Miserable Comforters

<p><strong><em>Miserable Comforters</em></strong> takes readers on a journey through the author's raw and deeply reflective experiences with suffering and resilience. After surviving two nearly identical life-altering car accidents exactly 20 years apart both severely injuring the same leg she begins to question the limits of comfort and the well-meaning but ultimately inadequate solace provided by friends and loved ones.</p><p>Through her painful recovery she discovers that true comfort in suffering often eludes us. The well-intentioned words advice and reassurances of others though heartfelt cannot fill the void left by pain. It is during this time that she turns to the biblical story of Job a man who endures unimaginable loss and struggles to make sense of suffering amidst the hollow attempts at comfort offered by his friends. Inspired by Job's journey she confronts questions about God's role in suffering the purpose of pain and how we can prepare for the inevitable storms of life.</p><p>With wisdom drawn from her own trials Miserable Comforters explores the idea that suffering forces us to confront our need for control and the transience of comfort from others. Instead of seeking answers during times of crisis she suggests that we should ask the tough questions and strengthen our faith beforehand building a resilient foundation. By reflecting on Job's story and her own she offers insight into providing meaningful support to those in pain and how not to become a miserable comforter in their lives.</p><p>This book challenges readers to examine their relationships with God others and themselves in the face of suffering advocating a preparation grounded in faith for the inevitable storms ahead.</p><p><strong>Deborah Belew McDermet</strong> taught English in the public schools of South Carolina for 25 years. She earned her B.A. in English and M.A. in British Literature from the University of South Carolina and her M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville Kentucky. Currently she serves as Worship Director at her home church in Irmo South Carolina and lives with her husband Mark and a myriad of rescued pets. </p>