Holding on to Hope: The Journey Beyond Darkness Paperback – January 1, 2010

An enjoyable and uplifting read.

Very deep.

Usually, I read a book once, then move on to the next one, but  Holding on to Hope: The Journey Beyond Darkness  by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP, definitely warrants more than one read-through. There are a number of guided meditations on various Scripture passages that the reader is invited to consider, put him/herself into, and listen to what Jesus has to say to you in that particular situation. In addition to expounding upon the struggles she has faced dealing with mental illness, the author makes practical suggestions for how to structure life in order so healing is most likely to occur. She makes recommendations for different types of imagery and meditations as ways of envisioning ourselves in a Scripture reading, close to Jesus, open to what He would like to tell and show us at this point in our journey with and towards the Lord. One thing I love about this book is that Hermes is quite candid in her accounts of her struggles with mental illness and how they have impacted her faith. She draws clear connections among the physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering she's endured, and how each has helped her grow closer to Christ. Through her vulnerability and honesty, Hermes shows that God keeps working on us, continues always to draw us closer, and to open us up to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Transformation is approached and discussed as an ongoing process essential to the Christian life. Ongoing metanoia is emphasized as an essential part of growing in God's love, accepting His mercy and forgiveness, and extending His compassion to others. Kathryn Hermes never claims to have things all figured out. She shares the failures and triumphs of her continuing journey and imparts the wisdom that she has learned over the years in a way that is humble and clearly coming forth from a woman who is in the trenches--not someone who is waxing philosophic about a difficult period in her life that has long since passed. It is her openness to ongoing healing, her receptivity to God's plan being one of ongoing transformation, and her personal experience with bipolar disorder and depression that make this book a comforting companion on the journey towards God that is, at times, shrouded in darkness. I highly recommend anyone suffering from mental illness and all who care for and about those who are suffering read Holding on to Hope.

As someone who has suffered from depression for many years, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of "Holding on to Hope: The Journey Beyond Darkness" by Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes. It is a follow-up to her best-selling book "Surviving Depression" which resonated with so many. "Holding on to Hope" is the next step in the journey. Rather than merely making our way through the darkness, it "is about learning to be receptive to God connecting with us do that God can indeed heal us - heal us, I repeat, not cure us - of depression or erase the sorrows of failure or restore lost loves."Each chapter in the book includes several elements designed to provide healing for mind, body, soul, and spirit. These include Images, which are stories of interactions with God; Scripture References, "the divine element of the healing plan;" reflection questions for personal or small group use; Contemplative Exercises; Resting, which invites us to "rest" in God's word and allow God to do His healing work in us; and Inner Healing Exercises (written by Sr. Helene Cote) which "offers truly helpful and powerful ways to integrate the topic of the chapter into your everyday life. Those who enjoy meditation will love this book. There are many beautiful guided imagery exercises designed to engage the reader with God's Word."Holding on to Hope" is meant to be used over a long period of time, perhaps in conjunction with a spiritual director. Despite how much we might want it to be the case, very few people are healed of long-standing pain in a short period of time. It is a process. One particular poignant reflection is on the words of Jesus, "Do you want to get well?" (Jn 5:6). Sometimes we are so stuck in our pain we can't even hear Jesus asking us that question or allow Him to come into our hearts to do the work that needs to be done. What is wonderful about Hermes' reflections is that she, too, has been in that darkness. One can relate deeply to her experience and learn from it.

As I read Sister Kathryn J. Hermes's latest book, Holding on to Hope: The Journey Beyond Darkness, I found that healing WAS what I needed.Throughout this book, which I will be rereading (after I share it with two very good friends who, I think, need its message at least as much as I do), Sister Kathryn relates in such a gentle way. I read this book more slowly than I'm usually inclined to-though not as slowly as I should have, I think-and its message is still sinking into me.Each chapter includes five sections-Imaging, Contemplation, Exploring, Listening, and Inner Healing. Through them, the reader is led down a path. I'm not sure how personal this path is...it felt, to me, like what I needed was to remember that hope is always available, if only I'll reach out to it-or rather, to Him.It's very based on scripture, but it took an approach that, without the gentleness involved, I think I would have rolled my eyes at and walked away from. Sister Kathryn relates to Jesus in such a personal way that I couldn't help but feel pulled in, desiring to know this man the way she seemed to. She made me want to sit in his presence and even put my book down. (Not even my husband gets that very often!)Whether you face a struggle with depression or just find yourself feeling rather adrift, I'd recommend this book. I don't feel that I'm doing it any justice with this summary of it, but I do think it's a wonderful resource.