Making Peace with Change: Navigating Life's Messy Transitions with Honesty and Grace

by Gina Brenna Butz

Change is hard. Really hard. Whether it’s something wonderful like a job promotion or devastating like a difficult health diagnosis, change brings stress. As followers of Jesus, we know He is ultimately in control and yet we are too familiar with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty when our circumstances change.
 
Gina Brenna Butz assures us that the God who loves us is working for good for us in transition, no matter how messy it is. We don’t have to resign ourselves to just coping with the change or merely trying to survive it. She shows us how, instead, we can make peace with change.
 
Gina has experienced God’s faithfulness through many seasons of transition. With warmth and wisdom, she shares personal stories and explores biblical principles that will help you trust God in your seasons of change and stress.
 
While our world is ever-changing, be reminded that your hope is secure in the One who is “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
 

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you resist change or seek it out, Gina Butz will lead you through it with peace and grace and some great stories. If transitions unsettle you, she will hand you an anchor that holds. And if anything new is a great adventure for you, Making Peace with Change will steer you to wise choices and solid ground. Firmly rooted in God’s Word and Butz’s personal experiences, this book will provide strong lifelines for your journey.

[Ingrid Lochamire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both inspirational and practical, Making Peace with Change speaks to all of us. Life is riddled with changes, some huge, many small and seemingly inconsequential. The author shares her own struggles with change and gives heart-felt, practical encouragement for finding the good in circumstances beyond our control and even those we chose.

[April Yamasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to read this book before the official release, and I so appreciate the author's warm personal faith that shines through its pages. This is a book filled with hope and makes a delightful companion in the midst of change.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am familiar with Gina Butz's writing from following her blog and I received an advance copy of Making Peace with Change for review via Net Galley.

Making Peace with Change is not merely a compilation of her previous blog posts. It is an in-depth look at the topic of life's transitions and how to navigate them with God. I must admit that extrapolating the principles Gina sets forth and applying them to my own life required some work because some of her life experience examples did not deeply resonate with me. It is worth the effort as there are many nuggets of encouragement to be found. Perhaps a wider variety of real-life examples would appeal to a wider audience. Examples aside, there is much in this slim volume for any reader to chew on. I highlighted many passages and plan to go back for a second helping. 4.5 stars

[Kim Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read! Gina Butz, the author, writes in such a way as to empathize with, encourage, and embolden the reader to lean into and acknowledge the hard in the journey through change. Her personal experiences with change and the way in which God spoke to her and carried her through each of them so spoke to me in my own personal journey. I am grateful to her for her willingness to share and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through her to welcome us all into the peace and joy possible if we but quiet our restless hearts and listen to the “Gentle Whisper’ that comes from a Savior that promises to never leave us or forsake us. This is one book I will keep close to refer back to often. Great wisdom to be gleaned from reading it!

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Peace with Change: Navigating Life’s Messy Transitions with Honesty and Grace by Gina Brenna Butz

3 stars

“A friend of mine told me that when you move a plant, even from one room to another, it’s bound to wilt. It needs time to acclimate to its new surroundings. And so do we.”

Change is a given in life. Everyday you wake up, there is a new change to adjust to. However, there are also transitions. Huge life changes where your world is shaken up and everything you were planning doesn’t happen or you realize you were the planner and not God. Things fall apart or they come together. Transitions bring sorrow and joy. They can feel bad, but they are always for your own personal good. I am entering a huge season of transition. In all honesty, I feel like last semester and this current semester of college has been nothing, but major transitions. My first transition happened last semester when I started teaching twelve hours a week in a classroom with a mentor teacher while still being a full-time student. My second transition happened when I finished my last season of color guard and it’s weird after eight years to finally have closure while at the same time feeling like I had overstayed my welcome. My third transition has been teaching full-time this semester and barely being on my university campus which is hard for me because I don’t see my friends during the day or have autonomy anymore. I follow a strict and regimented schedule. These changes have been hard. Sometimes they have straight up sucked, but there has been more joy than I can even comprehend. God has been so good and loving to me while I struggle through these transitions. When I saw that there was a new Christian Living book coming out about finding peace with the transitions and changes in life, I jumped on the opportunity to pick it up. I read the opening introduction and thought I had found a new favorite book. My heart soared as Butz discussed change and growth while comparing it to flowers because that’s my Jesus jam and it will always make me giddy with excitement. It’s how God speaks to me. I hear His whisper in the flowers. However, most of the chapters in this book are mediocre chapters laced and buttered with sweet white girl Christianity. There are some beautiful sentences and great statements of encouragement, but I never really felt like Butz was calling me out and calling me to action. She was placating my already quiet soul and I was hungry for something besides what she provided. I would equate this book to eating a vanilla cupcake after you’ve eaten the icing. Once you lick it all off, it’s kind of sad while still being satisfying enough to finish eating. You just aren’t thrilled and you will probably forget that you even ate the cupcake by the end of the day. That was my experience, but it may not be yours. For that reason alone, if you feel an urge to pick this book up then DO IT.

“In choosing to grieve, we learn to worship the God who grieves with us.”

Betz really does have some great points on navigating hard situations and why staying in them can be beneficial as well as numbing and choosing to feel numb instead of processing emotions. My personal favorite chapter and why I truly believe God wanted me to read this book was Chapter 9: Navigating Grief. This chapter wrecked me and helped me process situations in my life where I had grieved, but refused to acknowledge that they were moments of grief. I would suggest picking this book up for that chapter alone because it was just that powerful. Betz is still a developing writer, but she has moments where she shines. I look forward to reading something else from her in the future.

Whimsical Writing Scale: 3

Plotastic Scale: 3

Cover Thoughts: I love this cover so much! I love the striking yellow leaf with a teal background. It automatically caught my eye when I first saw it.

Thank you, Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Making Peace with Change” profoundly reminds me how much grace I should be giving to myself during change... and how much others are in need of that also.

[Sandra McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so honored to a part of the team reading this pre-release. What I had no idea at the time I began reading, was what a HUGE role this would play in my life. Change has always been a part of my life, and I thought I would read this and say yep, true, I agree.... I never dreamed my husband and I would find ourselves facing a new normal, a change that was unfathomable. Each chapter has given me truths and encouragement to face these new challenges with the knowledge that God is here, in the messiness. We have acknowledged that "This is hard". And I am praying that I can accept "Every part of transition - every moment, interaction, emotion, challenge, surprise - is from the hands of a loving Father." Thank you, Gina for opening up your heart and sharing the tough stuff.

[Julie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thankful to get an advanced copy of the book to read because our family is in the midst of huge transitions right now. I know Gina from our time living overseas together and she is such a genuine, engaging person. Her book is also this way! She takes you along life lessons she has learned and let’s us see God in the mess! Thank you Gina for writing this book, it will bless everyone going through transition- all types of transitions. It is a book you will want to read many times throughout your life, because life is full of transitions, whether they are welcomed ones or not!

[Dara Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I got to read this book. I have been in transition for about 3 years now and it has been pretty challenging. Reading Gina’s book made me feel that there is somebody who really understands the blessings and hardships of living overseas. She put words into my experiences. The book is filled with honest personal stories, biblical and very practical guidelines how to navigate through changes that are part of our everyday lives.

The book is great encouragement for anybody who is facing any change not just physical move overseas. Highly recommended!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced transition and change. Although you may not have lived through the same situations, Gina leads you to solutions through God’s Word. She shares her personal experiences with transparency and truth. We need to be willing to give ourselves the grace that God richly offers. With that grace we will find His peace.

[Janna Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early advanced copy of this book and wanted to review it. First, I have to say, that while the book is directed toward missionaries and the inevitable transition of the missionary life, I found it to be very applicable to my life, as a mom who has raised four daughters and who can say that life is, so far, full of more change than I thought I could handle. The story of change, after all, is the story of all of our lives.Gina Butz writes with a calm, thoughtful voice and I found myself highlighting passage after passage. She shows her own journey of growth through her own stories of many moves, loss of friendships, and the rugged way of finding her own path when motherhood and new changes beyond that happened. Ultimately, she discusses well the way in which we, as Christians, live out what it means to trust God. I loved the book. I was challenged to open up my clenched fists and let God work his way, trusting that he is good and that this life is in fact, hard. I will return to this book again to remind myself that change is not easy but it is also an opportunity to relinquish control to God and rely on him more and more.

[Tammy Perlmutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina candidly reveals her struggles with life changes and the disequilibrium she experienced. She offers her readers practical, transformative truths to help us navigate circumstances when we are floundering in the riptide of transition. Butz invites us along on her journey through multiple life-altering transitions and proves to be an indispensable companion for our own.

[Rebecca Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change is hard, and Gina’s approach to making peace with it is realistic and hopeful. She doesn’t shy away from addressing our raw emotions and thoughts, the very things that make us human, in the midst of change. In telling her story she is refreshingly honest and shares helpful practices I plan to adapt in my own life during transition. Her work is grounded in scripture and a faithful love for Christ. It’s definitely a very wise and practical read!

[Ken Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading MPWC. After I finished, I felt as if someone had given me a much needed hug. The author deftly navigates authentic sharing with thoughtful quotes from other works and scripture that is spot on for each issue. It's a wonderful blend of thoughts and life experiences and the voice of a caring, loving God that creates a shameless place to explore the depths of my soul. It's like the author is saying, "it's gonna be ok."

[Heather Tacheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging book! Having lived overseas I could relate to many of Gina’s illustrations. It was a great reminder of God‘s constancy in the midst of change and the need for grace for ourselves and others in these times of transition. And with empty nest looming ahead, I’m sure I will go back to this book, it’s biblical foundations and the reminder that my identity is based on what God thinks of me— for encouragement and strength

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skimmed through this one again in preparation for a talk. Still one of my favorite books on transition.

[Ellen Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever found yourself in an unfamiliar season of life with this feeling of "am I the only one?" This book may be for you! Life is ever changing and Gina challenges us to live with a posture that isn't simply for that season, but for the long haul. What a game changer to be invited into tasting and seeing a "better" way of embracing and being present in the mess. The ever changing moments of life unearth many different things for each of us, Gina not only normalizes this but invites us to a place of honesty and grace. One where I know Jesus is waiting for me (and you too!) Thank You Gina for sharing your story and not keeping it to yourself!

[Dawn Domsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an opportunity to read Gina's book as part of pre-release launch team. As others have noted, while the circumstances may not be identical, we all experience transitions in every part of our lives. Gina brings life to those transitions and gives us permission to not only survive them, but to grow through those experiences. Her chapter on navigating grief is particularly insightful. As she pointed out, while our American culture tends to "allow" grief when mourning the passing of a loved one, it is critically important to our soul to identify, mourn and grow through other areas of loss in our life. Thank you Gina!

[Trisha 'Seymour' Caster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book feels like receiving a warm hug from a good friend! If you are preparing for a transition, in the midst of one, or if you've ever gone through a transition, this book will be an amazing help. Gina's conversational style of writing grounded in the truth of the Gospel will help guide you through the process of transition. Her relatable personal experiences will show you that you're not alone. And as Gina shares what God has taught her over her many transitions I believe you too will draw closer to God.
Truly a good read. It would also make a heart-felt gift.

[Kara Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent book, even though I'm not currently in transition. Written in a very personal and transparent way, it makes for an engaging story, as well as giving important spiritual principles. The ideas given apply more broadly - not just for periods of transition, but to live through any hard things in life!

[Emma Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great things here. I cried reading this book several times. If you are going through a transition or you are trying to walk with somebody through theirs I would recommend this book. It has put words to feelings, convicted me, and pushed me deeper in my thoughts and feelings in this season. I thought my transition was over, but the last half of this book knocked that idea away quickly. “The good news is that God uses transition to move us away from ourselves, away from our idols and false substitutions for life, and toward a greater dependence and rootedness in Him. Transition is a powerful tool in God’s hands to show us where we need to let some things die, let others go, to own and embrace at a deep level God’s truth and consistency in our lives.”

[David Bedolla G · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Librazo! Está en mi Top 5. Fue super refrescante para mi mente y corazón. Las transiciones son difíciles; involucran pérdidas, duelo, alegría, esperanza, expectativas, frustraciones, dudas, sentimientos de incompetencia y no ser comprendidos. Pero también Dios las usa para nuestro crecimiento y madurez; hay que aprovecharlas 😀.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like sitting down with a mentor who has been through it before and transparently shares her pains and wisdom, and continually points you to Jesus. Gina draws primarily on her own transition experiences (international moves, career changes, and motherhood) and overlays it with applicable truth from the Bible. Depending on the type of transitions you have faced (or will face in the near future), you will find multiple chapters of wisdom and encouragement. Even if you're not in the middle of a big transition, Gina's words are still encouraging as she speaks about unmet expectations and desires, grief, friendships, and more.

[Donna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good portion of my career has been spent helping families navigate transition. I have taught many times on the subject and experienced many of my own transitions as well. There some great resources out there on the topic of transition and I think this is one of the very best. Gina has woven her own story throughout the book so it is personal and genuine. I am currently in the midst of a huge life transition and reading Gina's book right now makes me feel like I have a friend walking beside me who understands, empathizes and gently pushes me towards growth and a deeper trust in God and in how He is using this transition in my life. I am confident that this will soon be a must have book on the topic of transition and I have ordered several copies already to give to friends in transition.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this thoughtful, practical, spiritually grounded book, author Gina Butz helps us to navigate through seasons of change. Few of us embrace change. It's too vulnerable, too messy, too out of control. Gina gets this and rather than spiritualize or offer weak platitudes, she gets down into the mess with us so that we can make it through with grace and some measure of peace. Her premise is that "transition isn't something to endure; it's one of the greatest gifts for our spiritual growth that God can give us."

[Morgan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOFF this book was written for Morgan Maier to read. (Thanks for the rec, cousin Paul!) I’ve never been good with change, and this book is full of important reminders and truths about our seasons of change.

[Rachel Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly worthwhile read! I would highly recommend for anyone walking through any kind of transition or life change.

These words met me in the middle of my mess right now and reminded my heart of truth while also feeling like an older sister was acknowledging and speaking into my hurt, which was so appreciated.

[Lisa Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me feel seen and feel normal for the daily emotional roller coaster I’ve gone through in the midst of moving overseas. Most importantly, each page of this book pointed me back to the unchanging Christ