Gift of Hard Things
Finding Grace in Unexpected Places

God allows difficult people, circumstances, and even failure into our lives because there are greater gifts he wishes to give us and greater works he wishes to do in us. This book reframes the hard things in life so that we might consider what God is doing in our midst. I enjoyed reading Mark’s stor......more

I enjoyed the beautiful storytelling - gently getting at a difficult topic. It's a quick and easy read...but moving. I cried several times and couldn't put it down. I liked that there were questions and activities at the end of each chapter, though I didn't engage in them. This is approachable and a......more

I was surprised by this book. After having an all day workshop with Yaconelli I thought this book would provide some helpful follow ups and ideas I could reshape for my pastoral context. It was so much more. I now hope to use this book for my silent retreat and take time to dwell in the poignant sto......more

A book I may find myself referring folks to who are struggling with faith. Good exploration of what it's like to search for God and to feel lost in the process. The exercises at the ends of the chapters are excellent.......more

Enjoyed the stories and their applications. We all have life happen and it was good to hear how the story was applied to God's bond to us. I listened to it on audio a chapter at a time. It would also make for a good small group study.......more