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Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart

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I opened Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again with high expectations-and I was not disappointed. The subtitle intrigued me, "Living with Losses of the Heart." Released in September 2001, this book by Kari West helps fill the void in our hearts after the events of 9-11 and puts loss in perspective. It is a must read for anyone wanting to move out of dark despair and into the daylight of hope.

Not all of us have been personally affected by catastrophic loss, yet if not us, we all know someone whose life has been touched by the dark side of loss and the out-of-control spiral that usually follows. West has written this book to focus on "... losses for which you were not responsible and over which you had little or no control."

The book is assembled into 12 sections of seven chapters, each two to three page in length. Every chapter begins and ends with a thought provoking verse or quote and each ends with a personalized prayer pause. Woven into its 256 pages are stories of real people who have struggled with life's lessons. The focus in on moments in our lives when we have the opportunity to reflect on pivotal, emotional, soul-searching, unavoidable, spirited, decisive, daring, elastic, courageous, glorious, nurturing, and mind-boggling moments that challenge us. Although we cannot change the challenges life throws at us, we can choose our direction and our response. By reading how others have dealt with loss, the reader is invited to reflect on how they would respond.

My only criticism of this book is it's labeled as a "women's" book on grief. Many men will overlook it and so most men will miss its healing power. I read the book and was touched by how it applied to me. I want to wave it in front of men and shout, "Read this! We deal with loss too."

Whether you buy Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again for yourself or for a friend, this book will inspire us with hope. If you or someone you know has been touched by loss or your heart is heavy with the pangs of despair or loneliness, the question becomes, "Do you dare to trust and hope again?

When my identical twin sister found herself facing an unwanted divorce after 20 years of marriage, it devastated both of us. For hours I sat and listened to her talk about her fears of the future, the struggle of just getting through a single day, the deep sadness surrounding herself and her teenaged daughter, knowing that what had always symbolized "home" to them would soon be only a memory. We cried together, praying for a miracle.

One of the miracles came in the form of Kari West's book, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again." As a writer, I had a casual acquaintance with Kari and she was kind enough to send me a copy of both of her books to share with my sister the next time we visited.

It so happened that I picked up "Dare to Trust" one morning, just to thumb through it. What I discovered was a treasure chest of HOPE. I couldn't put the book down. It was as if Kari had been a silent listener to all of my sister's conversations, understanding her every fear and concern. She had been in my sister's shoes and reading this book was almost like a glimpse into the future. It offered much-needed relief. Yes, life would be good again.

In a word, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again" is wonderful. It addresses every issue that the divorced woman faces. Written from personal experiences, not only does Kari's writing shine, she did a masterful job of putting together a book that is actually useful. There are short chapters, relevant quotes, inspirational Scripture, along with the experiences and advice of others. The book's format is perfect for the woman who has little time to read, yet needs a major pick-me-up.

I cannot recommend this book enough. No matter what your loss is, you will find solace in "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again."

Kari West writes as though she's been through the deep valleys. This book is good counsel for anyone grieving over the loss of a loved one, the failure of a marriage, or struggling with the horrific events of September 11, 2001. West espouses no easy answers. Anger is often tangible, depression suffocating, and hope elusive. While this book is firmly based on Christian teachings, the author acknowledges wisdom from many cultures and disciplines, rejects easy formulas, and guides the reader through a complex maze of shock, anger, depression, to realistic hope. Recovery is a process, sometimes a long one. West does not point directions but walks hand-in-hand with the reader, as one who has been there and understands.
This book is well-organized, artistically written, and in its depths are many nuggets of truth. For many, it will be exactly what they need for their journey through the valley.

When life turns into a tornado, leaving us emotionally or physically wrecked, we don't
need pats on the back. What we do need is what Kari West offers in her devotional guide
for those experiencing losses of the heart, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again." People
reeling from loss have little patience or stamina for lengthy works. But West takes her
readers through twelve weeks of healing through gentle reminders of the Bible's comfort
and encouragement, tips for healthy grieving, and suggestions for "prayer pauses."
Though her personal "tornado" was an unwanted divorce, West includes stories from
people who experienced other types of losses. A helpful resource index in the back of the
book will connect readers with agencies specializing in chronic illnesses, sudden deaths,
death of a child, suicide, and grief support. The title of her last chapter, "God, grant me
courage to plant my hope in You," well summarizes her desire to plant hope among those
who have lost it. If you have experienced loss, this book is one you need to buy for
yourself. If people you love are hurting, giving them this book will communicate your
care and give them the tools to deal Biblically with their loss.

Kari totally shares her heart and soul in this book, and does so with complete honesty. Her own personal experiences are chronicled, and we see all her doubts, fears, and bitterness, as she passes through each phase of her marriage breaking up. More importantly, we see her hope, determination, faith, and yes, wit, as she comes out an even stronger person than before. There are scriptural references and each chapter ends with a little prayer that addresses the situations in that chapter. This book is a must for those going through a divorce and for those of us who have friends and family that it has touched. I laughed and cried as I read, and felt renewed in my spirit.

This book is like having an encouraging friend by your side. Kari's insightful parbables reach far beneath the surface of pain and offer a healing balm of reassuarance that we are never alone--even in our grief. Her poignant words offer hope, comfort, and light for anyone struggling through the valley of loss. Kari's beautiful and inpirational writing will bless and inspire readers to hang on to faith and allow God to work in the midst of crisis.

Several years ago I saw a picture painted of a blind woman, holding a violin with one string and her smile as she started to play. She held onto Hope that the music she had planned to share would be pleasing to God. It was the most awesome painting I have ever seen.
In "Dare To Trust, Dare To Hope Again" Hope emerges in the midst of sadness, illness, death and loss of any kind.
It reminds me of a child lost and being found, and returned to their parents. In my case being lost and being returned to God is the journey I went through in reading this book. Blessings Kari.

Kari West's new book, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again," is unlike anything I've ever read and truly accomplishes for the reader what the title promises. Her format of relating a personal experience of her own or of some other REAL person in the context of various "life" topics (vulnerability, faith, aloneness, etc) grabs the reader in a very powerful way. You feel she is right there with you, although perhaps a step or two ahead, as she has worked through issues you may be still muddling through. Combined with scripture and a humorous or meaningful quotation, the whole experience of reading this book is very unique, as well as uplifting. For all who have suffered the disappointments of loss, be it divorce, death of a loved one or loss of health, this book is a must!

Written with artistry and compassion, Kari writes as someone who has "been there, done that". I enjoyed the format of her new book: a verse of Scripture, then a short essay with lots of real-life illustrations, a brief prayer, and finally a quote from various quotable people. At the end of each section is a place for personal journalling. The format guarantees that we'll keep coming back for refreshment and encouragement. Kari has a unique gift in being able to relate to her readers on a personal level through her writing. She doesn't give glib, pat answers to the difficult questions in life but faces them realistically, offering hope and encouragement to trust again. This book is realistic, meaningful and worth reading (1) for women coping with any kind of loss and (2) for those who want to help others going through a difficult time.

Great book to help someone who is grieving whether over divorce or death!