Glimmers of Grace: A Doctor's Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and the Goodness of God

by Kathryn Butler

Glimpses of God’s Grace in the Hospital Room

If you’ve ever spent time in a hospital, you know that it can be a place of struggles and hardships. These hardships aren’t limited to physical problems; often when our bodies are in pain, our spiritual lives can suffer too.

Former trauma surgeon Dr. Kathryn Butler experienced this firsthand as she walked alongside patients, colleagues, and friends through various illnesses and aching loss. In Glimmers of Grace, Butler draws from this experience to guide believers through the deep questions of God’s trustworthiness in the midst of suffering. Blending memoir and devotional reflections, Butler interweaves her own stories of grace with narratives from Scripture to reveal how God’s steadfast love endures even in times of great affliction.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Health, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2021

About the author

Kathryn Butler (MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons) is a trauma surgeon turned author and homeschooling mom. Her books Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide on End-of-Life Medical Care, and Glimmers of Grace: A Doctor's Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and the Goodness of God, reflect upon faith and medicine. She is also the author of The Dream Keeper Saga, a middle grade adventure series with Christian themes. She lives in the woods of Massachusetts, where she loves to read stories with her kids, explore the outdoors, and chase dragons from her kitchen.

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we rely upon God rather than on our own limited hands, we strip Satan of his power. God is the only one who can quell the brittle hunger of our souls.


Seeing first hand the suffering of others puts this author in a place where others can learn. I was ministered to not because of suffering but what suffering does and how I need to look at suffering. Suffering is meant to draw us to near to each other and to God and to be honest I struggle with that. There is a blessing that is missed when we isolate or withdraw from others. We live in a world where convenience is king and everything is fixed quickly. Need a quick fix, do this and this but life does not work that way. For a doctor, you cannot fix everything. You see all evils and you cry out! It is in suffering, we are invited to worship!

This book is a journey of faith. Questions asked and many not answered. What do you have left? A hope, a longing. Remembering the goodness of God and knowing that there is another side that we do not know but hope for. Jesus is enough.

A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Brooklan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled upon this book by the providence of the Lord when I really needed these reminders of truth. Thankful for this Scripture saturated reflection on illness and death. One of my favorite excerpts is below. True of the hospital and all of life. Thankful that no matter how deep the wound- pain and suffering of any kind is never wasted. Especially grateful that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Praise God for this, the ability to read, the gift to learn, and the promise of Himself forever. Come soon Lord.

"The truest and loveliest moments in medicine work like this. For all the pain and suffering we encounter in the hospital, God's love breaks through, sometimes through dramatic saves from death but more often in the simple laying on of hands. Medicine is a common means of God's kindness, and we see glimmers of His love in every tender moment."

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, gripping read. Former trauma surgeon Butler takes you into the hospital with her, encountering tense surgeries, long and slow recoveries, treatment mistakes, and crushing diagnoses. The stories prompt Butler's reflections as both a medical professional and a thoughtful Christian, and her candor and insight are moving and deeply encouraging.

Especially during this time when there's so much discussion about medical matters, illness, and death, this was a timely read for me, and I highly recommend it.

(full disclosure: the agency of which I'm a partner represents Kathryn and this book)

[Maddy De Smit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this book interweaves story and testimony with biblical truth and encouragement. The author is honest, sharing some very heartbreaking stories and giving gospel truth in a way that doesn’t sugar coat it. I think what I appreciated most about this book is that it gave me greater insight and empathy as it explained some specific ways that those who are suffering physically might struggle.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ loved her trauma surgeon perspective on seeing so many horrible things and viewing it through biblical truths. hard to listen to all the terrible medical stories, and there is no pretty bow at the end of each story, but there is a good God.

[Katelyn Herberholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Butler so eloquently explains the fragility of life, yet acknowledges the beauty of being knit together by God. This book is a gem. I don’t usually cry while reading books, but this book made me weep. Keep your Kleenex box handy.

[Krista Letts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and encouraging!

[Alethea · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, the struggle with this book is determining the target audience. As a doctor, especially with an interest in palliative care, I usually love books by medicos about their interesting anecdotes and life lessons. I love when they grapple with questions about life and death, suffering etc. As a Christian, I was excited to come across this book. For me, the medical anecdotes are too few, and the biblical explanations too simple. It feels like there are many paragraphs just listing biblical references without really relating them back to tangible stories. So unfortunately this wasn’t a hit with me, however I can still see that it may have a role for a Christian who is struggling to come to terms with their own or a close one’s suffering.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the prospect of visiting a critically ill friend or relative terrifies you, if you wonder what to say (and what NOT to say!) to a loved one in a hospital bed, let Dr. Kathryn Butler advise you through her work and her experience in Glimmers of Grace. With brutal honesty rooted in resilient hope, Dr. Butler shares stories from her practice in the theater of trauma medicine that will resonate for caring individuals, not merely because of her medical background, but mainly because she has practiced medicine and come alongside friends as a Christian.

Butler’s exegesis of scripture and her reflections on faith, suffering, and the goodness of God are an invitation to readers to remember God’s steadfast love in preparation for days of crisis and calamity–which come to all of us eventually With wisdom borne of experience, she attests to the faithfulness of God even when fear fills the room, when medical techniques have come to the end of their effectiveness.

Years of dealing with people on the worst day of their lives have given Butler a sturdy theological perspective on the problem of pain. She writes for those in the caring community and for those who will lie in a hospital bed, themselves. Illness tends to make us forget the goodness of God, and the role of believers is to help in remembering, to connect the dots between memory and worship as we also affirm our connections to one another and to God.

It is human nature to want to turn away from the unpleasant truth about our own mortality and the frailty of those we love, and yet, when we do the work of showing up, taking the risk, and stepping into the dark places of this world, we discover that even there, we dwell in his “marvellous light.” Even there, glimmers of grace hold us in hope.

Many thanks to Crossway for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Sarah Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Any good news in the hospital is a glimmer of God's grace. Any cure reflects not the power of our own hands, but rather his provision for us, as he wields medicine as an instrument of mercy." (54)

"God breathed life into you while you slept in your mother's womb. He drew it from you when as an infant you burst into the light. Even now, as you strive and pray, he fills your weary lungs with air." (103)

"Wounds unveil what's meant to be hidden, displaying a backwardness we'd prefer not to confront." (128)

"your worth springs solely, wholly, beautifully, and immutably, from Jesus. His blood, for yours. Your renewal, caught up in his." (164)

"The Greek word for 'love' Jesus uses in this verse is agape, the perfect, selfless, covenantal love that he himself shares with the Father. When we lay on hands in medicine, tend wounds, and commit ourselves to the welfare of another, we live out this commandment. We reflect to others a gleam of God's radiant love." (189)

"He gives us medicine as a means of grace, an extension of his love for mankind. But true healing, and true rest, that light yoke, comes only from him." (190)

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glimmers of Grace makes a connection between medical trauma and the scripture; tying the physical to the spiritual so that the reader will have anchors of truth to cling to in moments of medical duress. All of which points to the eternal life I have in Christ.

Butler's theology, and application of it, is sound and the depth of scripture brought to bear is meaningful and relevant. This book's devotional nature can serve as a tool for bringing God's eternal truths to remembrance for one who is walking through medical calamity; this a good resource for discipleship and counseling.

The two appendices-Scripture to memorize and Words: what not to say and how to help-are a goldmine of help as we walk with others in the hospital or other health/medical situations. Truly these verses AND these practical tips should be committed to memory!!

An interesting side note is that I learned much about the many different ways our bodies function, and fought with feeling queasy at least a couple of times. I have been greatly encouraged to look to Christ and His consummation as the hope I have through the trials of this life.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over twenty years ago I heeded the call to healthcare because I believed were most open to the gospel when they were sick and dying. In her reflections, Kathryn Butler, MD, shows a glimpse into many such occurrences. Questions abound in the midst of crisis, but so does God’s grace. Each chapter recounts moments of frailty and how the Gospel does indeed rise to meet it. Not in glib platitudes, but with heartfelt meanings, born out of experiences. It is all too easy to become hardened to the routineness of healthcare, but here in this book, Kathyrn draws us back to remember the people we are called to serve and the promise that His grace IS sufficient. There is a perfect blend of story, testimony and Scripture to keep the reading pace steady while allowing the Truths to burrow deep. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glimmers of Grace by Kathryn Butler is a beautifully written book about a Christian doctor’s experience in the health field—the struggles she grappled with and what God taught her through the struggle. I absolutely loved this book. Each chapter had a different health scenario and/or talked about how the body functions and how it correlates to God/Jesus and our relationship with Him. Being a person who has often been a patient in the hospital, I appreciated the Author’s stories and I sympathized with her struggles. I liked how real the Author was in her stories about her struggles. I also liked that there was a list of Bible verses in the back for health care workers and a list of things of what to say and not-to-say to patients. Glimmers of Grace is one of my favorite books of 2021 and I highly recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Ruth Clemence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book which combines the authors first-hand experience as a trauma surgeon, with testimonies of others and God's grace in suffering. I would recommend this book to any Christian who is walking through pain and sorrow, and especially those who are ill or facing death.

I love her writing and appreciated her knowledge as a medical practitioner. It was fascinating to read how science and the power of God are woven skillfully woven together, not at odds with one another.

Above all, this book will continually keep the reader centred on the hope we have in Jesus. It's so wonderful how she includes His faithfulness throughout all of Scripture, and into the present day.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled upon this book while in the non-ficiton Christian section of the book store and I am glad I picked it up. Its written from a unique lens: an MD working in the emergency room, witnessing the honors of illness, death and sorrows within a working shift and confronts the existential questions of, "If God is real, why is this child flat linning?"

This book allows the reader to reflect upon the graces of God in the midst of suffering. If you have had a loved one in the hospital or are frequently the hospital yourself through health concerns, this book is for you.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY HEALTHCARE WORKER SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.

EVERY PERSON GOING THROUGH HEALTH ISSUES SHOUDL READ THIS BOOK.

This gives you so much more than a fresh outlook on your job and role as a healthcare provider. It will help show you where God is in the minutia of everyday tasks as a healthcare provider. It will help guide towards proclaiming Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This book had me laughing, crying, and contemplating my existence all at the same time. I cannot express the importance of this book.

[Kimberly Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly so moved by reading this book. She does a great job of talking about the science behind medicine and the human body and how God works though it. I was in tears though a lot of it. I think if maybe you haven’t had a lot of interaction with sick and dying people, you wouldn’t be as affected, but it’s still a valuable read. At the end she gives passages of Scripture that would be helpful for those in the hospital / those trying to minister to the sick. She also gives examples of things to say and not to say.
This is a book I will be reading again!

[Madelyn Istrate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written for those in a hospital. The ones working, the ones waiting, the ones suffering. Yet somehow, this book is for everyone else, too. This is a book about God’s goodness and beauty pushing aside the darkness and sorrow of this world. It’s a book about holding onto faith when everything else threatens to rip it from you. It’s a book about God, His love, and is for all who need Him.

[Meredith Hammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful reflection on how moments in medicine reflect the character of God and the gospel. I found the intended audience a little confusing. I would describe this as a devotional on physical suffering and would be a great read for those or their loved ones undergoing medical suffering. Not what I was looking for but appreciated nonetheless.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I've often argued that the best Biblical counselor is one who knows his Bible and how to apply it to the needs of life. Butler isn't a Biblical counselor, but she does know her Bible, and she skillfully applies it in this book to the spiritual needs of both sick patients and her readers.

I recommend this book.

[Faith Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate what she was trying to do. But some of the chapters felt like filler. I skimmed quite a few because it felt repetitive. I wish more medical stories were included and tied in. The chapters on her conversion and her friend David are the strongest in the book.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biblically infused reflections

Not what I expected but still worth my time to read, reflect, learn and grow my mindset on faith in suffering.

[Laura Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Half devo half memoir. Would be great for someone spending a lot of time in the hospital, a caregiver, or a medical professional.

[Gert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reflection on experience as ED Doc.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So encouraging. I think this would be an excellent book for any Christian in the medical field.

[Mairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Dawn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for hospital staff, patients, and family. Gives so much hope in the midst of crisis and dying.

[Erica Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soaked with the Gospel and true hospital stories and personal reflections. I read this after hearing the author on a podcast - I'm so glad I did!

I have an illness that often results in serious medical events and hospitalizations. This book does not gloss over suffering and trials with platitudes or easy answers. But the true hope woven throughout is a balm to weary hearts like mine. I definitely recommend! I listened to the audiobook and I loved hearing the author narrate.