Become Bitter or Better
Since I had never heard of this author before, I'm not really sure why I ordered this book, but I am glad I did. I read several excellent reviews, and decided it sounded interesting.
This book has three distinct parts. The first part, "God on Trial", is about who God is. The second part is "Emotional and Spiritual Healing". Part three is titled "Principles for Freedom-Living". As you read from one section to another it is almost like starting a new book each time, and each section is loaded with helpful information.
Fr. Morris talks about the many different types of suffering and gives suggestions on how to deal with them. Sometimes we wonder why God allows bad things to happen. Fr. Morris reminds us that God creates good, He does not create evil, but because of free will, He allows it. Sometimes this is hard to understand, and when we suffer, we can become bitter or better.
If we handle it right, we will be better people for having suffered. I know it is not easy. Many years ago our youngest son died as an infant. You never forget, but you can go on and be a better person because of it. I still read anything I can to help me learn to help other people with loss. I also recommend Rabbi Kushner's book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, which Fr. Morris quotes in this book.
"The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts" is a great book for all who believe in God. It is written by a Catholic priest, but it is not just for Catholics.
Suffering: Why and the Response
Father Morris writes firmly and with compassion about one of life's great conundrums - suffering. Why do we suffer? Why does God allow it? How do we respond. In plain, accessible and straightforward language, Father Morris essentially provides the orthodox Christian answer to why suffering exists. No one can avoid it; at some point everyone will experience it in some way. The issue is, when it comes, how will we respond? Father Morris provides a helpful outline and series of steps to help the believer understand and deal with suffering.
Ray of Hope
I stumbled across this book. Wow, what good timing! With God, there are no coincidences. I am currently experiencing some issues in my life concerning my health, my children, past hurts, etc and have suffered with oppression and some depression, so this came in the knick of time. God knows, Fr. Morris' book was exactly what I needed to read.
No matter what Christian denomination you are, or whether you believe in God, for that matter...this is an amazing, step by step, guide for anyone who is suffering or has suffered and is in need of healing and hope.
My heart feels as if a weight has been removed. I finally see a light at the end of this tunnel!
My husband has read this book, too and we are both buying up a bunch of these to give to our family and friends for Christmas!
If you are in need of hope and healing then read this book. Even if you are not currently in the "pit" you will at some point in your life and this will prepare you and help you to avoid ending up there! Or, if you've been there and are on the hill top right now, waiting for the other shoe to drop, this book will help you to put it all in perspective!
Thanks Fr. Morris for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, to bring a message of hope to those of us who need it! You helped me to remember that God is in control and the best is yet to come!
"The Promise" will change YOUR life
There are very few books written in the Christian genre that speak the Truth. And the Truth is that suffering is allowed by a Sovereign and Loving God who has greater purposes than the human mind can conceive. In truly understanding God, we find that our suffering is an avenue to an intimate relationship with Him. Father Jonathan brings our suffering into perspective as he shares emails from his "InBox." The Promise reveals that through our sufferings there is a Promise of greater good and it is our choice to believe in the Promise or look God in the eyes and walk away. This book was written for the believer and the nonbeliever. It was written in a way where you can feel Father Jonathan's heart and the heart of God pouring out to you. "The Promise" will bring you to a crossroads in your life; you will make the decision to walk by faith or walk by sight.
Personally for me, I will share this....I have read this book more times than I have ever read any other book. (I have read ALOT of books in the Christian genre) I will tell you that never before has a book brought such amazing peace to my soul. Each time I pick it up and read, I feel as though I am entering into the presence of God and through "The Promise" He is speaking loud and clear.
Understanding with a Plan
This book had so much more than an explanation for suffering. I liked the personal examples and also the references to earlier writings on the topic. Beyond understanding it offers concrete steps for living in hope. The structure of the book makes it easy to read in any order. Definitely one that I will loan to friends and re-visit from time to time.
