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Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak
When your life is suddenly full of questions, how do you move forward in faith? After being married for less than a year, country music legend Alan Jackson's daughter Mattie was faced with navigating a future that didn't include her young husband and the life they dreamed of together. Ben Selecman passed away twelve days after suffering a traumatic brain injury--and three weeks before celebrating his first anniversary with his wife. Suddenly, twenty-eight-year-old Mattie had to find a way to reconcile herself with a good God, even when He did not give her the healing miracle she prayed for. In Lemons on Friday, Mattie Jackson Selecman invites you to walk with her during the first years of grief following Ben's tragic death as she grapples with her loss and leans on a steadfast God. Mattie wrestles with questions that we've all faced in the midst of grief and loss, including: Lemons on Friday will give you the encouragement you need to see life and love in a brand new light, no matter what you're facing. Praise for Lemons on Friday : "Mattie's story carries you through a valley of unbearable heartbreak, and in the very next moment, you are experiencing an ocean of peace that is the heartbeat of Jesus. Her honesty and vulnerability in this book are a beacon of light to any heart that has experienced total darkness. The courage and wisdom expressed through her words will inspire hope in readers, no matter their walk of life." —Lauren Akins, New York Times bestselling author of Live in Love
208 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
255 people are currently reading
2366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 16, 2023
This is a book that I picked up, put down, picked up again, put down again so many times throughout 2022. It wasn’t that the book didn’t hold my attention or didn’t speak to me; the problem was that it too precisely mirrored what was happening in my own heart and circumstances. It hit pain points that were still too tender, too raw for me at that point in the year. I needed time before I could even begin to process. After months of my copy lying on my bookshelf, untouched, I felt the urge to open it again back in September.
I’ve only been able to swallow it in small doses over the past several months rather than breathing through it like I would other books of a similar length. Nearly every page has been a revelation. Many pages have brought forth tears as well as healing and allowed the space and words for me to process things that I couldn’t even look at a year and a half ago. To say this book marked me would be an understatement. I don’t know if it will hit the same way for other people, or rather only for people who are walking through challenging seasons, but for me, it was a gift. It was light and truth in the darkness that stirred my faith and gave me hope.
Though Mattie’s story is about the loss of her husband, her chronicling of trust in God through agony ministered to my soul despite the fact that my own heartache stems from an entirely different source.
I’ve only been able to swallow it in small doses over the past several months rather than breathing through it like I would other books of a similar length. Nearly every page has been a revelation. Many pages have brought forth tears as well as healing and allowed the space and words for me to process things that I couldn’t even look at a year and a half ago. To say this book marked me would be an understatement. I don’t know if it will hit the same way for other people, or rather only for people who are walking through challenging seasons, but for me, it was a gift. It was light and truth in the darkness that stirred my faith and gave me hope.
Though Mattie’s story is about the loss of her husband, her chronicling of trust in God through agony ministered to my soul despite the fact that my own heartache stems from an entirely different source.
September 24, 2023
I liked this one. It was short and sweet. I was inspired by this author's personal story of loss, grief and the coming to terms with her faith.
Her story felt honest and heartfelt as she tried to make sense of her current situation after losing her new husband in an accident. I also liked the way she used scriptures in this. It didn't feel heavy handed or preachy. Well done.
Her story felt honest and heartfelt as she tried to make sense of her current situation after losing her new husband in an accident. I also liked the way she used scriptures in this. It didn't feel heavy handed or preachy. Well done.
May 7, 2024
Wow this book truly ripped my heart out. I started reading it without knowing what it was about… not smart of me. But it was on kindle unlimited so whatever. I felt so much ache in my heart reading this story. But also so much hope in the healing power of Jesus. He is the ultimate Comforter. This book was filled with so much emotion.. I hadn’t cried while reading since I read the fault in our stars in middle school. Lol. My biggest fear happened to the author of this book and to read her words of encouragement and the way the Lord has continued to heal her heart is just incredible. I could go on and on about this book!
July 22, 2024
Excuse me while I cry for six days 😭 But really, this was such a beautiful (and obviously sad) story of loss and grief and how moving forward is so hard but so necessary. While her loss was different from mine (her husband, my baby), the way she talks about grief is so relatable. Sadly, it’s one of those things I don’t think anyone fully understands until you’re there, and while I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, it’s comforting to know that others have walked through this too. That you’re not as alone as you feel.
“Jesus is the only one who could fill the gaping whole of grief I faced.”
“He is not a consolation for what you lost. He is your greatest companion.”
“God won’t take away your crosses, but He will help you carry them.”
“Jesus is the only one who could fill the gaping whole of grief I faced.”
“He is not a consolation for what you lost. He is your greatest companion.”
“God won’t take away your crosses, but He will help you carry them.”
March 22, 2025
Mattie shared her tragic and personal story of losing her husband and how grief has affected her outlook on Christ and how Christ has shaped her grief. In many other books I’ve read about grief the take away has been “if you trust God enough, you won’t be disappointed anymore” regardless if that’s true or not, it’s entirely unhelpful and not human like at all. She expresses her deepest and darkest thoughts in a way that made me feel seen and understood. She uses scripture and her knowledge of God as a source of hope but not as a platitude that is intended to bandaid or silence emotions.
January 27, 2023
Such a brave, real & raw story of Alan Jackson’s daughter Mattie explaining how she grieved the unimaginable. I teared up many times listening to her audiobook.
November 28, 2021
Truthfully, even as I entered the Goodreads giveaway for a copy of Mattie Jackson Selecman's "Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak," I wasn't quite sure this would be a book that would completely resonate with me.
First, I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit, I tend to shy away from literary efforts by celebs, relatives of celebs, and/or people who've simply succeeded on a level, at least financially, far greater than I'm ever likely to experience. While I have no issues with someone's hard-earned successes, financial rewards, or privilege I've simply found the approach to "self-help" tends to ring hollow and occasionally condescending.
Secondly, while I completely resonate with faith-based writing my sense was that I would have some theological differences that would negatively impact my appreciation for the book.
Now then, let me first acknowledge that both concerns were unwarranted.
Okay. Okay. I'll just say it. I was wrong.
If there's one gift that Mattie Jackson Selecman has as a writer it's in transcending any sense of "difference" in favor of the universality of grief and the reality that we all, regardless of our paths in life, come face-to-face with losses and challenges and obstacles that can simply devastate us.
"Lemons on Friday" is grounded within Mattie Jackson Selecman's devastating loss of her husband of less than one year following a devastating traumatic brain injury. Mattie, daughter of country music legend Alan Jackson, was a mere 28-years-old when her husband Ben passed away 12 days after obtaining the TBI as a result of a fall and a mere three weeks before the two would celebrate their first anniversary.
"Lemons on Friday" is grounded even more deeply in Mattie's faith, a faith that was admittedly challenged by this tragic loss but also a faith that sustained her when it seemed as if not even the love of her family and friends possibly could. At the young age of 28, Mattie was faced with owning the word "widow," a word that even biblically conjures up visions of elderly women wearing black and having lived long lives of love.
For Mattie and Ben, however, that life had just begun.
It seemed so unfair. It was so unfair.
"Lemons on Friday" is, indeed, a book in which scripture is quoted often and faith is spoken of freely and with great passion. There were, in fact, some theological differences apparent between my own beliefs and those of Mattie's. However, there was so much common ground that it was barely noticeable.
Utilizing a foundation of faith, "Lemons on Friday" both shares Mattie's story and weaves together a tapestry recognizing the fluid nature of grief and its various stages. While she was given much credit for her strength by loved ones, Mattie openly confesses that things certainly weren't always perfect and she has made her share of ill-advised choices along the way toward a healing that recognizes the grief will always be present but that somehow her life will continue having been irrevocably changed by her loss.
"Lemons on Friday," somewhat surprisingly, dwells very little on the tragedy itself and more time on learning how to trust God amidst it all. One gets the sense that Mattie, quite intentionally, still sees Ben even amidst her grief as the man she married and she focuses "Lemons on Friday" less on the loss and more on the hopefulness. The loss is palpable, don't get me wrong, but If I were to say that one feeling dominates "Lemons on Friday" it would be love.
I have a feeling that's as Mattie intended. I also have a feeling that's how she wants Ben to be remembered.
"Lemons on Friday" is a relatively short, inspirational, and immersive read in which Mattie embraces the richness of humanity and seems to gain an even deeper understanding of the common ground that exists between so many of us. Contemporary Christianity desperately needs Mattie's story, a story grounded in honesty, transparency, and vulnerability yet also in faithfulness, surrender, and community. Even the wisdom of sharing the legitimacy of therapy is so welcome given that Christians can, at times, be dismissive of these vital ways that we are to love another.
I was concerned, to be honest, that "Lemons on Friday" would come off as precious or privileged. Instead, Mattie managed to both present herself accurately and honestly while also finding common ground with the wide array of readers who will take in her words. She manages to deeply appreciate her friends and family, honor her truths, and find those spaces and places where we all ultimately become children of God.
As I noted, there are times when I stumbled upon theological differences. For example, I don't believe that God "takes away" anyone. Instead, I would be more likely to believe that death happens as a result of imperfect lives and God is present and loving us through it all. Both ways of understanding God are common and the point that works for me here is that you can see how Mattie's understanding of God has served as a companion through her own experiences.
"Lemons on Friday" explores the various stages of grief and the tiptoeing toward something resembling normalcy when nothing feels normal. It was just before her 30th birthday when Mattie would gently move toward potentially dating again, a gentle movement that continues and that is portrayed with amazing sensitivity and intelligence here.
So, while I had my reservations I must acknowledge that I tremendously appreciated "Lemons on Friday," a book that explores faith and the ways in which it can help us survive our losses and traumatic events in life. As a person who was widowed in my early 20's as well, I appreciated Mattie's wisdom, insights, lessons, and quietly compassionate presence.
"Lemons on Friday" is most likely to resonate with those who identify as Christian with an emphasis on evangelical Christianity given its frequent use of scripture and biblical teachings along with Mattie's own exploration of her faith amidst it all.
First, I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit, I tend to shy away from literary efforts by celebs, relatives of celebs, and/or people who've simply succeeded on a level, at least financially, far greater than I'm ever likely to experience. While I have no issues with someone's hard-earned successes, financial rewards, or privilege I've simply found the approach to "self-help" tends to ring hollow and occasionally condescending.
Secondly, while I completely resonate with faith-based writing my sense was that I would have some theological differences that would negatively impact my appreciation for the book.
Now then, let me first acknowledge that both concerns were unwarranted.
Okay. Okay. I'll just say it. I was wrong.
If there's one gift that Mattie Jackson Selecman has as a writer it's in transcending any sense of "difference" in favor of the universality of grief and the reality that we all, regardless of our paths in life, come face-to-face with losses and challenges and obstacles that can simply devastate us.
"Lemons on Friday" is grounded within Mattie Jackson Selecman's devastating loss of her husband of less than one year following a devastating traumatic brain injury. Mattie, daughter of country music legend Alan Jackson, was a mere 28-years-old when her husband Ben passed away 12 days after obtaining the TBI as a result of a fall and a mere three weeks before the two would celebrate their first anniversary.
"Lemons on Friday" is grounded even more deeply in Mattie's faith, a faith that was admittedly challenged by this tragic loss but also a faith that sustained her when it seemed as if not even the love of her family and friends possibly could. At the young age of 28, Mattie was faced with owning the word "widow," a word that even biblically conjures up visions of elderly women wearing black and having lived long lives of love.
For Mattie and Ben, however, that life had just begun.
It seemed so unfair. It was so unfair.
"Lemons on Friday" is, indeed, a book in which scripture is quoted often and faith is spoken of freely and with great passion. There were, in fact, some theological differences apparent between my own beliefs and those of Mattie's. However, there was so much common ground that it was barely noticeable.
Utilizing a foundation of faith, "Lemons on Friday" both shares Mattie's story and weaves together a tapestry recognizing the fluid nature of grief and its various stages. While she was given much credit for her strength by loved ones, Mattie openly confesses that things certainly weren't always perfect and she has made her share of ill-advised choices along the way toward a healing that recognizes the grief will always be present but that somehow her life will continue having been irrevocably changed by her loss.
"Lemons on Friday," somewhat surprisingly, dwells very little on the tragedy itself and more time on learning how to trust God amidst it all. One gets the sense that Mattie, quite intentionally, still sees Ben even amidst her grief as the man she married and she focuses "Lemons on Friday" less on the loss and more on the hopefulness. The loss is palpable, don't get me wrong, but If I were to say that one feeling dominates "Lemons on Friday" it would be love.
I have a feeling that's as Mattie intended. I also have a feeling that's how she wants Ben to be remembered.
"Lemons on Friday" is a relatively short, inspirational, and immersive read in which Mattie embraces the richness of humanity and seems to gain an even deeper understanding of the common ground that exists between so many of us. Contemporary Christianity desperately needs Mattie's story, a story grounded in honesty, transparency, and vulnerability yet also in faithfulness, surrender, and community. Even the wisdom of sharing the legitimacy of therapy is so welcome given that Christians can, at times, be dismissive of these vital ways that we are to love another.
I was concerned, to be honest, that "Lemons on Friday" would come off as precious or privileged. Instead, Mattie managed to both present herself accurately and honestly while also finding common ground with the wide array of readers who will take in her words. She manages to deeply appreciate her friends and family, honor her truths, and find those spaces and places where we all ultimately become children of God.
As I noted, there are times when I stumbled upon theological differences. For example, I don't believe that God "takes away" anyone. Instead, I would be more likely to believe that death happens as a result of imperfect lives and God is present and loving us through it all. Both ways of understanding God are common and the point that works for me here is that you can see how Mattie's understanding of God has served as a companion through her own experiences.
"Lemons on Friday" explores the various stages of grief and the tiptoeing toward something resembling normalcy when nothing feels normal. It was just before her 30th birthday when Mattie would gently move toward potentially dating again, a gentle movement that continues and that is portrayed with amazing sensitivity and intelligence here.
So, while I had my reservations I must acknowledge that I tremendously appreciated "Lemons on Friday," a book that explores faith and the ways in which it can help us survive our losses and traumatic events in life. As a person who was widowed in my early 20's as well, I appreciated Mattie's wisdom, insights, lessons, and quietly compassionate presence.
"Lemons on Friday" is most likely to resonate with those who identify as Christian with an emphasis on evangelical Christianity given its frequent use of scripture and biblical teachings along with Mattie's own exploration of her faith amidst it all.
March 19, 2023
(Review is from/for 2021)
"...in the hands of Jesus, lemons on Friday will turn into lemonade on Sunday…"
💛💛💛
This hope-filled testimony is saturated with Jesus, my friends!!! Getting personal with her own grief story, Mattie Jackson Selecman reminds us of the Truth - pain + hurt do NOT negate the presence + love of God!! Mattie is honest, vulnerable, & points us back to the Gospel with every word. Her story is breathtaking, in both the hurt of her husband’s death and the holiness of the Father’s heart. This is a book for those who have ever experienced grief themselves or know somebody else who has…AKA everyone! Rather than disregarding your sadness, this book instead chooses to MAGNIFY the grace of God!! Amen!
[Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for the advanced e-copy that I was given access to, in order to read/freely review!]
"...in the hands of Jesus, lemons on Friday will turn into lemonade on Sunday…"
💛💛💛
This hope-filled testimony is saturated with Jesus, my friends!!! Getting personal with her own grief story, Mattie Jackson Selecman reminds us of the Truth - pain + hurt do NOT negate the presence + love of God!! Mattie is honest, vulnerable, & points us back to the Gospel with every word. Her story is breathtaking, in both the hurt of her husband’s death and the holiness of the Father’s heart. This is a book for those who have ever experienced grief themselves or know somebody else who has…AKA everyone! Rather than disregarding your sadness, this book instead chooses to MAGNIFY the grace of God!! Amen!
[Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for the advanced e-copy that I was given access to, in order to read/freely review!]
February 16, 2022
When my husband passed away tragically in 2013, less than 7 months after we married, I was desperate to see how other women survived a loss like this. I’d known God all of my 27 years, but in my grief, I felt like He’d dropped me and I gave in to hopelessness. I am incredibly sorry Mattie experienced this devastating loss, but I’m SO grateful that she shared her journey with the world.
She so beautifully writes insights that took me two years to fully surrender to. I’m hoping and praying all the best for her. In God’s perfect time, she will connect with the love He has for her. I wish I could tell her about how God brought me to my second husband, a young widower, and how God has created something amazingly beautiful out of our broken lives.
She so beautifully writes insights that took me two years to fully surrender to. I’m hoping and praying all the best for her. In God’s perfect time, she will connect with the love He has for her. I wish I could tell her about how God brought me to my second husband, a young widower, and how God has created something amazingly beautiful out of our broken lives.
March 30, 2023
The audiobook was so good! As someone well acquainted with grief and questioning where God is in our suffering, I appreciated Mattie’s honesty about her journey following the tragic loss of her husband. I actually went back and listened to chapter 7 again because her description of the best grapes that make the best wine being the ones that must first endure the worst stresses was so encouraging. I can see Jesus as our vintner allowing us to go through these awful situations in life yet knowing that the end result will be something wonderful that couldn’t have came about without the trial.
May 15, 2024
Fave quote: I would never have chosen this story for my life, and I hate that it may be yours as well. But please take heart knowing that even in your pain, especially in your pain, you are perfectly chosen, loved, and cared for by the God of living hope. If you let him, he will tenderly provide everything you need in your struggle and in your healing. He is infinitely greater than what you’ve lost. And he is here, weeping and waiting for you to adjust your vision, surrender your sorrow, and let him turn your most sour lemons into eternally sweet lemonade.
November 16, 2021
Having recently finished “Lemons on Friday” by Mattie Jackson Selecman, I am happy to have had the chance to read the e-book copy; thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing!
This heartfelt account of grief and comfort through scripture was one I am glad to have selected to preview.
There are many words of wisdom between these pages and I am sure they will help others as they helped me. (ROMANS 5:3-4)
To have kept a journal during her time of grief and healing is something I think could help any in the same situation. The healing moments with nature speak to me as they do Mattie. Surrounded with the beauty of the outdoors is my favorite way to believe and experience faith and hope; whether it be turkeys, the shoreline of Lake Huron or the soon to be returning... gently falling snow.
~~~
"These words are stained with my tears that I pray will help dry a few of yours."
This heartfelt account of grief and comfort through scripture was one I am glad to have selected to preview.
There are many words of wisdom between these pages and I am sure they will help others as they helped me. (ROMANS 5:3-4)
To have kept a journal during her time of grief and healing is something I think could help any in the same situation. The healing moments with nature speak to me as they do Mattie. Surrounded with the beauty of the outdoors is my favorite way to believe and experience faith and hope; whether it be turkeys, the shoreline of Lake Huron or the soon to be returning... gently falling snow.
~~~
"These words are stained with my tears that I pray will help dry a few of yours."
August 28, 2024
Here’s the thing: this book wasn’t for me but it is for someone.
If you’re going through grief and are a Christian, this is for you. Or if you’re a Christian and just want a good read, go for it. It was 80% scripture and 20% story.
I completely understand scripture and God are a part of her story, but as someone who is not religious it was hard to get through.
Regardless, it was heartwarming to read her story of loss and grief and finding her way through it.
If you’re going through grief and are a Christian, this is for you. Or if you’re a Christian and just want a good read, go for it. It was 80% scripture and 20% story.
I completely understand scripture and God are a part of her story, but as someone who is not religious it was hard to get through.
Regardless, it was heartwarming to read her story of loss and grief and finding her way through it.
February 17, 2025
Amazing book about grief, this book is so good, I read it when it first came out and just listened to the audiobook yesterday and I loved hearing Mattie read it herself. Heartbreakingly beautiful love story, about a newlywed losing her husband in a tragic accident. Mattie is also Alan Jackson’s daughter. She has a podcast, too. Love listening to her talk about God.
March 18, 2023
So much of grief literature is filled with cliches and proverbs to the point of banality. This author actually gave me several useful insights into dealing with my own grief, Which is why we read these sorts of books anyway. I totally identified with her anger at God and the heart-rendering question of why he allowed my loss to happen. I love when she’s says “My mess is my message”!
April 16, 2024
This was a great book for any widow or widower, but particularly for a young one. Not a widow myself, I still found many great insights and thoughts in this, and felt more prepared to help someone should this tragedy face them.
March 26, 2022
Very encouraging book on how to deal with grief.
December 25, 2022
This was beautiful 😭
June 24, 2023
Just an amazing testimony during the darkest season/trial of her life.
February 28, 2024
A wonderful book about grief and loss. Filled to overflowing with scripture and hope and promises, but also with nitty gritty real and transparent grief.
Read
April 21, 2024Listened via audio.
Shares a good message. Very faith based with messages to strengthen God’s work.
Shares a good message. Very faith based with messages to strengthen God’s work.
September 8, 2025
Anyone who has grieved anything should read this book
October 13, 2025
No words…Mattie wrote them all. I will definitely pick back up again.
January 14, 2023
Written in such a raw and honest way, it captivated my attention and opened by heart. A heart wrenching true story of loss and grief and how to live through it. This book encourages the reader to dive deeper in relationship with Christ and show yourself grace along the way. Ten for ten recommend!
January 16, 2022
5 stars. I listened to this in one day. It was a great and emotional novel that prompted me to reflect and think. I took away a lot from this novel and will definitely be returning to it in the future. Review to come.
February 12, 2024
Great read on how to trust God throughout our toughest heartbreaks. I didn’t realize it was written by country star Alan Jackson’s daughter until I started the book. Mattie was raw and honest about her pain and struggle to trust God after losing her husband.
January 15, 2022
I picked up this book after hearing that Mattis's husband had passed away less than a year after their wedding. I had read Denise Jackson's book years ago so I knew who the family was and who Mattie was. All I can say is that I could not put this book down and I learned a lot from a young woman who had to face something no person should have to face so early in her life and marriage.
I really liked Mattie throughout this book. I even liked the heavy religious aspect of her writing. I think some people would be turned off by this but I liked that she used God and her faith to get her through difficult times in her life. Everyone needs something and for Mattie, that something is faith.
I also really liked that this book is not a love story between her and Ben. That might sound strange but this book is meant to be about how Mattie dealt with his death, and that is exactly what it is. Mattie writes about how they meet, some dating stories, their engagement, and a bit about their wedding for context but that is it. The majority of this book is about her life after Ben passed and I think that is important. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for Mattie but I appreciate her honesty with it all. I appreciate her saying that she had a difficult time around holidays but friends helped. I appreciated her story about hoping she was pregnant after Ben died, even though they were not trying. I never thought of that before but it made sense that you would want to have a piece of him to carry on.
I really liked Mattie's honesty throughout this book. I have had friends who have lost their partners and saw similarities with Mattie's writing. You got a sense that Mattie was really working through her grief, in her way and I admire her for that.
I really liked Mattie throughout this book. I even liked the heavy religious aspect of her writing. I think some people would be turned off by this but I liked that she used God and her faith to get her through difficult times in her life. Everyone needs something and for Mattie, that something is faith.
I also really liked that this book is not a love story between her and Ben. That might sound strange but this book is meant to be about how Mattie dealt with his death, and that is exactly what it is. Mattie writes about how they meet, some dating stories, their engagement, and a bit about their wedding for context but that is it. The majority of this book is about her life after Ben passed and I think that is important. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for Mattie but I appreciate her honesty with it all. I appreciate her saying that she had a difficult time around holidays but friends helped. I appreciated her story about hoping she was pregnant after Ben died, even though they were not trying. I never thought of that before but it made sense that you would want to have a piece of him to carry on.
I really liked Mattie's honesty throughout this book. I have had friends who have lost their partners and saw similarities with Mattie's writing. You got a sense that Mattie was really working through her grief, in her way and I admire her for that.
November 22, 2021
Trusting God Through my Greatest Heartbreak
Mattie Jackson Selecman was just 28 years old when her worst nightmare came to pass. Widowed after less than a year of marriage, her world fell apart. In this book, she records her journey over the last 3 years and how she is learning and growing through her grief. Normally, reading a book doesn't really affect me and I can read and go straight to sleep, but I finished this book at bedtime and it took me a bit to fall asleep. I think it was mostly because my mind played the what-ifs game and I needed to commit my family to God. This book is raw, but also hopeful as well.
"We do all we can to not live in the fear of Friday or Saturday, but to hoard, herald and hold captive the joy of Sunday. Why wouldn't we? We long for Sunday just as we long for lemonade."
"What I can tell you is that in the middle of my worst nightmare come true, even when I didn't know how to talk to God or trust God, God continued to show me he was good." I love this quote. It is so true, but so hard to grasp sometimes.
And one last quote: "But in a holy place of rest, the Lord slowly and meticulously brings back life, not by eliminating sorrow buy by empowering peace to overcome it - by meeting fruitless coping mechanisms with faithful community; and by filling emptiness in loss back to fullness in Christ."
I really enjoyed this book if you can enjoy a book full of such raw feelings, but as I said previously it was also full of hope and that is what made the book readable.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 8, 2021
Synopsis: “I’m going to tell you a story of real lament, real confusion, and real hope. I’m going to tell you a story of the real God who has never left my side and who has transformed me through my suffering in more ways than ever before.” Mattie Jackson Selecman tragically lost her husband three weeks before her first wedding anniversary. Though she grew up with a Christian faith, she found herself questioning everything she ever thought she knew about God. This book chronicles her story and her struggle with grief and faith and how she learned to grow in suffering. She provides real, practical insight on how to hold onto hope even in the midst of tragedy.
Analysis: Raw. Honest. Heartbreaking. Hopeful. These are just a few words that came to my mind as I read this book. I wasn’t fully prepared for the heavy content as I read, but anyone who has experienced grief would benefit from this book. And really anyone who hasn’t would too because unfortunately this life is filled with suffering. I haven’t experienced grief to the extent Mattie details, but I am tucking these timeless truths away for later. I absolutely loved the beautiful transparency that Mattie shared and the biblical truth that she gives to every reader. This book will always hold a spot on my bookshelf and be a resource I refer back to and share often.
Analysis: Raw. Honest. Heartbreaking. Hopeful. These are just a few words that came to my mind as I read this book. I wasn’t fully prepared for the heavy content as I read, but anyone who has experienced grief would benefit from this book. And really anyone who hasn’t would too because unfortunately this life is filled with suffering. I haven’t experienced grief to the extent Mattie details, but I am tucking these timeless truths away for later. I absolutely loved the beautiful transparency that Mattie shared and the biblical truth that she gives to every reader. This book will always hold a spot on my bookshelf and be a resource I refer back to and share often.
December 6, 2021
Lemons on Friday is Mattie Jackson Selecman’s book about her journey through extreme grief and to hope through Jesus. I enjoyed the book as much as you can enjoy a book that has such a sad beginning. Mattie’s theology and mine differ (I am a Catholic and she is not) but the differences didn’t stick out to me much as I read. It was simply the perspective of a sister in Christ. While I would hesitate to just give the book to someone in the raw stages of grief, I definitely see it as something I would turn to when I am going through something difficult, or introduce to someone close to me at a time I felt was appropriate. Overall, I thought it was well-written, pleasant to read, and worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews