Endorsements for ‘Finding God in the Darkness.’
Endorsements for ‘Finding God in the Darkness.’
Here’s what a few have said about my forthcoming book.
It is always somewhat nerve-wracking to put something over which you’ve sweated and labored into the public sphere. For me, that’s true from the shortest blog post to the longest sermon. There’s a level of trepidation inherent in making those thoughts accessible that were heretofore personal. The veritable “unknown” of people’s responses seems like a black hole ready to swallow me. What are they going to think of this? What if they hate it? What does that say about me? Does that mean they hate me, too? Clicking “publish” is never a blasé process for me. You might well imagine, then, my apprehension at the prospect of having my work formally published.
In less than a month’s time, my new book, Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment will officially be available on Amazon and other similar booksellers. That reality fills me with all kinds of conflicting emotions. I feel relieved that this project is now coming to fruition after arduous nights and weeks and months of writing and re-writing. I also feel a great sense of accomplishment since getting a book published has long been a dream of mine. But I’m also just extremely anxious that you won’t like it, that the book won’t be received the way I envisioned. That fear is largely baseless at this point; I’ve yet to receive a negative or critical response from those who’ve read the book so far. But, like comedian and performer, Bo Burnham says in his 2016 special Make Happy, “Part of me needs you; [and] part of me fears you.”
That’s me right now.
My apprehensions have been somewhat quelled, though, as I recently took the time to re-read the words of those who agreed to endorse the book upon its release. Their endorsement might be meaningful to those concerned with publishing and marketing, but I’d contend they’re even more meaningful to me. They let me know that if, for nothing else, there are seven souls who benefited from my writing.
Without further ado, here are the endorsements for Finding God in the Darkness. May their words whet your appetite to read mine!
In this balm of a book, my friend Bradley Gray does what preachers of the Gospel are called to do: he makes the word of the cross present to his readers in their actual lives, which is to say, their actual pain. I thank God for not only finding Brad in his own darkness — and that of his family — but for bringing forth such remarkable fruit. Unwaveringly potent, deeply consoling, and highly recommended.
David Zahl, director of Mockingbird Ministries and author of Low Anthropology
Brad is an excellent writer and a diligent student of the scriptures. Both disciplines are wonderfully utilized in this book as he pulls apart the dark, rugged, and painful parts of life revealing to us the mercy, grace, and cross of Jesus. Everyone suffers and everyone should read this book.
Daniel Emery Price, Director of Content for 1517
This is a beautiful book. Brad Gray has a story to tell that I hope will gain a wide reading not only because Finding God in the Darkness is well written and a blessing to read, but also because of how it points, with hope, to a big God and the certainty we can have in his care for his children through suffering — even when there is fog and mystery and, especially, pain. God’s beauty and strength nourishes the reader, here, on every page.
Jason G. Duesing, Provost, Midwestern Seminary and author of Mere Hope: Life in an Age of Cynicism
Speaking transparently and from personal experience, Brad addresses the subject of depression from a heart of genuine empathy. Along the journey, he opens the Scriptures to remind us how they apply to life’s darker struggles in a manner which is both contextually consistent and which will draw the reader’s gaze to Christ. I highly recommend this book for believers who are battling depression or know someone who is.
Josh Haney, assistant pastor, Brush Arbor Baptist Church, Orlando, FL
This book is as compelling as it is uplifting. With the heart of a pastor, Brad Gray has written a book about a beautiful God who has hidden himself in suffering. However, for all of its God-centeredness, this book is not sermonic. Instead, the strength of this work is its ability to weave together the sacred and the secular, and to encourage the reader with Scriptural truths wrapped in relatable stories from the valleys of everyday life.
Obbie Tyler Todd, pastor, Third Baptist Church, Marion, IL
Finding God in the Darkness, by Bradley Gray, is a book that offers a refined perspective on suffering. Brad is not content to cheapen the experience of suffering by ascribing earthly meaning or accepting hollow maxims. Instead, he challenges readers to consider the eternal significance of their suffering and shifts their focus towards the cross. Brad’s willingness to embrace the mystery of suffering and his engaging writing style make this book a valuable resource for anyone who is struggling with pain or seeking to deepen their understanding of God's providence. Through practical insights and powerful illustrations, Brad encourages readers to trust in a God who understands their pain, is present with them in it, and glorifies Himself through it. Finding God in the Darkness is one of those unique books that challenges your thinking while offering genuine encouragement to those who are going through difficult times. This is an excellent volume I am eager to share!
TJ Freeman, senior pastor, Wellsboro Bible Church, Wellsboro, PA
A wonderful reminder that God’s grace is always sufficient in life’s trials. Brad Gray has faithfully moored his thoughts on the truths of Scripture while weaving the stories of his experience to the reader. This book will be helpful to so many of God’s people.
Jim Blalock, senior pastor, Beacon Baptist Church, Jupiter, FL
Dear Christian: Seasons of darkness wait patiently for all of us, granting exception to none. By effortlessly blending theology, culture, and intimate personal experience, Brad takes a literary machete to simple solutions and easy fixes for navigating through the darkness. In the place of such belittling nonsense, he gives us the most important solution: the person of Jesus Christ.
Get this book. You won’t make it through Brad’s heart-piercing phrase-turning thought-provoking grace-soaked writing without encountering phrases that grip you and stop you in your tracks. It’s in these moments, arrested by Brad’s masterful and prayerful use of language, that this book trains the senses of your heart to reach out for God in the midst of suffering.
This is good writing emanating from a good dude who has been dazzled by the God who suffers with us. This is a man whose eyesight has adjusted in order to see Christ in the darkness.
Cole Deike, pastor, Frontier Church, Des Moines, IA
Finding God in the Darkness is available for pre-order now on Amazon and 1517. May your soul be refreshed by these words which remind sinners and sufferers alike that in times of darkness, it’s God who finds us.
Grace and peace.