«Lord Willing?« by Jessica Kelley
Pages: 256
Genre: non-fiction, Christian
Expected publication: April 26th 2016
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MY SYNOPSIS
Jessica Kelley has wrestled with lots of questions about God’s role in suffering. She found answers that helped her go through the terrible nightmare that began when her firstborn was diagnosed with brain cancer. In this book, she explains why we face so much pain if our God is all-loving and all-powerful.
MY REVIEW
Honestly, this is book is very complex to review since there is a lot to consider.
First of all, I find the retelling of Henry’s death very moving. I can see it was a heartbreaking experience and somehow this mom made me part of the good, the bad and the ugly.
I can’t begin to imagine all the suffering this young family had to face, and yet they’ve decided to use it for a greater good, which is really inspiring.
This book also showed me it is important to judge all sermons in the light of the Word, no matter who the speaker is. Nothing should be accepted just because is popular. That’s very good.
The author mentions some famous teachers and even though I don’t like when people say full names, I understand her motive.
Throughout the book, I could see some key questions about the role of God in suffering. I mean, the problem of pain is clearly developed.
I definitely agree with the point that God’s will is not the only one accomplishing purposes on Earth, there are things the Lord doesn’t want to happen but they do; and I admit He loses sometimes because He’s chosen freedom for us in this world.
However, I do believe in mystery. I think I’m on the weak side of the so-called blueprint worldview.
Now, I admit this: this book showed me there was a lot preparation and studying behind the final product. It amazed me that it answered all my objections, some of them right after I thought them. It looks like everything is covered.
Yet, in my opinion, it was like the author was seeking the scripture with an end in mind. She was trying to find answers that set her mind at peace. So, if a passage clearly says something she doesn’t agree with, she changes versions, goes to the Greek or whatever to find an explanation that goes with her vision of God. I’m not judging her for that, I’ve been there, more than once, and it’s hard not to do it; but it isn’t the right way to approach the Bible.
More than that, this book looks like the final and correct answer for this subject, I mean, it actually invites you to wrestle with this issue but with confidence that you will end up with the viewpoint it teaches. I don’t think it’s that easy.
God, suffering and humanity are not simple at all. Every person is a story and each experience, unique. The Lord has plans and ways we don’t understand and I do believe that’s the point in the book of Job.
Nevertheless, as a reader, I can say this book was very well-done, even though there are things I don’t agree with.
**I received a copy of this book from Herald Press through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own**
FAVORITE QUOTES
+ «It seemed that the more grace I accepted, the more graceful I became».
+ The best we can do is to tell our little ones, ‘Nothing can separate you from my love’.
+ «I wanted to tell her not to mistake inexperience for ineptitude».
+ «Love requires choice».
Jessica Kelley is a writer, speaker, and survivor of child loss. She has a B.S. in Psychology, a M.S. in Counseling & Human Development, and experience as a School Counselor. Born and raised in the South, Jessica now lives with her husband and five-year-old daughter in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She survives the absurdly long winters by going to the gym, dreaming about the beach, and eating copious amounts of chocolate. 
Natacha R. Glorvigen 