We are a ministry rooted in the reformed faith that offers resources on grief, autism, alcoholism, terminal illness and life crises, as well as hope and help for daily life.

Book Review by Linda 

What do we as Christian women do when life doesn't turn out the way we planned, hoped, dreamed, prayed, and believed that it would? Carolyn answers that question with gentleness, compassion, careful exposition, and deep theological insight, warning us that neglecting the careful development of our theology can be both costly and painful.

"Many Christian women are awakening to the bitter reality that their lives have collapsed around them. A failed marriage, the death of a child, financial worries, a self-destructive past, or simply the tedium of a disappointing life has left them wondering where God was when things fell apart. Bewildered and hurt by God’s apparent disinterest, they doubt His goodness and love toward them."

Carolyn allows us a look at her own personal struggle...

"For me the turning point came when I realized that my poor theology, my superficial and inaccurate understanding of God, was making things worse instead of bringing the comfort and hope I needed. I did not know God nearly as well as I thought I did."

Does this mean that all women need to become theologians? According to Carolyn, that is asking the wrong question. Her book asserts that all women are theologians. What matters is whether or not we are good ones! We each have a theology that shapes our thoughts and actions in our daily response to life's challenges. The question is whether or not our theology develops in us an accurate picture of God that reaches into our hearts, drawing us into deeper trust and intimacy as we walk with Him.

Interspersed with her own story and accounts of the journeys of other women, Carolyn weaves a careful and detailed study of the lives of Mary and Martha. This is not a typical or superficial "Mary versus Martha" – "thinker versus doer" treatment of these two women who were so close to Jesus. Rather, Carolyn examines each woman’s theology from the perspective of a unique, individual woman drawn into the heart of God as Jesus himself challenges each of them to see Him more clearly.

If there are circumstances in your life that you just can't seem to understand or come to grips with, this book is for you. If you have ever thought that theology is only for the select few, is just too confusing, or that it is unimportant to the practical day-to day lives of women, this book will bring simple clarity and change your thinking forever. It will challenge you or your Bible Study group to develop a life-perspective that sees the unfolding of our lives through the beauty of God's Holy and loving Providence.

This book will convince you that good theology is not optional, nor is it solely a private matter. Rather, it is a public asset we are called to use to encourage our family, friends, and the church.

Recommendations

According to J.I. Packer, When Life and Beliefs Collide is "a MUST READ for Christian women and a you'd better read for Christian men."

An experienced Bible Study or Book-Discussion Leader could make this a great small-group choice!