This book is a Biblical view of struggles we all have or will have to face at some point in our lives; with ourselves or with friends and loved ones.  This book gives hope to even those who feel they will never recover, whether it’s physically or emotionally, or even spiritually.  There is hope.  

In Kathryn Butler’s own words…”Glimmers of Grace emphasizes testimony and devotion, as I aim to steward the narratives with which God has entrusted me during my years in medicine.”  This book “explore(s) how medical settings can challenge our faith.”  “Mine the Bible for who God is, considers what God has done for us, especially through Jesus’s death and resurrection.”  Kathryn invites you to “join me in remembering that in Christ, our awesome, loving God has sapped even death of its sting (1 Cor. 15:55).  When the heartbeat quickens and the monitor alarm sounds, God remains faithful, gracious, and merciful, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Ex. 34:6).  Things may fall apart.  The waters will rise.  You may grip a bridge railing and yearn for rescue.  But in Christ, God’s love will always buoy you through the storm, and through his word, glimmers of his grace will pierce the gloom”.

Not only is this book full of hope and key Bible verses to keep our thoughts on our Hope, it also has practical tips for things not to say to people going through struggles as well as ways we can actually be of help to those with illnesses.   With Kathryn’s medical background, this book comes from a unique perspective.  One that actually has seen the inter workings of the hospital setting and how they lack in dealing with the spiritual and emotional needs of the patients and their families.  

For people dealing with illnesses, whether short term or chronic, I think this book will uplift the spirits of all those affected by the struggle, both directly and indirectly.

For me, the struggle with this book is determining the target audience. As a doctor, especially with an interest in palliative care, I usually love books by medicos about their interesting anecdotes and life lessons. I love when they grapple with questions about life and death, suffering etc. As a Christian, I was excited to come across this book.  For me, the medical anecdotes are too few, and the biblical explanations too simple. It feels like there are many paragraphs just listing biblical references without really relating them back to tangible stories. So unfortunately this wasn’t a hit with me, however I can still see that it may have a role for a Christian who is struggling to come to terms with their own or a close one’s suffering.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt that the author provided a good glimpse into the field of medicine and how that has influenced her faith. I do think that the transitions from story to story and concept to concept could be improved upon. I also think that her descriptions of medical procedures were well done and relatively understandable for someone who has limited knowledge of medical terminology. I think that this story is especially relevant as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and is a book I would recommend to others when it is officially published.

This was a fine enough book and it was really well written; however it just wasn't for me.....................