Torn by Jud Wilhite

by Scott Volltrauer

June 16, 2012

@scottvolltrauer

Who will we trust in the calamities of life?

As I read Torn by Jud Wilhite I kept having a song running through my head. Perhaps most of the audience this book might attract will not know the 90s band Soundgarden, but “Fell On Black Days” played through my mind on repeat.

“Fell On Black Days“

Whatsoever I’ve feared has Come to life Whatsoever I’ve fought off Became my life Just when everyday Seemed to greet Me with a smile Sunspots have faded And now I’m doing time Cause I fell on Black days

Torn, subtitled, “Trusting God When Life Leaves You In Pieces,” is a compelling book.

Wilhite captures our attention right away. “Why is not the most fundamental question when it comes to suffering. The most fundamental question is who. Who will we trust in the calamities of life?”

Many readers — including most men I know — would agree with Wilhite, that “most of us when faced with daunting challenges, say confidentally, ‘I’ve got this.’”

Wilhite has written a book for those of us who feel that confidence, as well as thos of us who have been taken down, torn up, and wounded.

It’s a simple book to read, but Wilhite does not give simple answers, and fortunately, he doesn’t fill his pages with empty false hope. He also doesn’t leave us with only more questions.

The 2nd half of the book “Putting The Pieces Back Together” includes: - Share The Struggle - Check Your Assumptions - Waiting for God - Fight For Joy - Learning To Forgive

I will think about “Torn” while working the dirt in my garden, because life, like dirt, gets us dirty and leaves traces like dirt under our nails.

I will think about “Torn” while shoveling manure, because sometimes life feels like we’re just dealing with … well, you know.

It’s not a perfect book. It will not solve all our problems or heal all our torn parts. But, I wish I wrote Torn. I didn’t, but I’m glad Jud Wilhite did.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”