Dr. Michelle Bengtson

First sentence: About a year prior to the release of my first book, I was deathly ill,, on medically prescribed bed rest, and being kept alive with IV hydration and nutrition.

The Hem of His Garment is part-testimony, part advice for fellow sufferers. Each chapter has a good amount of storytelling, some devotional style sermon-ettes, a few practical prescriptions to further the chapter's themes, and songs for a suggested playlist.

The intended audience is a) those currently in the midst of pain and suffering b) those that have been in the midst of pain and suffering c) those walking alongside those experiencing pain and suffering (caregivers, etc.) d) pastors who want to better minister to their congregations--some of which may be in the midst of pain and suffering.

There are thirteen chapters in total.

Disclaimer: I read this one is bits. I'd read two or three chapters in one sitting, but, then not pick it up again for a week or two. So I read it in about five or six sittings...but over a period of six or seven weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if I started it in July to be honest. My recall for earlier chapters is on the weak side. I did read the last four chapters in the past two or three days. So my strongest recollection is for the last section of the book.

This is not the first book I've read on pain nor will it be the last. Is it unique? Yes and no. Unique in that it contains very personal stories of the author's own experiences with pain and suffering. Obviously her testimony is her testimony. Is the subject matter unique? Not really. Nor is her approach to the subject matter. There is nothing new, novel, unique about what she has to say about pain and suffering. Is that necessarily bad? No. I'd be more worried if she'd claimed otherwise. But is it worth reading? I'm conflicted. Honestly, and this is just my personal opinion, this could have been condensed to a couple of blog posts. Yes, I know few are still blogging. Yes, I know that dedicated blog readers are few and far between. But the advice could be greatly condensed--perhaps even to a pamphlet--because there isn't really anything new to add to the subject.

Personally--and I'm aware this sounds horrible--I could have used more Scripture, more theology, and less testimony.

I also found it a little distracting that the author wanted so many quotes pulled--set apart, show-cased. You know when a book repeats a sentence for emphasis in a fancy little 'box.' NOW again disclaimer, I read an advanced reader's copy. It says in the ARC that the publisher can narrow down her selections, that not all have to be used. So I don't have access to a finished copy to see how many per chapter there are. So do not hold that against the book if you're on the fence. This is not influencing my rating of the book.

There were a handful of things that slightly bothered me. Nothing horribly major or glaring. For example, her advice to NOT associate or "find affinity" with negative people and/or negative situations. You are to choose your friends, apparently, based on how cheerful and joyful they are...and drop them if they start to complain or grumble when life gets rough. You are to think positive, be positive, associate only with the positive. Which just sounds unrealistic and potentially rude. I mean are you going to hand out surveys and interview for friends? Are you going to accept them on a trial basis? This seems contradictory as well, since you are supposed to find comfort in those with shared experiences and walk alongside others who are suffering. I get stressing the importance of rejoicing in God and finding gratitude, of accepting circumstances and using it as an opportunity to rely on God, to strengthen one's relationship with God. That's GREAT. I think part of extending grace (and this is something she encourages readers to do) is extending grace to all the relationships in our lives. And if you can't extend grace and forgive others who have negative moments, then aren't you picking and choosing?

Another statement that rattled me a bit--at first glance, less so on second glance--is her statement that God is a God who heals; he cannot not heal. I think this could be so easily misunderstood. I am not saying that the author is advocating this mentality. But there are definitely a group of those who do advocate the idea that if you are not healed, it is because of your lack of faith. If you are not healed of this or that, then you are either a) living in unrepentant sin and it is all your fault b) not asking with enough faith and it is all your fault c) you are not really a Christian and so God is not obligated to answer your prayer and it is all your fault. Again, I am NOT saying this is the author's position. I am NOT. Just that that one statement could trigger all kinds of feelings and reactions. It could be misunderstood by those that have been hurt before. It could be clung to and be a kind of false hope. The truth is, God can choose to heal us (in this lifetime) OR God can choose NOT to heal us (in this lifetime). God in his sovereign will and great wisdom can CHOOSE not to heal. God is not obligated to heal anyone at anytime. We are to pray that God's will be done. Sometimes that means accepting not yet, not now, or rock-solid NO.

To a lesser degree, she says that it is a lie of the devil who whispers to us that we "will always hurt." I again think this is a very generalized statement. To those that live with chronic conditions, chronic pain, chronic situations, this seems NOT a lie necessarily but just an acceptance of reality. Yes, you can pray for healing, pray for a miracle, pray for grace, take joy in God, find hope in who God is and what He has promised. You can still rejoice in the Lord always. You can still find plenty to be thankful for. You can still seek to bring glory to God, seek to serve Him. It doesn't have to be despairing or "being negative" to realize that you will most likely have physical limitations that others may never have or experience. It doesn't make you a victim, nor mean you are embracing a victim mentality, or wallowing in self-pity. (All of those are in the don't do these things chapter).… (más)

I first met Dr. Michelle through Hope Prevails when she wrote about her challenges and victories with depression. Her writing style is clear and focused, and she liberally scatters Scripture through it all. Her second book about anxiety is very similar.

Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand (though not always), and I found this book very helpful in defining anxiety. While I don't face the challenge of anxiety on a daily basis, I come in contact with people all the time who do, and sometimes it can be hard to relate if you don't know what someone's going through. Dr. Michelle gives examples from other people who describe how anxiety makes them think and feel which is helpful in defining anxiety in your own life and observing it in others.

Dr. Michelle's foundation for anxiety is that it stems from a lack of trust in God. She defines anxiety in the first chapter and then goes on to explore some of the medical science behind anxiety. Her pages are filled with hope and a constant reminder to trust God. Fear, worry, and anxiety tend to spiral when crisis hits (not to mention the daily thoughts about what could happen but never do), and Bengtson writes from personal examples with cancer in her family. She guides the reader with helpful suggestion at the end of each chapter and often encourages verse memorization or placing verses on sticky notes all over your house. Her Recommended Playlists (first seen in Hope Prevails) also find their corner in this book too.

Anxiety likes to use the questions of "what if" to bring us concern, worry, and fear, which ultimately lead to our lack of faith and unhealthy introspection. Dr. Michelle write about reclaiming the power that is all ours from the moment of salvation, and how, in Jesus' name and with Christ's blood, we can have freedom and victory over worry, anxiety, and fear. Bengtson also discussing living in God's love and how we can live in the moment of pain and still realize that God is good and His love is perfect. Her last chapter details how we must use the power of a sound mind in dealing with mental struggles. We do get to choose how we respond to trials or fears, and we have the choice to talk back words of Scripture to ourselves or give into the numbing, panic-inducing terror of anxiety. Changing our thoughts takes practice and time, but it does get easier with time, and Dr. Michelle reminds us that negative thoughts come from the reign of darkness and not of the Light of Christ. We can conquer through prayer against Satan and Scripture verses that turn our minds to the freedom in trusting God.

*I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.… (más)

Anxiety, stress and worry run rampant in the world today, and it affects everyone --- Christians and non-Christians alike. But whereas non-believers deal with stress as a part of life or not, believers who struggle with anxiety have the added burden of appearing “faithless” if they experience any undue amount of stress. Thankfully, this book by Christian neuropsychiatrist Dr. Michelle Bengtson focuses on the very tangible reality of anxiety in everyone’s life, but Christians should not feel ashamed or discouraged because of their own struggles with worry and fear. Dr. Bengston writes from her own experiences and difficulties with anxiety and worry, as well as offering up her own insights as a medical and psychological professional. The author is very open in the ways she has fought sometimes losing battles with anxieties, but also points the reader to the solutions that can only be found in God. Readers will not feel they are being lectured to to “buck up”, and not allow themselves to worry and fret; but will instead find a sympathetic and encouraging fellow pilgrim who offers to walk along with her audience and offer assistance in navigating the wild and rocky path of life. As someone who has struggled with anxiety all of my life, I can tell you this book is most engaging and comforting. An added value is the “Your Rx” section after each chapter which offer about 3 or 4 questions to ponder on to spark more prayer and thought, as well as suggested songs to life the heart and point the sufferer back to the One who brings peace and security to the lives of His children. Highly recommended!… (más)

Depression is a legitimate health disorder, and while that does not provide liberty for sin, we should understand it's effects and background in order to treat it. Dr. Michelle Bengtson uses her personal journey through depression to write this book. Being a neuropsychologist, one would expect her to have a certain amount of knowledge and techniques to enable a person to heal; however, when she herself walked through depression, she found her techniques weren't helping in the way she expected. She wrote this book, as a result of her findings and spiritual journey through a difficult time of life. Perhaps the most effective counselors and doctors are the ones who have suffered in the same way.

In the first chapter Bengtson defines depression. This a vital chapter because many people do not know what it is exactly: there are physical symptoms, yes, but the mental side of depression is huge as well. Depressed people often feel alone (or are actually alone) in their suffering, and so Bengtson also writes this book to bring comfort and healing to the hurting. She includes a "My Prayer for You" section at the end of each chapter, along with questions that guide the reader and give insight into the causes and effects of their depression. Perhaps my favorite part of this book is the list of songs, Bengtson provides with each chapter. They are meant to guide the reader toward worshiping God, finding encouragement in Scripture, and creating an uplifting mindset.

Bengtson then lists the underlying causes of depression: chemical makeup of the brain, genetics, depression as a secondary symptom, depression as a reaction to life events, and the spiritual roots of depression. Those who struggle with depression must understand that, as believers, they have an enemy. This enemy seeks to destroy their mind daily, leading them to believe the lies they've heard and continue sinning mentally, rather than replacing those lies with Bible. Bengtson doesn't leave it there, however. She follows up these chapters in the next many pages about recovering joy, reclaiming peace, reestablishing identity, knowing your worth and destiny, and finding healing in God's love.

She concludes the book with chapters on how God uses our pain to ensure victory if we allow Him to work through the physical and mental tears. The testing of our faith and the darkness that surrounds us is not meant to be forever, for there is a way of hope if we guard our minds, seek therapy and counsel, and take care of our spirit and body. Taking care of our spirit is one of the ways to hope. We must spend time in God's presence, stay anchored in the Word, pray, obey, take time for praise and gratitude, and trust God to lead us into the light in His timing.

Bengtson uses Scripture to demonstrate a pathway of healing for those with depression, while not ignoring sin or merely dismissing depression as "something a Christian shouldn't have". Perhaps one example of a man who struggled with depression was King David, and through his pain and heartache, God brought him through troubled times with a renewed focus on the Messiah who was to come and the God who loved him forever. So glad I requested this book.… (más)