Remember God

by Annie F. Downs

I know God is loving; I know He is good; I believe He is big and powerful. But sometimes I wonder if He is really kind— really deeply always kind.

Is He?

Christians love to talk about how God is in control, but that’s harder to grasp when things aren’t going like you thought they would, when your life looks quite different than you imagined.

For centuries, God’s people have been building altars to Him—to remind themselves and the people around them of His work. His goodness. His kindness. Stacks of stones. Altars. Temples. Cathedrals. Why? Because they believed God and wanted to remember Him.

In the back of my mind, God reminds me that He is the same trustworthy God—the One who always finishes the stories he starts. And this is my story—of wrestling with our God who gives a limp and a blessing. A God who is always kind even when my circumstances feel the opposite. God is who He says He is. He is kinder than you imagine. In a world where it is easy to forget who He is, we will not. We will remember God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Audiobook, Christian Living, Christianity, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God.

An author of three books-  Let's All Be Brave ,  Perfectly Unique , and  Speak Love , Annie also loves traveling around the country speaking to young women, college students, and adults.

Read more at anniefdowns.com  and follow her on Twitter @anniefdowns.

Reviews

[Laura Ellison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might be my last Annie F. Downs book. I have many conflicting feelings about this book and about some of her other ones as well. I think the thing I struggle with the most is the utter sadness over being single. I’m single as well and I struggle with identifying with women who make their singleness their identity to the point where there are daily tears over it. Focusing so much on my relationship status would mean I wouldn’t be focusing on things that really matter. I trust that God will bring the right guy at the right time and I will never cease being open minded and hearted and putting myself out there. But I won’t be bitter that I don’t have a life I clearly wasn’t meant to have. And it’s just hard to hear that in book after book. I get it, her reality doesn’t match her expectations. Change the expectations because getting mad about reality won’t help a soul and will just lead to bitterness. Annie, you aren’t married but you aren’t in a loveless marriage either. You aren’t married, but you have great friends. You aren’t married, but you have a job you love. You aren’t married, but you’ve traveled the world. You aren’t married, but you have lots of disposable income given the amount of coffee shops and dinners out referred to. There are always two ways to look at things and I felt like, without fail, Annie looks at the negative. There are people in so much worse circumstances and it was hard to hear a pity party.

I’m not even going to get started on the part about the List. Every single writer wants to be on it. Thankfully every single writer doesn’t wallow in self pity when it doesn’t happen. Be thankful the goal of being on the List helped you strive to write a great book and then determine that the next one will be even better. If anything, it was so clearly evident that being on the List was an idol and it was God’s grace that she didn’t get it. I truly hope she finds a way to start looking at things more positively and to stop focusing on her singleness so much.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I have a lot of thoughts on this book, you should read in its entirety or probably not at all**

This book confuses me, and I love it, but I also don't know how to feel about it.

I feel like I am in a similar season- one of needing to remember the things God has done, one of clinging to things that I don't see, one of ever-present tension between what I know and what I feel. And Annie does such a good job expressing this. And as I was listening (audiobook), I kept thinking, "But how does this all end?"

She says she's looking for LOVE- seemingly meaning a man and a significant relationship. And that her friends have told her that she will receive this love in the coming year. And that the Lord has told her, too. But as the chapters went on, and things seemed to just fall apart or walk out of her life, I thought, "Oh great. This ending is gonna be something totally cheesy about how she looks around and realizes God is love or that she has love from her friends or something metaphorical and not actual. Woop-ty doo." Which is kinda what happens. I actually had to listen to the last chapter twice because I just didn't get what she was so excited about. A prayer from a preacher? What? She seems to be really impressed by it, but I didn't get it. She talks about a specific man, but then never mentions him again? Did something happen with him? Did she get the love then lose it (since she is single as of now)?

The book almost feels undone. Like it's not finished. Like she didn't get what the Lord was seemingly promising her... but she still comes to the conclusion that the Lord is kind... kinda...

The ending makes me a little bitter. Almost like, "Well if that's the best that God has to offer it's pretty crappy and I'm sorry that you had to go through all that Annie." It doesn't make me declare that he is Kind. It doesn't make me want to trust him any more.

But then I think about all the implications: how even though our circumstances are not what we imagined, he IS still kind. He IS still good. And that sometimes we have to confess that without the tangible proof. And sometimes we can do everything "right" and it can still not be what we thought or what we wanted.

I appreciate that the ending of this story isn't, "And the Lord gave me everything I wanted, SEE? He is Kind!!" Because I think that's shallow faith, and I think that the Lord's kindness is not dependent on my circumstances or met needs.

So yes, I am confused and conflicted. I am bitter and content. I am questioning and declaring. Life's tensions, summed up (or added to?) in this book. A little treasure. Thanks, Annie.

[Sarah Fisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok hi wow. I ordered this book and then the same night just started listening to it because I couldn’t wait. PLEASE listen to it. Not only is Annie hilarious, she is also SO REAL. Listening to her heart break as she cried and read her words and then listening to her laugh as she remembered God and saw the way he moved and cared specifically and personally for her was so impactful on my own heart. I found myself rewinding and listening to parts over and over again. I’m thankful for this book and the way it reminded me of the stories God writes for us and how they don’t ever look like the ones we pray he writes but that he is always kind, regardless. I will read it again and again. Please borrow my copy if you want to read it too!!!!

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book reads like a blog. It was not quite what I expected. It’s about the very personal experience of the author. As someone who relates very much to her situation in life, I saw myself in many of the moments she described. Ultimately, though, I found the book extremely emotionally based. The title led me to believe that God would be the focal point, but he was more like the side focal point...kind of. I think the author was vulnerable and honest, I just wish there was less of an entitlement towards what God owes us in life. I’m sure this book will touch many hearts, but for me, I mostly feel tossed around on a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. God’s kindness was referenced and looked for everywhere and she seemed to find it in the small and personal details that showed up, but she didn’t seem to find it in Jesus. Whether we’re married or single - Christ is God’s kindness in the flesh. He is the Bridegroom who fulfills every longing of our needy hearts. This is what gives us confidence in any circumstance. We don’t have to keep looking for clues and a mysterious word of the year... God’s kindness is that He loved and died for me and that one day, I will be with Him face to face and all will be restored to what it should be.

[Undine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe that Annie is angry with God because He hasn't given her a husband yet. Although, I deeply sympathise with her pain, I think she forgets that God doesn't owe us anything and yet he gave us everything when He sent His Son to die for our sins on the cross. God is not unkind because he doesn't react like a magic genie. Just because you pray for something doesn't mean it's in God's plan. Some of us are called to singleness, because it's the best way we can serve God. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 7: " 7 Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

8-9 I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single."

You can't decide for yourself what you are called for, you have to ask God how he wants to use you.

The other part that bother me is the part where Annie threw an adult tantrum because she was losing a game of chute and ladders to a 5 year old little boy. She even admits that the game is totally random, yet she gets "anger goosebumps" when Troy beats her. I thought that was completely irrational.

Lastly, it feels like the book doesn't have a point. It's full of little anecdotes about the author's life, but which are not really interesting to a stranger and don't add anything theologically to my life. It's like she accidentally published her personal journal. And there is a total lack of the mention of Scripture.

This is a book that claims to be about God, but it's actually about who Annie is and how she expects God to treat her based on who she thinks she is.

[Aberdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

**going to be on my best-books-of-2018 list**

Please, please, please experience this through the audiobook. Even if you don't normally like audiobooks, listening to Annie share the story in her own voice is an incredibly moving, absorbing experience. She's a popular podcaster with a unique voice (which I personally love) that is just as vulnerable and open as her words are. Listening to this book was like getting to walk by someone’s side through their journey.

And that's where a lot of criticisms of this book I've seen come from, from the fact that Annie's story is an ongoing journey: People don't like the emotional ups and downs and the fact that it's kind of unfinished. I can understand why that wouldn't appeal to everyone—maybe I didn't mind because I feel like I am the same phase right now, an emotionally intense time of continually having to trust God despite nothing looking like I expected. Not everyone is there. I get that.

The biggest criticisms I disagree with are that the book feels unfinished, it is not tied with a pretty bow, and there isn't one clear, shining lesson or answer to her struggles. In my opinion, those things are not problems. In fact, I think we need more books that have those things in them. I have read many stories of people going through hard times, and they are all written once they have come through to the other side—either the author has finally gotten what they desired or they have discerned and reconciled themselves to the clear lesson/truth God wanted to impart. But so rarely do people write from in the midst of that struggle, before the season of mourning has passed and before they are completely settled in God’s will.

It is so encouraging to read about how people can look back and see all the good that came from their suffering. But it is perhaps even more powerful and encouraging to read about the suffering and the struggle itself, how you get glimpses of what good thing is at work but it is still hard and you still do not like it.

Annie is honest, and I love, I just love seeing her work through her relationship with God. I love seeing what another person's walk with God looks like, how it's different for everybody and yet how, fundamentally, it is the same because the One we are in a relationship with is the same. That's the whole point of the book— to remember God. To keep turning your gaze to him even when you're angry with him and disappointed with him and maybe just tired of him.

Also, I understand people’s annoyance with her seemingly overdramatic response to not being on the List and even just her disappointment in being single. Obviously, there are far, far worse lots in life. Maybe I'm unable to view this objectively because her struggles feel so similar to mine (your life not turning out at all how you expected), but I think, so what if her disappointments are vain and petty compared to the life-and-death situations of others? They are the disappointments God has given her, and so they are the ones she is working through and writing about. It's not her fault that she doesn't struggle with, say, poverty or cancer. Again, I know it's easy to say that when you're not struggling with those more serious issues and it's true that she, and I, really have nothing to complain about in the grand scheme of things. But that doesn't prevent us from wanting to complain. And just because our problems are small does not invalidate them or prevent us from being able to glorify God through them.

Anyway. This book made me cry. It pushed me to God. I left it feeling a little confused, like, what was the point of this book? But I think that is the point. That you don't often know what the point of all your experiences are and that you aren't supposed to. You are just supposed to keep turning to God.

Maybe that doesn't sound very encouraging. Maybe that makes you feel bitter and annoyed. I think it would've made me feel that way even a few months ago. If so, I encourage you to read it (*chants* the audiobook, the audiobook) because she shows you her own bitterness and brokenness and invites you into her own questions and somehow, that's better than some theological answer.

[Lee Nienhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking book. Truly. Annie rawly and powerfully engages readers with her journey of believing God amidst confusion, disappointment and victory. I found myself in this story and although I adore Annie, our stories are different. I was married at 20, with 4 kids by 30. And yet, it seems the mystery of believers is God is very much the same. I loved every word.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I. Will. Remember. I will remember God." Perhaps the most beautiful ending to a book I have ever read, a book that was "supposed to have a pretty ending tied with a bow". You can't get more honest than this. We all have limps that were 0ut there by God's allowance. But it is those very limps that cause us to look back. To go back in time to when those limps first took root. And to say, I remember. I will remember You in Your kindness when I look at my own pain and my own journey. Because we are never alone. Our journeys are all side by side with God and THAT is worth remembering. *I read this via audiobook because the physical book still has about a month to go. When it comes, I will read it and take notes. And then I will read it again while listening again.* I will never get enough of this vulnerable, fragile voice on God's goodness and His love. Thank you, Annie. Keep doing the thing. 1-12-19 Yep. Still just as good the 2nd time around.

[Michelle Weeks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently heard the author speak at an event, and she was a good speaker with a good message. That made me definitely expect more from this book. Unfortunately, I found the book to be a rambling, disjointed, and not particularly well-written pity party over the author's still being single in her 30's. I suppose the author felt she was being raw and honest, but it made her come across as shallow to me--I truly didn't get how the title "Remember God" fit her narrative; she wasn't remembering God, she was bemoaning the fact that God wasn't answering her agenda even though she truly believed and had others believing for her. I haven't read any of her other books to compare, but nothing in this one would make me want to pick up another one of hers.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is every bit as good as you all said it would be. Read it cover to cover this morning (perks of actually waking up at 5:30 instead of snoozing!) and was CRYING by the last few chapters. I’ve long been a fan (and felt like a friend) of Annie and I’m just so dang grateful for the way she shares her heart so vulnerably, honestly, and bravely in this book. This is her best work by far, and I don’t think it’s a surprise that it was also the hardest for her to write — it feels raw and real in the most mighty and stunning ways and it’s just such a gift to this world. I need to daily if not hourly if not EVERY DANG SECOND remember God and His kindness, and I’m just so moved by Annie’s story of learning to do the same. OOF THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD, JUST READ IT AND FEEL THE FEELS WITH ME OKAY

[Carrie Kann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many thoughts on this book but I'm only going to give you a few. First, this book is a GIFT. I have so much respect for a story that is smack dab in the messy middle and doesn't tie it all up in a neat bow at the end - because that's how life is, isn't it? Messy, and very rarely all tied up neatly.

I bawled my way through this book. Not just teared up, but full on ugly cried. It was the exact book I needed to read in my current moment, current season, and I love when God does this.

Thank you Annie for telling an unfinished story, for inviting us in to those dark, difficult places, and telling us again that you are choosing to believe in the kindness and faithfulness of God.

[Schuyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Annie's bright spirit, and her reading the audiobook was an extra treat. This book wrenched my soul as she deals with disappointment. I deeply appreciate her honesty.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite Annie book so far. It was refreshing to see her so honest with her readers and rather encouraging to know I am not alone in many of the same struggles she wrote about.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie is amazing, 100% awesome. I gobble up all her books and this time I preordered and got the free audio version. I didn’t think Annie’s books could be better but listening to her tell her stories, that was the better. So so good. Honest. Raw. Joyful. Heartbreak. Travel. It’s got it all. And most importantly? It points back to God. All of it. I cried at the end, because God is so faithful and so kind towards us and sometimes he surprises us in the most unexpected ways. Highly recommend this book!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't quite get enough of Annie F. Downs. I crave authenticity, and this writing is as genuine as it comes. The audiobook was a gift to my heart. Is God kind? How can you be sure even when things don't turn out how you want or hoped they would? What happens when disappointment is so thick it suffocates? Downs shares her personal story and how she was able to see God's love through the darkness. In the process, she also pushes her readers to #RememberGod

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Scarlet Hiltibidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Beautifully written, honest, God-honoring testimony of walking with Jesus when life isn’t turning out as you hoped. The way Annie interacts with God inspires me. ❤️

[Allison Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie just gets it. Thankful for the words God has sent to her for people like me who need them. Annie F. Downs fan for life!

[Sarah Skutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a blessing!

[Carlissa Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book was structured and how it echoes so much of life with God. Who God is in the disappointment and how we continue in a relationship with Him despite it. Ironically, I love how the book didn't have a satisfying end and instead pushed me towards God. It pushed me to remember God in the moments of hardship and be honest with Him about where I'm at. And that is the core of the Christian life with God.

[Faith]

8/9-8/11/25 - DNF @21%

[Amanda Anger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book in less than 3 days, because I connected so strongly with Annie and what she was writing from her heart. I felt like she was reading pages from my own journal as she shared the deep struggles in her relationship with God. It was refreshing and encouraging and motivating and convicting to know that Annie, an author I respect, wrestles with the same doubts I've hidden and only confided to a few trusted souls. What a beautiful and vulnerable book! I learned side-by-side some of the lessons that God taught Annie, and know that there is more that God wants to teach me, but there are some lessons I must walk through with God alone. These words from Annie encourage me that I can wrestle in these deep places with God and know that He is kind.

*Edited for re-read: Still a favorite book, even favoriter now, I think. I read it in 2 days this time, wept almost the whole time (except for when Annie made me laugh). I loooove that she narrates this herself. You can hear her emotion throughout, which added to the personal aspect of the book. Highly recommend, and will be rereading again, I'm sure.

[Lynn Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so refreshing to read a book about faith and spirituality in which the author questions God's goodness. My problem with many books about God is that they are so packed with positivity that it's hard to read them without feeling like you're the only one who has ever had doubts and fears, wondering how tragedies can happen if God really is kind..

I wasn't expecting answers from Annie F. Downs, the author of Remember God. None of us can know His mind and explain everything that happens. But it's reassuring to connect with someone, through the pages of a book, who has shared my questions and concerns.

I appreciated how she shared her life with me as a reader, and felt reassured that yes, God is kind, and we do need to remember that. We need to remember God.

Thank you for your words, Annie F. Downs, I highly recommend this book.

[Julie Paden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what my heart needed. I’ve noticed that most people talk about struggles in the past tense, especially in church - only after we’ve been healed and changed do we disclose that we went through some incredibly hard things. It can feel pretty discouraging when you’re in the middle of struggle. I believe God is capable of miraculously healing people in a moment, but a lot of times healing is a (sometimes very long) process. And people aren’t often brave enough to share their story before it has a “happy ending”. So thank you Annie, for doing the hard work of baring your heart while you’re still in the middle of the struggle and the healing. It’s beautiful and I am so encouraged by your story 💕

[Jillian Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always remember “this is your sweet spot.” This really spoke to me in terms of longing for and grieving the little girl I don’t have, but coming to realize the kindnesses that have afforded me four boys and a ministry of women to mother. I also really resonated with her feelings of her pastor leaving at the end of the book. I love Annie’s way of writing that though so vulnerable, made me laugh often with the often seemingly unnecessary but actually SO necessary details- like when she typed a meaningful typo. This was rich and real and will give you a good healthy cry laugh prayer. All in one.

[Anna McCarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want Annie Downs to be my best friend. I can’t normally read non-fiction books because I have a hard time following along. That wasn’t the case with this book. Annie writes as if she is sitting across from you in a coffee shop telling you her story. So much of what she wrote about is my life. She is honest about her struggles with God, but reminds us of the truth about who he is. I loved it. I love her.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness. The audio book felt like a long walk with a friend who was open and vulnerable about their journey. I am so thankful for the way Annie shares about her relationship with God. Thank you Annie.

[Kim Hopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if everyone will be able to relate to this like I did, but it is very applicable to my life right now so it was a hard but good read.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I had heard of the author before this was the first book I've read. While it had some good things and I understand that the author was trying to be real and vulnerable it came across rather self centered, and rambling to me. It seemed like she was always looking for that emotional high, for God speaking to her through friends and experiences. Again I understand she wanted to be authentic but some of her conversations with The Lord were rather indignant and disrespectful. I know God knows our hearts and thoughts but He is still God and still deserves our awe and respect! It didn't have a lot of Bible and the "Bible" it did have was 75% from the Message.🙄 The last few chapters were the best, and her stories were good. I just had trouble following along and keeping up with were she was going half the time.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book that ended quite like this book does. It took a lot of courage to write and publish a book where the story is technically unfinished. But in reality, that is how walking with God really is. What looks to us to be a terribly mess is to God, an intricate tapestry of love poured into our lives. When I was 36 and unmarried, I would have appreciated this book. Now that I am 46, and married, I think that I appreciate it even more. I look back on my life at that time, and I was going through a very similar life lesson with God. He wanted to show me how much He loved me. That lesson was hard to live through, but I am thankful every day that I learned it before I got married. Even if I was still unmarried today, I would be so thankful to God for allowing me to experience his true love.