Title: Unraveling (Hanging on to Faith through the End of a Christian Marriage)
Author: Elisabeth Klein Corcoran
Pages: 240
Year: 2013
Publisher: Abingdon Press
“Happily Ever After” is no longer a foregone conclusion in today’s society whether a Christian marriage or otherwise. For me, it breaks my heart to see marriages end, but more so the pain that comes with it and not just to the couple, but also the children, friends and family of those involved. It is encouraging to see someone like the author take her experience and allow God not just to heal her, but also call her to encourage others. The encouragement is such a wonderful glimpse into the heart of our God who never leaves or forsakes anyone; he longs for them to dwell in Him.
If you believe you are going to read an expose of the author’s marriage, divorce and other ugly matters, let me tell you upfront it isn’t in the book. So I hope that encourages you that it isn’t there, because the norm of most societies is to lay it all out for everyone to see the ugly, hard and hurtful things that should be held in confidence between the parties involved. Now, hear what I am Not saying. If there is something that needs to be known so appropriate biblical action is taken, please make sure to follow the steps laid out in the Bible…don’t hide it!
The author shares a pro-marriage message about how marriage is supposed to be a reflection of Christ’s love for us and last a life time. One reason the author doesn’t share her story, though not the sole reason, is because she wants readers to learn directly from God what their story is without the encumbrance of hers or others’ experiences.
If you are expecting a 10-step program or some answer to your particular season of life, it isn’t within these pages. What is included here are snippets of her journal entries to help those who need the encouragement to know someone else has been through this too. Unfortunately, there will be others who come behind your story too. Each chapter is just a few pages long with a bit from her journal or a story from elsewhere, followed by a prayer, “the next step” suggestion and then “a way forward” that shares a portion of the Scripture.
If God has led you to this book, know it is filled with words of hope and encouragement even if you’re feeling anything but that at the moment. Remember healing takes time and there is no set timeframe, but as no one likes to hurt, we may want to hurry the process. Grab a pen, your Bible, a notebook or journal and the book and sit down at the feet of Jesus. Be prepared to hear Him speak and lead you to those He has called to walk alongside you. The Bible is the main book; Unraveling is a tool and to me a good one. Kudos to Elisabeth for sharing her heart on a tough topic!
My rating is 4 ½ stars.
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