Jesus Wept: When Faith and Depression Meet Paperback – February 1, 2019

What a great title for this powerful, wise and courageously honest book. I couldn't put it down from its great opening line, "At first I didn't know I was depressed; I thought I was just religious." to its concluding line, "And we can acknowledge that this life is not all there is: we have a context, and it is not just historical and not just physical; it is eternal."This book includes a variety of voices to speak for themselves and give testimony to the shades of depression as well as address its apparent meaninglessness.Barbara speaks perceptively to the special pitfalls of clergy who gothrough depression in her chapter titled "Charged with the Care of Souls". This should be required reading for all clergy; it is experienced and wise.There is a wonderful chapter, "Words Fail Me" which explains the use of Centering Prayer as helpful when words are empty.This special book sorts out pious religious drivel from a substantive understanding of medical intervention and how God can redeem the pain. "Jesus Wept" makes me feel understood, and helps me understand my own crippling bout with depression several years ago. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, honesty and helpful tools. It is a book sorely needed by millions as both educational as well as solid food for the soul.Charles R. Colwell"Collision of Worlds: A Priest's Life"

I genuinely loved reading this book. I'm so tired of being told that my depression is the result of a lack of faith, lack of trust, or just bitterness. It is incredibly heart-rending to feel ashamed of a disease that you have no control over, because of others who have tried to convince you that you have it because you've sinned in some terrible way. My depression, and the way the Church has reacted to it, is what has pushed me so far from my Christian family.It was refreshing to find an entire book that discussed the issue candidly and from so many voices! It's not a self-help book. The only real instruction it has is in "centered prayer," which is really simply a God-focused meditation exercise (It's also quite effective for anxiety.). This book simply exists to let you know that it isn't your fault and you are NOT alone.

This was a very insightful read.

When this book arrived, I read it in one afternoon because the author's descriptions of her depression, what it did to her, how she coped, and is still coping with this disease echoed so many of my own internal dialogues. I was in my 50's before I finally got treatment for recurrent major depression and anxiety disorder, mainly because I was brought up to believe that a good person who was "right with God" could pull herself out of the morass without outside help. I love this book. I re-read it and highlight passages and recommend it to anyone who doubts their depression is a real disease with which "good" people need help and medication.

"Jesus Wept" was a real page turner for me. The author really bared her soul and the reader is given an inside look at depression and the feelings it brings to the sufferer. With depression so rampant in our society, I wanted a better understanding of it and what those who had it were going through. I think the author has done this very successfully.

This is the first book I have read that actually describes the sensations and feelings a depressed person may have. The author understands how the cycle of depression works and that a depressed person can become so detached from just about everything that they panic and actually reach a point where they can’t feel and have difficulty concentrating on finishing a task

Wasnt exactly what I expected, but it was ok. I got this book to study out depression with a friend. It gave me some ideas but I didnt like the fact that there were hardly any references to scripture.

This is exactly what church people who are suffering from depression or self-worth issues. I found so many sentences in this book that describe my experiences. While not diagnosed with depression, it has given me words to express what I was feeling. So many times Christians are expected to only live into the joy and are judged or even shamed when they don't. The only complaint I would have is that the book needs to go further with recommendations to help.

well written, clearly articulated from a personal perspective, good stories from other people. Very helpful

Its hard to sum up in a few words how utterly amazing this book is. It is written with such insight, compassion and gentleness that can only come from someone that knows the despair of those dark days of the soul. It adresses beautifully the issue of depression and faith. Ive stuggled for nearly two decades to try to understand how I can be Christian and still suffer such despair, that if I just prayed harder or tried harder or "named and claimed" my healing will surely appear. But no. This book has spoken of these things and so much more with a gentle spirit that has given me hope and shined a light in my darkness. Thank you Barbara.

What a fantastic book. I bought it for myself as I am a Christian who has struggled with depression for the last few years. I often struggled with why I felt in such despair even though I am a Christian. This book answered so many questions for me and made me realise I am not alone in my situation. It is written with such insight which can only come from somebody who has been in that situation and the author uses her experiences to write a book which will no doubt help any Christian who is struggling with depression. Thank you for a wonderful book which helped me so much and which will help any Christian struggling with depression.