Have you ever felt like you've lost faith in God? I feel like people don't think this happens to “good” Christians. Or to people in ministry. It's this weird thing though. For me, personally, I never stopped believing in God – never lost that part of my faith at least. But there have definitely been seasons where I knew the truth, accepted the truth, but that truth wasn't connecting with my heart. Gasp. Like, God, I know you are who you say you are, and I've seen it over and over again, so why do I feel this way? Indivisible, the story of an army chaplain and the war he brings home, might be a story we can wrestle with.

Have you lost faith in God? Maybe you didn't quit following him or believing, but you just lost...something. If you've been there like me, you might want to hear this story. (Review of Indivisible) - https://www.realworldbiblestudy.com

This page contains affiliate links – they don’t cost you a penny, but they sure help to pay off those student loans! For more information, please see my disclosure page. Also, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

IT'S HARD FOR FOLKS IN LEADERSHIP, YOU GUYS.
Because everyone goes through those seasons where they struggle or they wrestle or they just feel disconnected. But when you're a pastor or a worship leader or even a Sunday school teacher, you feel like you have to keep it going for everyone else. And there's some value in that…not necessarily “fake it till you make it,” but acting in obedience based on what you know to be true even if you don't feel like it. For me, serving my Mpact Girls during tough seasons was part of how God pulled me out of the pits. But so many leaders end up isolated as they struggle in faith because they don't have anyone to go to battle with. Always on duty. Gotta have it (mostly) together, not perfect, but we have to set the example, right? I've been there. Eventually, it tears you apart inside. Because here's the thing: there was never meant to be any separation between our faith and the really messy stuff in our lives. Quite the opposite.


Messy Lives
Indivisible is the true story of an Army chaplain who steps into one of the messiest places to serve. He spends his first deployment helping men and women pick up the pieces of broken lives just off the battlefield, but comes home to have his own life and faith fall apart. The destruction of war, the death of a friend, the distance created by trying to protect his family from the things he saw…he seems to have lost faith in God and in his own calling. This book is a novelization of the Indivisible movie coming out October 26.

I was drawn to this story because I'm from a military town, and I've prayed about becoming a chaplain someday myself. I really wanted to step inside the life of a family as they come alongside our men, women, and families in the armed forces. Admittedly, I was a little suspicious of a novelization of a movie…sometimes that doesn't work out so well.

ON WRITING BOOK REVIEWS
Before I go further, I want to say I had a hard time writing this review. I'm reminded of a show I watched recently about a newsroom, and how the reporters struggled with the tension between telling a story that could put lives and jobs at risk, but that voters needed to hear…between a desire to protect and a duty to hold accountable. I'm being a little dramatic. There is nothing so heavy about writing a book review. And yet I feel the tension between honoring a writer and especially the family who shared their story to bless others and following through on my commitment to writing an honest review so you can make your own decision about whether to buy a book. So I decided to walk you through some of my personal encounter with this book before I carry out that duty.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH INDIVISIBLE
I've been trying something new lately as I read. It started out with all these book reviews (and yes, there will be some non-book-review content soon. My book addiction may have caused me to overcommit!). I was reading so many that I needed to be able to remember what stood out so that I could go back and write a review later. So I put together a collection of journal questions, and I've been journaling about some of the books I read. I don't do all of the questions – I just start with what sticks out to me and write until I don't feel like writing (less often) or until God takes me and the book on a tangent somewhere and we have a great “real world Bible study” conversation right there in my composition book. I wanted to share with you some of the things I wrote while reading this book…at least, the ones I can share without spoilers!

WHO ARE THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY? ARE THERE GOOD GUYS OR BAD GUYS?
Even though there are technically bad guys in this story – terrorists setting off IEDs in Iraq – we don't get to meet them. (That's a little disappointing, but I guess it's a different story. I like to get to know the bad guy. Because, a la Ender's Game, when you know them, you start to love them even though you hate what they do. I would say you start to see them as God sees them. But that's another blog post.) The real antagonist is Satan, and we don't see him directly, only his handiwork. The “bad guy” in the story is the physical and spiritual destruction caused by war. Also, one character at the beginning and another near the end act like bad guys out of their grief and depression.

WHO IN THIS STORY IS MOST LIKE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW?
I think Darren is a lot like me, keeping his grief and his battles to himself until his life is falling apart. I have so been there. Even though I hadn't “lost my faith in God,” (I didn't quit believing in him or abandon him), I had lost faith in God, in his ability to fix me…or even forgive me. Like Darren, I need to put God in charge of my life – even if I don't like what happens – and I also need to allow relationships that know the real me and give me space to process and heal and be healthy.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT INDIVISIBLE
God used this story to remind me why he has called me into ministry and reconnect me with some of the people he has called me to serve. I love the journey of the characters, especially one friend. I love being reminded of how God meets us in the middle of our mess, and how he can use anyone. God burdened my heart to pray for close friends whose lives have been forever changed by war.

WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE ABOUT INDIVISIBLE
I have to be honest…I think this story is great and it needs to be told. But I didn't love the way the book was written. The things I liked came through because the story itself is based on the Turner family's real-life experiences. But…you know how some Christian films don't have the greatest acting or the best production? (I'm not talking budget, but the quality of work). It drives me nuts. In the film industry, and in any other…if we are doing everything for God's glory and to please him, shouldn't we be doing the very best work out there? That same disappointed feeling you get when you watch one of those movies and they don't quite pull it off? That's what I got reading this book. With all those great reasons to connect with this story…it was hard to connect with. The most heartfelt moments fell flat, and that was a tragedy. I can't describe it any other way. That's really not what I wanted to have to say about this book.

This story needs to be told. I'm so thankful for our men and women who serve – and the families who come alongside them. So I'm going to see the movie. Eventually – I want to be debt free, so I may have to wait until the library has it! I really hope the movie does a better job with the telling.

I’m flying back home a wounded man. I didn’t lose a limb and didn’t lose my life. I have no scars anybody can see. But I carry bags and bags of hurt and sorrow. I don’t know where I’m going to be able to store them.
- Darren

Often the life experiences of real people make the most moving stories, and that is certainly the case with Darren and Heather. Indivisible is a story that is powerful, thought provoking, compelling, and inspirational. Travis Thrasher has done a wonderful job creating a novelization from the screenplay in such a way that both versions stand strong.

Darren and Heather loved God, loved each other, and believed the way they chose to serve was God’s calling. Darren “wanted to bring faith and confidence in Christ into a place of war,” while Heather became sole caregiver to their three children and ministered to military wives and families. I thought these words spoken to Darren were so true: “Deployments strengthen strong marriages and weaken weak ones.” Both Darren and Heather had a difficult physical and emotional journey during his 15-month deployment, but neither could fully comprehend the impact of that life on the other.

I have found that there are two options to mental survival over here: one is to constantly be on edge because, really, at any moment there could be some sort of attack and people could die. The other is to go numb to the threat and live as normally as possible.
- Darren

Thrasher realistically conveys the physical and emotional impact of the war, both on the front and at home, and shows the bonds of friendship through secondary characters. Darren’s journal entries are eye opening.

Indivisible is, at its heart, a story of commitment, hope, and love. Darren and Heather face struggles that all can relate to, in having a strong love and faith tested through life’s hardships and tragedies. This promises to be a powerful movie that I’m eager to see.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

3.5 stars

In recent weeks, I have seen a lot regarding the Indivisible movie, the screenplay this book is based on. The movie looks packed with emotion, faith and love of country. However, I didn’t find all of that flowing through the pages of this book.

Darren and Heather Turner share a passion for serving God, family, and country. When Darren is deployed as an army chaplain, Heather vows to serve military families back home as she also cares for the couple’s three children. Darren knows he’s overseas to support the troops as their chaplain. What he doesn’t know is how he will get through his own dark moments. When Darren returns, he is no longer the husband Heather once knew.

There is emotion, faith and love of country in the pages of this book. However, there is something about the way the story is written, that took a little of the emotional power away from it. I think the movie may do a better job telling this story. Yikes! I can’t believe I said that 😉

While the story telling felt disjointed, I still felt for Darren and Heather. I think readers are given a true picture of what this time in their life was like. As with every book I read featuring a story about our military, I am awed and forever thankful for what these men and women do to protect our country. I like the behind the scenes looks because it makes me more appreciative of what our military and their families deal with.

What I appreciated most about this story was the faith element. Turner is an army chaplain, yet he too struggled just like the others. It’s real life folks. Christians lives are not perfect, your life will not be perfect when you accept Christ. You simply have a forever friend there to help you through. For me, that’s ultimately what this story was. The Turner’s faith helped them. Was it easy? NO! But they came out on the other end stronger and wiser.

I’m looking forward to seeing this book come to life in the movie, in theaters October 26th.

Soon after picking this book up I felt like I was in the actual war zone, but also back home and having the horrible duty of going and being with someone who had just lost their loved one.
Yes, this book shows you the side of war you probably don’t want to know, we put faces to those who give the utmost, both away and at home.
With God centered lives you would think that this journey would be easier, but the horrible reality of war, and some of the most devout can doubt their faith, but without faith how do you find your way back.
This is a book that is based on a true story, and knowing that we come to see the toll war takes on our military.
Come and walk in this couple’s shoes, they might get a bit tight, but it is an experience with a journey of faith.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

INDIVISIBLE. by Travis Thrasher
We meet Darren as a news broadcast is on, the reality of where he might be sent in a war zone, was more than a possibility. Dedicating one life to Christ, with the question of "how am I to serve Him." Married and with children, they both talked about options in the church ministery.He as a chaplain and for her to minister to the military wives. Giving us glimpse of the reality of being home and abroad, and being apart. An honest look at how they faced it, was well portrayed by the author. A look one might say that is behind the scenes.
Given ARC by Net Galley and.Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and honest opinion

Although this story deals with deployed soldiers and the chaplain who ministers to them, it is really a book about marriage and how to deal with struggles that push a couple apart. Based on a true story, readers get an authentic look on one couple’s personal experiences—told with honesty and vulnerability. This novel is also a movie. Darren and Heather Turner love God and want to serve Him. Darren feels called to become an army chaplain and is quickly deployed to Iraq. His wife and three young children remain on the home front trying to keep up their spirits and also encourage Darren. Set in 2007, this provides a realistic exploration of the experiences overseas in a war zone in addition to the battles they fight within. It’s tough, but offers hope too. I’m sure readers and viewers will be able to identify with the trials addressed. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

“A heart should never stay in place. A soul should never grow stagnant.”

This book is a novelization of the movie Indivisible which is being released on October 26, 2018. Now that I have read the novelization, I must go see the movie when it comes out. Will it be as incredible as the novelization is? Even if the movie is only half as incredible, it will still be excellent.

The movie and book are based on real life military chaplain Darren and his time on tour and his re-entry. It is well-written and powerfully moving. It’s told mostly from Darren and Heather’s (his wife) perspective in third person narrative. Their raw emotions - faith, doubt, fear, anger, guilt, grief - are so real and tangible. Their admirable yet fragile faith is so relatable and heart-wrenching as are their final revelations into God’s redemption and unending, incredible, ridiculous grace. Insight into Darren’s spirit as a man, a father, a husband, and a follower of Christ answering His calling is eye-opening and revealing. The vulnerability and trust needed to rebuild a marriage from ground up totally confirmed what I need to remember to keep my own marriage alive and well. The beauty of brotherhood and fellowship Darren has with other brothers-in-arms and brothers-in-Christ reminded me that we all need the help of fellow believers.

This novelization epitomizes the powerful message of the cross and what His grace and redemption really mean.

I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I’m sure many people thought Darren’s deployment to Iraq would not change his life or his marriage. He and his wife had such a strong marriage, but that didn’t stop the troubles that war drown couples in. Based on a read story, Indivisible was much more intense and emotional to read. Living two separate lives, it was difficult to really know how they each really felt, how they were really copping with life. Could their marriage ever survive? Would they find what they had before Darren was deployed?

Indivisible an amazing read. Travis Thrasher did an excellent job of creating a cast of characters that will grab hold of your heart and keep holding on. The vivid scenes are so realistic you will find yourselves engulfed in the story so much that it’s difficult to put it down! This is a book I highly recommend to everyone, because I think it’s a read anyone can enjoy. And keep a lookout for the motion picture by David Evans that this book is based on. I want to see the movie and see some of the scenes I’ve read about come alive on the screen!

A copy of this book was given to me by NetGalley. The opinions here are only mine!

The movie intrigues me, but I haven’t gotten around to seeing it yet. I’m thinking, after reading this, that it may be one of those rare times when the movie is better than the book. I say that purely because the alternating perspectives make it a little difficult to read at times. The story is based on a true story about a military chaplain and his wife. There are some war scenes, but it is not very graphic. The first half of the book is about the couple’s separation, and what they go through with that, while the second half covers his return home from deployment and how their marriage has to evolve with that. I preferred the second half of the story. I also liked how the chapters were short (those 40+ page chapters at bedtime can be a beast!), so it was easy to pick up and put down when I had a free moment.

Good book...seemed like a realistic portrayal of an army chaplain and his unit in Iraq several years back. The homecoming for these soldiers is hard at best and impossible for some, at least emotionally and psychologically.

I look forward to seeing the movie.

Indivisible is Darren and Heather's emotional journey to find a path to a different life after Army deployment. Expect to be on the roller coaster with them. You wont soon forget this book.

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher  focuses on the life of Army Chaplain, Darren, and his wife, Heather.  Both are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to follow the Lord's calling and when Darren leaves for Iraq, Heather determines to hold their home together and to serve other Army wives.

Darren's return home causes great excitement, but another war is brewing. An anticipated reunion soon turns into the unexpected. We get insight into a family's battle with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and the war it rages in relationships. We also see one woman soldiering for her marriage.  Her strong faith plays a huge part in how she handles life after the war.

Even though Indivisible tells the story of Darren and Heather Turner, it could possibly represent many other families who have faced similar situations.  Soldiers often come home changed people due to a variety of circumstances and experiences.  This book gives us an understanding into one family's personal journey. I highly recommend it.

I knew nothing about PTSD and found this book to be educational as well as engaging.  It was heartbreaking and hopeful; an emotional rollercoaster that would stop and go.  I'm so glad I read this book and can't wait for the movie.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

                           My Personal Rating: 4.43                 Star Rating: 4/5

This book was very emotional and I enjoyed reading about this couple's journey about finding their back to each other after he comes back from being deployed as an army chaplain. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher - oh wow, oh wow, oh wow - what a powerful contemporary Christian novel showing the effects of a military chaplain at war, on the whole family. My emotions really went through the mill and were shot to pieces. I 'felt' for all the family. As an outsider looking in, I could 'see' all their pain.
Indivisible is a microcosm focusing in on one family, of a macrocosm happening the world over. An army chaplain going to war in Iraq in 2007 is the focus of the novel. He "head(ed) off into the unknown with God." Faithful to God's calling, the chaplain wanted to shine light into the dark places. "He didn't like the destination God had picked, but there was no better place to be than where God calls you to be. "
An army chaplain still sees war, tries to bring faith and God's love to the troops, and is a strong rock on which they can rely. The reader witnesses the effects of war - the anger, the survivors guilt, the questioning of God and the attempt to cover it all up and try to cope alone. "The enemy got you trusting in you." No man is an island and no man can carry the weight of things seen in war alone. All troops return from war with scars, it's just that some are invisible.
The reader sees the families left behind. The women and children who have to cope without their men folk and who then have to adjust when they return. The heart stopping knock at the door, never knowing if it is the pizza delivery or bad news.
A loving father goes off to serve. A shell of a man returns. It's so heart breaking.
The novel has many Godly lessons for us all to learn. Scripture is quoted and we glimpse the heart of God.
I could not put Indivisible down. It is a testament to the bravery of all our servicemen and women and their families. You all deserve medals. Thank you for your bravery. May God richly bless you all.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What a great story. Indivisible is a fantastic book based on fact. I loved the plot, character development and the author's writing. I anticipate reading more of this author's work. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC. This is my unbiased review.

Sadly, the term "PTSD" is common to hear in today's world. For the many soldiers who have been sent overseas to fight for the freedom's we have in this country and to gain it for others, it's a reality. Travis Thrasher has written with painful honesty to the struggles families face before, during, and after deployment.

A common theme throughout the story was the battle over selfishness while needing help at the same time. I don't have to elaborate over some of the things Darren experienced overseas. Yet while he could have used help processing it, he bottled it up while attempting to help others overcome. He battled thinking his situation was worse than his wife's while also missing her and knowing their time apart was hard on her too. Heather felt overwhelmed running the household on her own and working with other women to console and support other army wives going through mourning or other tough times. She knew her husband was struggling but she didn't know how to help him if he wouldn't talk to her, and she was desperate for the closeness they once had.

A line that really stuck with me was when Darren said "fear wasn't the worst thing out here. It was apathy." He had seen many difficult things and watched death before his eyes. He carried the dead body of a little girl while others desperately attempted to save her sister. He looked at the little body and immediately thought of his own children at home. His heart wasn't breaking only for himself, but for those around him. He didn't just feel his own pain, but the pain of the lives that touched him as well.

Army life isn't easy. I highly recommend reading this book for several reasons. It's based on a true story which means it's based off of the real-life experiences of a family going through this battle. While I know friends and family that have gone through deployment, I don't know what it feels like personally. This story helps you to see just how much our freedom costs. It gives you a deeper understanding and apathy towards the struggling families post-deployment. It also shows a need for the spreading of the Gospel. The world is hurting, and we have the only real message of hope. It's definitely worth the read.

*I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit tours. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Indivisible is the novel of an upcoming movie. The story made me cry. It unveiled raw feelings as it followed the tour of Chaplain Darren Turner. It was an easy read and interesting. This book was about Christian and military life.

I think if you are into military novels you will really enjoy this one. I really wanted to like it, but sadly I just didn't.

First observation: This is an amazing story that is at times both heart-rending and inspiring. I appreciated the insight that I gained into the life of an army chaplain and the effect that war takes on those who are taking care of the spiritual life of others, as well as the impact on the families back home. I was moved by Darren and Heather’s story and deeply appreciate the ministry that God has given them to those in the military. I am looking forward to seeing what I think will be an incredible movie based on their story.

Second observation: I read an advanced copy which I received from the publisher via NetGalley. This means that I read a very early copy of the book, and it’s likely that some of the things I’m going to mention will be corrected by the time the book is actually published.

It’s obvious that this author is a good writer. But there were parts of this book that did not flow well. It was almost as if I were reading a parts of the movie script that an been inserted in some places. Some of the sentences were choppy and that affected the reading process for me. On the plus side, there were some difficult war scenes that were handled in a sensitive way, yet still conveyed the tragedy that was happening around them. I’m looking forward to taking another look at this book after it’s published as I’m hoping those rough places will be smoothed out. Since I read such an early copy, I’m giving this book a four star rating despite the drawbacks.

As mentioned above, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was an eye opening read providing a taste of life as a military chaplain and military wife.
Darren feels the call to join the military to become a chaplain and is soon sent into war. While he struggles with the realities and tragedies in the middle of combat, his wife and family face the challenges of his absence. War shakes Darren to his core sending him home a different man. This is a great story about faith, doubt, and marriage. War is not a pretty place to be and this story provides insight into the realities, obstacles, and sorrow that our brave men and women face everyday.