Book Review
When the Heart Waits
Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions
by Sue Monk Kidd
HarperCollins Publishers © 1990
Summary:
We all have times in our lives when we feel like we are standing at a fork in the path. We feel the need to transform internally; the feeling that only comes with major life transformations. Unfortunately, the transformation requires introspection and growing. We all feel that the growth should happen faster. We often feel anxious, uncertain, and abandoned by God. I mean, we laid our troubles at his feet in prayer. Why do we not have all the answers yet?
Sue Monk Kidd offers her perspective to help readers walk through these transformations more spiritually and mindfully.
Using the imagery of a butterfly in chrysalis to remind us, “…waiting does provide the time and space necessary for grace to happen.”
These kinds of books are so deeply personal to readers, and what resonates with me may not resonate with all readers, so please keep this in mind as you read my thoughts.
My Thoughts:
As I started this book, I quickly realized I needed 1) a pen 2) a journal, and 3) my Bible. This is one of those books for me that I needed to make notes, both paragraphs in my daily journal and “lightbulb” notes in the margins of this book. I found so much I needed to think through and pray over that the 205 pages of this book took me days to get through, not just the 3 hours or so as I’d initially thought.
As Kidd reminded me early in the book, “While it is tempting for me to think that the growth and emergence of my authentic self would happen with little time or effort on my part, that isn’t so. The fullness of one’s soul evolves slowly. We’re asked to go within to gestate the newness God is trying to form; we’re asked to collaborate with grace.”
Darnit! This is not the quick-fix, take-a-pill resolution to answering life’s questions I wanted! Fortunately, it was exactly what I needed.
Kidd’s writing style is conversational, neither condescending toward her readers or too intellectual to be relatable. She is open and honest about her struggles, showing vulnerability in a way that encourages honesty with self.
The lessons I learned in reading this book now will not be the lessons I will learn in the following years as I refer back to this book. I am grateful for the encouragement and introspection provided in these pages.