Week 13: March 27

"Choosing to SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman

I journeyed back to the non-fiction variety this last week. I was hesitant to read this book because it focused on the loss of a child. Something that I most fear. But is was also a great testimony to how God works in such mysterious ways and how we become closer to Him through our struggles more than through our perfection.

I often am reminded on how God wants us as we are. He doesn't want us to be perfect, he knows we're going to be messy which is why He sent the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ.

It was hard for me to read this book because I think it reminded me a lot of myself and of the things I yearn to do but continually talk myself out of. Mary Beth suffered through depression and anxiety as I feel all do at some point and unfortunately, she struggled to get out of her funk. It reminded me of my "dark days" after Nora was born and how the only way I survived it (and my family survived it) was through prayer.

Mary Beth's story of how she trusts God, and how this can be difficult at times but so worth it in the end is very inspiring. Her 5-year-old daughter was hit by her 17-year-old son and killed. It was a horrible accident and was the main focus of the book. I was amazed with the reality of the situation that her husband made sure to tell thier son that he loved him as he was obviously distraught over what he had done.

The Chapman family while getting though their grief, no "over it", were able to expand their ministries and testimonies for Christ. We all need reminding that God doesn't intend for our lives to be perfect. We are going to mess up, tragedies are going to happen, and all the while, God is there for us. Ready to embrace us and guide us through our healing. Our God is such a good God.

I recommend this book, if anything, to realize the beauty of healing. Of how to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for good. To quote the book, "to take what Satan intended for evil and turn it into what God intended for good".