Customer Reviews

Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting: Patience, Loss of Control, Living in the Present, Compassion, Gratitude, Humility, Trust in God

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A gem of a book! I now 'wait' with more humility and grace. These seven gifts have come to my mind regularly since reading this book. Not many moments pass in a day without experiencing one of these gifts as I wait. This book is an easy read filled with wise information. I have used the guidelines in the back for leading a group on this book and found it to be very complete. As a therapist, I have already passed this wisdom on to others. Get this book for you....and for others as a gift!

Outstanding book. My 15-year old daughter was in the hospital for 8 weeks. I told a close friend that the hardest part was the waiting...not being able to do much to help her directly. My friend sent this book to me and it was a God-send. One of the reviews mentioned that this book should be edited to be more sophisticated. However, I found the informal, conversational style comforting...it felt as though a friend was talking to me. Great book to send to anyone who is a "doer" and isn't used to sitting still to wait.

I do appreciate the author's good intent of writing on the spiritual meanings or purposes of waiting. However, I am obliged to say that this book could be much improved with the employment of a good editor who could advise on her wording and writing. IMHO, the phrase "loss of control", which the author counted as one of the seven spiritual gifts, can be replaced by more appropriate phrase. In short, okay for common believers, but better for church leaders who can benefit more from the last two chapters on "How to use this book with a group" and the detailed plan for a daily "Retreat: Spirituality of waiting".

Holly W. Whitcomb's Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting is truly a gift unto itself. Whether you're simply waiting for the bus, or waiting for the diagnosis of a loved one, this book offers hope and inspiration to those looking for meaning in the hardships of life.

Whitcomb explores patience, loss of control, living in the present, compassion, gratitude, humility, and trust in God as spiritual offerings that we so commonly overlook in our daily lives.

Her suggestions for reframing life's uncontrollable circumstances promise to be life-changing, and her book, full of personal anecdotes, poems, Biblical selections, and excerpts from inspirational writings, is delightful and captivating--something to be read again and again.

Holly W. Whitcomb has been a pastor and clergy-woman since 1978. She is the Director of Kettlewood Retreats in Wisconsin, and travels nationally to lead retreats and spiritual events. Whitcomb is the author of three previous books, including Feasting with God and Practicing Your Path.

Armchair Interviews says: Be sure to pick up extra copies--this is a gift you will want to share.

This is a great book for anyone who has to wait, whether it be for medical results, job search, a new baby, loss of dependence, etc. I have used this book for people who are grieving as well as those who are dealing with cancer and their significant others. Well worth a look.

Even before Waiting for Godot went on stage, the subject of waiting has consumed this time-driven culture. By exploring the texture of those who wait, Whitcomb has managed to give aid and comfort to those wait. In lifting up the blessings of God to the time-impaired, she is blessing us. The book is not only a must read, but a resource for the times to come.

We are using this book for a group Bible study. The author's writing style is easy to follow. However, the title of the book is slightly deceptive. This book does not speak on actual spiritual gifts - but that is given away in the list of topics if one pays careful attention to the details. The book also is not Bible-based. The author uses a variety of spiritual ideas adopted by the world to make her points. It is important for the Christian reader to not get lost in the wordly views expressed and keep focused on the Truths that are touched upon and use other Biblical sources in conjuction with this book to truly grow in relationship with Christ as you experience waiting with a new perspective.