Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength

by Jodi Rosser, Jodi Snowdon

What if your greatest heartbreak catapults you to your greatest growth?

Jodi Rosser is no stranger to grief. She loses her best friend to pancreatic cancer, suffers a miscarriage, and endures a heartbreaking divorce. None of her stories get tied up with a red bow, yet God is faithful to bring purpose to her pain. In Depth: Growing through Heartbreak to Strength, Jodi offers hope to anyone with a hurting heart. She encourages you to discover spiritual depth as God redeems your pain.

In this book, you will

replace the belief that your shattered heart can never be whole with the truth that God can restore the broken pieces into something beautiful;
stop doubting God's goodness and trust that He has a purposeful plan beyond what you can understand;
expand your limited perspective into God's bigger picture to cultivate deep roots as He redeems your pain;
combat the lie that God is distant when you feel alone and cling to the truth that He is close to the brokenhearted;
overcome shame by remembering that your brokenness has the power to change the trajectory of someone else's hurting heart.
To the woman whose heart has just been shattered into a million pieces, to the hurting heart whose whole world was changed in an instant, to the grieving soul who struggles to get out of bed-you are understood. You are seen. And this book is for you.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2022

About the author

Jodi Rosser is an author, podcaster, and speaker who serves a steadily growing audience through her podcast, Depth, and her blog, Heartbreak to Strength. Having walked through multiple heartbreaks (divorce, miscarriage, and cancer), Jodi now inspires women to grow deeper in their faith and to find hope, joy, and purpose through their unexpected storms. For ten years she served in children’s ministry and women’s leadership at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. She lights up the most when she shares her testimony using her cracked clay pot, a visual reminder that God shines brightest through our broken places. She is raising two teenage sons in Southern California, where she teaches science to elementary students in the STEM Lab. Jodi loves to connect with readers on her website, jodirosser.com, or on Instagram, @jodi.rosser.

Reviews

[Anna Kettle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Depth: Growing through Heartbreak to Strength, Jodi Rosser poses the question: What if your deepest heartbreak catapults you to your greatest growth?

It might feel slightly annoying to even consider, if it wasn’t for the fact that Jodi is no stranger to heartbreak or grief herself. She has lost her best friend to cancer, lost a child to miscarriage, and endured a heartbreaking divorce too.

None of these stories get tied up with easy answers or a pretty red bow, yet God remains faithful to bring purpose to her pain.

And that’s why I know that this book will offer real hope to anyone else who is hurting too. It’s honest, it’s real, and it’s hope-filled. I highly recommend.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. If you are looking for a book that will offer hope and vulnerability, Jodi Rosser wrote a wonderful one for you. I love how she openly shares her story, and I especially love the practical points that draw you back to Jesus in the midst of your heartache. Wonderful book, highly recommend!

[Gena Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi shares so vulnerably that you can’t help but be affected. This book will take you deeper in your faith and help you to be lifted out of sorrows.

[Twyla Franz · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all who are walking through grief. For all who have had their heart shattered. For all the ones who need hope. This is for you. Jodi tenderly shares the wisdom she's gleaned from her own heartbreaks because she cares so much about helping you get through yours. Her loving and practical tips will guide you through the healing process, and her stories will reassure you that you can get through your own hard stories too.

[Evelyn Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one who has endured much heartbreak and loss in the past two years, I am grateful for the hard-fought wisdom Jodi shares in her book DEPTH. With authenticity and a gentle spirit, Jodi sits on the bench with the hurting and presents a message of hope.

Through personal stories woven with biblical truth and beautiful prayers, Jodi leads the reader on a journey through the mess of heartache to hope found in the faithfulness of God. With each flip of the page, I feel Jodi is a friend in my corner, cheering me on as I walk through my heartbreak story.

[Vicki]

I'm so glad I found this book! Currently, I'm in chapter 11 (of 26) and learning so much. I love the way Jodi Rosser brings ideas together. She has obviously struggled in her own life and intentionally chooses to trust God. Looking forward to finishing reading this book in September.

I'm on the fourth step and each step described in the book is very meaningful. Step 1 is to seek God and invite him into your pain, step 2 is to allow yourself time to grieve and process emotions, step 3 is to replace your finite view with God's infinite perspective, and step 4 is to embrace God's character development in the midst of the chaos.

Each step is challenging, and I am seeing the value of slowing down and spending time contemplating each section. The strategies assist in all kinds of losses. Some of my favorite parts so far are the comparison to a tree and an eagle and learning to depend on God's strength and trust God's plan.

The last four steps are to never lose sight of God's grace, give praise to God even as your heart breaks, trust God is good when your mind is doubting, and you don't understand, and honestly share your story and help another hurting heart.

This powerful and encouraging book would make a wonderful gift for others who are discouraged and grieving.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're grieving loss or disappointment in your life, Jodi's vulnerability will make you realize you're not alone in your heartbreak. Jodi shares her personal story of three immeasurable losses and the way God showed up at the darkest moments to meet her in her pain. This book is for anyone needing a reminder that God will faithfully strengthen us when we need it most. Grab this book and see your faith grow!

[Julie Finaldi]

Can't say enough about this book!!! This book is easy to read (like a conversation with a good friend) and well organized. Yes, this is a book about dealing with tragedy and heartbreak...working through the storms of our lives to come out the other side a stronger and better person. But, to me, it's more than that....Jodi takes us through her various journeys of heartbreak and grief, and how she got to not only a better place, but an AMAZING new place she never thought she could be!! Her energy is intoxicating...like you just wish you had a her as friend!!!!!.... She is selfless, loving, and so open in the sharing of her story! She is painstakingly detailed as she vividly reveals her most vulnerable moments of her biggest heartbreaks and how she got through it. It was beyond inspirational to me because the biggest message of this book is HOPE! Hope that there is always a way to grow, be better, help someone else, and essentially become the "best version of me" that I can be. And she will give you all the steps to help you get to HOPE. We all have our own plans for our lives, but no one gets their life all neat and tidy. All of us experience heartbreaks, tragedies, and our "plans" getting completely and totally derailed. It's how we handle those hard times. To me that is HOPE. Hope gives me the energy to get up each day and try again. Thank you Jodi for the extra tools in my toolbox that I needed to try and try again. We grow the most during the hardest times.

[Anita Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feeling of being alone—that a heartbreaking life event is not relatable on a truly personal level—that’s my natural reaction. Or I’ve also felt shame in wanting to hide the depth of my pain in heartbreak. What I found soothing about this book is that Jodi Rosser vulnerably offers empathy and hope through the voice of a spiritual guide. She speaks of the healing power of sharing her heartbreak with safe people. She also brings the wisdom and encouragement of her heart’s desires to grow closer to God, even when life experiences test the strength of faith. Part autobiography and part devotional, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking growth through grief.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so relatable, and it is filled with hope! Jodi approaches the subject of grief and loss with empathy and wisdom. She offers a template for developing STRENGTH while walking through life's inevitable valleys. She vulnerably shares her personal journey through 3 personal heartbreaks - miscarriage, divorce, the loss of a close friend to cancer - and gently encourages us to intentionally work through loss and draw closer to God in difficult seasons. I really liked the prayer prompts and applicable verses -- the devotional approach added practical tools to her powerful personal story.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible resource for those grieving or suffering from any type of loss! Jodi does an amazing job combining biblical insight, encouragement and personal stories from her own life to help point us back to God in our disappointment. I love the acrostic she used throughout the book and the practical advice to help us apply what we are learning. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can heal, redeem or bring any purpose from your pain, this book is for you! Such a great read. I’d recommend it to anyone.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grieving hearts will feel comforted as they read Depth. Jodi vulnerably shares her stories of heartbreak, giving us a gentle reminder that we are not alone. Her STRENGTH acrostic provides a very practical and easy to remember roadmap of how we can navigate through our difficult times. Every chapter includes scripture, a heartfelt prayer, and truth for us to cling onto as we move through our grief. Depth leaves us feeling hopeful, knowing that God is growing us, even in our pain. Highly recommend!

[Joy Marker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a desire to help others grow deeper in their faith and stronger in their relationships, Jodi Rosser has been sharing her tender story of heartbreak and grief through her podcast and blog series. And a few days ago, her beautiful words were released into the world as a book, Depth. If you are walking your own unexpected and heartbreaking journey with grief and could use some loving and practical tips to help you journey through the healing process, this is a book you want to read. After all, what if your greatest heartbreak catapults you to your greatest growth?

[Julie Lefebure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our lives are full of unforeseen circumstances, and sometimes those circumstances knock the wind out of us and break our hearts. Jodi Rosser knows what that's like firsthand. Not only does she share vulnerably with us in Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength, but she points us in the right direction to healing and hope. Her inspiring example encourages me in my own healing and restoration after dealing with grief and loss. God used her situations for good in her life, and this book reminds us He will do the same in ours.

[Maile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift of encouragement to me while I was healing from loss. It was the kind of read that I just wanted to curl up with along with a coffee and my favorite blanket. I love how the author shares her experience of heartache with honesty, just like a close friend would. The truth and encouragement of the Lord and God’s word in this book would lift the heart of anyone who’s been through heartache, is in the midst of heartache, or is supporting someone through heartache. A must read!

[Heather Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi’s experience of of growth through heartbreak and her hard earned wisdom is gold! Jodi writes about three major heartbreaks in her life including divorce, miscarriage, and the loss of a close friend. In each instance, she connects us to the goodness of God on our toughest days.
⠀
I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who is either going through a season of heartbreak, has been through a season of heartbreak, or wants to support someone through a season of heartbreak. ⠀

[Jennifer Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this book so far!! Jodi's words are tender yet powerful. It truly feels like she is sitting next to you, listening to you as you share your heartache, and comforting you with biblical encouragement. If you are experiencing heartache right now, I know that as you read this book, you'll be encouraged in your faith as Jodi reminds you that our incredibly loving and compassionate God will strengthen you just as He strengthened her.

[Jennifer Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this book so far!! Jodi's words are tender yet powerful. It truly feels like she is sitting next to you, listening to you as you share your heartache, and comforting you with biblical encouragement. If you are experiencing heartache right now, I know that as you read this book, you'll be encouraged in your faith as Jodi reminds you that our incredibly loving and compassionate God will strengthen you just as He strengthened her.

[Lori Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a long, understanding hug from a dear friend. Jodi manages to take the worst the world has to offer and turn it into a gift for others. Her losses have not minimized her, but rather strengthened her resolve and her empathy to help others. Her vulnerable stories give you a relatable hand to hold. Her wisdom forged in the fires of disappointment give you a firm place to stand. If you, too, have been shattered by life, you need to put Depth on your reading list.

[DJ Hejtmanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOPE FOR THE GRIEVING
What a great resource for those going through crushing loss and disappointment! We all need a friend like Jodi who will identify with us in our pain, and then lead us by the hand to Hope. Depth is a personal, compelling, and hopeful book filled with truth for the grieving heart.

[Alycia Betz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for hurting hearts. It does a phenomenal job of guiding grief using practical tools so that you can take your pain to God and find healing. I wish I had had this resource after my children died- it would have been immensely valuable in my process!

[Pamela Henkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depth is the encouragement you need to view your heartbreak from God’s perspective. Jodi shares relatable stories and offers beautiful insights to help us see how God grows us from heartbreak to strength.

[Susan Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi's vulnerability and gems of Biblical truth are beautifully woven in this amazing tapestry of her personal stories. For anyone who is going through heartbreak, this book is for you. You will be deeply encouraged by the way Jodi connects you with God through gentleness, wisdom, and hope.

[Regina Marcazzo-Skarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength is a must read not only for those suffering through heartbreak, but also for those of us who want to be prepared for the inevitable. The book is an easy read even though I often found myself in tears. Jodi Rosser shares her life and feelings with the reader then proceeds to offer help by presenting practical steps that will assist the reader through the healing process. I sure wish the book was around when I needed it. I will most certainly recommend it or gift it to loved ones or anyone I know who is going through a difficult time.

Each chapter ends with a prayer and a "truth" to focus on. The book is filled with scripture and valuable advice. The author offers praise song ideas, advises the reader to forgive those who have contributed to the heartbreak, and highly recommends gratitude through it all. I love when she suggests rewriting and personalizing the verses in Habakkuk 3:17-18 which read "Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savoir."

Depth is a treasure. I am grateful for this great resource.

[Jodie Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Replace your fear that your brokenness disqualifies you with the truth that your brokenness qualifies you even more." This paradigm shift is beautifully unpacked with stories and Scripture in an inspiring way from one who has walked through great pain and developed deep roots.

[John Brownlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depth was a personal journey through dealing with disappointments and grief. I found the author was authentic and exceptional in sharing their journey through grief and despair. A great book for those desiring to deal with life's upheavals and grief. Excellent reading!

[Angela Baughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi’s willingness to share how Jesus met her in her heartbreak offers so much hope. She doesn’t shy away from the hard parts, but instead shows how God can bring beauty and purpose out of deep pain. Thank you, Jodi!

[Laura Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Gift!
I was gifted this book when Jodi came to speak for our MOPs group, and I’m so glad I read it. She writes with honesty and compassion, showing how God can bring purpose from pain. Depth is a beautiful reminder that heartbreak can grow strong roots of faith and love.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi Rosser offers such hope in this book. It is for anyone who has ever suffered a loss of any kind. Her words resonate in all areas of grief. I’m thankful to have this book to share with others I know who have experience hardships.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about a very emotional journey. Jodi’s story really inspired me to trust God in dark and difficult times. This book is filled with so much wisdom and hope; it’s a comforting resource for anyone experiencing loss and heartache. I love that each chapter starts with an encouraging Bible verse and ends with a prayer. Definitely a must-read for anybody who’s hurting and is in need of healing.