Being Well When We're Ill: Wholeness and Hope in Spite of Infirmity (Living Well) [Paperback]

Marva J. Dawn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Living Well | Publication Date: April 1, 2008

Marva Dawn has an insider's view of the many spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical difficulties encountered by people with chronic illness and disabilities. She knows from experience how to nurture wholeness and hope in spite of infirmity.

Filled with insight and practical help, each chapter of Being Well when We're Ill focuses on one particular kind of struggle such as worry, guilt, the loss of meaning, or the loss of confidence and trust that God is present and personally loving. Each chapter details one or more appropriate 'finds' - spiritual resources, emotional supports, intellectual answers, or practical solutions - that enable a person with infirmities to persevere through them and to be well in spite of them.

For each issue she explores, such as loss of dreams, loneliness, physical pain, depression, ingratitude, side effects and more, Dawn includes discussions of biblical texts - not only texts that help lament losses but texts that bring wholeness. Readers will find themselves companioned in their sufferings and encouraged with new ways to surmount them.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. It is possible to be ill or live with a disability and still be well, according to theologian, educator and speaker Dawn. She should know. As a person with a variety of serious physical challenges, and who has grappled with emotional and bodily issues as well as theological and biblical questions, Dawn is a powerful guide for those who want to be well in spite of their medical conditions. While she has written about her disabilities in previous books, this one is a complete and helpful analysis of the implications of physical challenges, along with concrete spiritual, theological and practical suggestions for dealing with them. Each chapter names one particular aspect of illness, such as loneliness, boredom, physical pain, regrets, bitterness or meaninglessness, and offers strategies for coping with them without sugarcoating or belittling the real struggles people face. Dawn also looks past the individual to offer a global perspective, making suggestions for addressing governments and health systems that further oppress those who are ill. Stories from the author's and others' experiences offer readers the sense of being graciously companioned along a very difficult road. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Marva J. Dawn serves as theologian and educator with Christians Equipped for Ministry of Vancouver, Washington. Five of her books have been honored with a place on the Academy of Parish Clergy annual list of their top ten books, most recently in 2007. She is known throughout the world for her best-selling devotional and theological books and for her popular lectures on worship, ministry, and church and family life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806680385
• ISBN-13: 978-0806680385
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #482,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marva J. Dawn serves the global Church as a theologian, author, musician, and educator under Christians Equipped for Ministry and as Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. A scholar with four master's degrees and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Dawn has taught for clergy and worship conferences and at seminaries throughout the world. She is also well-known and highly appreciated as a preacher and speaker for all ages and sometimes contributes to worship by means of her musical gifts. She is the author of more than fifteen books and is happy married to Myron Sandberg; they reside in Washington State.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NBrown, August 15, 2008

By 

N. Brown (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Being Well When We're Ill: Wholeness and Hope in Spite of Infirmity (Living Well) (Paperback)

I feel as if I have a new friend in Marva Dawn. I have been struggling with chronic pain and illness for seven years. This is extremely challenging to me in so many ways including my faith life. This book brought me renewed faith and hope as I read the author's story and how she has lived out her own challenges. She brings truth to the lies we sometimes believe about ourselves and concrete ideas for spiritual "practices" (I like that term also) for individuals to consider. Her theological discussions about topics such as retribution helped me to find clarity in my own views. Her use of scripture and prayers throughout helped to make reading a devotional experience. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Marva.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Many Thanks, March 20, 2009

By 

Kathy D. Poncy "Wild Swan" (Bend, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Being Well When We're Ill: Wholeness and Hope in Spite of Infirmity (Living Well) (Kindle Edition)

This is the book I have been waiting for. Many thanks to you Marva. I cannot even find the words to express what is in my heart. This book has changed my life forever. Kathy Bend OR

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Being well when we're ill., December 19, 2010

By 

Laura K. Emerick - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Being Well When We're Ill: Wholeness and Hope in Spite of Infirmity (Living Well) (Paperback)

The author wants you to immerse yourself in reading the psalms, participating in a local congregation,and appreciating the rituals you can participate in. As you welcome these tried and tested rituals they can comfort you in the midst of your illnesses.