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Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story
One week after Wendy Blight’s college graduation, she walked into her apartment to find a masked man holding a knife and waiting for her at the top of the stairs. The man spent an hour physically and sexually assaulting Wendy, leaving her changed forever. After this terrifying experience, she lived for years cocooned in a prison of fear, despair, and hopelessness. Finally, after years of searching and believing she had nowhere else to turn, she fell on her knees before God and poured out her tears, anger, and questions to Him. Wendy’s story is one of transformation from trauma to rebirth through the power of the Word of God.Through Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, the reader will experience hope and the encouragement necessary to press forward to healing and restoration.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
159 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 2, 2020
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I ordered Hidden Joy: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight in preparation for another Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study. I've taken part in several of these studies and feel like I've gotten to know the author through her online teaching and sharing. I was not aware of the major transforming event that this book is centered around. Blight has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her writing is methodical and easy to follow for any adult - no matter where s/he is in her/his Christian walk. Overall, what this book teaches is the power of God's healing.
While I enjoyed participating in the study and learning more about Blight's journey, this book did not move me in the same ways that other Christian-based books have. I am not sure why. Perhaps, this just wasn't a story that resonated with me. Sometimes books don't meet us at the right time and sometimes a book is just not for us. However, I cannot deny that this book is Bible-based and the information Blight shares is valid and helpful. I would suggest that, as with any book, go into it with an open mind.
Recommendation: I recommend and support all P31 books, and I do the same with this one. Consider purchasing your copy from the organization as the book sales support the ministry and help disseminate the Gospel.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I ordered Hidden Joy: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight in preparation for another Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study. I've taken part in several of these studies and feel like I've gotten to know the author through her online teaching and sharing. I was not aware of the major transforming event that this book is centered around. Blight has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her writing is methodical and easy to follow for any adult - no matter where s/he is in her/his Christian walk. Overall, what this book teaches is the power of God's healing.
While I enjoyed participating in the study and learning more about Blight's journey, this book did not move me in the same ways that other Christian-based books have. I am not sure why. Perhaps, this just wasn't a story that resonated with me. Sometimes books don't meet us at the right time and sometimes a book is just not for us. However, I cannot deny that this book is Bible-based and the information Blight shares is valid and helpful. I would suggest that, as with any book, go into it with an open mind.
Recommendation: I recommend and support all P31 books, and I do the same with this one. Consider purchasing your copy from the organization as the book sales support the ministry and help disseminate the Gospel.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
July 31, 2019
This is a powerful book. Written by Wendy and told from her personal and emotional perspective of one that walked the dark paths of sexual assault and finding healing, light and life from her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only way to receiving healing and wholeness after the shame and darkness placed upon the victim of sexual assault.
August 1, 2015
Wendy tells her story of coming to a place of forgiving the man who raped her when she was a student at Baylor University. Probably not a book most men would enjoy or want to read but I try to read books like this to better understand life's challenges from a female perspective.
May 14, 2016
Powerful and engaging, this book from Wendy moved me! I love her understanding, empathy and passion. Her story is eloquent and I learnt so much from her journey. Her study guide at the back makes it all so practically applicable and her prayers are a blessing
July 22, 2011
Reading this for an online Bible study. Great book. Gripping story from the beginning, and very practical help for any woman struggling with a painful experience.
February 16, 2019
Wendy shares her story but also her deep love and relationship with God. I was challenged & encouraged and believe the things she wrote about will be with me for a lifetime.
July 24, 2019
Great read and help for me.
June 15, 2019
Although this book starts off dealing with a rape, Wendy does a great job of showing us how her relationship with God develops and grows because of this experience. The book helps you big deeper into the Bible to see how God can turn something not good into something different.
July 25, 2019
I so wish I could give this book 4 stars. But the first chapter is something I cannot recommend to anyone. My recommendation? Skip the first chapter. I know she says that it's necessary to see how low she was to see what a great work God did when He brought her out of it. But it was way too much for my vivid imagination. I felt like I was vicariously living through her rape. And I can't imagine how much that first chapter would trigger those who have gone through something similar.
So I think it's very plausible to start with Chapter Two.
As to the rest, it was great! The paragraphs can get a little long and unbroken, not surprising for a book published in 2009. But the content is insightful and helpful, mostly. I really enjoyed digging deep into several passages of Scripture, particularly the stories of the lame man on the mat and the sisters Mary and Martha.
I also appreciated most of the discussion questions, the Guide for Reflection and Study.
The Lord was still able to use this book greatly in my life, to confirm a message I had been scared to listen to -- to step out of the shadows into the spotlight, taking a step of faith even in the fear.
Favorite quotes:
“When I finished reading [John 5-6-9], Pastor Craig looked deep into my eyes and asked, 'Wendy, do you want to get well?' This time, although I thought it, I restrained from repeating what a stupid question. I responded with what I believed to be my honest answer. 'Of course I want to get well.' He gently said, 'I really don't think that you do.'”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
So I think it's very plausible to start with Chapter Two.
As to the rest, it was great! The paragraphs can get a little long and unbroken, not surprising for a book published in 2009. But the content is insightful and helpful, mostly. I really enjoyed digging deep into several passages of Scripture, particularly the stories of the lame man on the mat and the sisters Mary and Martha.
I also appreciated most of the discussion questions, the Guide for Reflection and Study.
The Lord was still able to use this book greatly in my life, to confirm a message I had been scared to listen to -- to step out of the shadows into the spotlight, taking a step of faith even in the fear.
Favorite quotes:
“When I finished reading [John 5-6-9], Pastor Craig looked deep into my eyes and asked, 'Wendy, do you want to get well?' This time, although I thought it, I restrained from repeating what a stupid question. I responded with what I believed to be my honest answer. 'Of course I want to get well.' He gently said, 'I really don't think that you do.'”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
January 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and feel like it helped me tremendously while dealing with a tough situation. Wendy Blight helps us in those moments when we question God, "Why did this happen to me?" When we just simply don't understand why bad things happen to us sometimes, she helps us through that in this book. She talks about abiding in Christ and following Him through our hurt. She uses a lot of scripture. I would definitely give this a read, especially if you are facing a major struggle in your life.
January 11, 2021
At a pretty low point myself, I went to my bookshelves to see what study jumped out at me. I chose Hidden Joy even though I had attempted to read it before and wasn’t drawn in. This time, God’s timing was just right because Wendy’s story unveiled parts of my story where I needed to work on forgiveness, stronghold surrender, quiet time and prayer. Each chapter popped up as I worked through my situation. Sometimes I’d read two chapters two days in a row. Others I would read, highlight, let it soak in, reread, and study before moving on.
September 19, 2021
WOW...just wow!!! Very moving personal story that involved a tragic episode that has brought the author through a lifetime of seeking out God in the midst of this mess and finding the joy that can only be found in Him. Gives concrete ideas, methods, and suggestions of what has worked for her that one could apply or tweek to grow deeper in faith. Several times my mouth fell open as I thought I could relate to negative feelings and fears and how to overcome these forever.
July 27, 2019
Highly recommend this book for anyone who needs healing from something that happened to them in the past. Wendy walks us the reader through her journey of healing and calls the reader to their own place of healing. Wendy is very vulnerable in sharing her pain that sent her into a dark place. But she just as candidly shares how God was wooing her and drawing her to a place of healing. Everyone can relate to this story on some way.
June 25, 2019
Christian author, prayer warrior and hope-filled encourager Wendy Blight shares her very personal and difficult story of overcoming fear, despair, and the range of emotions that plagued her for years following her assault as a new college graduate. Wendy’s story reads as if she is sitting next you with a cup of coffee as one of her closest friends. She shares, the good, the bad and the ugly of how she developed a personal relationship with Jesus and how He miraculously transformed her life. This story is for anyone who is battling something that has a stronghold over her life. The pages are infused with heartfelt stories, inspiring scriptures and compassionate encouragement to help you turn to Jesus in your time of greatest need. Wendy wisely put several thought-provoking questions for each chapter at the back of the book making this a wonderful book to read and discuss with others. This book is one of the most honest and hopeful stories of redemption I’ve ever read.
July 25, 2019
I read this book for the OBS with Proverbs 31. This was a powerful book! I found myself crying at times due to confronting/dealing with my own “dark corner”. I am thankful for an example of where/how to start. Knowing that I’m not alone in having questions is/was meaningful to me. Not many faith leaders would admit they too had questions about why certain situations happen to them, felt left in the wind for a time and how they found their way back through faith. Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your journey!
August 27, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read in helping my relationship with God grow! The beginning of the book starts with a horrific event that nearly destroys the life Wendy is building but as we turn the pages, we start to see how good can come out of the things that hurt us most! With God our suffering is never wasted! There IS a purpose for the pain and there is absolute healing if we let God be the author of our story!
July 20, 2019
This book has been a game changer for me. “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Jeremiah 31:3 promises, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
July 23, 2019
Hidden Joy
What I liked most about this book is the refreshing truth Wendy offers as she explains what she went through and how it effects the life she now chooses to live. We all have skeletons in our closets...how we use them in growth and relationship determines how we see our own faith, and can truly impact the lives of others around us.
What I liked most about this book is the refreshing truth Wendy offers as she explains what she went through and how it effects the life she now chooses to live. We all have skeletons in our closets...how we use them in growth and relationship determines how we see our own faith, and can truly impact the lives of others around us.
July 30, 2019
Wow! God really used Wendy’s book and her story to work in my heart! I have learned more of who God is and how wonderful He is! If you have experienced pain, hurt, and devastation in your life, I highly recommend reading Wendy’s story and how God showed Himself to her! He is faithful and can work in any situation. Praise God for His restoration!
Want to read
June 19, 2019Hi everyone! I just started an online bible study with Proverbs 31 ministries and we are studying Hidden Joy in a dark corner. Wondering if anyone has a copy I could borrow? Having a hard time finding the book used for a decent price.
July 23, 2019
Oh how I LOVE this book! If you have something you need to heal from, or want to know God on a deeper level, this is the book to read! Wendy is encouraging, loving, and full of Biblical truth and personal experiences.
July 27, 2019
Open and honest
Very real and life changing book that really helped me grow on my spiritual journey. Amazing truths and openness which I could relate. Would recommend this book for women.
Very real and life changing book that really helped me grow on my spiritual journey. Amazing truths and openness which I could relate. Would recommend this book for women.
July 31, 2019
Honest straightforward truth
I just finished reading this book as part of a Bible study with the Proverbs 31 ministry. I so appreciate Wendy sharing her story and her path to find God. Full of scripture and truth. Stirs a new song in my heart!
I just finished reading this book as part of a Bible study with the Proverbs 31 ministry. I so appreciate Wendy sharing her story and her path to find God. Full of scripture and truth. Stirs a new song in my heart!
August 4, 2019
I read this book with an online Bible study group. It may seem like a personal memoir about a trauma, but it is a Bible study. I loved her story about how the Word of God brought her healing and changed her life.
August 9, 2019
Learning to trust again when something bad happens is the key to this book. God is the one thing that we can always rely on and learning to give everything to Him help us to make it through anything that this world may throw at us.
December 14, 2020
I loved this book which touched me deeply. I learned so much from Wendy which helped me study more with lots of underlines and pages turned down. I frequently go back through this book and re-read parts that stand out. This is one book I will read again.
October 25, 2022
Wow just wow!!
It was a powerful story and it has helped me put a different perspective on how powerful prayer is.
Wendy is a beautiful lady and has a beautiful family.
She was able to overcome a horrific time in her life and has finally found peace .❤️
It was a powerful story and it has helped me put a different perspective on how powerful prayer is.
Wendy is a beautiful lady and has a beautiful family.
She was able to overcome a horrific time in her life and has finally found peace .❤️
July 9, 2019
Amazing, heartfelt story. Author Wendy Blight shares personal experiences and how she learned to transform from fear to trust. Excellent book.
July 24, 2019
Read this for a Bible study. I like Wendy's writing style and how open she was about what she went through.
July 25, 2019
I loved this book. I bought this as part of the obs Bible Study group and learned so much. She used scripture, some have I read many times in my life, but didn’t really understand till now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews