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When the Hurt Runs Deep: Healing and Hope for Life's Desperate Moments
Where Can You Turn for Hope
When the Hurt Runs Deep?
At some point in life, every one of us will face the dark pain of heartache and despair, a hurt that pierces so deep we’re left gasping with
Why me? Why now?
What have I done to deserve this?
Will the pain ever go away?
How can God just stand by and let this happen?
What do I have left to hope for?
Writing from insights she has gained, not only through her own valleys of deep hurt but also from years of study and counseling others through their pain, Kay Arthur points the way toward genuine healing. With candor, grace, and vulnerability, she invites you to join her on a journey toward wholeness as you exchange your fears and frustrations, hurts and disappointments for a hope that will never disappoint.
When the Hurt Runs Deep?
At some point in life, every one of us will face the dark pain of heartache and despair, a hurt that pierces so deep we’re left gasping with
Why me? Why now?
What have I done to deserve this?
Will the pain ever go away?
How can God just stand by and let this happen?
What do I have left to hope for?
Writing from insights she has gained, not only through her own valleys of deep hurt but also from years of study and counseling others through their pain, Kay Arthur points the way toward genuine healing. With candor, grace, and vulnerability, she invites you to join her on a journey toward wholeness as you exchange your fears and frustrations, hurts and disappointments for a hope that will never disappoint.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1996
82 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Kay Arthur
470 books257 followersKay Lee Arthur was an American Christian author, Bible teacher, and co-founder of Precept Ministries International. Renowned for her accessible and inductive approach to Bible study, she helped millions engage deeply with Scripture. Arthur began her ministry informally, teaching teenagers in her living room alongside her second husband, Jack Arthur. Their work soon grew into a global outreach, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, under the name Precept Ministries International. She hosted the daily Bible teaching program Precepts for Life and became a respected voice in evangelical circles. Arthur authored numerous books and was a four-time winner of the ECPA Christian Book Award for titles such as A Marriage Without Regrets and The New Inductive Study Bible. Her ministry was rooted in a personal reawakening to faith in the early 1960s, following a divorce and a return to religious life. She and Jack also served briefly as missionaries in Mexico before founding their ministry. Arthur remained active in public faith-based initiatives into her later years and was known for her firm stances on social issues. She passed away on 2025 leaving behind a lasting legacy in Christian education and publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 2, 2014
I read a chapter every day as a devotion. I can tell Kay Arthur knows deep hurt from her writing, but she also, knows her God and His word. Out of that hurt she gives moving understanding of one who is suffering. Her writing takes you through steps of seeing your pain in different and healing ways to reach hope in the darkness. I highly recommend reading this book if your hurt runs deep or you know someone in deep pain.
July 10, 2022
This book is an excellent source of hope for those struggling with deep loss. The author supports all of her teachings from Scripture and encourages readers to be in the Word. She speaks from personal experience and shares appropriately the seasons of her life when the hurt ran deep. She uses many real-life examples which make the book relatable and impactful.
March 12, 2011
In this book, Kay tackles such topics as the right time for anger, the root of pain, the purpose of pain, how to deal with lingering hurts, can Jesus understand our hurts, and how to pull the plug on pain. I especially liked Kay’s list of truths and practical suggestions for hanging onto God through each difficult day. 1.For reasons we may not understand, God allowed this. 2.Seek the companionship of the Lord. 3.Face the facts. 4. Go ahead and grieve. 5.Don’t continually revisit details. 6.Time and practicing His truth will bring healing. 7.Comfort others with the comfort God has given you. Through this book, Kay taught me comforted me, and changed my perspective on living the Christian life. It's a great book!
August 10, 2016
If you know Kay Arthur's Bible studies and devotionals, you know that a lot of her content is simply guiding you as you study the Bible, highlighting and underlining different words, verses, and themes. She truly draws her content from the Bible as well as from her own past experiences.
Listening to the audio book was a bit different, since you can't journal in an audio book and often you listen to them while your hands or feet are busy, so you don't have opportunity to sit down and study the scripture with her. Although it was moving to hear her voice telling you her stories, the audio book just didn't work for me as well as the physical copy.
Even so, the truths in this little book are wonderful.
Listening to the audio book was a bit different, since you can't journal in an audio book and often you listen to them while your hands or feet are busy, so you don't have opportunity to sit down and study the scripture with her. Although it was moving to hear her voice telling you her stories, the audio book just didn't work for me as well as the physical copy.
Even so, the truths in this little book are wonderful.
June 5, 2012
Where do I begin? Kay Arthur provides the reader with practical tips to overcoming your heart and recognizing that God is in all things. Coming out of an abusive relationship, was one of the hardest things I've had to do thus far - I needed this book to help me.
I had a difficult time trying to understand why God allowed this to happen to me, until I learned to be grateful that this was ALL God allowed to happen to me.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with life's hurts. Healing and deliverance are available to you.
I had a difficult time trying to understand why God allowed this to happen to me, until I learned to be grateful that this was ALL God allowed to happen to me.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with life's hurts. Healing and deliverance are available to you.
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May 1, 2012Kay Arthur’s When the Hurt Runs Deep: Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments is a beautiful blend of grace and truth. It’s clear, compassionate, biblically grounded and Christ-centered. As usual, Kay’s words honor and declare God’s Word, which alone can bear the weight of our trust. I’m happy to recommend this outstanding book.
October 12, 2013
It was a very good book! It opened my eyes in anew way, and it helped me alot. Kay Arthur is a very good writer and I hope to read more of her books sometime:)
July 5, 2022
I recently caught up with the colleague who recommended the four Christian books previously. As much as I have boundaries between my personal and professional lives, I’m always grateful for such conversations that end in recommendations of good books, because I believe it’s divine intervention.
I took notes from this book because it was a hard copy, and I hope these 12 Healing Truths could help you as much as they inspired me (aside from #12, they can all be generalised regardless of which religion you practice. I for one am a non-practising baptised catholic).
Healing Truth #1 - If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose; a good purpose, because he is a good God.
Healing Truth #2 - Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God’s sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
Healing Truth #3 - Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
Healing Truth #4 - Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain, and he understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
Healing Truth #5 - No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
Healing Truth #6 - Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.
Healing Truth #7 - Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
Healing Truth #8 - When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step onto the path to hope and healing.
Healing Truth #9 - Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
Healing Truth #10 - God’s grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
Healing Truth #11 - Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself—to complete and total dependence on God—which is the best place you could ever be.
Healing Truth #12 - Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else’s actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross—the greatest expression of God’s love for you.
I took notes from this book because it was a hard copy, and I hope these 12 Healing Truths could help you as much as they inspired me (aside from #12, they can all be generalised regardless of which religion you practice. I for one am a non-practising baptised catholic).
Healing Truth #1 - If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose; a good purpose, because he is a good God.
Healing Truth #2 - Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God’s sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
Healing Truth #3 - Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
Healing Truth #4 - Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain, and he understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
Healing Truth #5 - No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
Healing Truth #6 - Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.
Healing Truth #7 - Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
Healing Truth #8 - When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step onto the path to hope and healing.
Healing Truth #9 - Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
Healing Truth #10 - God’s grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
Healing Truth #11 - Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself—to complete and total dependence on God—which is the best place you could ever be.
Healing Truth #12 - Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else’s actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross—the greatest expression of God’s love for you.
December 2, 2017
encouraging, uplifting, inspiring, honest advice and help to address the deep emotional wounds that keep us stuck and repeating the same mistakes in life. I especially loved the spiritual take on healing that was integral to this book.
April 13, 2022
Great book on relying on God’s word during tough times. Relatable stories. I liked how she broke down Jesus’s in the chapter about understanding our pain. She encouraged us to mark some Bible passages throughout the book but I thought it was pointless
June 10, 2025
I cannot recommend this book enough - even for those not currently experiencing pain. What a beautiful, solid perspective for when we are in the midst of darkness and turmoil. This book shines light into those dark places.
June 21, 2017
Best book on dealing with emotional wounds and pain that I've ever read. Full of Biblical truth, it has opened my eyes to some wrong thinking and has me clinging to my Savior more.
August 15, 2019
Kay Arthur is a true blessing. I was truly blessed by her book, When the Hurt Runs Deep. Her book helped me address some deep rooted issues caused by past abuse.
March 29, 2020
Wonderful! This book will change your life and how you feel about your own sins. Please read it!
July 17, 2022
Great book for everyone that has been hurt
Loved this book, it took something we all face, hurt, and put it in biblical terms showing how God is always with us.
Loved this book, it took something we all face, hurt, and put it in biblical terms showing how God is always with us.
July 6, 2011
Several years ago, my family went through a very dark and trying time of betrayal and pain. Our hurt was so deep that we could not see an end to it. Instead, we just tried to get through one day at a time while we asked God “Why?” So when I saw this new book by Kay Arthur I was very eager to read her thoughts on this subject. I was not disappointed.
By looking at the lives of Job and Joseph, we are able to see that other people have been where we are and that God does have a plan for our lives even in the midst of deep pain.
The chapter on suicide is one that really stood out to me, addressing how a family can cope with this most horrible of circumstances. Also, the chapter on pulling the plug on our pain and letting it go is very helpful. That is something that I had to deal with personally. Even though it has been several years since I experienced my own time of deep hurt, I got a lot out of this book.
In the book, Kay lays out twelve healing truths and expounds on each one:
1. If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose—a good purpose, because he is a good God.
2. Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God’s sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
3. Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
4. Because God is all-knowing, He know the very source of our deepest pain—and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
5. No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
6. Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that he will bring to account everyone who has hurt you in His time and in His way.
7. Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
8. When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step onto the path to hope and healing.
9. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
10. God’s grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
11. Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself—to complete and total dependence on God—which is the best place you could ever be.
12. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else’s actions or by your own sins and failure, healing begins at the cross—the greatest expression of God’s love for you.
As she goes on to reveal these truths to us, Kay reminds us that we will have trials but we will not go through them alone. God loves us and He has a plan. We must learn to put our complete trust and faith in Him and let Him be God. Anyone who is hurting for whatever reason needs to read this book. Kay knows what she is talking about and she does not give pat answers to the soul that is hurting. Instead she leads you, step by step, through God’s word to see what He has to say about your pain. I definitely recommend this book for your own personal library. I also recommend that you get extra copies. You will want to share them with others.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of the Blogging for Books program.
By looking at the lives of Job and Joseph, we are able to see that other people have been where we are and that God does have a plan for our lives even in the midst of deep pain.
The chapter on suicide is one that really stood out to me, addressing how a family can cope with this most horrible of circumstances. Also, the chapter on pulling the plug on our pain and letting it go is very helpful. That is something that I had to deal with personally. Even though it has been several years since I experienced my own time of deep hurt, I got a lot out of this book.
In the book, Kay lays out twelve healing truths and expounds on each one:
1. If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose—a good purpose, because he is a good God.
2. Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God’s sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
3. Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
4. Because God is all-knowing, He know the very source of our deepest pain—and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
5. No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
6. Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that he will bring to account everyone who has hurt you in His time and in His way.
7. Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
8. When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step onto the path to hope and healing.
9. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
10. God’s grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
11. Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself—to complete and total dependence on God—which is the best place you could ever be.
12. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else’s actions or by your own sins and failure, healing begins at the cross—the greatest expression of God’s love for you.
As she goes on to reveal these truths to us, Kay reminds us that we will have trials but we will not go through them alone. God loves us and He has a plan. We must learn to put our complete trust and faith in Him and let Him be God. Anyone who is hurting for whatever reason needs to read this book. Kay knows what she is talking about and she does not give pat answers to the soul that is hurting. Instead she leads you, step by step, through God’s word to see what He has to say about your pain. I definitely recommend this book for your own personal library. I also recommend that you get extra copies. You will want to share them with others.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of the Blogging for Books program.
January 20, 2011
One doesn't have to live long to realize that Jesus was right when He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Hurt crops up all over the landscape of our lives. Sometimes the pain become crippling, devastating, and we're left wondering what to do while we wait for the promised “overcoming” of this world (John 16:33). Kay Arthur offers twelve healing truths while drawing from the lives of Biblical characters, those willing to share their stories, and her own personal experience. Can Jesus meet you in your deepest need, your most desperate hurt? A resounding yes is presented in this volume!
I appreciated that this book was chock full of Scripture. The chapter entitled How Can Jesus Possibly Understand Your Pain? was beautiful as it presented the truth of His love and His sacrifice for us. The lives of Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul and others are also examined, some quite in depth. Pain, whether self-inflicted from sin or coming from the actions of others, is not a new obstacle. These people of old drew their strength from God, and that God is the same one we serve today!
The first half of this book was a little difficult for me to get into. It seemed hurt was approached on a very clinical, studious level, which was not particularly helpful to me personally. When I'm hurting I don't want to read a treatise on the subject, I'm looking for some direction on it! The second half seemed almost like a different book as Kay begins to share personal examples and delve into applicable answers for those in the midst of the battle.
There are several things I will be remembering from this book, and several Scriptures which I'll be looking at differently after her explanation of them. The appendices are not to be missed as well, as some of the most practical get-through-the-rough-times help was presented there. Overall I would recommend this for anyone who is beginning to reach the questioning stage of their hurt, when God's purposes seem to grow more obscure by the day. He is there, He is working in you... and you will be all right in His care!
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.
This review originally appeared at http://wwww.reviewsbyerin.livejournal...
I appreciated that this book was chock full of Scripture. The chapter entitled How Can Jesus Possibly Understand Your Pain? was beautiful as it presented the truth of His love and His sacrifice for us. The lives of Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul and others are also examined, some quite in depth. Pain, whether self-inflicted from sin or coming from the actions of others, is not a new obstacle. These people of old drew their strength from God, and that God is the same one we serve today!
The first half of this book was a little difficult for me to get into. It seemed hurt was approached on a very clinical, studious level, which was not particularly helpful to me personally. When I'm hurting I don't want to read a treatise on the subject, I'm looking for some direction on it! The second half seemed almost like a different book as Kay begins to share personal examples and delve into applicable answers for those in the midst of the battle.
There are several things I will be remembering from this book, and several Scriptures which I'll be looking at differently after her explanation of them. The appendices are not to be missed as well, as some of the most practical get-through-the-rough-times help was presented there. Overall I would recommend this for anyone who is beginning to reach the questioning stage of their hurt, when God's purposes seem to grow more obscure by the day. He is there, He is working in you... and you will be all right in His care!
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.
This review originally appeared at http://wwww.reviewsbyerin.livejournal...
February 22, 2011
I received this book while I was dealing with rejection by the church to a calling God put on my heart. I was blocked. On top of that I was dealing with hurt by the attitude of some people. So it was very timely.
It has not only helped me as I've tried to understand why God would call me, men reject me, etc. But I know God understands. The book has helped me draw closer to God and his soveignity.
If we would admit it, not a one of us hasn't asked, "Why Me?", "Why Now?", Where is God in this?, etc. We may feel worthless and like our hope is slipping away.
In 52 years of serving God, I've walked through some valleys, many times questioned God, and dealt with hurt that had me leave the same church I am in now - twice. Yet God has walked me through them. But it helps to have a guide to get us going and stay on the path.
Kay Arthur sent me one of her books in 2006 when I was facing knee replacement. It was such a help. I had passed it on but had to replace it now. So this book is a keeper. If I find someone needing it, I will have to buy them a copy.
Even if you haven't faced any hurts or disappointments yet, I recommend this book.
It has not only helped me as I've tried to understand why God would call me, men reject me, etc. But I know God understands. The book has helped me draw closer to God and his soveignity.
If we would admit it, not a one of us hasn't asked, "Why Me?", "Why Now?", Where is God in this?, etc. We may feel worthless and like our hope is slipping away.
In 52 years of serving God, I've walked through some valleys, many times questioned God, and dealt with hurt that had me leave the same church I am in now - twice. Yet God has walked me through them. But it helps to have a guide to get us going and stay on the path.
Kay Arthur sent me one of her books in 2006 when I was facing knee replacement. It was such a help. I had passed it on but had to replace it now. So this book is a keeper. If I find someone needing it, I will have to buy them a copy.
Even if you haven't faced any hurts or disappointments yet, I recommend this book.
March 8, 2011
"When the Hurt Runs Deep" explores Scripture to find answers to why God allows us to suffer deeply and how to heal from these deep hurts. It used examples from real people's lives, both those in the Bible and today. The author covered a wide variety of specific situations that can cause deep hurt as well as general ones. She gave solid, Scriptural answers to why God allows such suffering to touch His followers (and others). She also pointed the way toward healing. At the back of the book, she included a 26 page Bible study for small groups or individuals to use for further, deeper study on the topic.
The writing was easy to understand and covered the topic in a sympathetic way. I'd highly recommend this book to those who are deeply hurting or who wish to help someone they know who is deeply hurting.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
The writing was easy to understand and covered the topic in a sympathetic way. I'd highly recommend this book to those who are deeply hurting or who wish to help someone they know who is deeply hurting.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
April 21, 2015
At first, I thought it was rushing towards a message of Hope and Healing without really exploring what makes us bleed. Then I realized that this is a 'weaving' book - she weaves between issues of real suffering and heartache, real questions and even accusations that pour out of us, and what we have to lay hold of in Scriptures in our war against Satan's lies (essentially, that if we're suffering, God doesn't love us and the suffering doesn't have any purpose). I found it helpful to be pointed back to the words and sufferings of both Christ and Paul, who went through a great deal in their travels and means of spreading the Word to rebellious man. The chapter on suicide was especially good, and helpful.
October 24, 2015
Great book!! I can tell Kay Arthur has a lot of compassion for her readers, she has gone through hard times and can really relate to those who have gone through difficult times.
We can either hold on to the pain of bitterness and not forgive the ones who have hurt us or we can apply God's truth into our life and forgive as Christ has forgiven us. And by truly forgiving, you will find healing and peace.
We can either hold on to the pain of bitterness and not forgive the ones who have hurt us or we can apply God's truth into our life and forgive as Christ has forgiven us. And by truly forgiving, you will find healing and peace.
January 27, 2011
A book I would highly recommend.
If you personally do not find something within these pages that speaks to your life [which would surprise me], you would at least be prepared to shared coherently when someone near to you needs good sound advice. It covers a variety of situations that could cause hurt and pain.
If you personally do not find something within these pages that speaks to your life [which would surprise me], you would at least be prepared to shared coherently when someone near to you needs good sound advice. It covers a variety of situations that could cause hurt and pain.
March 16, 2012
Wonderful audio book, read by the author. A Biblical look at life when things go "wrong". Whether the hurt comes from something out of our control, or if we cause the pain ourselves, Kay Arthur, looks to the Bible for answers on how to not only survive those devasting times, but to come out on the other side stronger.
May 15, 2016
This book was very helpful during my acute grief. Kay understands the pain of losing a piece of your heart. The scripture passages and insights in the book provided reassurance that though the valley may be dark and deep, I would make it through eventually with God's help. I recommend it for anyone who is trying to move forward through grief.
February 10, 2013
What a powerful and timely book! For anyone who believes in God and suffers hurt of any type, this is a wonderful resource. I am reading it due to a recent hurt in my life and find it very uplifting. The Bible rimless in it are true and powerful.
March 20, 2015
I didn't finish it because reading it to discuss with a friend and we ended up not able to get together. I think to someone in deep pain there was a lot of good points from what I read and would recommend it.
August 9, 2012
I thought this book was good. It helped in my infertility battle but I will be able to pull aspects out of it to help in my career.
July 2, 2013
Excellent book!! Went through the whole church drama and this was such an on time book. Kay doesn't write this from a mountain top she delivers this healing message from the trenches!!
November 20, 2014
Thought provoking, biblical, and heart-warming. It's an excellent book for anyone in the throngs of hurt who longs to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
August 8, 2016
I've read a lot of books on this subject- none even close to as practical and encouraging as this one. No matter what you've done or what's been done to you, there is healing in the Word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews