• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Listen to the Whispers and You’ll Hear the Pain

by Chautona Havig · 5 Comments

Mental illness is epidemic in the world, but the church acts as if we're somehow immune. Why? We're not immune to cancer, thyroid trouble, & gunshot wounds. via @chautonahavig

When I first met Chris Morris at a convention, he struck me as a kind, funny guy with a passion for people.  The more I’ve gotten to know him online, the greater this passion has shown. So, when I learned that he struggles with mental illness, as so many Christians do, I was shocked.

You’d never know it unless you talked to him.  About it.

So when I learned he was assembling a collection of true stories by people suffering from mental illness and the impact the church has had on these people, I knew I wanted to read it.  Chris has insight that many don’t. He has the compassion to speak boldly for those who need a voice, while lovingly to those who need to understand.

I also wanted my eldest daughter to read it.  

As the wife of a husband afflicted by mental illness, I knew she would have a more educated opinion of what Whispers in the Pews shares and the helpfulness quotient contained within.  So, I asked her to read it.  She devoured it.  I saw her sharing quotes on Facebook and Instagram.

When it came time to write this review, instead of writing it myself, I asked her to do it.  If you know Challice from her Sodbuster Living blog or YouTube channel, this is her take on Whispers in the Pews.

Whispers in the Pews (mental illness)

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Listen to the Whispers and You’ll Hear the Pain

In Challice’s words:

In Whispers in the Pews, Chris Morris collects the voices of several individuals who have gone through some kind of mental illness and explores how the church responded to them.

Depression comes in various forms, from PTSD, to PPD, to clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and much more. For centuries, the church has been considered a haven; yet for many, dealing with these mental illnesses is a secret that must not be spoken of.

Chris Morris endeavors to enlighten the church by using the stories of several individuals and their varying circumstances and giving them a voice that will help the church as a whole, know how to offer Biblical help and support.

One of the best lines in this book that I think really brings home the idea of separating illness with spiritual weakness says,

I can’t treat my soul with medication. That’s Jesus’s work. But I can treat my body with it, and thankfully, that makes a difference for me.”

Many within the church take the Pharisaical approach of nailing down Scripture while forgetting the person who needs the gentleness and compassion that Jesus gave many of the sick.

These essays from various voices are not always the easiest to read. You will hear raw, but clean, details of verbal abuse, rape, PTSD, from the spouses’ perspectives, and more. Some are straightforward in their writing, while others have found a way to share beauty in the ashes.

Chris Morris even included an experience he had when he admitted himself into a mental hospital.

Whispers in the Pews is one book that I would hand out to anyone. I want the word to get out, and I want there to be a change. This isn’t just happening in the church, but everywhere. People wear a mask of perfection. The church should be where we can be raw and real and still be welcomed as members of Christ’s body! That is what Chris Morris tried to do when he assembled the stories in Whispers in the Pews.

As a spouse of someone who has dealt with severe clinical depression, it was encouraging to read that we are not alone and have something tangible to wave in the air and say, “YES! People, this is what I’ve been trying to say!”

I wept with some of the writers, as one living in a similar situation and knowing what they have gone through and remembering some of our own battles. But I think this book is not just to enlighten others and help the church realize where it needs to change. It’s for those of us who feel alone at times as we battle this. We may not have depression ourselves, but it still affects our families. Reading this book was like getting a cup of coffee with a friend and being able to say, “me, too.”

Share332
Pin
Tweet
Email
334Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
334Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Why You’ll Get All Wrapped Up in This Book
Next Post: Do I Think You Will Love What’s Next? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Comments

  1. Kathy Anderson says

    October 18, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    Thank you for sharing your very personal reaction to reading this book. I highlighted the same saying in my book as you mentioned in your blog post.
    When I self admitted myself to a mental hospital because of my suicidal thoughts I quickly found out who in my sphere of relationships within my church group would support me and who would tragically question my faith and salvation experience. Unfortunately, so many people who shared their stories in this book had the same experience and like you I was able to draw strength from knowing I wasn’t the only one who had dealt with those feelings.

    Reply
  2. Deb Jones says

    October 18, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    I bought it on Chalice’s recommendation. I plan to read it tonight then pass on the recommendation. Thank you. This is what many of my friends with mental illness need the church to know.

    Reply
  3. Amelia says

    October 18, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    Thanks for the review!

    Reply
  4. Andrea Stoeckel says

    October 18, 2019 at 10:02 am

    I think I first heard about this book from Challice and had marked it on a TBR list and shared it with my friend Steve Austin, who also writes, speaks and blogs about these issues

    Reply
  5. Linda Palmer says

    October 18, 2019 at 9:49 am

    This book sounds great. I have family and friends with mental Illness. And there’s been too much confusion about it. I feel for them.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
byChautona Havig

When I talked to Ernest Yip last month, I was crazy excited to learn about his fantasy novel, The Shattered King, an allegory about the attributes of God. Ernest talks about his inspiration, how he got started, and what’s coming next for us. I loved hearing more about the story and my copy is on its way to me now. EEEP! Listen in to learn more.

Note: links are affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way

In the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress or the parables of Jesus, Ernest Yip brings us a story that introduces to a King like no other through the various attributes our main character meets through out the book. I love a good allegory, and listening to Ernest talk about his book had me choming at the bit to get started.

Though written for teens, The Shattered King is sure to appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I especially love how it is a great introduction to who God is without being a heavy or preachy tome of apologetics. Instead, we’re taken on an adventure to discover it all for ourselves.

I can’t wait to see what Yip does next!

The Shattered King by Ernest Yip

Finding his way home means finding something else first—someone else.

When a dark force shatters the benevolent and mighty king Eloa, the land of Astrea lies broken and dying. Though Eloa lives, he is a shadow of his true self, unable to restore his kingdom unless he is reunited with the living Fragments of his being and made whole again.

Catapulted into this unfamiliar world and gifted with a magical sword, teenager Jax faces the ultimate test—finding the lost Fragments of Eloa. Only by fulfilling this quest will he be able to return home. But there are new forces in power, forces that will do whatever it takes to thwart Jax’s efforts and defeat Eloa.

But Jax will soon find that Eloa is no ordinary king, and neither are his Fragments—

A creator of living stone beings A father of orphans in a storm-filled land A desert warrior of limitless power

And they aren’t the only ones out there…

Encounter the Fragments of The Shattered King, a tale of danger and discovery that explores timeless truths about the world we live in, where justice and mercy are sometimes the most powerful weapons.

You can find out more about Ernest from his WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
August 16, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
August 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way
  • Book Club Capers: July Part One
  • Has Ezekiel Always Confused You? How about a Little Fictional Clarity?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
What a sunrise!! What a sunrise!!
Oh, what a beautiful moon. Oh, what a beautiful moon.
Look what arrived on Sunday. Eeep! @naomicraigaut Look what arrived on Sunday.  Eeep!
@naomicraigauthor 
#christfic 
#bibfic 
#BIBLICALFICTION
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE DAY to get th Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE DAY to get this preorder deal for Ezekiel's Song by Naomi Craig, Author! ⁠
⁠
30% off plus free shipping for the paperback copy or $2.99 for the ebook, bonus gift with either!⁠
⁠
#ezekielssong #naomicraigauthor #celebratelit #biblicalfiction #christianfiction #biblestory #rahab #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram #christian #fiction #books #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #faith #christianhistoricalfiction #historicalfiction
Reposted from @joanne.markey Picture says it all. Reposted from @joanne.markey Picture says it all. Link in bio.

#contemporarychristianromcom #christianfiction
@chantelreadsallday has a new readathon for the mo @chantelreadsallday has a new readathon for the month of September--You've Got Mail!!!
So excited for this. But I'm curious... can I count writing a book that takes place in a bookstore for that prompt???
#amreading 
#YouveGotMailReadathon
Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Monzon The entire Carrington Family series is on sale for only 99¢! (Free with #kindleunlimited ) 

Split-time romances with high stakes and even higher rewards! 

#splittime #romance #booksale #kindlecountdown #bookstagram #christianfiction #readmorebooks #read #books #ebooksale #boxset
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!