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Can't Steal My Joy: The Journey to a Different Kind of Brave
We are all broken.
It’s a unified human experience.
And we all need a hope that doesn't disappoint,
a love that anchors us,
joy that survives in unthinkable conditions,
and a perspective shift that goes beyond our circumstances.
Some days we feel the perfection of sunshine and a light breeze. Other days hold wet, gray skies with drowning grief. In the wake, comes promise of new growth. Still other days a cold winter frost catches us by surprise, halting our journey toward fruitful blooms. We step back, reeling at the damage from this frost. We question the system and environment we grow in.
We can exist in this garden dictated by the changing weather patterns. Or, we can see a different kind of brave living–that which exists beyond our fragile stems and dainty leaves, living instead deep in our roots.
This book is for those sitting in the deep-down dark, traveling with grief as a constant companion, and anyone whose life path has taken an unexpected turn.
May you discover the Life-Giver of joy,
see your beautiful bloom,
and know that hope is always worth holding on to,
because redemption is coming—and in fact—is already happening here and now.
It’s a unified human experience.
And we all need a hope that doesn't disappoint,
a love that anchors us,
joy that survives in unthinkable conditions,
and a perspective shift that goes beyond our circumstances.
Some days we feel the perfection of sunshine and a light breeze. Other days hold wet, gray skies with drowning grief. In the wake, comes promise of new growth. Still other days a cold winter frost catches us by surprise, halting our journey toward fruitful blooms. We step back, reeling at the damage from this frost. We question the system and environment we grow in.
We can exist in this garden dictated by the changing weather patterns. Or, we can see a different kind of brave living–that which exists beyond our fragile stems and dainty leaves, living instead deep in our roots.
This book is for those sitting in the deep-down dark, traveling with grief as a constant companion, and anyone whose life path has taken an unexpected turn.
May you discover the Life-Giver of joy,
see your beautiful bloom,
and know that hope is always worth holding on to,
because redemption is coming—and in fact—is already happening here and now.
189 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 1, 2019
An honest, transparent, gut-wrenching and yet hope filled look into the lives of a couple who lived through the unimaginable pain of watching their beloved son slip away from them due to a fatal disease. Bekah invites you both into the pain and unexpected joy found thru suffering. A poignant reminder that when our dreams are shattered we are held by our creator.
September 13, 2019
This book is an amazing story of a family who find so much strength and joy in the Lord through some very hard times. I've followed their story for quite some time and really enjoyed getting reacquainted with each of them. Bekah is a wonderful writer and her love for the Lord, her family and friends shines through!
September 15, 2019
This is a beautifully written book about finding joy in pain. Not a light, silly joy but a deep and abiding one. Bekah renders her story of her sons' genetic disease with vulnerability and strength. Powerful, encouraging, uplifting. Read with Kleenex nearby.
September 17, 2019
Can't Steal My Joy is both heart-wrenching and life-giving at the same time. I've highlighted line after line, sometimes barely able to see through tears.
The truths Bekah shares in Can't Steal My Joy are applicable to everyday life--not just life lived in the midst of incredible tragedy. With humility and vulnerability, Bekah shares their story, interspersed with excerpts of what she wrote from within the raw depths of their brokenness. Bekah's pursuit of joy puts one's own personal heartbreak in a new light, no matter what form that adversity may be taking at the moment.
The Bowman's story hasn't ended. It's not wrapped up neatly with a bow in the epilogue of Can't Steal My Joy. They are still living in the midst of unthinkable unknowns. But their testimony of faith in Jesus is made all the more beautiful, blooming in the midst of such brokenness.
The truths Bekah shares in Can't Steal My Joy are applicable to everyday life--not just life lived in the midst of incredible tragedy. With humility and vulnerability, Bekah shares their story, interspersed with excerpts of what she wrote from within the raw depths of their brokenness. Bekah's pursuit of joy puts one's own personal heartbreak in a new light, no matter what form that adversity may be taking at the moment.
The Bowman's story hasn't ended. It's not wrapped up neatly with a bow in the epilogue of Can't Steal My Joy. They are still living in the midst of unthinkable unknowns. But their testimony of faith in Jesus is made all the more beautiful, blooming in the midst of such brokenness.
September 16, 2019
This book is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, and full of a beautiful story of a life of redemption and joy. I loved reading this book and following Bekah and her family's journey, along with learning of her thoughts, emotions, struggles, and triumphs. She is both raw and real, and it's a fast-paced read. I highly recommend to anyone who wonders if they'd be able to handle true suffering, to anyone who has endured grief of any kind, to anyone who likes a story with a hopeful ending, to anyone who has ever wondered where God is in the midst of true pain.
September 16, 2019
I don't usually cry over books...but I cried. Bekah tells the story of losing her precious son, and fighting for her other little boy...and choosing to find joy in the midst of the most unimaginable pain. Filled with her heartfelt journal entries and the story of her little boys, Titus and Ely, this book is all at once heartbreaking and joyful. She reminds us that even in the very darkest hour, God is still good, and there is reason to live life to the fullest and hold on to the hope of heaven.
September 15, 2019
Bekah’s story is both heartbreaking and beautiful. In this book, she invites us into the raw pain of parenting two boys with a devastating illness and shows us how she found God’s peace, strength and true joy in the midst of it. Bekah has a powerful way with words, and I have no doubt this book will be a profound read for all who experience it.
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September 16, 2019Rebekah is a voice for any who have suffered. There is a clarity as she shares from deep loss. She has learned so much and vulnerably shares her story to help others! You will come away with hope in your heart and faith to believe God can help you through any situation! This is only the beginning for a very talented writer.
September 15, 2019
Honestly this book touched me in a million different ways. The honesty and transparency will have you literally in the book. It's like you can feel what she's feeling. I pray that this book will bless you as much as it did me.
September 15, 2019
Loved this book. All of the feels ... joy, anger, grief, defeat ... beautifully written and full of truth spoken to a broken grieving mom. So blessed to know this family. Worth every minute and a definite good read!
September 17, 2019
Honest, raw and so moving. Whatever the cause of your broken, bruised heart, this book is a salve of companionship and comfort for those who bear the burden of suffering, loss, disappointment and grief. We never need journey alone!
September 9, 2019
Faced with a devastating medical diagnosis for both of their sweet boys their momma shares their story and how their strong faith in the lord gets them through.
September 21, 2019
Reading this book was a hallowed, life altering experience, where the veil into a story that is unthinkable is lifted and you are invited by a mother’s achingly honest, soul stirring words to a front row seat of how life’s ultimate heartbreak and God’s absolute goodness intersect.
As I was reading I was transported into the depths of this family’s story by the unmatched transparency and vulnerability shared by the author. She holds nothing back in rawly sharing her family’s painful experience and the truths learned in the midst of such heartbreak.
As I read of this mom’s fears, hopes, insecurities, heartbreak, and ultimately how she was able to grab a hold of joy in the midst of both her sons being given a fatal diagnosis, there was healing taking place in my own soul as her generosity of sharing so truthfully gave voice to the depths of brokenness that is the human experience.
With the author’s gift of words, the story being told, and the One glorified by it all, I can without a doubt say this book is one of the most life impacting books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book.
As I was reading I was transported into the depths of this family’s story by the unmatched transparency and vulnerability shared by the author. She holds nothing back in rawly sharing her family’s painful experience and the truths learned in the midst of such heartbreak.
As I read of this mom’s fears, hopes, insecurities, heartbreak, and ultimately how she was able to grab a hold of joy in the midst of both her sons being given a fatal diagnosis, there was healing taking place in my own soul as her generosity of sharing so truthfully gave voice to the depths of brokenness that is the human experience.
With the author’s gift of words, the story being told, and the One glorified by it all, I can without a doubt say this book is one of the most life impacting books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book.
September 20, 2019
I can't imagine having a child and then finding out that child has a fatal rare disease. Then finding out your other child has the same disease. That is what Bekah Bowman and her husband went through. What they are going through. How this disease almost took them down, but how a strong faith in God kept them going. How God lifted Bekah up time and time again. When there were times she didn't feel she could go on God told her He would be there for her every step of the way. He has been with her every step. Through every thing this horrible disease has taken away. He has been there to pick them up . This is a remarkable book about faith in God and His love in a devastating situation.
September 17, 2019
Bekah Bowman should have had this book printed on yellow-colored pages. I had so many highlights the entire book looks yellow. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "And you wonder why I'm so strong; why I don't just fall? Because God has used my community to reinforce what I already know: that He loves us and we are not alone. And I will do the very same for anyone else who finds themselves battling on the frontlines in their story. Satan, you need to know...you can't steal my joy." Keep a box of Kleenex close by and take, "The journey to a different kind of brave."
September 18, 2019
Can’t Steal My Joy walks us through the story of a family that was giving the worst news imaginable to most parents, not once but twice! The author takes us through all the real, raw emotions, thoughts, and actions that she experienced and how she was able to see God’s loving promise of hope through it all, through the worst. This book had me in tears over and over again, but yet left me with the greatest feeling of hope. It is a must read for anyone dealing with difficult times or just seeking spiritual motivation.
September 20, 2019
This book is a must-read for anyone going through a season of grief. A mother writes a very raw, personal, heart wrenching account of her heart following the diagnosis and eventual death of her precious son and how she chose to not accept the brokenness that it entailed. As a woman who lost my 1st husband 12 years ago, I wish there had been a book like this to help me through. It's honest, thought-provoking and helps you realize that God has a plan even through dark times. I would highly recommend!
September 20, 2019
The words, emotions, heartbreak, joy and victory you will read in these pages of this book compare to none other. The author takes you through their amazing story of a parents worst nightmare, through The Valley of grief and then in to the victorious joy of knowing Who knows how our stories end. I could so relate to this book and the many emotions that go along with grief and loss. Such a powerful story.
September 23, 2019
This book is life-transforming. It reaches in to the deepest crevasses of your heart and unveils a story of immeasurable loss, unexplainable joy and all the emotions in between when life as you know it quickly changes. The author’s words beautifully resonate with anyone who feels conflicted when hard things come their way. She has opened up her heart in the most fragile and darkest places. Can’t Steal My Joy will encourage broken people to keep fighting for joy.
September 19, 2019
What would you do if you found out BOTH of your children had a fatal genetic disease - turn away from Jesus or towards Him? Author Bekah Bowman walks us through her journey in her incredibly moving first book. It is not just a book about sadness - it is a book about love, uplifting joy and hopefulness in a most unspeakable walk through life.
September 21, 2019
Can’t Steal my Joy: A journey to a different kind of brave is a giant hug to your heart and soul. If you or a loved one are sitting in a dark season of life this is a must read. The author takes the reader along a journey in which God’s Grace continues to shine joy even in the deepest pain. I plan to reread this book multiple times in the future as a beautiful reminder of God’s love.
April 1, 2020
A beautifully written heart-wrenching hope-filled story. Such a gift to be invited to join Bekah on her transparent courageous journey of finding joy while losing her son Titus to a horrible disease called Batten's. Strongly recommend.
She writes: "Being invited into Titus’s story invites us into something so much bigger than ourselves. It’s being invited into brokenness. And oddly, everyone craves that because that’s where we can be real. When we are willing to recognize that we are ALL broken, walls are torn down and the real work begins. This is the common ground on which all of humanity can meet. Brokenness under the shadow of Gods gracious wing can be life-changing, transformational. Healing."
She writes: "Being invited into Titus’s story invites us into something so much bigger than ourselves. It’s being invited into brokenness. And oddly, everyone craves that because that’s where we can be real. When we are willing to recognize that we are ALL broken, walls are torn down and the real work begins. This is the common ground on which all of humanity can meet. Brokenness under the shadow of Gods gracious wing can be life-changing, transformational. Healing."
May 1, 2021
I started this book after my nephew, Seth, was diagnosed with Battens, but couldn’t finish it until well after he ran to Jesus. A great example of how God makes beauty from ashes. How does the human spirit persevere through such dire circumstances as the suffering and loss of a child? Only by God’s grace. A beautiful journaling of Bekah’s trials. Open, honest, raw feelings and her journey to find that God was, is and will continue to be with her (and us) through these storms. Thank you Bekkah, for your bravery, example and honest account of your trial.
July 7, 2025
Beautifully written. It's like sitting down with a friend and hearing their story. If you need help putting things into perspective in terms of gratitude, then this is for you. You will get goosebumps, and you will fill with tears.
December 26, 2023
Wow, no mother should ever have to endure what Bekah has. What a testimony she has and still points readers to Jesus.
September 21, 2019
I was drawn to this book because I have child with a life-limiting diagnosis. The author certainly put words to the feelings I feel constantly. It is a lonely path, when you have a child with a terminal diagnosis. There are a lot of people who surround you, but they don’t truly ‘get it’ - and their words become platitudes.
There really aren’t many books that I can fully relate to. If I try to read a book about a child with any issue or disease that isn’t terminal, I can’t stop myself from thinking ‘Oh please- just be happy your child isn’t dying!’.. which I know is wrong, because I know there are families dealing with all kinds of truly difficult situations- regardless of a terminal diagnosis. But still.. I think those thoughts- I can’t stop them.
That’s where this book is different
The author had child who passed from a disease, and her only other child also has the exact same diagnosis.
I felt like I had finally - finally found a book that I could relate to on a soul level. Her struggles are my struggles.
Her ability to find God and hope despite her situation gave me the strength to find hope too.
She also helped me to realize that my husband and I can’t do this alone. I need to stop being so angry at God - because it’s gotten me nowhere .. in fact, I need to bring God further into our lives - more than we ever have in the past. She helped me realize it’s the only way that we can actually get through this.
I highly - highly recommend this book ❤️
There really aren’t many books that I can fully relate to. If I try to read a book about a child with any issue or disease that isn’t terminal, I can’t stop myself from thinking ‘Oh please- just be happy your child isn’t dying!’.. which I know is wrong, because I know there are families dealing with all kinds of truly difficult situations- regardless of a terminal diagnosis. But still.. I think those thoughts- I can’t stop them.
That’s where this book is different
The author had child who passed from a disease, and her only other child also has the exact same diagnosis.
I felt like I had finally - finally found a book that I could relate to on a soul level. Her struggles are my struggles.
Her ability to find God and hope despite her situation gave me the strength to find hope too.
She also helped me to realize that my husband and I can’t do this alone. I need to stop being so angry at God - because it’s gotten me nowhere .. in fact, I need to bring God further into our lives - more than we ever have in the past. She helped me realize it’s the only way that we can actually get through this.
I highly - highly recommend this book ❤️
September 25, 2019
Have you ever experienced any kind of brokenness in your life? Who of us hasn’t? Whether you have walked the difficult journey of facing a terminal illness diagnosis being given to your child or you have been beaten down by the typical rhythms of life, then Can’t Steal My Joy will speak straight to your heart. Not only will it speak to your heart, but it will reach the depths of your heart where the biggest heartbreak exists while at the same time touching the peak of your heart where the greatest love and joy is found. Can’t Steal My Joy is a real-life account written with raw emotion and authenticity. We are invited to take a front row seat of the author’s own family’s journey in the face of severe adversity. In this seat, we hear from the author’s heart of how she learned pain and joy can co-exist. She shows us how she (and her family and friends) felt the biggest heartbreak and pain of their life and yet they were able to draw strength by fighting the real enemy of our souls and gaining a new perspective to see adversity through the lens of Jesus Christ – even when facing the largest heartbreak imaginable.
February 27, 2020
Uplifting and personal
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Bekah's dive into despair if the loss of a child and how her Christ-knowledge deepened her faith as she met Jesus's life and message of unconditional love. Reading her account and testimony helps me to see where he'll is provided in any (and every) challenge I face! Thank you for sharing your pain and your triumph with your readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Bekah's dive into despair if the loss of a child and how her Christ-knowledge deepened her faith as she met Jesus's life and message of unconditional love. Reading her account and testimony helps me to see where he'll is provided in any (and every) challenge I face! Thank you for sharing your pain and your triumph with your readers.
September 26, 2019
I am reading, “Can’t Steal My Joy” by Bekah Bowman. She and her husband are experiencing the gut wrenching fact that not one, but both of their boys were diagnosed with Batten Disease for which there is no cure. Where are you, Lord? Where is our loving God through the death of their oldest, sweet 6- year-old Titus? Where are you, Lord, as their second son, Ely experiences similar symptoms of this disease? Bekah’s words through her blogs and commentary show her mama’s heart, her questions, her anger, her grief, her tears, and her joy as God holds her hands through heart-wrenching times. Bekah opens up her world and her inner most heart to her readers. “We are all broken,” Bekah shares. Are you experiencing grief, anger, or loss? Is someone in your world needing support from a difficult situation? This book can help you find joy and trust in the Lord through it all.
October 2, 2019
Can't Steal My Joy is a book that has challenged me and encouraged me in many ways. If anyone has experienced grief, specifically regarding pediatric disease or loss, I highly recommend you read this book.
Bekah's story is honest and raw. She discusses her grief and her journey to finding joy when given the absolute worst circumstances as a parent. She reminds us all that while grief is an unwelcome guest that sometimes visits and challenges us in ways we could not have imagined, there is incredible potential for transformation. Her testimony reminds us that the beauty of faith in Christ is that He transforms our minds. While we may experience grief of various kinds on this earth, we know that Christ has overcome!
Bekah's story is honest and raw. She discusses her grief and her journey to finding joy when given the absolute worst circumstances as a parent. She reminds us all that while grief is an unwelcome guest that sometimes visits and challenges us in ways we could not have imagined, there is incredible potential for transformation. Her testimony reminds us that the beauty of faith in Christ is that He transforms our minds. While we may experience grief of various kinds on this earth, we know that Christ has overcome!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews