A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss

I've been wanting to write this review for a few days now. I've been struggling with what to say so that I do justice to this amazing book. Tempered Faith is a wonderful book for people who have lost a loved one, but I'd go farther than that to say that it's a must-read for anyone who thinks about the hard questions (ie, Why does a good God allow these things to happen?). I admired Jennifer's honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She tells us what she was going through and what she was thinking. She shares with us her anger at God after her husband Jim dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Each chapter is such a treasure - and as we learn how she manages to get through each day. She tells us what things people say to her that are NOT helpful, as well as what she did find helpful. Anyone dealing with a grieving person would benefit from this book for that reason alone. As I came to the end of the book, I felt something was missing. I reread the title "A Tempered Faith, Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss" and was thinking that the book was a little light on faith part. Then I got to the last section, "A 9/11 Diary". Oh my goodness. This is such an amazing testimony to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ability to work in our lives, drawing us closer to Himself, even in the worst of times. We get to read about every step of the way, how Jennifer grew as a child of God. I felt like I was reading something very personal (and indeed I was!), but I feel privileged to be able to see how God has worked in Jennifer's life. The quotes and stories at the beginning of each chapter allow us to get to know Jim Sands better, some are poignant and moving, and some are hilarious. Also, I always apprecite it when a book has a Bibliography of recommended resources - Jennifer lists books, websites and support groups. I am a big advocate of journaling, and hopefully many people will decide to keep a record of their spiritual journey after reading "A Tempered Faith".God bless you, Jennifer, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us!

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one from a sudden and untimely death, this is a must read. It would also help someone who wants to understand what this person is going through. You feel her pain and loss. Her anger with God is what many people go though when something tragic happens and the way she finds her way back is through out the book. You feel God reaching out to her and helping her deal with the loss. I lost my husband 10 years ago unexpectedly and reading this brings back all those feelings and helps me feel that I am not alone with these feelings. It renews my faith, that God was and is nearby to help when you think you can't make it any longer. That there is support from the most unexpected sources if you just open your heart to it, ask God to lead you and listen to what he has to say. This book also explores the difficulty of losing a loved one and having it flashed before your eyes for the rest of your life. The horror of 9/1l and the Twin Towers will be forever on the news and in everyone's mind. These families will have constant reminders. I can't begin to imagine how difficult this will be. Diana Lee.

I began reading this book not knowing what to expect. I knew Jim for over 30 years before we was taken in the tragedy of 9/11. I only met Jennifer at their wedding 5 years before that. Having known Jim for so long I knew that his bride was a strong willed person. This book is a look into the pain and suffering that many like Jen must be suffering. It also provides a guide that can be followed to find a way out of the darkness and how to rediscover hope and faith. An excellent read!

As a huge Max Lucado fan, especially of the daily devotional journal made from Grace for the Moment, I couldn't help checking out "A Tempered Faith." Well, it checked me out . . . Once I started, I couldn't stop. It's one of those kinds of books. Besides the gentle, clear and honest writing style, what compelled me forward was simply wanting to know more about how this young women coped with losing her fairytale husband in America's worst terrorist attack. How does someone deal with waking up to such a nightmare?At first Jennifer is numb, but then she begins this stomach-churning slide into depression and anger at God. You have to look at the book cover and see her name to remind yourself she made it out alive--with strength from above that opened my eyes and my heart to a new connection with God.The "9/11 Diary" at the end (which uses the Lucado devotionals) is one of the most riveting suspense stories I've read since the "Diary of Anne Frank," which Jennifer's journal reminds me of. Really, this woman's 9/11 Diary could be one of the more important documents to come out of this tragedy.

This book was very well-written, and extremely easy to read. In fact, I read it all in one night, unable to stop reading until the end. The ability of Jennifer Sands to enable everyone to understand exactly what she is feeling is incredible. You feel as though you were there with her. It is not really about the events of 9/11, but rather about this woman's trial of faith and belief, in the face of a horrific tragedy and loss. It is very inspiring.