Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved by Kate BowlerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've been slow in discovering Kate Bowler, I have to admit and, honestly, I have no excuse. Because my wife has been reading her books for years and i just haven't come around to picking them up. In fact, it took a few of her videos on her new book on Joy to catch my attention. On video, she's funny and sharp and, honestly, wise. Her writing is no less insightful.
In this book, Bowler tells the story of her bout with serious cancer, which almost was fatal, but which has gone into remission. It is also a reflection on the American pre-occupation with self-help and what that does to those who are suffering and those who are grieving. Her study of the prosperity gospel is part of this, but her recognition of the tendency for North Americans to try to find a reason for suffering is one that extends well out of that milieu.
Bowler's point is that we have to recognize that those things that we try to assure ourselves of, that our suffering will mean something , don't just collapse as soon as we face suffering beyond our control, but it is positively harmful for those who are trying to cling to it. But that doesn't mean nihilism or fatalism, but rather it pushes back to God for hope and, even joy. I find it striking that Bowler's description of being in the midst of the cancer and the treatments, not sure if she'd live or die in the coming months, but yet being borne up with a strong sense being borne up by other people's prayers and God's compassion is striking and evocative. And almost completely impossible to replicate. It is grappling with both those realities- imminent death and inexplicable consolation- which drives this book.
This book leaves us in a complicated place without the easy answers to suffering that we'd all love to have, but also consoled as well that God can be there too, alongside. It's a good reminder, but not an easy one.
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