Tuesday, December 7, 2021

The Thin Space

 

When Psychologist Rocky Devos lost his wife to cancer, he also lost his faith in the fairness of God. For over a year, he lived in the thin space between his love for God and his hatred for what he believed God did. Each night, he banged on heaven’s gate demanding an explanation.

“Why Rachel, Lord? Why would you let her suffer like that? Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you give us a miracle?”

The longer his prayers went unanswered the more frustrated he became. Eventually, he meets God’s silence with a silence of his own. But then, a year and four months later, the answer arrives disguised as a homeless vagabond who claims to be the apostle Paul. Clearly, Rocky believes he was delusional. But in their court-appointed sessions, he finds a kindred spirit. As Paul unpacks the pain of losing his wife in childbirth the two men connect. Rocky believes he’s there to help Paul. Paul believes the opposite.

The book explores the thin space between faith and doubt. Rocky’s questions are our questions. At some point we will all lose someone we love. When we do, we will find comfort in the company of those who have walked the path of suffering before us. Rocky invites us to join him on his journey of redemption. His conversations with Paul will not only change the way he thinks about God, they may do the same for you as well.

 My thoughts: Wow, this book was excellent to read! I could relate to Rocky and the struggles that he faces after losing his wife, Rachel, since my sister in law passed away young from cancer several years ago. While I know that her being with God is the end goal for all of us, it still hurts to see her young daughters grow up without their mom. So, I appreciated this book and the healing that Rocky goes through when he has the chance to counsel a man who claims to be the Apostle Paul. I liked the uniqueness of this story and appreciated that the author didn't shy away from difficult subjects and how hard it is to heal from losing someone you love. 
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

 

About the Author

Dann_WebDANN STOUTEN (DMin, Western Theological Seminary) is the pastor of Leadership and Teaching at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, Michigan. Dann has always been a lover of stories. He believes if we write about hope, it’s because we have found hope. If we write about tragedy, it’s because we have experienced tragedy. If we write about love, it’s because we have been loved well or want to be. If we write about faith, it’s because we have wrestled with our doubts and come out on the other side. Doubt is the enemy of faith and nothing stirs up doubt like death.

When we lose someone we love, our faith is either strengthened or strangled. That death will drive us closer to God or drive us farther away. We find ourselves in The Thin Space between wanting to believe and wondering if we do. For a time, faith and doubt play tug-o-war with our souls. In the end, whether we chose to believe or not is often decided by the stories we’re told. My prayer is that my words might bring people comfort and bring them closer to God.

 

More from Dann

There is a thin space between faith and doubt, and when we lose someone we love, the lines can sometimes get blurred. Unanswered prayers hang heavy on our hearts, and grief can even cause us to question God. In those moments of uncertainty, we often find comfort in the company of those who’ve walked the path of suffering before us. Their story and our stories intertwine. The Thin Space invites us to walk alongside of Rocky DeVos as he tries to navigate life’s most challenging moments. It is honest, comforting, and dares ask the questions we so often are afraid to explore. It will challenge the way you think about God and is a must read for anyone who’s lost someone they love.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 8

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 12 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 14

Beauty in the Binding, December 15 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17

For Him and My Family, December 18

Splashes of Joy, December 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 20

Spoken from the Heart, December 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dann is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1482a/the-thin-space-celebration-tour-giveaway

8 comments:

  1. This is going on my tbr! Thanks for the book rec!

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  2. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, it sounds like an excellent read

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  3. This sounds like a worthwhile story!

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  4. Looks like an interesting book.
    Thanks for the contest. 

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  5. Definitely adding this one to my TBR list!

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  6. Amanda, Thank you for sharing your excellent review! Sounds like a powerful read!

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  7. Dannm, congratulations on your recent release on The Thin Space, which sounds like a great inspirational read and I love the cover! Good luck with you book and I hope the tour was a success! Thanks for sharing it with me! Thanks, Inklings and Notions, for sharing your thoughts! Have a spectacular holiday season!

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