Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters

by Martha Bolton, Christin Ditchfield

Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds--figuratively and literally--and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them.

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? faces down the fear, depression, and unfulfilled dreams that cripple many women to the point of wanting to crawl in bed--for the rest of their lives. Compiled as a collection of short, mostly humorous and warmhearted stories, it offers readers practical, concrete steps to help them move forward when they are ready. Essays are interspersed with special humor features such as "Top Ten" lists, while "Whenever You're Ready" sections offer Scriptures, journaling questions, and practical suggestions for "putting your feet on the floor" and "taking a few steps forward." The book addresses four themes:
Facing feelings of fear, anxiety, discouragement, and depression
Facing people and relationship issues
Facing the pain of grief and loss
Facing life--and getting yours back

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2017

About the author

Bob Hope's first female staff writer, working for the legendary comedian in the 1980s and 1990s. She has received nominations for an Emmy, a Dove, and a WGA Award. The author of 88 books, including her newest, Dear Bob... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the GIs of WW2, which was awarded the Christian Market Book of the Year and the AWSA Memoir of the Year at the Golden Scrolls 2021. She was also named AWSA Member of the Year for 2021. Martha is also a prolific playwright with shows playing in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Two of the musicals are based on her novels, Josiah for President and The Home Game. Martha has also written for Phyllis Diller and numerous other comedians.

Reviews

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This was a great Christian Living read! Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? by Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield speaks to real struggles with frankness, applicable ideas, hope, and a generous dash of humor. These ladies know how I feel! *smiles* After just finishing Fearless by Cheri Fuller, this book felt like the perfect companion read. It addressed fear and anxiety - talked about facing life with courage and prayer - like Fearless, but was a bit of a lighter read and had me almost laughing out loud many a time!

Basically, Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? helps you to be upfront with yourself, face your fears, and ask yourself if you're going to keep hiding, or live the abundant life God has called you too. Honestly, people like myself, who struggle with fear, anxiety, depression, or listlessness, need books like this! I very much recommend. It'll get you laughing while taking a look at your heart.

What did I learn? Run to God as soon as the fear/hopelessness hits! Pray continuously. Live life! Laugh! Walk by the Spirit. Sometimes I think we just take ourselves too seriously. God didn't mean for us to live in bondage (whatever that may be), but to be FREE, walking by His Spirit. Trusting Him. With all that we are.

Easy to read, humorous, real, and heartfelt, Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters has the potential to help a lot of women realize they don't have to hide anymore. God has it all under control. They're alive and breathing, and He has a plan! I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a copy of Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? from Tyndale Blogger Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

review Q&A-

- What did you like about the book and why? I like that this book covers topics that both men and women face and encourages you to become more uplifted instead of embracing dread and negativity.

- What did you not like about the book and why? It was well written and easy to follow, the shorter stories are easy to read through, so there was nothing that I could count as not liking.

- What did you learn? The you can overcome more if your mind is involved and not just your nerves.

- To whom would you recommend this book and why? For anyone who worries and fears about things to the point of distraction, because it gives a sense of peace by helping to look at the problems head on with a resolution available.

[Laura Zielke · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first spotted this book cover, I knew it was a "must read" for me. First of all, with everything going on in the world right now, I could identify with the desire to hide from it all "'til Jesus comes back." And let's just keep this real: I love my bed. I love sleeping in my bed. I love my pillow. I love my comforter. I love my blackout curtains. I love laying in bed, listening to the nature sounds app on my phone, and falling asleep. Kinda makes me sleepy just thinking about it. 😴 Where was I?



Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters by Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield (published by Focus on the Family) was written to encourage exhausted women to face the day(s) ahead head-on "with joy and hope (and, of course, a few bonbons)." Sadly, the bonbons were not included. But I digress. 

Bolton and Ditchfield are incredible communicators. Bolton has written "more than eighty-eight books of inspiration and humor" (not to mention writing comedy for Bob Hope and Chonda Pierce), and Ditchfield has authored "seventy books" herself (not to mention being an internationally syndicated radio host). In other words, together, these two women have influenced the world with their wit, humor, and writing 158+ books!!! I admit, that reviewing a book penned by such prolific authors is a bit daunting. I kinda don't even want to bother. Obviously, people adore their work—who am I to opine?

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back?

Therefore, rather than my typical review, I'm simply going to explain how Can I Just Hide is organized and what you can expect to find when you crack the cover. The book is divided into four sections: 

1. Facing Your Feelings When You'd Rather Hide
2. Facing People When You'd Rather Run
3. Facing Loss When It's Not on the Agenda
4. Facing Life —And Getting Yours Back!

Within each section, the authors share at least ten short stories—some silly, some serious—from their own lives. Mentor-worthy wisdom is skillfully woven throughout its forty-three chapters including lessons learned, encouragement to persevere, pointers towards spiritual growth, and way too many references to staying in bed, getting out of bed, and pajamas. Who needs those?! Just checking to see if you're awake. 😂

Easy Read ~ Independent Chapters

Unlike other books I've read, this is one book I could put down, pick up later, and put down again.

The feature I enjoyed most in Can I Just Hide is each story's independence from all the others—each one stands on its own. The chapters do not need to be read in order, so if you're struggling with a recent, unexpected loss, you can skip to the "Facing Loss" section, read those chapters, and they will make perfect sense. If you're dealing with difficult people, flip through the "Facing People When You'd Rather Run" section and read what seems immediately applicable. 

Favorite Quotes

Here are a few of my favorite wisdom nuggets from Can I Just Hide:

In our weaknesses, God's power and strength are revealed. Through the cracks in our broken, messed-up lives, His light shines brightly. We don't need to be perfect or pious or put together. We don't need to match up to what others think we should be. What we need to do is allow God to heal us, restore us, and grow us in His grace. We need to be wiling and available to let Him do His work in us and through us—even in our brokenness." (p. 77)

He created you with a clear plan in mind. No matter what has happened in you life, His plan hasn't changed. Your life is meant to go on until you've seen all you are meant to see, gone everywhere you are meant to go, and accomplished everything you were born to do...No obstacle that someone tries to throw in your path can truly block what God has intended for you." (p. 91)

Be who you were meant to be, and do what you were meant to do. Don't worry about what the gossips think. After all, they are not living your life. You are." (p. 112)

Don't think you know better than God! That difficult person may be in your life for a reason. You may be in his or her life for a reason. Never pay back evil with more evil. That's an addition problem that always multiplies your troubles." (p. 122)

If you're smart, you never stop learning. You can learn from those with more experience than you have, as well as those with less. you can always learn. (One thing we've learned is to count all of our life experiences as "material"—we'll use most of it in a book somewhere!)" (p. 190)

Metaphorical Overkill



The only issue I have with this book is the constant referral to the book title. It's not like they literally referenced it, but over and over and over and over they make comments like "You just have to be willing to push back the covers and get out of bed" and "Staying in bed just saves time on the return trips, right?" and "When you stay in bed, you..." (as if the readers are literally and forever staying in bed). I found this to be extremely off-putting. It was funny at first, but to be reading "Why not just stay in bed in my pajamas and get really comfortable?" on page 126 is a bit ridiculous. Unless this book was written for bed-ridden women, the constant references to the bed were overkill. 

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters will be enjoyed by women of all ages who periodically feel overwhelmed by life, liberty, and the pursuit of bonbons. Click here to order.  🐧

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Homeschool Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover got me. It looked real, raw. Something I could related to. I don't know about you, but I've read enough books telling me how to "better myself" that are written from a perspective of someone who just doesn't "get it." Martha & Christin take turns sharing their own difficult life circumstances and coming clean about some of the less-than-productive ways they've tried coping. This book is a mingle of serious heart-sharing, vulnerable admissions, and humor.

There are some typical and some atypical resources and suggestions for coping with difficult life circumstances. While the recurring theme is indeed, to get out of bed, there are the usual suggestions to look for positives, list things you're thankful for, start by doing something small, etc., this book also includes some unique suggestions, such as movie and song lists that a reader may want to investigate to lighten their mood. The humor was consistently interspersed, but never made me laugh out loud or prompted me to share the jokes with others.

The chapters are broken up some what haphazardly; there are a lot of breaks and I feel many of them had significant similarities and could've been combined. This may be perfect for someone who's feeling overwhelmed and not able to read 10+ pages in a sitting. I just don't care for a single page and its backside being considered a "chapter." Personal preference there.

All-in-all, I felt this book was a bit of a jack-of-all trades but master of none. It was a casual, pleasant read, but I felt it drug on. Were I not intending to review it, I'm not sure I would've made it more than 1/3 of the way through the book. This book wasn't quite funny enough to be memorable as comedic relief, wasn't quite deep enough in the sharing of personal testimony to allow readers to really relate to and draw from the authors' journeys out of depression, and didn't stand out in the crowd for giving motivating or game-changing advice or suggestions, either.

2015 was a year of my life I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I won't go into all the trauma involved, but it's changed myself and my family and will continue to affect the lens through which we view the world the rest of our lives. I'm glad I picked up this book 2 years out, when I've already gained the ability to get up and out of bed and back in action through the Grace of Christ and His faithfulness. This book could be an encouraging read for others who are up and out of bed, but trying to resist the temptation to dive back in. It's certainly not a life-saver to throw to someone drowning, so keep that in mind if thinking of buying the book as a gift. It's probably one better selected by the reader for themselves. I don't regret reading it, but I won't likely give it space on my shelf despite my persistent habit of staying up too late worrying and lying in bed too long procrastinating.


*In the spirit of full disclosure: I received a copy of this book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I am not required to give a positive review or otherwise compensated; my opinions are genuinely expressed.

[Cindy Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds—figuratively and literally—and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them.


Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters takes a look at many things that women (and men) struggle with that puts a roadblock on their relationship with Jesus and fulfilling the plan God has for them. Just like with "The Parable of the Talents" (Matthew 25:14-30), God expects you to do something with the gifts/talents He has equipped you with instead of hiding in fear. It is easy to curl up under the covers, but Life is to be experienced and shared with others.

Both Bolton & Ditchfield have had times of wanting to stay in bed and avoid Life, and have had several struggles that were sometimes overwhelming, yet both have learned practical ways to get up and get moving forward. A good sense of humor is the best way to start and these women know how to laugh at themselves and bring joy to others. In fact, Martha Bolton has written comedy for such cherished humorists at Bob Hope and Chonda Pierce, as well as writing or co-writiing over 7 dozen books of humor and inspiration. Ditchfield, an author, speaker, and host of "Take it to Heart!" loves to inspire women to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and a life of passion and purpose.

This is not a book aimed for people who are in need of professional help. The intent of the book is to encourage women to get up and get living a full life. Sometimes all you need is a giggle or a smile to reignite your passion for life. This is perfect for you or a friend who simply needs a chuckle of encouragement. The chapters are small, so read one for a quick "pick-me-up" or if a small bit of encouragement is all you can handle right now. Sometimes we all have a tendency to want to wallow in our misery for a bit. I know I have to hit rock bottom at times before the need to laugh hits me. Or, you may be in bed for a legitmate cause, and need to know there is hope. Bottom line is that I enjoyed the book and appreciated their candor and laughter.

I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds--figuratively and literally--and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them.

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? faces down the fear, depression, and unfulfilled dreams that cripple many women to the point of wanting to crawl in bed--for the rest of their lives. Compiled as a collection of short, mostly humorous and warmhearted stories, it offers readers practical, concrete steps to help them move forward when they are ready. Essays are interspersed with special humor features such as "Top Ten" lists, while "Whenever You're Ready" sections offer Scriptures, journaling questions, and practical suggestions for "putting your feet on the floor" and "taking a few steps forward." The book addresses four themes:
Facing feelings of fear, anxiety, discouragement, and depression
Facing people and relationship issues
Facing the pain of grief and loss
Facing life--and getting yours back


My Review:

The devil has a way of getting to us like no one else can. He plays off our own fears and anxieties and then uses it against us. Depression is a great way to get his job done for him. Many times I find myself staring down the whoa is me way. It's just easier to give in to it all. The authors know this all to well and they have included a collection of essays to get you through some of the darkest days.


The essays touch on a number of different ideas, situations and theories. But I feel like the author hit it dead on. Its sometimes hard to hear what God tells you to do and then actually follow through with it. Forgiveness is difficult and that is one of the things that the book touches on. But having had to go through the process several times. I completely understand. And the authors are right we have to be obedient in the end and the beginning not just somewhere in the middle.


A great book with a lot of lessons in it.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Teela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever made the mistake of judging a book by it's cover only to discover that you were off target? That's what I did with this book Can I Just Hide in Bed til Jesus Comes Back coauthored by comedy writer Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield. And the cover illustration by Lindsey Bergsma is so cute that I jumped to the conclusion that this book would be filled with fluff. Wrong- the four sections and 43 chapters are full of Biblical lessons that hopefully will help the reader battle their fears, depressions, low self esteem and other demons.

The authors share about times in their lives when they were battling one of their demons and didn't want to get out of bed. Through their experiences - and encouragements I believe they are trying to help us to get out of our beds, and overcome our own demons. They use short essays and humor and their lists of music, movies , etc. that might be useful to us to lighten our mood and maybe assist us in throwing back the covers and pulling ourselves out of our bed (depressions, low self esteem, etc). I'm not sure this book would or should be used in talking someone in off the ledge.

One of my favorite chapters is Chapter 10 on Prayer Breathing. I'm sure most of us have been told to take a deep breath and it will help clear our head, slow our heart rate, reduce stress. But in this chapter we are given several examples of inhaling and exhaling to scripture, hymns, and poems. It's such a beautiful idea.
Inhale: MY GOD
Exhale: supplies
Inhale: my needs
Exhale: today.

I did appreciate the the way they would mix famous quotes, scriptures & their lists. Abraham Lincoln "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

I think most women (about 17-18 byrs on up to grand parents age), will appreciate this book.

Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

http://coffee24tea.blogspot.com/2017/...

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, I'm sure you have days you just want to hide in bed and wait for Jesus to come back! Life is hard and some days it's hard to face what may come next. This book helps us to do just that - face life again.

This is an extremely easy book to read and there are very short chapters but each chapter is packed with great information and encouragement. What I love is the humor these authors include throughout the book. They take the topic seriously yet they also let us see the humor in letting life make us want to hide under the covers. There are lots of Top Ten lists that are fantastically profound and give courage. One of my absolute favorites, though, was the list for those that are bedridden. When someone is sick or hurting and really can't move from the bed, this list is really wonderful for ministering in a real way to that person.

This book really does help to fight those fears that keep us paralyzed. It's grounded in Biblical principals yet the humor helps you to not take yourself so seriously. It gives the tools to move forward, look realistically at what is really making you feel anxious so you can live the abundant life that God has for you.

I really enjoyed this book and also got a lot out of it. It was a fun book to read yet profoundly life changing for those of us who live with fear and anxiety. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Tyndale House Publishers

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? by Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield has been a wonderful resource for me this month. This book dives into how to face life with courage; something that can be hard to do when you've been stressed to the max or exhausted by life. It happens to us all...a point in our life where that one extra piece of straw just breaks our back and we have to find a way to pick ourselves up.

The authors share their real life struggles with depression and anxiety and include humor because laughter really is the best medicine. It's a very light read about some very serious matters and includes many encouraging verses and ways that we can help ourselves but always with the reminder that God is on our side. He is where our strength and courage can come from when we can't face things alone.

This is not a preachy book whatsoever but feels more like a chat over a cup of coffee with a good friend. This for sure will be going on my shelves to be read again.

This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess the answer is "no" to the title of the book. The two women who wrote this book have some good suggestions/remedies--mostly, staying in fellowship with others, getting out and about, worshiping and honoring God, but taking it easy at times when you need to. One thing mentioned toward the back of the book is listening to music and watching movies to ease some of the aches in life. They even give a list of movies that are warming, funny, and lovely to watch. I have most of those on my shelf and will get some of the others to watch. Sometimes, it is ok to escape, though.
I found this book useful as a daily devotional, too.

[Ms. Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...

A solid book, a good read, and the author tries her absolute best to relate to people and share her story.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written book....

[Love · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I was looking for. Very cliche.

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good, but honestly took the issue of not being able to get out of bed kind of lightly. I read this to give notes to my husband (his request) but it's definitely written by women, for women.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will treasure this book and go back to it over and over for help, understanding, and courage! 🩵