Ive been wanting to write this review for a few days now. Ive been struggling with what to say so that I do justice to this amazing book. Tempered Faith is a wonderful book for people who have lost a loved one, but Id go farther than that to say that its a must-read for anyone who thinks about the hard questions (ie, Why does a good God allow these things to happen?). I admired Jennifers honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She tells us what she was going through and what she was thinking. She shares with us her anger at God after her husband Jim dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Each chapter is such a treasure - and as we learn how she manages to get through each day. She tells us what things people say to her that are NOT helpful, as well as what she did find helpful. Anyone dealing with a grieving person would benefit from this book for that reason alone. As I came to the end of the book, I felt something was missing. I reread the title "A Tempered Faith, Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss" and was thinking that the book was a little light on faith part. Then I got to the last section, "A 9/11 Diary". Oh my goodness. This is such an amazing testimony to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ability to work in our lives, drawing us closer to Himself, even in the worst of times. We get to read about every step of the way, how Jennifer grew as a child of God. I felt like I was reading something very personal (and indeed I was!), but I feel privileged to be able to see how God has worked in Jennifers life. The quotes and stories at the beginning of each chapter allow us to get to know Jim Sands better, some are poignant and moving, and some are hilarious. Also, I always apprecite it when a book has a Bibliography of recommended resources - Jennifer lists books, websites and support groups. I am a big advocate of journaling, and hopefully many people will decide to keep a record of their spiritual journey after reading "A Tempered Faith". God bless you, Jennifer, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us!
Jennifer Sands and her husband truly believe they have found their soul mates when they meet and marry. They share a love of snorkeling and scuba diving, they tease each other as only close spouses can do, and they plan for a future life in the Cayman Islands. On September 11, 2001, the unthinkable happens when Jim is killed in his office on the 105th. floor of the World Trade Center. Jennifer is shocked beyond belief and wallows in pain and denial until the anger breaks through. She rails at God and repeatedly asks him why this had to happen. She has always been a faithful Catholic and has prayed to God daily for her husbands safety. That is the way her life has always been--she prays and God provides. What has happened to the "contract" she has with God? She relates the numbingly painful days which follow Jims death--the empty holidays and the searing grief. Gradually she begins to see that God is sending her "angels", people of faith who help her faith grow. She is able to establish some special memorials to her husband and she begins to look outward to others and upward to God to find peace. The most revealing part of the book is the diary at the end in which she writes her innermost, unvarnished thoughts and feelings to God. It shows the metamorphosis of a woman who is focused on her own pain to one who accepts and embraces the love and comfort of God. Jennifer is truly polished and refined by the fire of this tragedy and she emerges as an example of Christian faith and forebearance in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope In The Ashes Of Loss is the personal and articulate testimony of Jennifer Sands, a young widow who lost her husband in the September 11th attacks. Jennifer had to come to grips with the heart-wrenching question: If there is a God, how could He let this happen? A Tempered Faith ably presents an introspective delving into the roots of faith and hope, as well as an affirmation of Gods love and learning to carry on and even find joy in the wake of bitter and unexpected grief.
