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A review by katieclinebell
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
5.0
A grief observed sheds light on a topic not easily discussed in the Christian community: entering deep pain and finding that God is silent in the midst of it. Lewis rawly wrestles with his belief that God is good and the reality that the person he loves has been taken from him. But more than the loss Lewis struggles with the feeling that God is incredibly aloof and silent in the midst of his deepest pain.
In pages of prose the reader is taken into Lewis' uncensored and unfiltered thoughts on loss, not feeling the Lord, and wanting to turn from God because of it. It is not lighthearted, it is not filled with Christian coffee mug sayings that try to make Monday mornings easier, and there is not really much closure at the end of the book. At the end of it all Lewis surmises how little faith he actually had and how God showed him this lack through his loss, but the pain does not ebb. His conclusion, however, does show the reader that there is purpose in pain, but Lewis is far from completing his journey with grief.
I found the book incredibly moving, personal, and filled with truths christians are not apt to discuss. Who really wants to admit that they are struggling with the urge to hate God because of pain? Reading this book taught me more about how people truly feel when they experience loss. It has influenced the way I react to those who are suffering. In addition, I believe reading this book opens the door for christians to open share their struggles with pain, doubt, and loneliness. Knowing that one of the most inspirational believers in the world struggled with these feelings allows christians to express their battles without feeling like they are turning their backs on God.
In pages of prose the reader is taken into Lewis' uncensored and unfiltered thoughts on loss, not feeling the Lord, and wanting to turn from God because of it. It is not lighthearted, it is not filled with Christian coffee mug sayings that try to make Monday mornings easier, and there is not really much closure at the end of the book. At the end of it all Lewis surmises how little faith he actually had and how God showed him this lack through his loss, but the pain does not ebb. His conclusion, however, does show the reader that there is purpose in pain, but Lewis is far from completing his journey with grief.
I found the book incredibly moving, personal, and filled with truths christians are not apt to discuss. Who really wants to admit that they are struggling with the urge to hate God because of pain? Reading this book taught me more about how people truly feel when they experience loss. It has influenced the way I react to those who are suffering. In addition, I believe reading this book opens the door for christians to open share their struggles with pain, doubt, and loneliness. Knowing that one of the most inspirational believers in the world struggled with these feelings allows christians to express their battles without feeling like they are turning their backs on God.