Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression
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As I read this book, I was doing so as Sharon and her husband Tims pastor. I felt like the children of Israel in the description thats given of them in the book of Ezra. When they saw the Temple being rebuilt, part of the congregation was weeping because of the past and part of the congregation (that hadnt seen the old Temple) was laughing and rejoicing. And the Bible says that they could not discern the noise of eitherof the weeping and of the joy.Thats how I read the book. As I read the intensity of what Sharon, Tim, and their daughters went through half of me was weeping. Im interested to find out our congregations reaction to the story as they read this book, because I dont think even the closest to Sharon and Tim in the church realised the depth of what was going on. But to see the wholeness thats been brought to Sharon and her home, to see how God is using this experience and the insights He has given her, the rest of my congregation was praising, rejoicing, and laughing. And so by the end of the book, I didnt know what I was feeling: heartache or wholeness. I am thankful to Sharon for sharing her journey. The transparency in the book is inspirational and overwhelming. I look forward to seeing how God uses HOPE FOR WHOLENESS to minister to people all over North America, and throughout the world. Im convinced that lives will be changed through it.
February 11, 2009
There are several reasons why I like HOPE FOR WHOLENESS. First of all it defines depression very well and it outlines symptoms to be aware of. Secondly, it urges people with the signs of depression to get help-medical help from doctors, psychiatrists, and especially Christian help from Christian counselors. The book is well researched including quotes and support from writers and professionals, and every chapter is supported by Scripture references and illustrations. I also appreciate the fact that every chapter has a self-reflection section that readers can spend time in.HOPE FOR WHOLENESS is real. It tells a real story, a story everyone can relate to. I am thankful to Sharon Fawcett for sharing her story and journey. It is my prayer that God will use this book to help many people find wholeness, and have hope in their dark times. -Rev. Dr. John Weiler, Regional Minister, Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches
February 5, 2009
I like HOPE FOR WHOLENESS for many reasons. I like it from a counsellor's perspective because you can read one chapter at a time. Each chapter stands alone and can teach you something, challenge you, or help you to move into a healthy place. The chapters on fear and shame are amazing. The chapter on self-worth is really a little jewel because even though there are tonnes of books written on self-worth, I can't find any that I think are really going to help my clients grow and move into a place of worth and value. I believe the chapter Sharon has written on self-worth can do that.The self-reflection sections at the end of each chapter are excellent to challenge an individual to think through the issues relating to that particular chapter. I also like the fact that there is a chapter on listening prayer for inner healing. One of the most profound gifts that God has given us is to hear His voice and I believe that hearing God is one of the major keys to all healing, not just from depressionfrom fear, from marital problems, and much more. I love this chapter and I've never read a book on depression that addresses the need to listen to God.At the end of the book Sharon includes two valuable appendixes for those who live with a depressed person. They offer advice on how to help a loved one who is depressed and how to help yourself when you're living with a loved one who's depressed.HOPE FOR WHOLENESS is a great resource; it's very practical and helpful. But it also reveals Sharon's heart, and I love that about hershe allows herself to be open and vulnerable. I thank God for Sharon Fawcett and the way He is using her, and I know He's going to use this book. Berys Richardson, MA Psychology & Counseling
February 5, 2009
HOPE FOR WHOLENESS is an inspirational book not only for people who are struggling with depression directly, but all those who are peripherally impacted by the illness. An average reader interested in the topic could access the information in this book very readily, and that takes a certain degree of finesse in writing. Sharon has written this book with what Id describe as a brutal self-honesty. But it constantly moves the reader toward hope, wholeness, health, and a closer and more mature walk with God. You dont often find those kinds of combinations in a single book. The self-revelation that takes place in HOPE FOR WHOLENESS doesnt relish in false triumphantism, nor does it enter into what I describe as voyeuristic self-deprecation. Its always aimed at helping others understand themselves, understand others better, and understand their relationship with God.For those who are directly struggling with depression, this book is tremendously helpfulnot only offering comfort in the experiences of another who has journeyed this path and has struggled tremendously with it, but also offering clear and articulate descriptions of spiritual treatments for depression. But the book goes even further, beyond just the prescriptive and toward continued wholeness and maintenance of wholeness beyond a therapeutic stage. This is a book of grace. Its a book of hope. Its a book obviously written with deep love for others who struggle with depression, both directly and indirectly. HOPE FOR WHOLENESS is a book thats truly going to be very helpful for others. Rev. Dr. Martin Kreplin, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Moncton, NB, Canada
February 5, 2009
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