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Unbroken Faith
"How could God let this happen? I can't do this! How can my child have a meaningful life? Where is God in all this?" When a parent hears that their child has a disability, hearts and hopes are broken. But faith doesn't have to be. Unbroken Faith identifies and treats the crippling fear, guilt, and inadequacy that parents of children with special needs can encounter. Diane Dokko Kim comes alongside families as a fellow special-needs parent to help reconcile the premise of a good God with the devastating realities of raising a child with disability. Diane courageously articulates deep-seated, unspoken doubts and fears you may have but are afraid to voice: Dokko Kim's biblical-based encouragement will help you understand that you are not alone, that God gets it, and that God's Word is entirely relevant to the raw and messy yet hallowed spaces of special needs parenting.
- GenresNonfictionParenting
239 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
49 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 20, 2018
It would offend my sensibilities to give this book any less than five stars.
I wanted to underline every word of Unbroken Faith. Diane Kim doesn’t waste words. She crafts each sentence with meticulous skill; there is no fluff. Sometimes when authors include scripture passages in their text, I skim over them, thinking, “Yeah, I’ve read that one before.” With Kim’s book, I hung on every word because it’s so relevant and affecting. She weaves scripture into her text in a way that makes it come alive in a fresh way.
Another aspect of the book that stood out to me was the masterful way she intertwines her point of view as the parent of a child with special needs, biblical figures who struggled with the same questions she faces, and the perspective of God as he views us as his children with special needs.
Throughout the book, I saw how the questions she asks apply to my own experience, specifically regarding areas of hurt, devastating losses, and difficult diagnoses, among others. I knew she truly understood the overwhelming feelings I have experienced in those situations, even though I have never experienced life as the mother of a special needs child.
This realization gradually rose as I read until I suddenly saw myself as a child with special needs and God as the parent who longed to do everything in his power to care for me. I was completely undone when I read how she tried to get her child to speak to her. Despite her own to desire to simply give him what he wanted, Kim encouraged her son to practice the communication skills he was learning to request the item. Reading this exchange left me in a puddle of healing tears. The abuse and trauma I experienced growing up made it difficult for me to figure out how to talk to God. I imagine he is just as overjoyed every time I speak to him.
I received this Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
I wanted to underline every word of Unbroken Faith. Diane Kim doesn’t waste words. She crafts each sentence with meticulous skill; there is no fluff. Sometimes when authors include scripture passages in their text, I skim over them, thinking, “Yeah, I’ve read that one before.” With Kim’s book, I hung on every word because it’s so relevant and affecting. She weaves scripture into her text in a way that makes it come alive in a fresh way.
Another aspect of the book that stood out to me was the masterful way she intertwines her point of view as the parent of a child with special needs, biblical figures who struggled with the same questions she faces, and the perspective of God as he views us as his children with special needs.
Throughout the book, I saw how the questions she asks apply to my own experience, specifically regarding areas of hurt, devastating losses, and difficult diagnoses, among others. I knew she truly understood the overwhelming feelings I have experienced in those situations, even though I have never experienced life as the mother of a special needs child.
This realization gradually rose as I read until I suddenly saw myself as a child with special needs and God as the parent who longed to do everything in his power to care for me. I was completely undone when I read how she tried to get her child to speak to her. Despite her own to desire to simply give him what he wanted, Kim encouraged her son to practice the communication skills he was learning to request the item. Reading this exchange left me in a puddle of healing tears. The abuse and trauma I experienced growing up made it difficult for me to figure out how to talk to God. I imagine he is just as overjoyed every time I speak to him.
I received this Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
March 19, 2018
Diane's book, Unbroken Faith, captures so many of the thoughts and feelings that parents of special needs children go through. I love how she points us to God as the one who can handle our feelings of frustration, heartache, loneliness, despair, and helplessness. She points to specific scriptures to remind us of God's promises as a reminder that he is trustworthy and good even when we don't understand why our family is travelling this challenging road. He has a bigger picture and purpose that we may not always understand and we can gain strength and rest when we trust Him with our journey. Thank you Diane for your vulnerable sharing and guidance. I know I will continue to pick this book up when I am having a hard day and need to be grounded in God's truth and promises.
January 17, 2018
The importance of a book like this really should speak for itself, but I will be glad to speak for it. Diane Dokko Kim's work, Unbroken Faith, speaks (of course) to faith, but also to dealing with difficult circumstances in life.
The book is therapeutic and meditative in its approach, and Kim is thoughtful and articulate throughout. While I have never had the experience described in this book, I worked with special needs students (and their parents).
I would recommend this book as a source of companionship and wisdom for anyone dealing with such a very special and unique situation.
This post is currently on my blog, dehartreadingandlitresources.blogspot.com, and will remain archived there. Please let me know and I will only make it available within a few weeks of the book's release.
The book is therapeutic and meditative in its approach, and Kim is thoughtful and articulate throughout. While I have never had the experience described in this book, I worked with special needs students (and their parents).
I would recommend this book as a source of companionship and wisdom for anyone dealing with such a very special and unique situation.
This post is currently on my blog, dehartreadingandlitresources.blogspot.com, and will remain archived there. Please let me know and I will only make it available within a few weeks of the book's release.
January 1, 2021
So raw and real and full of Incredible truth. She was a missionary, go getter, and a mom full of dreams until her son was diagnosed with severe autism. I felt so known by all of the thoughts she shared from her journal after the diagnosis. God used this book to change my heart in indescribable ways.
April 3, 2018
This is the first book I have read that has given me HOPE! I have battled hopelessness for years as a mother of a special needs child. This book is so uplifting, encouraging, and enriching! The author is so honest, but at the same time weaves humor into describing life with disability. She points me to Jesus and the Bible for REAL answers and help to live this life. There is someone who UNDERSTANDS! Like page 97, “We long to fit in like everybody else, but “normal” now feels hopelessly out of reach. For us, normal has become the new weird.” On page 99, “Special-needs parenting is an uncommon experience. Our children drive us to cling to Him daily with an unceasing desperation “normal” parents may never know.” Page 139, “We are “just a mom” like God is just a Father… What feels like prison, God can repurpose into a pulpit.” I can recommend almost no author living today more than Diane Dokko Kim. The most helpful book I have ever read regarding having a loved one with a disability.
April 3, 2018
Diane Dokko Kim is witty, raw, and honest about her special needs parenting journey. Unbroken Faith is a phenomenal book for special needs parents and for anyone facing life-altering, difficult circumstances. With short chapters, prayers, Scriptural support and questions at the end of each chapter, the reader is able to work through tough issues, find encouragement and strength to press on, even when the “season” is unending. Diane writes with creativity that keeps readers engaged, sometimes crying and often laughing. As a parent of twins with profound disabilities, this book has helped and encouraged me immensely. As a Disability Ministry trainer and speaker, I’m thrilled to have such an excellent resource to pass on to other special needs parents and anyone affected by disability or suffering.
April 2, 2018
I've never written reviews for books I read, but this book - How can I not share how I love this book when it is such a precious gem?
I couldn't stop reading it until to the end of the book. I haven’t read a book that will make me laugh and cry at the same time; I haven’t read a book that makes me kept on nodding my head, agreeing and saying “Amen”; I haven’t read a book that is like what I have been feeling all these past 20 years. Even though each story might bring tears, memories of past pain, hurts and despair, yet each chapter brings bigger smiles, greater joy and abundant hope, and in no time, I found myself writing Amen on the side, underlining almost every page, scribbling notes everywhere, and tagging asterisks next to important points. How I wish this book was available when my son was diagnosed 20 years ago!
But it’s never too late. 20 years later, being a seasoned special needs mom who had gone through a lot of ups and downs, this book helps me more than I could ever think of. Each chapter starts with Diane’s story, followed by a Bible story which relates to her story. Then she added her insights and reflections, and the best part is at the end, a prayer and questions that really help me to pray, process, and spend time at the Lord’s feet.
There are so many precious gems in this book. I am feeling like digging treasures out of a treasure box! I’m sharing several here. But you’ve to find your own treasures. (If you don't want spoilers, stop here)
*****Spoilers below:*****
(pg 132): “We may not have had a choice in how our children were born. But we do have a choice in how we respond. When we release our grip from tightly held notions of how God should be....we can experience the full measure of all God intended.“ ;
(pg 137) “God makes our prisons into pulpits” - so true! So embrace my prison and take advantage of my platform and change it to my pulpit!
Chapter 23 is my favorite as it speaks about my fear: parents can never die. Who will take care of my child when I die? This is the fear of every special needs parents. Our children cannot afford to have us die. At the end of the chapter, the questions helped me to process, especially this one: “How do you distinguish between your response and God’s sovereignty? What are the parts only you can do versus what only God can do?” Of course I need to surrender my control.
Guilt-I admit I carry lots of guilts. Being a mom, who to blame when you find no one but yourself? Chapter 24 to the rescue! “God does not hold us responsible for causing our child’s disability. But He does hold us responsible for our response to it…. He is a redeeming God.”
Hope - “Seek His face, not His hands” - stop comparing with others - why others received healing and miracles but not me? “But the work of God also includes the ability to sing, ‘It is well’ when all is not”; “It is the inexplicable exchange of resentment and cynicism with defiant hope and joy.”
Oh, I love this one: Critical care for parents: This is so important. Diane said it so well: “Our son was disabled: I was spiritually crippled. Both of us needed urgent intervention. But the therapists only came for him….spiritual poverty is a universal condition“. “Jesus aim is not to merely dress a wound but heal it from within. He desires truth in our innermost parts”; “Our child’s disability is not our only pressing need. We each have our own internal impairments that go long untreated too. Our children may require urgent care. But our souls need critical care as well”. Such good reminders! How do we take care of our children if we don’t take care of ourselves?! Through some of her stories, I have recognized that I haven’t gone through my grieving process/had cut short it (the loss of potential for my son’s future and mine too). We all need to take care of ourselves too.
The last gem I’m going to share is her advice not to underestimate our children. This is in Chapter 27. If we do that, it is the same as we “lowball the miracles God can do”! So, go to God with a heart of “Come and see….”
In the final chapter of the book, we can see the spiritual victories Diane acquired. “Disability would deliver me from a “country club” type of Christianity; … shattered her armchair religion,,,, into an unbreakable faith….” Her final words: “God will heal and fill our deepest disappointments with incomparable blessing….Leave room for wonder and hope for the future.”
I am jumping with joy and hope. Thank you Diane for your book. So go and get her book and ready to jump with joy and hope too!
I couldn't stop reading it until to the end of the book. I haven’t read a book that will make me laugh and cry at the same time; I haven’t read a book that makes me kept on nodding my head, agreeing and saying “Amen”; I haven’t read a book that is like what I have been feeling all these past 20 years. Even though each story might bring tears, memories of past pain, hurts and despair, yet each chapter brings bigger smiles, greater joy and abundant hope, and in no time, I found myself writing Amen on the side, underlining almost every page, scribbling notes everywhere, and tagging asterisks next to important points. How I wish this book was available when my son was diagnosed 20 years ago!
But it’s never too late. 20 years later, being a seasoned special needs mom who had gone through a lot of ups and downs, this book helps me more than I could ever think of. Each chapter starts with Diane’s story, followed by a Bible story which relates to her story. Then she added her insights and reflections, and the best part is at the end, a prayer and questions that really help me to pray, process, and spend time at the Lord’s feet.
There are so many precious gems in this book. I am feeling like digging treasures out of a treasure box! I’m sharing several here. But you’ve to find your own treasures. (If you don't want spoilers, stop here)
*****Spoilers below:*****
(pg 132): “We may not have had a choice in how our children were born. But we do have a choice in how we respond. When we release our grip from tightly held notions of how God should be....we can experience the full measure of all God intended.“ ;
(pg 137) “God makes our prisons into pulpits” - so true! So embrace my prison and take advantage of my platform and change it to my pulpit!
Chapter 23 is my favorite as it speaks about my fear: parents can never die. Who will take care of my child when I die? This is the fear of every special needs parents. Our children cannot afford to have us die. At the end of the chapter, the questions helped me to process, especially this one: “How do you distinguish between your response and God’s sovereignty? What are the parts only you can do versus what only God can do?” Of course I need to surrender my control.
Guilt-I admit I carry lots of guilts. Being a mom, who to blame when you find no one but yourself? Chapter 24 to the rescue! “God does not hold us responsible for causing our child’s disability. But He does hold us responsible for our response to it…. He is a redeeming God.”
Hope - “Seek His face, not His hands” - stop comparing with others - why others received healing and miracles but not me? “But the work of God also includes the ability to sing, ‘It is well’ when all is not”; “It is the inexplicable exchange of resentment and cynicism with defiant hope and joy.”
Oh, I love this one: Critical care for parents: This is so important. Diane said it so well: “Our son was disabled: I was spiritually crippled. Both of us needed urgent intervention. But the therapists only came for him….spiritual poverty is a universal condition“. “Jesus aim is not to merely dress a wound but heal it from within. He desires truth in our innermost parts”; “Our child’s disability is not our only pressing need. We each have our own internal impairments that go long untreated too. Our children may require urgent care. But our souls need critical care as well”. Such good reminders! How do we take care of our children if we don’t take care of ourselves?! Through some of her stories, I have recognized that I haven’t gone through my grieving process/had cut short it (the loss of potential for my son’s future and mine too). We all need to take care of ourselves too.
The last gem I’m going to share is her advice not to underestimate our children. This is in Chapter 27. If we do that, it is the same as we “lowball the miracles God can do”! So, go to God with a heart of “Come and see….”
In the final chapter of the book, we can see the spiritual victories Diane acquired. “Disability would deliver me from a “country club” type of Christianity; … shattered her armchair religion,,,, into an unbreakable faith….” Her final words: “God will heal and fill our deepest disappointments with incomparable blessing….Leave room for wonder and hope for the future.”
I am jumping with joy and hope. Thank you Diane for your book. So go and get her book and ready to jump with joy and hope too!
April 3, 2018
If you are struggling as a parent, read this book. If you are grieving what could have been, read this book. If you are wondering where God is,read this book. If you think your suffering will never end, read this book. If you want to see who God is, in the bitter aspects of life, read this book.
If you want to be challenged to evaluate your faith,thinking, and comfortable Christianity, this book will lead you through the doubts, ugly thoughts, and wilderness you face and keep you pointed to who God is. To find His hope. To recognize before He rebuilds and restores, He often demolished and improved.
Especially if you have a child that has special needs,read this book. This author shares facing an autism diagnosis. A lifelong perspective changer and simplifier of a parents dreams. Instead of a vision of how much a child will accomplish in this life on earth, it becomes a wonder of, will my child ever....as the parent of a kiddo from a hard place, this book resonates with me. It seeks out my inner core. My heart when others say, what hope do we have? Is it worth it to endure,... will progress ever be achieved and maintained.
This devotional reminds me that it’s not my job to answer those questions. It’s my job to trust in the all knowing, loving,redeeming God who saved a wretch like me and know that He is able to use my child. Our family. For His glory and His good. Even if it’s only to show me that when I am weak, broken, at my last straw, He is directing me. He is strong. He is all I need.
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this well written book. The author shares her stories connects them to truths and people in the Bible. Gives unbreakable promises at the end of every chapter, a model prayer that synthesizes our needs and reminds us of how God meets those in His nature and character. And then helps us reflect on how the truth and question of the chapter might be found in our hearts and souls.
I’ve read many devotionals for special needs parents. This one is different. Dianne Dokko Kim loves the Lord, recognizes and eloquently shares who He is, and is a blessing and cheerleader for the reader to find her own unbroken faith. We all need this type of recovery program most days. I received an advance reader copy to review.
If you want to be challenged to evaluate your faith,thinking, and comfortable Christianity, this book will lead you through the doubts, ugly thoughts, and wilderness you face and keep you pointed to who God is. To find His hope. To recognize before He rebuilds and restores, He often demolished and improved.
Especially if you have a child that has special needs,read this book. This author shares facing an autism diagnosis. A lifelong perspective changer and simplifier of a parents dreams. Instead of a vision of how much a child will accomplish in this life on earth, it becomes a wonder of, will my child ever....as the parent of a kiddo from a hard place, this book resonates with me. It seeks out my inner core. My heart when others say, what hope do we have? Is it worth it to endure,... will progress ever be achieved and maintained.
This devotional reminds me that it’s not my job to answer those questions. It’s my job to trust in the all knowing, loving,redeeming God who saved a wretch like me and know that He is able to use my child. Our family. For His glory and His good. Even if it’s only to show me that when I am weak, broken, at my last straw, He is directing me. He is strong. He is all I need.
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this well written book. The author shares her stories connects them to truths and people in the Bible. Gives unbreakable promises at the end of every chapter, a model prayer that synthesizes our needs and reminds us of how God meets those in His nature and character. And then helps us reflect on how the truth and question of the chapter might be found in our hearts and souls.
I’ve read many devotionals for special needs parents. This one is different. Dianne Dokko Kim loves the Lord, recognizes and eloquently shares who He is, and is a blessing and cheerleader for the reader to find her own unbroken faith. We all need this type of recovery program most days. I received an advance reader copy to review.
April 2, 2018
Unbroken Faith by Diane Kim is a book like no other. Although her son has autism, every parent with a special needs child grapples with similar problems.
While her book is written primarily for parents of children with disabilities, as an adult with cerebral palsy, I was encouraged by it as well. The short and powerful chapters make it a delight to read. Each scripture in her book, seems like a peaceful oasis for our weary souls. Everyone is either impacted by the brokeness or our own. Unbroken Faith will definitely be helpful to anyone who is on a journey of healing.
While her book is written primarily for parents of children with disabilities, as an adult with cerebral palsy, I was encouraged by it as well. The short and powerful chapters make it a delight to read. Each scripture in her book, seems like a peaceful oasis for our weary souls. Everyone is either impacted by the brokeness or our own. Unbroken Faith will definitely be helpful to anyone who is on a journey of healing.
Read
April 3, 2018I received an advance copy of this book. Diane Dokko Kim's book, Unbroken Faith, is a must-read for parents of the autism community--and anyone who works alongside them. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. Kim knows the trenches of having a child diagnosed with autism, of navigating a life different from the one you anticipated. She writes her story with raw honesty and offers real hope.
April 2, 2018
Unbroken Faith is the book I needed when my sons were diagnosed with autism nearly two decades ago. Back then, I became an expert at researching leading-edge therapies and was driven to find a path and protocol to "defeat" autism. At the heart of my striving for a cure, though, was a deep sense of guilt that somehow this was my fault, coupled with anger at a world in which our family no longer made sense. What I lacked in those early years was a theology to make sense of God’s activity in and through my sons’ disability.
By sharing her own real-life experiences raising her son with autism, and the raw emotions they have provoked, readers find in Diane an empathetic friend. She communicates well the weight of special needs parenting, from diagnosis and through the various seasons of caregiving. In each chapter, she explores the reality of life with a child with a disability and acknowledges the emotions and pain common to so many of us—despair, fear, anger, isolation, confusion, a sense of being abandoned by God, etc. But she is also unafraid in proclaiming her hope in Christ and His faithfulness to guide and mature the Christian facing disability. "What I thought guaranteed certain death became the primary vehicle for proving God's goodness and the relevance of His word." Diane offers perspective-shifting insights as well as hope and comfort directly from God's word. Each chapter concludes with three helpful sections: Unbreakable Promises offers several passages of Scripture that her readers can meditate upon, or better yet, commit to memory. Immediately following, Diane offers a prayer--a model for surrendering to the Lord all that concerns our hearts. Finally, there are questions for reflecting on our own experiences. In her epilogue, Diane declares: "Our son has been the sharpest tool in heaven's drawer to chisel and transform his parents, brother, extended family, and community." I heartily agree! This has certainly been my own experience.
Rather than read straight through, these 29 short chapters could serve well as a daily devotional. I am thankful to have this companion for my own walk, but also as a gift to offer to moms new to the journey.
By sharing her own real-life experiences raising her son with autism, and the raw emotions they have provoked, readers find in Diane an empathetic friend. She communicates well the weight of special needs parenting, from diagnosis and through the various seasons of caregiving. In each chapter, she explores the reality of life with a child with a disability and acknowledges the emotions and pain common to so many of us—despair, fear, anger, isolation, confusion, a sense of being abandoned by God, etc. But she is also unafraid in proclaiming her hope in Christ and His faithfulness to guide and mature the Christian facing disability. "What I thought guaranteed certain death became the primary vehicle for proving God's goodness and the relevance of His word." Diane offers perspective-shifting insights as well as hope and comfort directly from God's word. Each chapter concludes with three helpful sections: Unbreakable Promises offers several passages of Scripture that her readers can meditate upon, or better yet, commit to memory. Immediately following, Diane offers a prayer--a model for surrendering to the Lord all that concerns our hearts. Finally, there are questions for reflecting on our own experiences. In her epilogue, Diane declares: "Our son has been the sharpest tool in heaven's drawer to chisel and transform his parents, brother, extended family, and community." I heartily agree! This has certainly been my own experience.
Rather than read straight through, these 29 short chapters could serve well as a daily devotional. I am thankful to have this companion for my own walk, but also as a gift to offer to moms new to the journey.
Read
April 3, 2018Diane Dokko Kim tells her story but she does so much more. Through a series of short, poignant chapters, she brings her life as a special needs parent off of the page. Instead of a book that gives advice and tells the reader what they should think, she gently invites the reader into a grief process that makes room for a different hope and purpose through God's grace and redemption. The layout of each chapter, which consists of a short story, relevant Bible passages and questions for the reader to "cement" the concept will be familiar to many who have done Bible studies. This is a book for the parent who is discouraged and for the family member or friend who want to better understand in order to say and do the things to bring comfort and connection to the special needs family. This is the book that, as someone said to me, "starts by putting words to the feelings that I experienced and did not comprehend the day we received our diagnosis" The relevant wisdom and practical insight woven into stories are a salve of hope to anyone who has been wrecked by the haunting words of diagnosis and seek redemption and repurpose. This is a book to not be a read once and put down, but a guide for daily living.
April 3, 2018
Diane Dokko Kim hits on so many of the struggles and thoughts that we have all had as Christian Special Needs Parents, but don't think we can say out loud: What could I have done? Is it okay to be angry with God? Why doesn't God "fix" my child? What good could come from this? I'm not the right parent for my child, and so many more. Often we fall into the trap of believing these are not the thoughts of "Good Christians". However, Diane reminds us that God is big enough to handle our doubts, that he encourages our questions, that he has not abandoned our children or us. Through sharing honest and real experiences from her own journey, along with the biblical promises that remind us of God's truth about Him, our children and ourselves, Diane walks the reader through the bewildering, overwhelming and often painful spaces of a special needs parent and reminds us that our God sees, loves and carries us through. As both a special needs parent and a special needs ministry director, I highly recommend this book for all special needs parents and those who minister to them.
April 6, 2023
Beautiful book! I related to so much of it
April 3, 2018
I just finished reading Unbroken Faith cover to cover and am even more blown away than I was when I read an unfinished version prior to writing my endorsement. Everything I wrote then still holds true: Parents who are navigating the world of disability with their children do, indeed, desperately need this book and Diane does ask the hard questions many are afraid to ask and answers with faith-filled honesty and humor. However in this reading, what I am most struck by is the spiritual depth of Diane’s insights: God has given her an astounding view into His heart. As she wrestled with Him over her son’s special needs diagnosis, she allowed Him to teach her deep truths that are not only critically applicable to other special needs parents but to each of us as well who question God in challenging times.
I had hoped to offer a single favorite quote or insight in this review, but found that I had highlighted several quotes in every chapter. I found favorite quotes that would warm the hearts of parents, favorite quotes that explain how these families have become so dear to my heart, favorite quotes that challenge us to suffer with those who are hurting, and other quotes that simply reveal how intimately God taught Diane as she openly expressed her questions. As Diane turned to scripture to discover God’s heart in her challenges, she found illustrations and lessons I’ve never considered including: Jesus seeking friends to quietly sit by His side in the Garden of Gethesmane, Moses lacking qualifications but being just the right person to do lead, Israelites facing the impossible, Jesus having a highly specialized Individual Education Plan (IEP) to prepare Peter to lead the new church, and—just as Diane has done in these pages—Psalmists crying out honestly to their Father.
Near the end of the book, Diane explains what we all can learn in our challenges: “(Disability) shattered my armchair religion and galvanized it into an unbreakable faith. God used disability to break and remold me, to make level paths so that my feeble faith could be held (Hebrews 12:13). Mary couldn’t possibly have conceived. Yet she did. I couldn’t have conceived being blessed by disability. Yet I was. GOD redeemed and repurposed our pain, for nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)”pg 192
Do not wait. Read this book and pass it on to others!
I had hoped to offer a single favorite quote or insight in this review, but found that I had highlighted several quotes in every chapter. I found favorite quotes that would warm the hearts of parents, favorite quotes that explain how these families have become so dear to my heart, favorite quotes that challenge us to suffer with those who are hurting, and other quotes that simply reveal how intimately God taught Diane as she openly expressed her questions. As Diane turned to scripture to discover God’s heart in her challenges, she found illustrations and lessons I’ve never considered including: Jesus seeking friends to quietly sit by His side in the Garden of Gethesmane, Moses lacking qualifications but being just the right person to do lead, Israelites facing the impossible, Jesus having a highly specialized Individual Education Plan (IEP) to prepare Peter to lead the new church, and—just as Diane has done in these pages—Psalmists crying out honestly to their Father.
Near the end of the book, Diane explains what we all can learn in our challenges: “(Disability) shattered my armchair religion and galvanized it into an unbreakable faith. God used disability to break and remold me, to make level paths so that my feeble faith could be held (Hebrews 12:13). Mary couldn’t possibly have conceived. Yet she did. I couldn’t have conceived being blessed by disability. Yet I was. GOD redeemed and repurposed our pain, for nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)”pg 192
Do not wait. Read this book and pass it on to others!
March 18, 2020
This books is specifically for Christian parents of children with disabilities who are struggling with the diagnosis. Diane Dokko Kim is quite raw as she shares her struggles coming to terms with her son being autistic. For those parents who have struggled in their faith too, this is a book that may put into words their feelings and remind them someone else has been there too.
Every chapter ends with scripture to encourage the struggling parent, a prayer, and journaling questions.
I found the journaling/discussion questions to be the most helpful sections of each chapter for parents at any stage of their journey. These make excellent questions for a support group or book study (and questions that are relevant and helpful even if you were unable to read the chapter).
I found my views on disability to be different from the author. I felt disability was often presented as a “refining fire” rather than a person (our kids). Yet, as a new parent trying to make sense of life impacted by disability, I would have found this book to be helpful. Back then, I wanted to know someone else had felt the same way I felt and know that someone else had wrestled with their faith as they grappled with the realities of parenting a child with a disability. I needed to find meaning, and purpose, and something to ground my faith when it felt it was spiraling.
Every chapter ends with scripture to encourage the struggling parent, a prayer, and journaling questions.
I found the journaling/discussion questions to be the most helpful sections of each chapter for parents at any stage of their journey. These make excellent questions for a support group or book study (and questions that are relevant and helpful even if you were unable to read the chapter).
I found my views on disability to be different from the author. I felt disability was often presented as a “refining fire” rather than a person (our kids). Yet, as a new parent trying to make sense of life impacted by disability, I would have found this book to be helpful. Back then, I wanted to know someone else had felt the same way I felt and know that someone else had wrestled with their faith as they grappled with the realities of parenting a child with a disability. I needed to find meaning, and purpose, and something to ground my faith when it felt it was spiraling.
January 20, 2018
I am a mother of an Autistic son. I also have a son that has sever ADHD with a sensory disorder and a son who is partially deaf, so I know about the ups and downs of have a disabled child. There is nothing more important than hope. Hope that you can have the strength to get through the tough times. Hope that your child will be ok. Hope that God will take care of you. This book was so full of despair that it actually made me really sad for the author.
I know that living with an autistic child is hard and the struggle is real, but reading about it without the hope of a tomorrow, just makes me want to give up.
Every chapter was full the "oh woe is me," that it was hard to find any hope in the Bible verse and quotes that filled most the book. Where is the hope? A strategically placed Bible verse does you know good if the author doesn't learn something from it, take strength from it.
The book read like a journal or daily devotional, which isn't a bad thing. Many mothers with special needs children would love an autism daily devotional with versus to strengthen them for the day and stories of how to overcome that pit of despair. With a little work, this book could become that.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I know that living with an autistic child is hard and the struggle is real, but reading about it without the hope of a tomorrow, just makes me want to give up.
Every chapter was full the "oh woe is me," that it was hard to find any hope in the Bible verse and quotes that filled most the book. Where is the hope? A strategically placed Bible verse does you know good if the author doesn't learn something from it, take strength from it.
The book read like a journal or daily devotional, which isn't a bad thing. Many mothers with special needs children would love an autism daily devotional with versus to strengthen them for the day and stories of how to overcome that pit of despair. With a little work, this book could become that.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
January 30, 2023
I have never read a book about special needs parenting that I felt “got me” as much as this one did. I wept multiple times while reading it and could have easily underlined every word. Before I even finished, I begged Kris to read it with me and re-started it a second time. The author writes with such candid and authenticity that I felt she was reading my mind and heart struggles. I loved how every question, doubt, frustration, grief, and pain was met with scripture that highlighted God’s character and how he understands what I’m going through by specific example. The unbreakable promises and talking points were instrumental in helping me think through how parenting autistic children has impacted my faith both positively and negatively. This book is such a huge blessing. I plan to purchase a copy for any friend I know that gets a diagnosis to help them on their journey. Truly a God-given and Holy Spirit inspired work of art. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for writing this!
July 22, 2018
Incredibly raw and honest, Dokko dives into the hard questions that parents of special needs children may find themselves thinking but be afraid (or feel guilty) asking. I personally couldn’t relate to a lot of the anger she felt when she first learned of her son’s diagnosis; she shared she was close to walking away from the faith at one point and questioned why God would allow this to happen after all she had done for Him. But it was encouraging to hear how God used her son to show her her own spiritual blindness (she confesses she had previously been more of a “county club Christian”) and sense of entitlement. This book is less about special needs per se and more about Dokko’s own journey of faith through caring for her autistic son.
April 20, 2018
Unbroken Faith will change your life! If you are a special needs parent, you know sorrow. You also know grief and maybe even death. The diagnoses your child bares is visible every day and often requires EVERYTHING from you! You are in a physical, mental, and spiritual battle. It never stops. You need reprieve!
Unbroken Faith will release your tethered soul. You will find freedom from things you didn’t even know you needed freedom in. With Diane’s personal story along with scripture, prayer, and challenging questions you will have a new testimony, a story to share with others. Healing will come to your heart, and your faith will be renewed.
Unbroken Faith will release your tethered soul. You will find freedom from things you didn’t even know you needed freedom in. With Diane’s personal story along with scripture, prayer, and challenging questions you will have a new testimony, a story to share with others. Healing will come to your heart, and your faith will be renewed.
May 22, 2020
Although my son does not have a disability, he does have a life-long disease that has caused quite a bit of upheaval in our lives and has left me deeply grieving at times. This book spoke to my soul. The author has a child with autism, but I could still relate to her words by replacing “autism” with “eosinophilic esophagitis”. I highly recommend this book for any parent struggling with a difficult diagnosis for a child.
June 11, 2023
Highly recommend for special needs parents. This book encourages us to recognize our needs that become exposed through our childrens' and shows us how we can grow spiritually deeper as a result.
"Trusting in God dies not exempt us from suffering. And suffering does not exempt us from trusting. Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life. The hunger of our souls must be satisfied in who He is, not just the solutions He can provide."
"Trusting in God dies not exempt us from suffering. And suffering does not exempt us from trusting. Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life. The hunger of our souls must be satisfied in who He is, not just the solutions He can provide."
March 12, 2022
A must read for special needs families and caregivers
The author gives a real and sometimes raw account of her journey as a special needs mum. My favourite part was the chapter on low expectations, I had tears in my eyes reading it and was suitably reminded as a special needs mum to always raise the bar. A grace filled book that offers hope in face of adversity.
The author gives a real and sometimes raw account of her journey as a special needs mum. My favourite part was the chapter on low expectations, I had tears in my eyes reading it and was suitably reminded as a special needs mum to always raise the bar. A grace filled book that offers hope in face of adversity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
This book was so well written and so raw but in a good way and covered so much for parents of children with special needs… so many thought provoking/hard/deep questions.. I loved it and will read again
December 28, 2025
Probably 2.5. It seems good for someone on the ground floor of a special needs diagnosis and/or new to the faith, and would work well in a book club or support group. The prayers and scriptures are good.
January 2, 2020
Excellent source of encouragement for special needs families and those who work with them. Short easy to read chapters. Love Diane's transparency and authenticity.
May 2, 2021
TREMENDOUS! This wash an amazing blend between personal story and instructional devotional.
July 19, 2021
not a huge fan of the beginning of the book but i like the development. by the end i was content with this read.
July 15, 2023
A good compilation of related Bible verses, but it supposes that all parents will go through the same emotions. It felt like a negative perspective at times.
April 11, 2018
Have you ever been wrecked by the way your life has taken twists and turns? Then this book is for you! I know that Diane Dokko Kim wrote this book for parents of special needs... however, I believe this book is for just about everyone. I'm a children's pastor, and I'm always looking for resources to better support parents of special needs children, which is why I picked up this book. However, I found myself relating to so much of the author's emotions of doubt, angst, confusion, and healing because my own life didn't turn out the way I had expected and hoped.
"We concede that God has power and authority to do as He wills. Yet we protest when He exercises that power in a way that doesn’t align with our wishes."
The author does an amazing job of laying out scripture as she digs into different thoughts and emotions of having to parent her son after his diagnosis. She is raw and very honest in sharing her emotions, which isn't always looked upon favorably especially in the church. But honest truth is... God gave us emotions... and He wants us to go to Him with all our anger, doubt, questions, and more. There is no emotion or experience that is new under the sun, as there is God's encouragement for every emotion/experience that feels unique to us. I really appreciated the author's heavenly, eternal perspective even in the midst of earthly pain and struggles.
"Our Father knows we are wounded. He grieves when we know not where to go with our pain. Our hurts are made worse when we suffer in silence. The God who desires truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6 NASB) grieves to see us remain isolated and paralyzed in our suffering."
I am so happy to add this book to my list of resources for those experiencing uncertainty, doubt, and pain. Diane Dokko Kim brings much encouragement as we get a glimpse of her painful journey... and realize God indeed repurposes our pain.
"God redeemed and repurposed our pain, for nothing is impossible with God."
"We concede that God has power and authority to do as He wills. Yet we protest when He exercises that power in a way that doesn’t align with our wishes."
The author does an amazing job of laying out scripture as she digs into different thoughts and emotions of having to parent her son after his diagnosis. She is raw and very honest in sharing her emotions, which isn't always looked upon favorably especially in the church. But honest truth is... God gave us emotions... and He wants us to go to Him with all our anger, doubt, questions, and more. There is no emotion or experience that is new under the sun, as there is God's encouragement for every emotion/experience that feels unique to us. I really appreciated the author's heavenly, eternal perspective even in the midst of earthly pain and struggles.
"Our Father knows we are wounded. He grieves when we know not where to go with our pain. Our hurts are made worse when we suffer in silence. The God who desires truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6 NASB) grieves to see us remain isolated and paralyzed in our suffering."
I am so happy to add this book to my list of resources for those experiencing uncertainty, doubt, and pain. Diane Dokko Kim brings much encouragement as we get a glimpse of her painful journey... and realize God indeed repurposes our pain.
"God redeemed and repurposed our pain, for nothing is impossible with God."
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