Glimmers of Grace: A Doctor’s Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and the Goodness of God

Butler (Between Life and Death) shares insightful observations about God and faith based on her work as a trauma and critical care surgeon. To better understand her part in the lives and deaths of her patients, she learned to rely on God’s plan even in dire situations: “Any good news in the hospital is a glimmer of God’s grace.” Butler shares how her own faith was forged from despair, explaining how overwork and the death of a close patient led to suicidal thoughts. Realizing that even Jesus at times felt cut off from God, her spiraling thoughts brought her close to God: “When our eyes fail to discern evidence of God love, we can cling to the truth that Christ knows our suffering, because he endured it too.” Reading the Bible marked the beginning of her spiritual recovery, and she outlines stories and lessons that spoke to her—particularly David’s lament in Psalm 22 to love God even when all seems forsaken. Butler details both harrowing stories of sickness and unexpected recoveries, citing many biblical passages that have given hope to the ailing, but the book’s greatest strength lies in the fluid, evocative writing: “When we despair in the dark of a hospital room, or hover in the silent wake of a life vanished, we can reap solace from Christ.” Devout Christians will benefit most from Butler’s words of comfort. (Apr.)