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42nd out of 66 books
—
17 voters
A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty
In this eloquent account of her current struggle with physical pain, Joni Eareckson Tada offers her perspective on divine healing, God’s purposes, and what it means to live with joy.
Over four decades ago, a diving accident left Joni a quadriplegic. Today, she faces a new battle: unrelenting pain. The ongoing urgency of this season in her life has caused Joni to return to f...more
Over four decades ago, a diving accident left Joni a quadriplegic. Today, she faces a new battle: unrelenting pain. The ongoing urgency of this season in her life has caused Joni to return to f...more
Hardcover, 224 pages
Published
September 1st 2010
by David C. Cook
(first published January 1st 2010)
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Dec 05, 2011
Nicki M
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2010,
american,
audiobook,
christian,
christianaudio,
disabilities,
for-review,
health,
inspirational
What a blessing this audio is! I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Joni talk about her life in such a positive way. This is such a practical book to help you to carry on with your life in spite of your circumstances, something I think Joni does extremely well.
What I liked about it most, is that she is speaking from experience, and not giving pat answers to questions she doesn’t know how to answer. I’ve enjoyed hearing her whole story, from when she had the accident over 40 years ago, to how...more
What I liked about it most, is that she is speaking from experience, and not giving pat answers to questions she doesn’t know how to answer. I’ve enjoyed hearing her whole story, from when she had the accident over 40 years ago, to how...more
"Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty" is an apt subtitle for this book, for just like Jacob wrestled with God many centuries ago, Joni has been wrestling with God for decades, ever since she took that dive into a too shallow lake as a teenager and became a quadriplegic.
Joni doesn't speak on suffering & healing as a lofty theologian, or as some shallow social commentator, but as a real woman who has walked through real suffering and pain for all her adult l...more
Joni doesn't speak on suffering & healing as a lofty theologian, or as some shallow social commentator, but as a real woman who has walked through real suffering and pain for all her adult l...more
MY REVIEW:
This is the raw, honest, and vulnerable sharing from Joni's heart and from the Word of God about suffering. It's a powerful look at how God is a loving God and has plans for us to bring glory to Him and grow in our relationship with Him.
I enjoyed Joni's amazing perspective, steady faithfulness, and open honesty. She addresses the issue of Healing Services in a kind, yet biblically sound way. After reading this book you will have a better appreciation for your life as it is and for all...more
This is the raw, honest, and vulnerable sharing from Joni's heart and from the Word of God about suffering. It's a powerful look at how God is a loving God and has plans for us to bring glory to Him and grow in our relationship with Him.
I enjoyed Joni's amazing perspective, steady faithfulness, and open honesty. She addresses the issue of Healing Services in a kind, yet biblically sound way. After reading this book you will have a better appreciation for your life as it is and for all...more
Wow. I'm not really sure at this point in time what more to say about this book.
God brought this book to me in his perfect timing, as I've been struggling for over a year with a mysterious neurological condition that doctors have been unable to diagnose and therefore unable to provide treatment, if it were something treatable. I have spent a lot of time in bed, asking many of the questions that Joni addresses in this book.
I am very grateful for Joni's open and honest writings about her life, he...more
God brought this book to me in his perfect timing, as I've been struggling for over a year with a mysterious neurological condition that doctors have been unable to diagnose and therefore unable to provide treatment, if it were something treatable. I have spent a lot of time in bed, asking many of the questions that Joni addresses in this book.
I am very grateful for Joni's open and honest writings about her life, he...more
Joni wrote this book out of excruciating pain. It will be especially valuable to those who are also suffering. I won't say more except to mention an wonderful illustration (pp. 96-8) of God’s sovereignty, and wondrous grace in times of trouble.
A while ago Joni and hubby Ken observed 38th anniversary of the day she broke her neck in diving accident. They had crab cakes, because, were it not for a “feisty Chesapeake Bay blue crab” that bit Joni’s sister’s toe, her sister Kathy would not have found...more
A while ago Joni and hubby Ken observed 38th anniversary of the day she broke her neck in diving accident. They had crab cakes, because, were it not for a “feisty Chesapeake Bay blue crab” that bit Joni’s sister’s toe, her sister Kathy would not have found...more
After 40 years of living in a wheelchair, after enduring excruciating, unexplainable, chronic pain for a decade, and after having recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, when Joni Eareckson Tada speaks about living life to the fullest in spite of suffering and pain, I want to read anything she has to say! Especially because her platform is her own life! She has wrestled with all the hard questions about God in the midst of the harshness in life--and she comes back to the same place: trusting...more
Listened to this on the way to work but took this few notes.
Joni used an awesome story of Perlman performing a concert during which a string broke. He continued the symphony, re-fingering the whole thing. When he finished and the crowd exploded with applause he stated that a true artist takes what is left and makes a unique, beautiful sound/story that couldn't be made if something hadn't been broken/taken away.
God doesn't say "be thankful." He says "give thanks."
Don't ask God to change your situ...more
Joni used an awesome story of Perlman performing a concert during which a string broke. He continued the symphony, re-fingering the whole thing. When he finished and the crowd exploded with applause he stated that a true artist takes what is left and makes a unique, beautiful sound/story that couldn't be made if something hadn't been broken/taken away.
God doesn't say "be thankful." He says "give thanks."
Don't ask God to change your situ...more
I bought this book for my Kindle while in bed struggling with an illness. I live with chronic pain as well. It was really helpful to me. There was so much that Joni said that I liked, I started out trying to underline it all on my Kindle. Between my Kindle freezing (which they do when you underline a lot) and finding so many good points to underline, I finally gave up! I would have underlined half the book! This book was a good reminder to me of God's love and care, even when it seems He isn't a...more
This book wasn't amazing but it was very encouraging and had a lot of good stories and analogies that helped me further understand the role of suffering in our lives. Joni's ways of dealing with suffering are both biblical and creative. I originally got this book for free one day off the kindle store. I'm glad I got it, it was worth my time. If you are a christian and going through some difficult things this is a great book to read. Its written by a paraplegic!! Someone who deals with that disab...more
Why does God allow pain? Is God concerned with suffering and involved in it? Plato, C.S. Lewis, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Henri Nouwen, the apostle Paul and others have all addressed these age-old questions.
Instead of focusing on how God is involved in the problem of pain, Joni Eareckson Tada chooses instead in her book, A Place of Healing, to examine how God can use pain to draw her closer to Himself and lift her above her human sufferings.
Joni, left a quadriplegic from a diving accident four deca...more
Instead of focusing on how God is involved in the problem of pain, Joni Eareckson Tada chooses instead in her book, A Place of Healing, to examine how God can use pain to draw her closer to Himself and lift her above her human sufferings.
Joni, left a quadriplegic from a diving accident four deca...more
Outstanding! Joni's transparency while dealing with agonizing pain in addition to her struggles with quadriplegia while leading a world-wide ministry is inspiring. She details how God's sovereignty overrules our desire for healing to accomplish His goals in getting the Gospel to all peoples. She details her history of seeking divine healing in the early years of her paralysis and by the end of the book the reader sees how because of her spinal cord injury she has been able to touch more lives fo...more
I really appreciated this perspective on this book. Joni is writing concerning her battle with chronic pain and how to find joy and contentment in the battle. She answers questions so many of us ask in our own minds about pain and suffering. Her responses are biblical and help dispel some of the "christian" answers about faith and healing and sin. The biggest idea I came away with was that God uses suffering and pain in our lives to draw us into sweet communion relationship with Him. This book...more
Feb 27, 2013
Wendy Sparkes
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone suffering with illness or disability.
I always enjoy Joni's writing. She has a compassion that reaches out to everyone. This one I found very helpful, as during the time of writing, Joni is experiencing chronic pain, which is something I am all too familiar with! She has also experienced the "I've been praying for you, & you aren't healed, so you must be doing something wrong" people in her life (Unfortunately, so have I!) & looks at the reasons why God may not heal.
I found this book to be very encouraging & comforting,...more
I found this book to be very encouraging & comforting,...more
This is a beautiful, devotional, and very real book, coming from an (decades long quadrapalegic) author who knows of what she writes. She makes short work of addressing unbalanced faith-healing theology without being snarky, bitter, or dismissive of God's power to heal. More importantly, Joni fills the rest of the book with practical wisdom for facing pain and suffering, and gives numerous examples of how God has worked for good and for his glory through suffering, including her own.
This is written by a woman of incredible faith and courage, who has been a paraplegic since she was 19. Now 60, she has chronic pain from the one disc in her neck not affected by the accident which caused her disability, and, breast cancer. Such an encouragement in pain, not trying to give all the answers, but instead asking the right questions, and being vulnerable in her own struggles and doubts.
It took me awhile to go through this book, not because of boredom but because there was so many truths to absorb and ponder. In my life I go through many trails and I thought maybe I am to dull to understand God's plan in all of this. Especially when the body turns her back on you thinking that you are without faith, demon possessed etc. Her book gave me new hope and strength to the battles we face knowing that through it all God is still in control. To know that we have a loving Father that is...more
Feels like you are reading a personal journal at times. Joni experienced chronic pain for a time. This is her response to her trial. The book also gives lots of other examples of people who love God who rose above their physical suffering.
Excellent. Talks about well meaning people not being helpful. Talks about the new development of chronic pain. Points on things to think about to cope. Talks about herself a little much, but also admits this. Could be a bit shorter.
Joni Eareckson Tada does a wonderful job of outlining some of her experiences and restating common misconceptions. A good book for anyone that has questions about God's healing and his purpose for it in the world we live in.
Love this book! Joni Eareckson Tada can speak to this topic because she lives it. Not only has Joni endured quadriplegia for 40 years, she has also battled breast cancer, and now excruciating pain. Joni give real guidance for seeking God as we walk through life's difficulties.
Pretty sure I'm going to give this book a second read very soon. I've got it highlighted all over the place. I loved her insight on dealing with pain and suffering, the hope we have in being pain free in heaven, and seeing God at work in the pain in the present.
Joni's faith is amazing! She talks about those things that we don't want to talk about....why God allows His children to suffer and wrestle with seemingly insurmountable problems. Joni should know - she has been in a wheelchair for over 40 years. Realistic and inspiring, highly recommended for anyone who wants to move beyond "why me Lord?"
I'm currently reading this book; Joni has such credibility when she speaks of suffering and leaning on God for strength and staying full of hope for a future in heaven. LOVE.
Jul 24, 2011
Brian Eshleman
added it
Both heart-felt and solidly Biblical. The author absolutely refuses to define a life of faith as syrupy sweet or for the weak and proceeds to exemplify that in her life and words. Beyond just her own experience, which is powerful, she draws from other writers and wide-ranging illustrations.
Extremely honest and inspiring book. I don't know how anyone can stay positive while in physical pain. Joni manages to and tries to teach the rest of us how also.
An absolutely incredible, profound book. I've just finished rereading it for the 3rd or 4th time. I can't recommend it highly enough. Perhaps one of the top 10 books I've ever read in any genre.
So full of wisdom. So full of joy. An awesome resource for all believers, helping us wrestle with the mystery of God's goodness, sovereignty, and the problem of pain and suffering.
Joni goes beyond trite answers and shares her struggles so honestly. I can't wait to see her dancing in heaven! I know I will...more
So full of wisdom. So full of joy. An awesome resource for all believers, helping us wrestle with the mystery of God's goodness, sovereignty, and the problem of pain and suffering.
Joni goes beyond trite answers and shares her struggles so honestly. I can't wait to see her dancing in heaven! I know I will...more
A good book with lots of scripture to help you through the trying times. Joni helps to remind you that in your suffering, God is using that for His glory. A good book I wish I would have had a little over a year ago, but good to have read now. It's always through Jesus that you'll make it through the rough times.
Great book from someone who knows what suffering and longing for healing is like. Joni handles a tricky topic with biblical truth and Christ-like grace.
One of the very best discussion of suffering in our human condition, from a woman who has lived through it all. Truly inspiring and theologically solid.
Just the right book at just the right time! This is one I'll be giving and recommending to folks in pain -- physical, emotional, or spiritual. Joni uses God's Word and her experiences to testify of God's goodness.
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Previously published as Joni Eareckson
FROM WEBSITE:
A diving accident in 1967 left Mrs. Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. During two years of rehabilitation, she spent long months learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her high detail fine art paintings and prints are sought after and collected.
Due to her best-selling books, beginning with her autobiograp...more
More about Joni Eareckson Tada...
FROM WEBSITE:
A diving accident in 1967 left Mrs. Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. During two years of rehabilitation, she spent long months learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her high detail fine art paintings and prints are sought after and collected.
Due to her best-selling books, beginning with her autobiograp...more
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“Here at our ministry we refuse to present a picture of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” a portrait that tugs at your sentiments or pulls at your heartstrings. That’s because we deal with so many people who suffer, and when you’re hurting hard, you’re neither helped nor inspired by a syrupy picture of the Lord, like those sugary, sentimental images many of us grew up with. You know what I mean? Jesus with His hair parted down the middle, surrounded by cherubic children and bluebirds.
Come on. Admit it: When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, when you feel like Morton’s salt is being poured into your wounded soul, you don’t want a thin, pale, emotional Jesus who relates only to lambs and birds and babies.
You want a warrior Jesus.
You want a battlefield Jesus. You want his rigorous and robust gospel to command your sensibilities to stand at attention.
To be honest, many of the sentimental hymns and gospel songs of our heritage don’t do much to hone that image. One of the favorite words of hymn writers in days gone by was sweet. It’s a term that down’t have the edge on it that it once did. When you’re in a dark place, when lions surround you, when you need strong help to rescue you from impossibility, you don’t want “sweet.” You don’t want faded pastels and honeyed softness.
You want mighty. You want the strong arm an unshakable grip of God who will not let you go — no matter what.”
—
9 people liked it
Come on. Admit it: When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, when you feel like Morton’s salt is being poured into your wounded soul, you don’t want a thin, pale, emotional Jesus who relates only to lambs and birds and babies.
You want a warrior Jesus.
You want a battlefield Jesus. You want his rigorous and robust gospel to command your sensibilities to stand at attention.
To be honest, many of the sentimental hymns and gospel songs of our heritage don’t do much to hone that image. One of the favorite words of hymn writers in days gone by was sweet. It’s a term that down’t have the edge on it that it once did. When you’re in a dark place, when lions surround you, when you need strong help to rescue you from impossibility, you don’t want “sweet.” You don’t want faded pastels and honeyed softness.
You want mighty. You want the strong arm an unshakable grip of God who will not let you go — no matter what.”
“He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace.”
—
3 people liked it
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