"Ragged Hope" by Cynthia Ruchti

[reviewsbyerin]

The idea of this book grabbed me right away. People make choices every day that impact the lives of other, whether positively or negatively. A lot of things happen so that innocent people are left dealing with pain and consequences that should never have been theirs. No one is immune to this. I hinted at some of my own struggles in this recent book review. Cynthia Ruchti blesses the readers of this book with the Hope that can be found even in these dark circumstances. It might indeed be ragged, or even just a thread. But Hope is there.

This book wasn't what I expected, but at the same time it was so much more. Each chapter is barely longer than a daily devotional, and conveys a personal story of someone facing the fallout of another's actions. Whether it is the grandparents raising grandkids because the parents removed themselves from the picture, the women whose lives are shattered by the addictions of their spouse, the adult who is still feeling inferior because their parents neglected them as children, the loved ones of those who have chosen to end their own lives, or many other scenarios presented, each story is heart-rending. The author does an excellent job relaying genuine pain and grief in a few words, as well as sharing how those in each situation chose hope, forgiveness, and healing no matter how hard it was. The chapters close with a Reflections segment, giving the reader a chance to recognize in their own minds how the thoughts presented might fit into a situation they are facing today, and some important lines about how you can reach out to those who are in the specific circumstance detailed in that chapter.

This book is an incredible personal resource for wise counsel, and one that church libraries would be smart to get onto their shelves. The more I read these pages, the more the gentle rain of hope soaked into my own heart. Dealing with fallout from other people's choices is terrifically difficult. But with God's help, may we like Biblical Joseph be able to say that others may have intended their actions for evil, but God "meant it unto good."

I know God meant for me to read this book at this particular time. This is a subject I've been dealing with a lot recently. My sincerest thanks to LitFuse for providing me a copy for review. All opinions here are my own. Enter below to a chance to read this book for yourself, chat with the author at a Facebook party (I plan on attending!), and win a Visa gift card. May God bless all of us on our healing journeys.


Cynthia Ruchti is celebrating the release of Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices (Abingdon Press) with a $200 Visa Cash Card "Hope" Giveaway and Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card


• Ragged Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at the "Ragged Hope Author Chat Part on August 1st. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of encouragement, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also share an exclusive look at her next project and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Ragged Hope and join Cynthia on the evening of August 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 1st!