Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
44th out of 102 books
—
177 voters
I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy
by
Angie Smith
In 2008, Angie Smith and her husband Todd (lead singer of the group Selah) learned through ultrasound that their fourth daughter had conditions making her “incompatible with life.” Advised to terminate the pregnancy, the Smiths chose instead to carry this child and allow room for a miracle. That miracle came the day they met Audrey Caroline and got the chance to love her f...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
May 1st 2010
by B&H Books
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
For Angie Smith and her husband Todd, member of the Christian music group Selah, life in their family was blossoming. Their three little girls were happy and healthy and about to welcome a new little sister, who Angie and Todd already had named Audrey Caroline. They were all so excited for her to be born, to see her grow. One precautionary ultrasound changed everything when doctors informed Audrey’s parents that she had multiple defects that were “incompatible with life.”
Despite the counsel of s...more
Despite the counsel of s...more
I loved reading this book and I think I learned a great deal about personal strength by following Angie Smith's story. I discovered her blog about a year and a half ago and I just had to go back and read it from the beginning. Her story had a strange effect on me and it was surprising to me. I'm not a Christian -- if I have to, I describe myself as an Agnostic, but the truth is, I have no idea what I am. Sometimes I am led to God, other times, I doubt that he exists. I do know, however, that I w...more
This is not the type of book I would normally choose to read because I am far more likely to choose fiction over non-fiction. I started this book because there was a free e-book edition of it available at Barnes & Noble and I was able to load it onto my iPod to read while waiting to pick my kids up from school. I finished this book because it was compelling and applicable to my life, even though I have never walked through circumstances remotely like those the author recounts.
I learned a lot...more
I learned a lot...more
MY REVIEW:
Grab a box of tissues.
For those who followed Angie Smith and the story of Audrey unfold on her blog this book feels like a chat with Angie over a nice warm drink. And for those who are new to the Smith's dance with joy and grief you will quickly fall in love with this family and their testimony.
Angie puts into words the thoughts and emotions of a mother who clings to hope while grieving, lives life fully while preparing for the worst, and who begs God for a miracle all the while praisi...more
Grab a box of tissues.
For those who followed Angie Smith and the story of Audrey unfold on her blog this book feels like a chat with Angie over a nice warm drink. And for those who are new to the Smith's dance with joy and grief you will quickly fall in love with this family and their testimony.
Angie puts into words the thoughts and emotions of a mother who clings to hope while grieving, lives life fully while preparing for the worst, and who begs God for a miracle all the while praisi...more
A friend of mine gave me this book to read a week after I found about my miscarriage at 19 weeks, completely by surprise. My husband and I went in for a specialist appointment because the doctors believed there was a significant chance our baby would have Down Syndrome. When I got to the appointment the odds were 1/1000 based on my age, but 1/19 based on my blood work. When the doctor began the ultrasound it wasn't more than two minutes in when she turned off the machine and told us our baby was...more
Books about faith and loss, particularly infant loss, seem to polarize between those who see the loss as something God didn't or couldn't cause and those who see loss as God's will and doing. I'd say this book is most definitely one of the latter, but I think for those struggling with faith after loss, it will provide much more comfort than the usual "God's will, get happy with it" readings you often find. Smith clearly sees God has having a purpose somewhere, somehow in loss, and she gracefully...more
I read this book (despite knowing it would be heavily religious) because of the song "I Will Carry You," which was written by this author as well. I used that song at my daughter's memorial, and I felt that I should give this book a chance, considering that I'm reading just about every book I can find about infant loss.
While Smith writes beautifully and clearly believes every word she has written, I could not ultimately find comfort in her version of grief. Reading about how much god loves us d...more
While Smith writes beautifully and clearly believes every word she has written, I could not ultimately find comfort in her version of grief. Reading about how much god loves us d...more
I follow Angie's blog so I was interested in reading her journey of grief and joy.
I loved the book. I feel like her emotion was raw and real. I appreciate her putting herself out there after the loss of a child. Angie is to be applauded for sharing her journey through grief & anger & peace & back again. I especially loved how their family dealt with the tragedy and how Audrey Caroline has been given a voice that lives on and how this story has helped so many.
Of course being a believ...more
I loved the book. I feel like her emotion was raw and real. I appreciate her putting herself out there after the loss of a child. Angie is to be applauded for sharing her journey through grief & anger & peace & back again. I especially loved how their family dealt with the tragedy and how Audrey Caroline has been given a voice that lives on and how this story has helped so many.
Of course being a believ...more
I read this book as a recommendation after giving birth to a stillborn child earlier this year. She shares her amazing story of courage and strength through a time that could be extremely depressing and discouraging. I could relate so much with her story, especially the feelings after her baby was born and died. The lonely feeling is oftentimes crippling. I have chose this as my book of choice for a book club so that others might better understand me and why I've changed so much. The experience...more
There's a lot of raw emotion and personal struggle chronicled in this book. For those who struggle with perinatal loss right now, it would be good to delay reading this book for a while. The author and her husband made choices that are not for every family and at times they are a little heavy-handed in their opinions of families who might choose differently. It is written from a narrowly-defined Christian perspective. That said, they found healthy ways to grieve as a family and to help each othe...more
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things" (Ecclesiastes 11:5).
"We do not choose suffering simply because we are told to, but because the one who tells us to describes it as the path to everlasting joy" (John Piper, 59).
"Joy in affliction is rooted in the hope of resurrection, but our experience of suffering also deepens the root of that hope" (John Piper, 75).
"Yet she kept discovering...more
"We do not choose suffering simply because we are told to, but because the one who tells us to describes it as the path to everlasting joy" (John Piper, 59).
"Joy in affliction is rooted in the hope of resurrection, but our experience of suffering also deepens the root of that hope" (John Piper, 75).
"Yet she kept discovering...more
A true account of a mother who learns her unborn child is "incompatible with life". She writes of her sorrow, grief, and finally her faith in the Lord's will. It is heart-wrenching and I cried through much of it. At the end of the book her husband writes a short account of his own. Interesting the differences between their two experiences. It magnifies how we each deal so differently with grief and loss. This is an insightful account of grief and, more importantly, faith.
Note: Angie Smith is a p...more
Note: Angie Smith is a p...more
This is the story of a young mother who experienced the miscarriage of her first baby, then later carried a baby who she knew had medical defects, but refused the doctors advice to abort. It's Angie Smith's journey through grief and is an inspirational book not only for those having lost a baby, but any loss. It's encouraging and inspirational. Angie expresses her grief in a real way, one a woman can understand. It's not all fluff, but honest heartfelt emotions. Angie & Todd's baby only live...more
Someone gave me this book when I found out that the baby girl that I was expecting had a chromosomal disorder that was not compatible with life. If you or someone you know is facing a diagnosis similar to this this is an excellent read. Angie Smith chronicles her journey of carrying her daughter Audrey to term dispute the fact that she was told that Audrey would not survive. It is wonderfully honest and heartfelt. I read it twice once during my pregnancy and again after my baby died. I can not e...more
What a special book. I have not been where Angie Smith has been, but after finding out a friend of mine lost the twins she was carrying for similar reasons, I wanted to give her something that could meet her in her grief and encourage her. I read the book as well and was deeply moved. Angie Smith's deep knowledge of Scripture and her Savior are profound and really ministered to me in different ways than to a mother who has lost a baby. I really appreciated the section on advising friends and fam...more
I am a devoted reader of Angie Smith's blog and so when I first heard that she was publishing a book, I pre-ordered it that day. I was suprise when I received the book b/c I received it a week before it's scheduled release date, but I didn't hesitate to get started. I've read her story many times; each time I walk away from it learning something new about her experience and about myself. For me, this book really lead to some self evaluation. Its a tough read, especailly for those like me who are...more
I took at least a month to read this book; I kept having to put it done in between sobs. While the Smiths' story is not terribly unusual, it is heartbreaking, but Angie's perspective is inspiring. She is able to balance her grief with her belief in a sovereign and good God. Even though I've never lost a child, this book helps the reader process grief and loss in general as well. It also opened my eyes to the pain that mothers suffer through when they lose a baby. I would give it 5 stars, but it'...more
Aug 04, 2011
Ginger
added it
A read for everyone, but especially for mothers who have felt the pain of empty arms due to loss of a baby and should be a required reading for L/D nurses or Obstetricians. Yet, the book shares such a wealth of dealing with grief, it could be for anyone experiencing grief of a loved one. So glad, Angie had the courage to write this book and to bare her deepest thoughts and feelings. Its hard to say bittersweet and peaceful at the same time, but that is what I felt reading this book. The story of...more
A very soul filled and honest book on a topic that is hard to deal with, the loss of a child. Even though I have not lost a child I could relate with the loss and grief. I gave birth to a special little girl with two genetic syndromes and special heathcare needs. Many of the same questioning God, what could have been and dealing with the grief of having a child with very significant disabilites even though my child is still here are one of the many areas I could relate to in the book. I pray tha...more
Mar 06, 2011
Trinity
added it
Absolutely one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
I started to read Angie's book the day sweet Audrey was born. I was immediately hooked. I was thrilled to see her write a book about her experience with loss, and when we were facing a potentially serious condition with our youngest son, I found myself reading and rereading passages from this to help me stay sane, and to know that someone else "got" it, even if they didn't know me. Thankfully, everything is well with our son, but for an a...more
I started to read Angie's book the day sweet Audrey was born. I was immediately hooked. I was thrilled to see her write a book about her experience with loss, and when we were facing a potentially serious condition with our youngest son, I found myself reading and rereading passages from this to help me stay sane, and to know that someone else "got" it, even if they didn't know me. Thankfully, everything is well with our son, but for an a...more
Even though I didn't agree with everything said (when does that happen except with Scripture?), I found this book to be well-written and extremely helpful in unraveling some of the feelings that I'm dealing with currently. I highly recommend it to anyone who might be going through the trauma that is the loss of an infant or anyone who is going through that situation with a friend. My best friend gave it to me just after I learned that my own firstborn son was not expected to live long after birt...more
It is an inspirational book and one that I do recommend to anyone who has lost a baby (during pregnancy or shortly thereafter) or to give to anyone you know of who is in that situation (or to read for the professional who has clients going through this). The author shares a very personal journey that no woman ever wants to experience, but it's helpful to hear how others deal with it. It was inspiring to read about her courage, faith, and commitment to a daughter she would only get to know for su...more
While not neccessarily a page-turner for everyone, this inspiring book has given me some insight as to how I can turn my pain over to the Lord, how I can make put Christ at the center of my heartache and find peace. Her fierce testimony of
our Savior is not a denial of her pain or a naievely optimistic tribute to organized religion. I love what she has taught me about living one's faith. thank you to everyone who recommended that I read this! I recommend it for whatever might be plaguing you rig...more
our Savior is not a denial of her pain or a naievely optimistic tribute to organized religion. I love what she has taught me about living one's faith. thank you to everyone who recommended that I read this! I recommend it for whatever might be plaguing you rig...more
I have been a reader of Angie's blog "Bring the Rain", so I knew most of her story, but I decided it was time to read her book before her second book comes out next month. This is a complete and wonderful book on grief and will be a great resource and a comfort for many women. I can't say enough about how I enjoy Angie's down to earth and honest writing style. This book will move you to tears, but it is worth the read. I found so many "nuggets" in this book to ponder, and plan to add it to my li...more
I can relate to so much in this book. I pray that not everyone that reads it can. My son was stillborn last year, and three months later my nephew passed away at 3 days old. Similar to Angie's story of her loss. Her descriptions of grief and what it feels like to lose your child are completely in sync with my experience. A big struggle for me is addressing the issue of God's plan, and my testimony of Him and His love for us, while still struggling with grief and feeling much pressure and regret...more
Angie Smith shares her story with such heartfelt honesty and vulnerability. It is a blessing, both to those who have walked a similar road and to those who have not. I'm not sure I've ever felt such raw emotion while reading a book. There were moments when I had to stifle sobs, because whatever tiny piece of her pain I could possibly imagine, I felt. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I'm a mother, and while I could never truly put myself in these shoes, my heart knows a mother's greatest fear...more
How can you critique a book about a mother who lost her child? This book was sweet; you could feel the author's love for her child in the pages. It was not well-written, though. The story was choppy at best - interspersed with blog posts and jumping from past to present without any pattern. I don't imagine the author cared much about writing style, though. She simply wanted to glorify God and honor her daughter's life - both of which I believe she accomplished.
Wow! What a incredibly sad book. Literally every time I picked this book I would soon be in tears. But I absolutely loved the faith, hope, love and relationships in this book. I can not imagine going through something like Angie did and I truly admire her strength, courage and faith during such a heartbreaking time.
In this true story, Angie and Todd discover when they are 18 weeks pregnant with their 4th child that the child is not compatible with life. This tragic news throws them through an e...more
In this true story, Angie and Todd discover when they are 18 weeks pregnant with their 4th child that the child is not compatible with life. This tragic news throws them through an e...more
My son, Maddox, was stillborn on December 13, 2011, when I was 39 weeks pregnant. His death was unexpected and is still unexplained, even after an autopsy. Losing our son was the most devastating event of my and my husband's marriage, but it is also one that has been a catalyst for growth toward each other and more importantly, closer intimacy with God. I have blogged about our (mostly my) grief experience at http://mommytomaddox.blogspot.com/. If I could write a book about our grief and the imp...more
This book is a must read for everyone..not just those of us who have gone through this type of tragedy. It helps everyone know how those who have gone through it are feeling, and it just might make you more sympathetic to the world around you. It is very emotional at times because Angie speaks what is on her heart. I know that is helped in my grief immensely, and I have passed it on to others who have said the same.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Smith is an author, blogger, wife (of Todd Smith, lead singer of the hit Christian contemporary group Selah) and speaker. Many people have connected with her through her transparent, warm, witty writing about the life experiences Smith writes about. Her training is in psychology (a Master’s degree from Vanderbil...more
More about Angie Smith...
Smith is an author, blogger, wife (of Todd Smith, lead singer of the hit Christian contemporary group Selah) and speaker. Many people have connected with her through her transparent, warm, witty writing about the life experiences Smith writes about. Her training is in psychology (a Master’s degree from Vanderbil...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
May 18, 2010 02:58pm