Where is God when faithful people suffer unbearable loss?
As a Christian minister, I counsel grieving congregants on this point, not with pastoral platitudes but the authority of a mother whose eight-year-old son, Nathanael, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor, and who, after many years of struggle, succumbed to the illness.
Why would a loving God allow such a thing? As this narrative shows, I discovered that just about everything I thought I knew about God had to be discarded. My investigation went far beyond classic Christian teaching to the Buddha, Jewish thought, new-age gurus, and mindfulness.
I learned that God requires something from us when tragedy upends our lives—a willingness to enter into the pain and walk through to healing. This truth emanates from uncensored reflection, the treacherous road to self-acceptance, discoveries of everyday miracles, and deep love.
Praise
“Clare Robert has written the honest truth about ‘people just like you who one day found our world suddenly destroyed.’ She writes, ‘Our meetings are held every day for the rest of your life. Come, join us. You have no choice.’ And because she tells you this, you know that her title is the truth as well. You will be happy, again.”
—Nora Gallagher, author of Moonlight Sonata at Mayo Clinic
“This book will be of great comfort to parents going through their own nightmare. ”
—Maya Manley, co-founder, Making Headway Foundation, Chappaqua, New York
“This book does not hide the pain of loss or wrap them in false uplift. On every page, Clare examines what she thought she knew about God and what life is teaching her. Each chiseled sentence renews that commitment to an honest rendering of heart and soul.”
—Ray Waddle, Editor of Reflections, Yale Divinity School
Get the Book
You Will Be Happy Again is available in print from Off The Commons books in Amherst, Massachusetts.
About the Author
Clare Robert is Pastor Emerita of The Spring Glen Church, United Church of Christ in Hamden, Connecticut. She holds a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Yale Divinity School.
In retirement Clare trained to teach the Alexander Technique and is certified by the American Society for the Alexander Technique. Read more about Clare.
