve what we’ve lost to make room for the new things God is doing.
What I’ve learned from my sorrowful days of when my father-in-law died unexpectedly seven years ago, when Greg and I experienced infertility when we wanted to start a family more than a decade ago, when I walked with my best friend through a hard season in her marriage, and most recently when my grandpa is that we are better together and the joy does come. Ashleigh captures these mixed emotions and that makes reading her words valuable because we’ve all known sorrow.
This book shares truth Ashleigh learned through her own heartache, includes stories from others, references unchanging Bible verses, and ends with a guide help foster community in your own life.
What I’ve learned from my sorrowful days of when my father-in-law died unexpectedly seven years ago, when Greg and I experienced infertility when we wanted to start a family more than a decade ago, when I walked with my best friend through a hard season in her marriage, and most recently when my grandpa is that we are better together and the joy does come. Ashleigh captures these mixed emotions and that makes reading her words valuable because we’ve all known sorrow.
This book shares truth Ashleigh learned through her own heartache, includes stories from others, references unchanging Bible verses, and ends with a guide help foster community in your own life.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews