Hard Times and Holy Places

by Kristin Warner Belcher

When the only remaining sight she had left began to fade, Kris Belcher knew her cancer had returned. First diagnosed with bi-lateral retinoblastoma at the age of seven months, she had feared blindness since childhood. Ironically, the treatment that had saved her life as a baby was responsible for the radiation- induced cancer that again threatened her life as an adult. Now a wife and mother of two young sons, she faced her greatest challenge. Five major surgeries within the space of five months left her physically and emotionally devastated-- and completely blind.

Yet during that horrendous time, Kris discovered moments of spiritual strengthening that became holy places in her life-- places where she could feel the purifying, transforming power of Christ that enabled her to survive and to learn how to live in a world of darkness. Compelling, honest, and at times humorous, her story and the insights she gained will help others find hope and healing in the midst of their own trials.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Church, Lds Non Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine the trials and struggles that Kris Belcher faced. In this book she talks about her efforts to continue having faith by treasuring and remembering sacred experiences. While she wrote about the difficulties, both emotionally and physically, I didn't feel emotionally connected to the hard times--I'm sure they were much more difficult than portrayed. Because I loved how she picked herself up after the hardships, I would have appreciated more than surface descriptions of the difficulties. Overall, an excellent book written by a brave woman.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book as a Christmas present. After the first two chapters, I thought this book was a little bit light weight, considering the penetration and depth of Hard Times we all go through. Usually, I might have stopped reading... yet since it was a gift from a dear friend, I was committed to reading it cover to cover.

GOOD Thing! Chapter 4-6!!!! Man oh man!
Chapter 4: The Truth About Trials
Chapter 5: Trust On
Chapter 6: The Trial of My Life

This author knows exactly how to capture the depths and intensity of emotions coursing through you during Hard Times!!! So helpful to hear her verbalize it in words that strike at my core!

Then, came Chapter 10, Finding Myself through Laughter. I've started laughing again in the last couple of weeks and even laughing at it all. Was feeling bad for laughing... so happy to hear her perspective on that being part of healing.

So when all was said and done, an easy read, with a wonderful, comforting message. All from an author who has an amazing personal story and has been through way more than most any of us. Grateful for her sharing her story.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Written by an amazing wife and mother who had childhood retinoblastoma and multiple major medical issues, ultimately resulting in total blindness and facial disfiguration. Really liked her style of writing. My favorite chapter talked about the idea that Heavenly Father won't give you any trial you can't handle...but her take on that was that you need to add "with Christ's help". The Savior is actually the one who carries the load once you cannot do it anymore. I know I've heard this before but it was a good reminder.

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three chapters really stood out to me and helped me with perspective I needed. I loved this:

“Now, anyone who was around me during those terrifying and painful months can testify that I was often angry, upset, frustrated, and discouraged. I'm sure they didn't see much hope in my face or in my attitude. I did not blame God for what was happening, but I was miserable and angry at my situation. It was a long process of suffering and pain. So many traumas had crashed down on me that I began, instinctively, to live on the defensive. I felt more like a caged, wounded animal than a human, and I lived on edge and braced for trouble.

“Amazingly, about a year following my surgery stint, I began to pull out of the deep, dark sadness that had engulfed me. It was still dark, but I wasn't quite so devastated. I had wondered if I would ever return to the person I was before the cancer and blindness, and I came to real ize that the answer was a big, fat ‘No!’ That person was forever changed. I was different physically and emotion ally, and that difference could not be erased with time. Time, however, did remove the fear and the pain, and I was able to become accustomed to my limitations and abilities.

Gradually, I found myself-my new self. I was even able to laugh again. Underneath all my hurt, I discovered my long-lost sense of humor. Soon, I realized that my life didn't have to be so solemn and serious all the time…”

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Love LOVED this book!!! It’s definitely one of my new favorites. I love Belcher’s take on adversity and just hearing her voice. Her humor is awesome and her story is incredible. This book holds some amazing insight.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a scale of 0-10 as a speaker, Kris scores a 20. You will walk away feeling enriched and blessed.

[Jessica Anne Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration! Really, I cannot even fathom. But, I am so grateful she's shared her experiences so I could be helped through mine.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feb. 20, 2020: This incredible woman passed away earlier this year, so we felt inspired to select this book as our book club read for March. I absolutely loved reading it again- maybe more than the first time. It is inspiring to read about how she drew closer to the Savior and found holy places amidst her trials. My absolute favorite quote from the book was this...

“When I lost my sight, well-meaning people would comment, "You can do it, Kris. Heavenly Father wouldn't give you anything you couldn't handle." Although that was meant as encouragement, it made me feel horrible. I already felt powerless, weak, and unable to cope with my new life. Those words just drove the knife in further. I would cry inside, "I really can't handle this! I have no more strength left. Everyone thinks I am so brave when I am scared to death!"

"It was then that truth given through the Holy Ghost entered my mind and heart. The idea that I wouldn't be given anything I couldn't handle was not true! If it were, then there would be no need for Christ. I had been given many things to handle that required more power than I had. Only when I accessed the power of Jesus Christ would my strength be magnified and my weaknesses overcome."

"... Now, when someone says, 'Heavenly Father won't give you anything you can't handle,' I add, 'with Christ's help.'"

Yes, yes, yes!

This short book is definitely worth your time to read.



Nov. 9, 2015: I really loved reading this little book-- possibly because of the timing of my reading it-- but I thought it was a good one. I really liked her style of writing. It was more like having a conversation with someone than just reading her story. I liked that she was straightforward about how hard things were, but still kept it uplifting and I actually laughed a couple times. It has a great message and is a quick read. I highly recommend it.

[Tennisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has completely changed my perspective of "hard times". I recently was priveleged to hear the author speak at a Time Out for Women conference (www.deseretbook.com/tofw) and was moved in so many ways. After laughing and crying with her, I was so moved I could not hold myslef back from jumping to my feet at the conclusion of the presentation for a standing ovation. And if it is possible I felt that way at the end of the book as well. Kris Belcher, a blind woman, sees life much more clearly than I ever have and I am truly inspired by her amazing faithful dedication to overcome hard times by focusing on "Holy Places" and holding tight to her sense of humor.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually one to pick up LDS inspirational books. But since Kris is a friend, I wanted to read this one. And it was amazing! Even though I already knew many of the stories, I still found the book very moving. It is well-written, logically organized, and applicable on a personal level. And I loved how strongly she focuses on turning to the Savior to overcome challenges.

The only disappointment is that--because of the serious subject matter of the book--you only get small glimpses of Kris's quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

Favorite quote: "I know there will be trials for me to endure, but I want them to strengthen and improve me, not just flatten me."

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Kris Belcher speak a couple years ago and thought she was funny and spiritual. I felt like she didn't come across as well in this book as she does in person, but not everyone with a good story is a great author--I am glad she put her life trials into this book though. I love how she weaves the holy places theme throughout the entire book; I definitely can relate to turning hard times into holy places as I give my life to Christ and try to allow Him to change me for the better. Some parts of the book fell flat although I agreed with every word. This was a good, quick read with a great message of hope.

[iLa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style is relatively simple. It is enjoyable to read. Has some wonderful thoughts on how to make it through hard times in this life, which we all know we will have. The author has truly had to suffer through some terrible physical trials in her life...probably a day of her suffering would equal the amount of physical pain I have had in my entire life. Yet she is positive, funny, and insightful. Could be a very helpful read for anyone who is wondering how they can make it through...

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It amazes me how Chris Belcher can still find things to laugh about after all she's been through. Although she shares the physical struggles she's had since birth, she in no way tries to get you to feel sorry for her in this book. In fact, she taught me how easy it is to find peace, strength, and even humor during hard times. Now, instead of asking "why" to all the trials I face, I'm learning to ask "why not". Hard Times and Holy Places was great at encouraging me to stop feeling sorry for myself and to find my own holy places where I could learn and find peace.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book! I am in awe that this wonderful woman could come through the trials she has had in her life with the attitude and acceptance that she has now. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and so much to share that will help you if you are struggling with trials in your life. I was able to hear her speak at Time Out for Women in Pleasanton last year. She has an incredible sense of humor and it was such a wonderful experience to hear her share her testimony first hand.

[Adaire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually heard Sister Belcher speak about 12 years ago when we were in a BYU ward. She talked about living with disability and how it hurt when people would stare at her. I was excited when I saw that she was a speaker at Time Out for Women here in Vegas. She has an amazing sense of humor, the entire audience was practically rolling on the floor laughing. This book was much more serious and barely touched on her amazing wit. It amazes me how she has remained strong through the trial of losing her sight and other physical problems. A quick, inspiring read.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a brave woman! Kristin Belcher discusses making Holy Places in the midst of your trials. The most helpful piece of advice this book offered me was to change the "Why" questions in my trials into "What" questions. So instead of saying "Why me?" or "Why is this happening to me?" say "What can I learn from this?" or "What can I do about the situation." Very practical advice. Belcher is obviously not a writer, but her story is inspirational.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I have been reflecting throughout my readings as to where my holy places have been in life. Kris has certainly gone thru a LOT of major, major physical & emotional trials. Her good attitude & openess, honesty, humor, are all really good examples to me of how I need a lot better attitude as I go thru my trials. I really appreciate her analogy of positioning ourselves to the sun/Son. Definitely a good read.

[Alycia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed. It made me realize that each person will go through different trials in life, some harder than others, but each trial is a "holy place" that will help us understand Jesus and the Atonement better. I am amazed by this author and all that she has gone through, she is truly an inspiration to me. Even though the storyline sounnds depressing, the book was anything but depressing. There was a lot of humor in it and it was very uplifing.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I recently heard the author speak and she was EXCELLENT. The book contained a lot of what she shared in her talk I heard. Overall, there wasn't a lot of "new" things in the book, but it was still a great story of her experiences and the challenges and faith she has had to overcome and life happily with faith in Christ. The chapters were short and I liked how she shared personal experiences intermixed with scriptures and her testimony.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful gem of a book. It is full of sweet lessons to learn from the hard times we go through. Kris Belcher is real in describing her pain. She doesn't sugar-coat things. But she does explain how our trials can become holy places if we turn to the Savior. I especially appreciate her observation that, contrary to the platitudes we sometimes hear, the Lord will give us things we can't handle--without the Jesus Christ. But we can handle all things through Him.

[Hannah Packard Crowther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like this always inspire me to be grateful for what I have. I appreciated the author's insight on what it means to stand in holy places. Those times in our lives when we draw closer to the Savior are some of those "holy places." Often those times are when we are going through trials. I can definitely relate to that, and applying that perspective gives more meaning to the trials we go through.

[Lyn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a literary classic but reads more like a collection of talks and life experiences. Kris shares her hopes and dreams, her struggles and continual attempts to recover. The intricate part that Christ plays in her story is the key to the light in her darkness.

She doesn't sugar-coat the difficulties but there is sweet humor that softens the sharp edges. Her first hand experiences give authenticity to her message.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little read. It's very direct and I like her style--no pity or schmaltz, just straightforward "what I've learned" things. It's cobbled together from her talks so it definitely isn't high literature, but it works. Also, most people who have heard the talks say she's very funny, but that doesn't come across in the book. It's serious and dry, but still likable. It's a crazy story and a good read. Worth the couple hours, even if it is repetitive on the theme.

[Rachel Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing what you can stumble on when browsing at the library. This is a true story of a woman's struggle with MAJOR health problems, including one that led to total blindess. However the focus is how she overcame discouragement and still finds faith and joy in Christ. Wonderful and inspiring read.

[Cortney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris Belcher has gone through some extraordinarily difficult trials. She shares the trials and the lessons she learned in this inspirational book. Not once does she try to get the readers pity or sympathy. Rather, she recognizes that we all have trials and invites us to learn, grow and turn to our Savior through our trials.

[Amanda Packer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. I have heard her speak before at a "Time Out For Women" but never really paid much attention I guess cause this book is just what I needed to read right now with the trials that are going on in my life. I learned so many lessons and things that I want to work on in my life.

[Amber Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happily surprised to find myself loving this author tell her story and I also had some laughs when she put a optimistic twist on her out look. There's always someone else going through something harder.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Love Kris. I love both her spiritual insight and her fabulous sense of humor. In my opinion, this is a must-read for any LDS woman dealing with health problems or really any other trial in life. A very wonderful, inspiring book.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, short book about finding strength, courage, hope, and faith during the trials of our lives. The author, Sister Belcher, has been through many health-related trials in her life. She has developed a wonderful perspective. Worth reading!!

[DeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow - this woman had so many physical trials and kept the faith. It is an amazing story. The one thing I liked is that she admitted to depression and discouragement and how through it she learned and reached out to the Savior.