Avoiding Bitterness in Suffering: How Our Heroes in Faith Found Peace Amid Sorrow

by Ronda Chervin

When Ronda Chervin's son, Charles, ended his own life, he did so believing that it is pointless to endure inevitable suffering. In the wake of Charles's death, Dr. Chervin set out to discover some of the most basic but all too often misunderstood answers to why God allows us to suffer, and how we can bear it with perseverance and hope. She shares her discoveries in these pages, helping you understand that while there is no escape from pain, pain itself is the road into the heart of Christ where peace can be found. You'll be given encouragement and practical advice as you explore afflictions such as failure, fear, frustration, loneliness, loss, marital problems, physical pain, fatigue, and temptation. Dr. Chervin explains each affliction in detail and offers reflections on the lives of saints who suffered from the very same cross. Throughout each chapter you're given practical suggestions on how you can meet Christ in your particular pain. You'll draw wisdom from the lives and writings of saints who were addicted, depressed, exhausted, raped, and unhappily married. And among these saints, you'll discover within their responses a pattern that you can ponder and imitate. Avoiding Bitterness in Suffering will bring courage and hope that in Christ and in communion with his saints, you can and will triumph over every kind of adversity. You'll also

Genres: Catholic

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2015

About the author

Ronda Chervin received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and an MA in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. She is a widow, mother, and grandmother.

Ronda converted to the Catholic Faith from a Jewish, though atheistic, background and has been a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Loyola Marymount University, the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is an international speaker and author of some fifty books about Catholic thought, practice and spirituality.

Dr. Ronda is currently teaching philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of, if not the best book I have read so far on suffering and the redemptive, grace-filled power of it, offered out of love for God and others. This book didn't just give examples and some quotes from the Saints (which is wonderful and inspiring, but sometimes it can be difficult to picture the relatable humanity of the particular Saint from said quote.) Rhonda presents the Saints and their life stories and struggles in a real and palpable way where anyone could look at St. Francis Libermann or St. Alphonsus Liguori and find something to relate to in their own sufferings. Reading this book helped me grow closer to the Saints, gave a better understanding of suffering and how to follow the examples of the Saints to use and offer my sufferings to Jesus out of love for Him and the Church. It also made me feel like I wasn't alone and that I have friends in Heaven to pray for me and help me run the race, dare I say it, with joy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in their own sufferings and with suffering itself.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, and the structure of it is very helpful too. Love how she summarizes the points at the end of each chapter. I also prayed to some of the saints as novena during the time of reading this book too.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guides and role models to emulate during the ups and downs of life.