I interrupt this week’s First Fruit Friday post with a book review that is so good it needs its own special day. I have too many words to put on a blog post about why I love this book and why I think everyone should own the book. So I made a Facebook video to explain some of why I love the book. Before I share that, I want to share a letter from my heart to my family and friends:
Dear family and/or friends,
I am sorry. I am sorry for the way I have failed to walk alongside you in your greatest time of need. I watched as you shared with the world your devastating news and instead of coming and walking alongside you, I was paralyzed with fear of how to come alongside you. Should I call? Do I text? If I do call or text, what do I say? Do I act like I don’t know? Do you want me to say something? Or do you want to feel normal? Do I offer to pray or is that just going to irritate you?
I let unanswered questions like these keep me from coming alongside you when you needed me most. I thought of bringing you a meal but didn’t act on it. While I can’t take back my lack of coming alongside you in your time of need last time, you can rest assured that I will be equipped and ready should the need arise again.
I love you and want my actions to show it.
Love,
Rachael
This letter to my friends and family sums up how much of an impact the book “Alongside” had on my life. This book has challenged me, corrected me and taught me so much about the correct way to come alongside those who are in trial. It has challenged my thinking of what a trial is, from sickness to divorce to loss of a job. All of these things have one thing in common: there are people hurting who need the church to rise up and love their neighbor in their greatest time of need.
Here is the Facebook live video I did explaining a little more about why I love this book so much:
I am giving away a signed copy of “Alongside: A Practical Guide for Loving Your Neighbor in their Time of Trial”. You can enter the Rafflecopter below to win OR buy it here: Alongside: A Practical Guide for Loving Your Neighbor in their Time of Trial (Morgan James Faith)
Excited to read this book! During a very rough time of sitting by my nephew’s bed while he was in ICU for two weeks before going on to heaven, my sweet friend cleaned my entire house, mowed my lawn & stocked my kitchen with groceries. The day the life support was removed & he was received home we came home to such a pleasant surprise!
Wow. what an amazing blessing. These tragic and hard moments made a dash sweeter by the love of a friend. I LOVE IT.
This book is soooo needed. I have dealt with a chronic illness for over 20 years and the church is really missing the mark on supporting people like me. I think they can be great at “a moment in time” support but not so great at long term support. It does not take much. A text or phone call does wonders and takes only a moment. I look forward to reading this book!
I so agree, Michelle!
Thank you for doing this live post Rachael! I’ve been looking for a resource like this for a long time! I have walked through a long season of grief and loss over the last year, and I could say so much about this topic!! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book…and share it with others! I have been that person who doesn’t know exactly how to come “alongside” in the past, but through my recent journeys, I believe I have a better idea 😉
Bless the author Sarah Beckman for writing it, and you for publicizing it!
Jennifer I hope you got your copy and feel it redeems your loss and hardship. Bless you!
Sounds like a powerful book. I remember when my brother in law was killed in a car wreck that people came to love on us. They traveled a long way to show there love.
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I’m glad to know you had people surround you in that season.
The most memorable thing that someone did for me was when I had broken my ankle. She not only brought food but she did something even better. She had been asking if there was anything she could do for me. I kept saying no. She asked me if I enjoyed helping people. I said yes. She asked me if it made me feel good to help people. I said yes. She then said “THEN HOW DARE YOU DENY ME THAT SAME PLEASURE!!!!!” Wow. I had no answer. I have never forgotten our talk. I have told that story to people that I was trying to help.
I love that!
My husband had to teach me this lesson – over and over again, as I had bedrest and 4 back surgeries and didn’t want people to help. One gentle way to help is to make your offer to someone very specific – which makes it far easier for the hurting friend to accept. Remove as many barriers as you can by offering exactly what you can do! You’ll be amazing how the friend/loved one accepts it!
The greatest thing my sister did for me was be there with me when I found out I had cancer. Her, my other sister,my mom,my daughter and 2 nieces did everything for me while I was getting chemo. Im so blessed to have such a loving & supportive family. Thank you for the chance
I love that Sue. I also have 3 sisters(one who just had cancer last year) and I know that bond is so deep.