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Breathe Again: Choosing to Believe There’s More When Life Has Left You Broken
What Do You Do When It Seems God Hasn’t Come Through for You?
When the miracle-working God whom Pastor Stacy Henagan loved and served did not answer the prayers on behalf of her terminally ill one-year-old daughter as expected, she was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand.
How could a loving God allow this to happen?
What do you do when it seems God has let you down?
Is God trustworthy?
Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense.
When the miracle-working God whom Pastor Stacy Henagan loved and served did not answer the prayers on behalf of her terminally ill one-year-old daughter as expected, she was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand.
How could a loving God allow this to happen?
What do you do when it seems God has let you down?
Is God trustworthy?
Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2020
31 people are currently reading
1283 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Henagan
1 book26 followersStacy Henagan is a pastor, author, speaker and conference host. She and her husband, Casey, have four children: Haven, who is waiting for them in heaven, and Holland, Hayes, and Hudson.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 13, 2020
BREATHE AGAIN is an amazing book for people who have suffered a loss of a child, a love one, to help through the process of grief while still trusting and believing in God. Stacy shares her own life experiences with the loss of their one year old daughter Haven to pediatric cancer. Through all this, she remains loyal and her belief strengthened.
Henagan as a co-pastor of Keypoint Church in Arkansas, is able to share her own life experiences as well as her ability to explain and guide through this spiritual journey and rise through pain and grief.
I highly recommend this book.
Henagan as a co-pastor of Keypoint Church in Arkansas, is able to share her own life experiences as well as her ability to explain and guide through this spiritual journey and rise through pain and grief.
I highly recommend this book.
December 26, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All views and opinions are my own.
Recently, I've read a handful of faith based, self-help/devotional style books that were, for lack of a better word, fluffy. So needless to say, going into the book I had some trepidation wondering if it would be more of the same.
Rest assured. This book is not fluffy. Sadie Henagan bases the foundation of her book around loss, pain, and the age old question "how can a good God allow bad things to happen?" She weaves these themes around the loss of her own daughter who, at roughly two years old, passed away due to a terminal brain tumor.
This book is raw and transparent. And Sadie digs deep into the Bible as she walks through her struggle with the reader.
If you are currently struggling with asking "why, God?" this is a wonderful book to pick up. And even if you aren't asking why while the hurt is residing in the same space as trust, this is still a great book.
I would rate this book a PG.
Recently, I've read a handful of faith based, self-help/devotional style books that were, for lack of a better word, fluffy. So needless to say, going into the book I had some trepidation wondering if it would be more of the same.
Rest assured. This book is not fluffy. Sadie Henagan bases the foundation of her book around loss, pain, and the age old question "how can a good God allow bad things to happen?" She weaves these themes around the loss of her own daughter who, at roughly two years old, passed away due to a terminal brain tumor.
This book is raw and transparent. And Sadie digs deep into the Bible as she walks through her struggle with the reader.
If you are currently struggling with asking "why, God?" this is a wonderful book to pick up. And even if you aren't asking why while the hurt is residing in the same space as trust, this is still a great book.
I would rate this book a PG.
August 21, 2020
This. Book. Y’all.
Would recommend it everyday of the week and twice on Saturday.
Would recommend it everyday of the week and twice on Saturday.
August 11, 2020
I've read 61 books so far this year and I can tell you honestly that this book is special. We all go through disappointing and painful times. Stacy's book is a guide to help us not stay stuck in pain but to see God's faithfulness through it all.
September 25, 2020
I liked this book, it had some really great information about grieving, and how you aren't ever all done grieving, it just changes over time. Even though I'm not religious much at all, the things the author talked about were relevant to us all. Also, I have never dealt with the loss of a child, or grief of that magnitude, but the author did a good job walking the reader through that so that her grief was palpable and you could feel it. Definitely a great book if you are unfortunately in that situation and wondering why you. <3
October 23, 2020
Many years ago, Stacy Henagan lost her one-year-old daughter to a brain tumor after bouts of aggressive treatment. She and her husband had earnestly prayed for a miracle, but despite their pleas and continual prayer support from relatives and church family, the tumor took their daughter's life. In this book, Henagan shares her story with emotional intensity and perspective from hindsight, showing how she was able to rely on God in the depths of her despair. She never presumes to understand God's ways or why horrible things happen to specific people, but writes with a sense of grounded hope in who God is.
I enjoyed this most as a memoir. Many of her theological reflections were familiar to me, and I was often eager to get back to the main story and find out what happened next. I think that this book could have been stronger if she had woven her reflections into the narrative more instead of presenting her story and Christian teaching in separate chunks, but I really appreciate this book and am glad that I read it. I have never experienced child loss, but I know many people who have, and I am grateful for Henagan's willingness to share her story in such a vivid, raw, and immediate way.
Breathe Again is a great resource for bereaved parents and the people who love them. Even though this book can stir up traumatic feelings and memories, Henagan writes in a way that invites catharsis and healing, showing how she has walked this road without losing her faith. Because Henagan lost her daughter two decades ago, this book shares a unique perspective that is different from child loss books written closer to the event. She tells her story as if it had happened yesterday, but also shares about her long-term processing, showing that even when life goes forward, a mother will never forget her child or "just move on" in the way that people expect.
Henagan also provides a helpful perspective about how Christians often try to hide their grief, afraid of what will happen when they are honest with God, themselves, and others about how broken and betrayed they feel. She pushes back against the subtle works righteousness mindset that someone can earn a miracle or demand something from God because of their good behavior, and goes beyond platitudes to engage with challenging aspects of the Christian faith. Although Henagan has primarily directed this book towards fellow Christian women, this is also a good resource for seekers and questioners who are thinking about God because of tragedy. Ultimately, this book provides encouragement, perspective, and hope for anyone in a situation like hers, and can help people who have never lost a child understand the devastation of those who have.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this most as a memoir. Many of her theological reflections were familiar to me, and I was often eager to get back to the main story and find out what happened next. I think that this book could have been stronger if she had woven her reflections into the narrative more instead of presenting her story and Christian teaching in separate chunks, but I really appreciate this book and am glad that I read it. I have never experienced child loss, but I know many people who have, and I am grateful for Henagan's willingness to share her story in such a vivid, raw, and immediate way.
Breathe Again is a great resource for bereaved parents and the people who love them. Even though this book can stir up traumatic feelings and memories, Henagan writes in a way that invites catharsis and healing, showing how she has walked this road without losing her faith. Because Henagan lost her daughter two decades ago, this book shares a unique perspective that is different from child loss books written closer to the event. She tells her story as if it had happened yesterday, but also shares about her long-term processing, showing that even when life goes forward, a mother will never forget her child or "just move on" in the way that people expect.
Henagan also provides a helpful perspective about how Christians often try to hide their grief, afraid of what will happen when they are honest with God, themselves, and others about how broken and betrayed they feel. She pushes back against the subtle works righteousness mindset that someone can earn a miracle or demand something from God because of their good behavior, and goes beyond platitudes to engage with challenging aspects of the Christian faith. Although Henagan has primarily directed this book towards fellow Christian women, this is also a good resource for seekers and questioners who are thinking about God because of tragedy. Ultimately, this book provides encouragement, perspective, and hope for anyone in a situation like hers, and can help people who have never lost a child understand the devastation of those who have.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
From page 1 I was drawn into this story and my heart was breaking. Sometimes reading a book with that you know will cause you to shed some tears isn't easy but you know to honor the storyteller you must. Stacy shares a very personal story of the loss of her little girl to a devastating brain tumor. Having her first born start to show signs that something isn't normal is very hard to handle, but the Henagan family is in disbelief when they learn it's a tumor that will very quickly take her little life. Having a very strong faith Stacy knows that a miracle is possible but when that miracle doesn't come she must learn to accept the plan God has for her family. Sweet little Haven had a short time with her family but touched so many people. I was so heartbroken for this family but reading the story about how their faith kept their marriage strong, how family and friends were all brought together to help, and how this book as well as the woman conference's Stacy has spoken at have touched more people then she'll ever know. The grief this family went through is unspeakable but they are stronger because of it and little Haven's life will never be forgotten. Thank you to The Henagan family for sharing this beautiful story and for letting us all get to meet Haven through her story.
December 31, 2020
“I know from my own experience that doubt & disappointment can drain our strength, consume our focus, and steal our very breath. When our expectations aren’t met, our struggle may leave us tired, confused, and frustrated. But I know the outcome of our life’s journey hinges on our choices. The voice we listen to in the pain determines our destination.”
I am on a ROLL lately with these inspirational books! Cleary God is whispering encouragement to me and you through these books. This season is crazy and tough and “unprecedented”, but we can get through these hard times!! Our present pain and struggle is only temporary. And we can choose to see the light. And we can continue to trust that there is more good ahead.
This is another fantastic, inspirational memoir. The story is told by Pastor Stacy Henagan , who had to learn how to go on when her one-year-old daughter became terminally ill. She was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand, all while trying to continue to parent and lead in her church and community.
This book tackles the tough questions of a faith crisis:
- What do you do when it seems God has let you down?
- How could God allow this to happen?
- Is God trustworthy?
Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense. I loved this book because it doesn’t hold back on some hard truths. God never said our lives would be easy. He also doesn’t play by our rules. But when we allow ourselves to trust Him it changes our view. We can lean into seeing his abundance instead of focussing on what’s lacking. And we can use these times to find our purpose.
“My experience, even in the darkest of times, is that if we look up, we will be able to detect a light coming over the horizon. The spirit of God will pierce through the darkness. If we focus on His light, it will grow and point the way ahead.”
Thank you to @thomasnelson @tlcbooktours @stacyhenagan for the book!
#BreatheAgain #memoir #nonfiction #personalgrowth #tlcbooktours
I am on a ROLL lately with these inspirational books! Cleary God is whispering encouragement to me and you through these books. This season is crazy and tough and “unprecedented”, but we can get through these hard times!! Our present pain and struggle is only temporary. And we can choose to see the light. And we can continue to trust that there is more good ahead.
This is another fantastic, inspirational memoir. The story is told by Pastor Stacy Henagan , who had to learn how to go on when her one-year-old daughter became terminally ill. She was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand, all while trying to continue to parent and lead in her church and community.
This book tackles the tough questions of a faith crisis:
- What do you do when it seems God has let you down?
- How could God allow this to happen?
- Is God trustworthy?
Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense. I loved this book because it doesn’t hold back on some hard truths. God never said our lives would be easy. He also doesn’t play by our rules. But when we allow ourselves to trust Him it changes our view. We can lean into seeing his abundance instead of focussing on what’s lacking. And we can use these times to find our purpose.
“My experience, even in the darkest of times, is that if we look up, we will be able to detect a light coming over the horizon. The spirit of God will pierce through the darkness. If we focus on His light, it will grow and point the way ahead.”
Thank you to @thomasnelson @tlcbooktours @stacyhenagan for the book!
#BreatheAgain #memoir #nonfiction #personalgrowth #tlcbooktours
October 8, 2020
This book opens with the death of Stacy's one-year-old daughter Haven. Then it goes back and traces Haven's illness as well as the aftermath of her death, showing how God was with Stacy and her family through it all - even when things didn't make sense.
This isn't a book from someone who only carries head knowledge about God's care - this is written by someone who has walked through one of the most painful things in life and come out the other side with her faith intact. While we all love a good miracle story, this isn't a story of God's miraculous healing (though there are smaller things along the way that can only be described as miraculous); this is a story of how you go on when God doesn't do the thing you've begged and believed Him for. It's about faith in the midst of disappointment. And it's packed with Scripture; Stacy doesn't just tell the reader what she believes - she backs it up.
Breathe Again is a book that's going onto my keeper shelf, and I hope I will remember it when I go through trials that test my faith.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
This isn't a book from someone who only carries head knowledge about God's care - this is written by someone who has walked through one of the most painful things in life and come out the other side with her faith intact. While we all love a good miracle story, this isn't a story of God's miraculous healing (though there are smaller things along the way that can only be described as miraculous); this is a story of how you go on when God doesn't do the thing you've begged and believed Him for. It's about faith in the midst of disappointment. And it's packed with Scripture; Stacy doesn't just tell the reader what she believes - she backs it up.
Breathe Again is a book that's going onto my keeper shelf, and I hope I will remember it when I go through trials that test my faith.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 3, 2020
"Sometimes it's the small decisions we make that have the greatest impact on our future."
When the miracle-working God whom Pastor Stacy Henagan loved and served did not answer the prayers on behalf of her terminally ill one-year-old daughter as expected, she was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand. Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense.
__________
"Joy flows from the fixation of the mind's eye."
This book absolutely wrecked me. Reading about another mama's loss of her child broke my heart. I think I cried at least once in every chapter. BUT...this book is also filled with light and hope. If you've ever wondered how someone can go through a heart-wrenching loss and still keep faith in Jesus, this book is for you. I was highly encouraged and challenged by Stacy's words. She's incredibly vulnerable as she shares about her deep grief and how it affected her relationship with Christ.
"No matter what level our pain is, God can give it purpose."
I think this will be the most impactful non-fiction read of the year for me.
When the miracle-working God whom Pastor Stacy Henagan loved and served did not answer the prayers on behalf of her terminally ill one-year-old daughter as expected, she was left crushed with grief and struggling to understand. Rather than choosing to remain in overwhelming pain and doubt, Stacy emerged with a much greater belief that God is good and trustworthy, even when we don’t think His plans make sense.
__________
"Joy flows from the fixation of the mind's eye."
This book absolutely wrecked me. Reading about another mama's loss of her child broke my heart. I think I cried at least once in every chapter. BUT...this book is also filled with light and hope. If you've ever wondered how someone can go through a heart-wrenching loss and still keep faith in Jesus, this book is for you. I was highly encouraged and challenged by Stacy's words. She's incredibly vulnerable as she shares about her deep grief and how it affected her relationship with Christ.
"No matter what level our pain is, God can give it purpose."
I think this will be the most impactful non-fiction read of the year for me.
September 3, 2020
I won a copy through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Overall, I think this book is a 3.5. I wish that Stacy had framed the book through her and Haven's story, rather than in themed chapters. I wish that the analogy of Harran was better used to frame the book, but it felt inserted in random times rather than it being the theme of the book. Overall, I felt like the book was going to answer the question to why bad things happen - which Stacy (rightfully) tells the reader is unknowable. But the answer felt like it was given in small bits and it fell flat rather than heartfelt. Where the book really shines is when Stacy allows the reader into Haven's story, and when Scripture is given and then analyzed. Stacy is super knowledgeable about Scripture, but at times it felt like she was falling back into tent revival theology. There is hope and faith to be found in the pages, but the execution was lacking.
Overall, I think this book is a 3.5. I wish that Stacy had framed the book through her and Haven's story, rather than in themed chapters. I wish that the analogy of Harran was better used to frame the book, but it felt inserted in random times rather than it being the theme of the book. Overall, I felt like the book was going to answer the question to why bad things happen - which Stacy (rightfully) tells the reader is unknowable. But the answer felt like it was given in small bits and it fell flat rather than heartfelt. Where the book really shines is when Stacy allows the reader into Haven's story, and when Scripture is given and then analyzed. Stacy is super knowledgeable about Scripture, but at times it felt like she was falling back into tent revival theology. There is hope and faith to be found in the pages, but the execution was lacking.
April 7, 2021
Child loss & heartache.
I can only think that this book might help someone well removed from their loss. Being a bereaved parent, I know there is no way you could stomach this in the initial stages of grief. It's a lot of preaching and intense personal questioning ( the briefs of many sermons). I don't think it's a book that I could have handed out to very many of the grieving parents that the Lord led me to.
However, different horses and I am sure that some mature Christians would find Stacy's words encouraging and helpful!
That's why no one can say they know 'just how you feel' - our losses, paths, journeys and our leadings are all so varied.
I hope that this definitive story and accompanying teaching surrounding Stacy and her husband's loss of Haven, stirs and encourages many to find hope and inspiration after the devastation of child loss. Keep on, a new day is dawning and there is life to live meanwhile!.
I can only think that this book might help someone well removed from their loss. Being a bereaved parent, I know there is no way you could stomach this in the initial stages of grief. It's a lot of preaching and intense personal questioning ( the briefs of many sermons). I don't think it's a book that I could have handed out to very many of the grieving parents that the Lord led me to.
However, different horses and I am sure that some mature Christians would find Stacy's words encouraging and helpful!
That's why no one can say they know 'just how you feel' - our losses, paths, journeys and our leadings are all so varied.
I hope that this definitive story and accompanying teaching surrounding Stacy and her husband's loss of Haven, stirs and encourages many to find hope and inspiration after the devastation of child loss. Keep on, a new day is dawning and there is life to live meanwhile!.
August 22, 2020
this book shows Gods faithful & tremendous love He has for each and every one of us. instead of crippling her with doubt she continued to trust Him even thru her tears & move forward with the plans He had for her and her husband. Even though she will never forget her beautiful loss, she has truly moved on thru the blessings God has poured out on them thru their trust they have on our One and only living God
December 3, 2020
I’m still lost. Like, I’m mad at God on Stacy’s behalf. What’s the point of trusting God when regardless of if you do or don’t it all ends up the same. I didn’t really see Him comfort the family. In fact, it seemed like even more was added to her plate. I just don’t think I can psych myself out as well as she does in the book.
August 21, 2020
This book is incredible! You are drawn in immediately in the first chapter and filled with hope and encouragement by the time you’re finished with the book. This is an essential read for anyone who is going through disappointment and wondering where God is.
November 30, 2020
I received this from a Goodreads giveaway, and I'm grateful that I did. I especially appreciated being reminded of looking through the lens of eternity. Thank you for sharing both your pain and your joy.
December 29, 2021
4.5 stars. I so needed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with faith. Only negative was one story that seemed a bit inappropriate/distracting. But definitely read it. Oh and be prepared to cry multiple times!
January 25, 2023
This is a great book for anyone walking through wrestling with the tough questions about God when you go through massive life hardships. If you have experienced loss, this book will be the perfect resource to read during your grief.
August 21, 2020
This is such an honest and inspiring story! I went trough a very hard season of pain and this was just exactly what I needed. I recommend this book!
August 21, 2020
This is such a beautiful book and a timely message with everything that is going on in our world right now! Everyone needs to read this book to understand how God can work through disappointments!
August 21, 2020
This book is life changing.
August 21, 2020
Love this book!! So impactful - this is a must read !
August 21, 2020
So engaging and practical.
August 21, 2020
Such a powerful story and a great read!
August 21, 2020
This is an incredibly timely book for 2020. It has something for everyone because we have all experienced disappointment. A must read!
October 21, 2020
A great message on overcoming and trusting God in the midst of trials and difficulty.
January 24, 2024
It took me several starts to finish this book. It was great but very heavy. I lost my husband to leukemia in 2020, and this book helped me a lot.
December 9, 2024
So many great truths, especially if you're already a Christian...if you're grieving this is a must-read.
January 1, 2021
In a time when we’re all living through disappointment of all shapes and sizes, there's no better book to read than Breathe Again. Stacy Henagan not only makes herself vulnerable by sharing her greatest heartbreak, but she helps the rest of us learn how to put our own lives back together amid life’s deep, devastating disappointments. A definite must-read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews