Nova Scotian writer, Marion Grace, in her debut non-fiction book, Your Greatest Life: Overcoming Depression, Divorce and Critical Illness (WestBow Press, 2021) draws her readers in with an exciting promise: “This book will make you laugh, cry, shout, dance, and maybe scream, but one thing I can tell you is that you will get answers.” Who doesn’t want answers to life’s complexities? Marion focuses on the triad of depression, divorce and critical illness but gives principles that can be applied to a variety of issues. She writes to less-than-perfect Christians who need to know how deeply God loves them, in their everyday lives. Out of an understanding of his love, comes the ability to change.
Depression, divorce and critical illness are often misunderstood and judged in the Christian community. Marion counters stigmas and stereotypes and makes a plea for compassionate support. She uses both storytelling and teaching, weaving stories of her life with biblical principles. Her transitions are seamless, easily moving from one method to another, or a combination of both.
There are many strategies in this book designed to help the reader navigate overwhelming circumstances. Absolutely key is understanding and personalizing the Scriptures. We need to know what God says about us and our situations. We need to find out what our rights and responsibilities are as Christians. We need to recognize the necessity of fighting spiritual battles on a spiritual front. Marion suggests that we keep the weapons of our warfare at our fingertips by creating a journal of Scripture verses. She includes many verses to get a personal collection started. I bought a notebook with tabs in it to write out verses on different topics.
Marion also gives very common-sense advice to help people deal specifically with depression, divorce and critical illness. She urges good health practices such as diet and exercise. The section on divorce courageously looks at subjects such as finances, children, the new spouse, interaction with old spouses, and slaying judgemental comments and attitudes. Again, when we know that God loves us, without reservation, we can obtain healing and grace for ourselves and others.
What I like best about the book is Marion’s ability to be fully present with her readers. She addresses her audience in a conversational style, often employing humour to lighten the heavy subject matter. Marion shares her own limitations without self-condemnation. She is able to be compassionate towards herself and towards her readers. The effect is to give Christians permission to be human. We all struggle. We are not perfect. As we grow to a fuller knowledge of God’s love, we can make the needed changes in our lives and in turn extend kindness and support to others in our community.
As an added bonus, Marion includes study questions for a group or individuals to explore and a glimpse into her next book in the Your Greatest Life series.
Marion fulfills her promise. We may “laugh, cry, shout, dance, and maybe scream” in the process, but we get the answers we are seeking.
To order a copy of Your Greatest Life, go to Amazon.ca or check out Marion’s website at mariongrace.ca