Emily Magnus's Reviews > Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church

One morning Amy walked out as I was reading and asked, "Are you crying" and the answer was this book. RACHEL HELD EVANS STRIKES AGAIN. There were multiple moments where all I could do was underline and say in my head "me too, me too". She beautifully called out the flaws and triumphs of the church. She brought to life doubts and spoke to an un-fragile God and her reason for straying/reconciling her faith. Lots to say, but I'll let her say it.

QOTB: "There are recovery programs for people grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, or spouse. You can buy books on how to cope with the death of a beloved pet or work through the anguish of a miscarriage. We speak. openly with one another about the bereavement that can accompany a layoff, a move, a diagnosis, or a dream deferred. But no one really teaches you how to grieve the loss of your faith. You're on your own for that."

"And what t hey find is when they bring their. pain or their doubt. or their uncomfortable truth to church, someone immediately grabs it out of their hands to try and fix it, try and make it go away. Bible verses are quoted. Assurances are given. Plans with ten steps and measurable results are made. With good intentions tinged with fear. Christians scour their inventory for a cure. But there is a difference between curing and healing, and I believe the church is called to a slow and difficult work of healing. We are called to enter into another's pain, anoint it as holy and stick around no matter the outcome."

Let's heal, let's remember, let's listen and make space. Amen amen amen