Well, I was so reluctant to read this book: Grumble Hallelujah.
I think I knew that it would reveal too much of myself that I didn’t want to see. Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira is real. She gets up close and personal and in your face.The book is divided into five parts. It was really difficult to get through the first two parts. I had to put it down and mull it over for a while. Then the last three parts went quickly. There were tears and gnashing of teeth as I faced the cold hard truth of my mercilessness and heartbrokenness.
Fear and failure are addressed and she cites Bible verses about these and how and why we should conquer fear and embrace failure.
The chapter on jealousy sure hit home. I mean, who doesn’t battle with jealousy over something or someone? I think it’s wonderful that she can be vulnerable and transparent about real issues that we all face but that no one really admits even to close friends and family members. I love how she turns that jealousy thing around and explains how we should “prefer” the life God has offered us, with all its ups and downs, because it’s what God wills for us and it will make us grow into who we are meant to be.
It really is an amazing and life-changing book. God is made real and our experiences are exposed and challenged. He can handle our grumbles. He savors our hallelujahs.
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