Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places

by L.L. Barkat

Sometimes it's hard to see grace. And even harder to receive. When you're hurt or angry or confused or doubtful, grace can seem as hard tograsp as the sky. But actually, it's as real and solid as tangible, weighty, something to hold on to, a way through streams of pain, shame, abuse. In these pages L.L. Barkat shares her own painful, powerful story with us. Weaving in truth from Scripture, words from other writers and stories of people who've come alongside her in her journey, she shows us the unexpected ways and places she's discovered grace that has helped her open her heart to love, discover a way past fear, find freedom from shame. Her story will help you find the rock of God's grace in the midst of your own broken, hard places. And his grace will give you a new story to tell.

Genres: Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2008

About the author

Freelance writer at Edutopia. Former Contributor at The Huffington Post blog. Managing Editor of Tweetspeak Poetry. Poetry has appeared at VQR, Best American Poetry, and on NPR.

Loves tea, chocolate, Neruda, and the golden hour over the Hudson river.

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 2 out of 5]

UGGGGH...Am I literally the only person in the world who doesn't like this book? First off, you need to know that I'm a Christian, so I'm not going to dog the book for those reasons. However, some of her points are weird and creepy. Such as--God the lover? Not cool. Also, minus 10 points for any author who uses the word "lover" in a non-ironic sense.

The book starts out with her trying to make you believe it is about her opening up her life and exploring it with the reader. Not true. She hints at lots of family issues, but never once says anything I found deeply personal. So, right there, I think, you've lied to me about what this book is supposed to be about.

And the "poetry"? That schmaltzy-over-the-top-dripping-with-imagery crap wouldn't fly in a freshman poetry workshop. I know, I've taught them. These introductions were a distraction, on top of essays which were also frequently distractions from any real point.

All in all, there were some valid moments here, real moments of interesting writing--they mostly came at the end. I think if the author had ditched the gooey poetry along with the idea that she was somehow revealing anything about herself to you, something would be there. But this wasn't personal enough to be personal, and not theologically sound enough to be good theology.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider it a privilege when I finish a book like Stone Crossings. L.L. Barkat's stark, evocative prose wormed its way into my heart, and her unflinching honesty caused me to consider life more deeply, to run to the God who made it all. I love her story throughout the book, how it restrains to tell the truth, yet holds her privacy. I love how she wrestles. And I love how God finds her.

[Jane G Meyer]

So far I have absolutely been caught up by the beautiful words and images in this book. I am half way through and I read when the baby is going to sleep... I'm finding some real grace and learning in these pages.

So... made it half way through then petered out. Not sure why

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully written and poetic. Barkat finds God's presence in the midst of life's tragedy. At times her poetic pictures swept me into her story and other times left me a bit confused. Still, a book I really enjoyed. Very hopeful perspective on life.

[Knightgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant read, very real & encouraging.

[JoDee Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.L.Barkat's book will inspire and encourage you.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read despite the hard places described at times. I found it uplifting, meeting me where I am.