This book is a treasure trove of hope for people experiencing all kinds of pain. I really loved towards the beginning of the book when she says, "I've learned we are meant to go through the storms of life - not camp out there." She highlights one word - through - that's repeated several times in the scripture Isaiah 43:2-3. God's way is THROUGH. We will experience painful situations, but we won't have to go through them alone. God will be with us, directing our steps. That's a hope-filled perspective!

Dr. Michelle Bengtson has once again used her experiences, writing talents and guidance from God in another book. I lost my mom on July 12, just a couple of weeks ago. The timing of me reading this book was nothing short of a miracle in itself. I cried several times as I read, it was like this book was written just for me. I plan to buy several copies as I have family and friends going through cancer treatments as well as other physical and emotional pains. God bless you Dr. Michelle.

As I read this book, I felt a sense of comfort and peace with my personal physical pain. This author brings heartfelt, raw emotions filled with honesty, and more to each page. Knowing that we are never alone in our struggles is a true blessing. God is always with us. Excellent book to read over and over and also, to give as a gift. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

The Hem of His Garment was a much needed life raft at this time of my struggling, starting to lose my faith, and searching for strength, God, and Hope.
     This book isn't just about those with physical pain, chronic pain but those going through any kind of pain (relationship, financial, grief, emotional, spiritual, secondary pain or a combination of these). It is for those struggling with their faith and doubting God, wondering where He is? Why isn't He helping? Does God even see me, my tears? Does God even Care? This is a book even for those who don't know God and are seeking help. God is here for you in your pain, He sees, He knows, He cares, He loves you. This book gives comfort, guidance, encouragement and hope that in our pain we are not alone, we can persevere in this journey,
and that are pain isn't wasted but God has a plan and purpose for our pain that can be good and give Glory to Him.
Each chapter includes a person story from the author; Scripture to strengthen, encourage, and give hope; reflection questions; a prayer; and a playlist of songs for praise, worship, and encouragement. The chapters contain scriptures, Biblical examples, and take away nuggets to use and apply as you walk through your pain and struggles.
I appreciate the author's honesty and vulnerability in sharing some of her trials, struggles, and feelings and not judging or minimizing struggles or feelings of others. Dr. Michelle Bengtson leads us on a path of defining pain, processing pain, changing our focus and thoughts, and growing on your journey.
All opinions in this review are my own. I recommend this book for everyone as we are all dealing with some kind of pain or we know someone struggling with pain. Pick up a copy today.

I’d give The Hem of His Garment ten stars if I could. Dr. Michelle Bengtson expertly walks us through how to face and cope with persistent pain in any form it may come. She points out the value in acknowledging our pain while showing us how the Bible says we aren’t meant to camp out in it. We are meant to walk through it. Even though it is difficult, we serve a steadfast God and Dr. Bengtson draws from Scripture by studying various stories filled with pain and lays out a battle plan readers can go back to repeatedly.

Life gets challenging.
Sometimes we get overwhelmed, discouraged and ready to put up the white flag to surrender. And that’s what Michelle offers with every book she writes - this one is the same.
God‘s got the answer, and he waits for us to trust him, believe and speak his word in faith. No matter the circumstances he’s ready to help. Michelle is just an intercessor offering experiences and knowledge that she has learned in life. She’s walk the walk she understands. And she has a great way to always meet us and help us as she has been praying for all of us to read this book as she was writing it. His book is a blessing as are all of her books.

I am enjoying reading this new book by Dr. Michelle Bengtson. She guides, patterns and encourages us as she herself is going through pain. This book is for anyone going through pain of any kind. You can be helped by hearing her struggles and her sharing of her faith in Jesus Christ.

This book will not change your level of pain, but what it WILL do is change your focus, and that changes everything. Dr. Michelle Bengtson takes you on a journey through her own experiences of pain and hurt and her lowest of lows, and shows you just how she held on and made it through the valley. I love, love, love her reminder that while everyone wants the mountain top views, 'mountaintops don't grow fruit, it grows in the valleys." This book is set up in a way that helps you refocus your sight through the pain and helps you on your journey to the other side. I love the authors reflections, her breakdowns and more thorough explanations, The Hem of His garment sections that cover scripture, her "Rx" prescription section that has three different things for you to consider/journal/scriptures to write down on index cards, her personal prayer over you (this is very touching), and her recommended playlist that helps you remember to remember each chapter. Very well done and thoughtful approach from a variety of angles. I highly recommend this for those especially in the valley.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Wow .... wow .... wow .... This book was such an encouragement to me as I walk through the valley of pain with my husband. There was nothing new, but huge reminder of truth I hold dear. I know God is faithful and hears my cries in the depth of my despair in the darkest night . Thanks.

The Hem of His Garment by Dr. Michelle Bengtson was an inspiration. Through several months of sickness this year, the words of this author helped remind me that times of adversity and sorrow can bring us closer to our Savior. He doesn’t bring bad things to us, but God knows that we can grow stronger, be more encouraged in Him through suffering, as He walks beside us. And the joy that waits for us in Him in the end is so worth those weary moments in life. If you are going through physical, mental, emotional, relational or spiritual pain, this book will be such an encouragement as Dr. Michelle incorporates scripture throughout to point the reader to God for everything. Because He is our everything!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

Every chapter begins with an italicized entry that is more personal in nature, a diary-entry of sorts from the author that speaks to a time of pain she experienced. The chapters end with a Bible verse, “your RX” ( a couple questions for reflection), a prayer from the author on your behalf, and four song recommendations. As someone with a chronic health issue that has impacted every single day for over a decade, I was truly hopeful for the message of this book. However, it reads more as a "I know deep pain, too. You aren't the only one. Here are a few verses and songs to play...." than a book that teaches from the trenches. While I absolutely believe Michelle has lived many years there, I expected more than "me too" from the 200+ pages. If you've read Michelle Bengtson's other books, you'll likely appreciate this more because you've followed part of her journey. But if this is your first book and you're looking for something that's less about someone else's story or songs that helped them, and more about pain and hope in Scripture, it may be one to come back to later after reading other titles.

I have read a previous book of Dr. Bengston's on anxiety, so I thought this looked like a helpful book as well. "The Hem of His Garment: Reaching out to God When Pain Overwhelms" is Bengston's newest book, and is primarily focused on those who deal with persistent pain. Bengston is very transparent in her book, talking about her own physical health and the ongoing emotional battles she's facing as a result. Each chapter begins with a personal anecdote and ends with some Scriptures to read, questions to answer, a prayer, and even a recommended playlist of encouraging songs.

While the author spends a lot of time encouraging her readers to continue trusting God, she also encourages us that it's okay to lament and tell God exactly how we're feeling, which I appreciate. We all are going through some sort of pain -- whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or social -- and I think this book could help many people. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.