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Reviews
Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy by Cameron Cole
maryquitecontrary_22's review
5.0
Can't recommend this title enough to those who are struggling with their Christian faith in the aftermath of a tragedy. Full of Biblical truths and words of comfort, Therefore I Have Hope reminds readers of God's character and His promises and how they pertain to the most trying time in your life. A wonderful resource.
ddejong's review
4.0
This was a solid, practical, utilitarian book that I picked up after hearing Tish Harrison Warren mention it on a podcast. It is simply and clearly written. In some ways it felt pretty dry despite the deeply painful personal experience that inspired it. But I appreciated Cameron Cole’s perspective and his hope. I could see myself returning to this book in the future.
megpsmit's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading this book. For many people who have already walked paths of grief, this book might not be anything new but it provided good categories for thinking about and talking about your grief and the grief of others. I think it provides a great alternative to the "biblical bandaids" that Christians can sometimes have for the Worst happening in someone's life.
kreinard's review
5.0
Wow. I almost cannot wrap my head around all of the wisdom and truth in this book.
This book is split up into 3 different sections to reflect the different periods one goes through after their worst nightmare becomes reality. They are The Initial Shock, The New Normal and The Long Haul. In each section Cole gives a few characteristics of Christ or of the Christian walk that can apply to dealing with tragedy. Inside each characteristic are numerous bible verses or central stories that apply to that characteristic.
I really loved this format as it allowed for deeper study. Cole, while definitely diving into scripture and revealing it's truths, also left some stories at a higher surface level. This left so much room for one to really dive into every nuance of the Bible story. If you're going through the initial shock and you need hope and healing in regards to faith, you can look to this chapter in the book and then look even further into the Bible to discover even more. The format creates an excellent road map of where to look in the Bible for help, healing and truth for each season of grief.
I also loved how he used the term Worst to be applied generally to any scenario. He describes this as being the worst scenario in your mind. This allowed me to imagine my worst scenario. It opened up the book to be applicable to a broader range of people. This book is not just for those who have suffered the loss of a child or a close relative. It's for anyone who has experienced their worst. Whether that's something universally tragic (the loss of a child) or something simpler, but still difficult (like missing out on a job promotion). Cole's words can ring true for it all.
I found myself throughout the book wishing that I had a physical copy of this book so that I could highlight and write in the margins to my heart's content. There were so many wonderful nuggets of truth in this book that I just could not read it fast enough or absorb more.
This book is not made for only those that are in suffering right now. It is made for everybody. It not only prepares you for suffering in your life, but it gives such a beautiful appreciation of Christ and the redemptive work that was done on the cross for your life. It has been strengthening my life and my walk, though I am not currently in a season of suffering. It was a joy to read.
**Many thanks to Cameron Cole, Crossway, and NetGalley for an advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is split up into 3 different sections to reflect the different periods one goes through after their worst nightmare becomes reality. They are The Initial Shock, The New Normal and The Long Haul. In each section Cole gives a few characteristics of Christ or of the Christian walk that can apply to dealing with tragedy. Inside each characteristic are numerous bible verses or central stories that apply to that characteristic.
I really loved this format as it allowed for deeper study. Cole, while definitely diving into scripture and revealing it's truths, also left some stories at a higher surface level. This left so much room for one to really dive into every nuance of the Bible story. If you're going through the initial shock and you need hope and healing in regards to faith, you can look to this chapter in the book and then look even further into the Bible to discover even more. The format creates an excellent road map of where to look in the Bible for help, healing and truth for each season of grief.
I also loved how he used the term Worst to be applied generally to any scenario. He describes this as being the worst scenario in your mind. This allowed me to imagine my worst scenario. It opened up the book to be applicable to a broader range of people. This book is not just for those who have suffered the loss of a child or a close relative. It's for anyone who has experienced their worst. Whether that's something universally tragic (the loss of a child) or something simpler, but still difficult (like missing out on a job promotion). Cole's words can ring true for it all.
I found myself throughout the book wishing that I had a physical copy of this book so that I could highlight and write in the margins to my heart's content. There were so many wonderful nuggets of truth in this book that I just could not read it fast enough or absorb more.
This book is not made for only those that are in suffering right now. It is made for everybody. It not only prepares you for suffering in your life, but it gives such a beautiful appreciation of Christ and the redemptive work that was done on the cross for your life. It has been strengthening my life and my walk, though I am not currently in a season of suffering. It was a joy to read.
**Many thanks to Cameron Cole, Crossway, and NetGalley for an advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.
jrboyne's review
5.0
This was a tough book to read. As a father of a three year old boy, I instantly related to the author who tragically lost his three year old son. Cole guides those who are grieving through tragedy by walking through 12 biblical concepts that ground the person in Christ and lead them through the initial shock, the new normal and the long haul aspects of grief. The book provides deep biblical insights to help those who have lost as well as counselors who want to be equipped on how to help those in need. While this book may be a challenge to some to read I do recommend it to those who have experienced traumatic loss as well as those who want to be prepared to walk along side those who have.
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