Red Like Blood

I started reading Red Like Blood while in the Pediatric ICU. It was a difficult time and I needed something to read when things were quiet and she was asleep. Knowing that I had to review this book, I chose it, not really knowing much about it. I definitely didn't expect it to be a book that would be so helpful, so tailored to many of my questions and circumstances.

First, the authors are incredibly likable and transparent. I found myself identifying more with Pastor Coffey than Mr. Bevington throughout much of it, because I also grew up in the church and haven't strayed far from it, but I still enjoyed hearing both voices on the different subject matters of grace and God. It did take me a bit of time to get used to the different styles of writing the two of them have, and at times it felt a bit disjointed because of that, but I soon became accustomed to this style.

As with all books, I had some questions. Not so much disagreements, per se, but just a longing to understand more in certain places. To ask questions. To learn. Yet I not only learned and understood much by reading this book, I also found it incredibly comforting. In fact, I fear this review will be biased completely because of my own circumstances while reading this book. It has been a difficult month. As mentioned previously, my daughter has been in the hospital for 3 weeks. Home now, but still facing much difficulties and we're still taking it day by day. I cried while reading this book. My faith was strengthened while reading this book. Suffering was addressed with such honesty, and yet hope. I found myself nearly feeling that Pastor Coffey and Mr. Bevington were my friends, because this book has been an integral part of my journey of understanding and accepting God's grace. Plus, the book was written in such a 'conversational' style that I felt like I knew them through their experiences, and that they understood. Mr. Bevington understood what is was like to feel so helpless and watch his little infant girl in the hospital. Pastor Coffey also knew suffering and waded through it. Like I said, I am probably biased, but this book just gave me such hope and a greater understanding of God and grace.

There's a chapter in this book called "The Math of God". I don't understand so much right now, and I am the type of person who tries to figure God out, frustrated that I cannot. Going through this ordeal with my daughter has been the most exhausting, questioning time in my life but also one where I understand joy and God in a way I've never experienced. This book has been such an affirmation of this.

I am truly grateful I read this book when I did. I was provided a free copy through Cross Focused Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review.