A Beautiful Disaster

“We do not become ‘new creations’ overnight, by praying the right prayer or believing the right things. God makes us and renews us constantly and with our cooperation. This book takes that process seriously, reminding us that God does not take us to the wilderness to leave us, but dwells with us even in the most painful of landscapes.”—John Ortberg and Laura Ortberg Turner (from the foreword)

“In A Beautiful Disaster Marlena Graves explores the spiritual wilderness with a host of fellow travelers from biblical persona to the ancient church to present company. She mines their wisdom about getting through life’s deserts and eloquently shares lessons she has learned through her own brokenness. There is something here for everyone who has at one time or another wandered in the wilderness and asked ‘Why?’ or ‘How long?’”—Dennis Okholm, professor of theology, Azusa Pacific University; author of Monk Habits for Everyday People and Dangerous Passions, Deadly Sins

“To move through brokenness, we need to be both gently reflective and boldly courageous. Marlena Graves combines this unusual blend of necessary pursuits so that we don’t simply ‘get through it,’ but move into a transformed life of flourishing daily in the Kingdom of God.”—Jan Johnson, speaker and author of Invitation to the Jesus Life

“Marlena Graves’s gentle wisdom, pastoral tenderness, and graceful conviction strengthen my soul. Meditating on Scripture and the wisdom of the desert mothers and fathers, she offers a balm to the hurting, and hope that our dry and weary times will, with God’s help, bloom into something beautiful.”—Rachel Marie Stone, author of Eat with Joy: Redeeming God’s Gift of Food

“A Beautiful Disaster offers up a rich blend of theology, devotional, and memoir—and at times breaks into sheer poetry. Marlena Graves is one of the most gifted thinkers and writers of her generation.”—Karen Swallow Prior, author of Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More—Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

“Marlena Graves writes with freshness and a clear, cool sense of authority as she guides us through Christ’s wilderness, one metaphor at a time. She speaks as one who knows the consoling, challenging presence of God firsthand. Let her gentle willingness to meet you where you are lead you through dark places until you find comfort in the Jesus who teaches and strengthens us on the way.”—Emilie Griffin, author of Wilderness Time and Souls in Full Sail

“Marlena Graves has walked through many wilderness experiences and periods in her life. And in this wonderful book she helps the rest of us understand both the blessings and perils of the spiritual desert. Marlena has experienced God’s promise of making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert to comfort and train those he loves. There is hope, help, and encouragement for each of us in these pages.”—Joe Moore, national co-director for spiritual formation and prayer, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship