Five days ago I received in the mail Jeanne Damoff's book, Parting the Waters: Finding the Beauty in Brokenness .
I don't often find myself reading a book all at once, but within 24 hours I turned the last page, feeling privileged to peek into the life-changing story of the Damoff Family.
Jeanne's story starts as a typical day in the life of a loving christian family unaware that a phone call would change their life, and test their faith.
Parting the Waters is the amazing account of a tragic drowning that took all the hopes and dreams of a loving mother, sinking them in the depths of a lake.
Its a story of answered prayer, of lavish love, and hope.
Jeanne Damoff writes of her dependance upon God in a very real way, acknowledging the Lord's tremendous blessings, even when she could not see them clearly. She gives a transparent glimpse of the realities of being a mom, wife, friend and child of God, when faced with tragic circumstances.
In short, I enjoyed this book because Jeanne doesn't give a quick-fix solution to the real pain of grief; she doesn't give pithy answers to the hard questions; and her transparency is refreshing.
I have spent the better part of five days mulling around what it is I want to say about this book, and I got my answer this morning while reading Psalm 30.
Psalm 30 is written by David and is a call to thanksgiving.
In twelve short verses he praises God for the work He has done throughout David's entire life. He eludes to times that were difficult; to moments that tempted him to dwell in a pit. He cries out to the Lord, and rejoices that God hears him.
David encourages those who read his words to do the same...he acknowledges that tears are certain to come, but joy will come in the morning.
Psalm 30 reveals the reality that life doesn't always play out the way we want it to, but encourages us to keep our eyes on the Lord.
Parting the Waters: Finding the Beauty in Brokenness is much the same.
Go read it. You won't be sorry.
For more information on Jeanne Damoff, you'll find her website here.
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6 comments:
wow.. sounds like just the book that needed to be written. I have a few friends that could really use this book. Our worship pastor and his wife lost their 5 week old in November. Another one of my friends lost their 5 year old in the pond behind his grandparents house.
I will have to put this on my list!!
I have a gift card for a bookstore and have been pondering what book to buy with it...this will definitely have to be it!!!! Thanks for the review on it!
Thanks so much for this lovely review! I'm honored and blessed by your words. Also, this may be the first time I've had my book compared to King David's divinely inspired poetry. That's hardly shabby company to be in! ;)
Thanks again,
Jeanne
Jeanne is speaking at our women's retreat this year and I am so excited! I have Parting the Waters on my nightstand just waiting to be read, but I need to go buy Kleenex in bulk before I start! I hear I will need every last tissue to make it through the book. So glad to read your thoughts.
Great review, Kel. Loved the story, too. Will stay with me for quite some time.
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