Book Review: When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent

“Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances”

This is one of those books I couldn’t put down......I just had to finish it and see what happens in the end. The end is not as how I hoped, but even through very difficult, emotional experiences, we see the grace of God, we see triumph existing in tragedy, we see how God uses us when we are “weak” and broken and how the “process” of going through these heartfelt experiences can draw us closer to God – make us dependent on Him.

“When I Lay My Isaac Down” is a true story of the heartache and pain a couple go through when their only son Jason is convicted of 1st degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Do our tears ever dry up? I don’t think so! There is the comparison with Abraham in the Bible when he had to lay his Isaac down on the altar and we see how God came through for him. “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.” Eric Liddell, Olympian.
There are two categories of “Isaac experiences”:
1. Some “Isaacs are losses that are thrust upon us
2. Other “Isaacs” involve personal choices
We realise that God loves us more than these Isaac experiences. The process of going through them is what is important.
Carol Kent writes about how their lives were turned upside down the night they received a phone call that their only son Jason, a lieutenant in the Navy, was arrested and imprisoned for murder. She writes so honestly about their deep sorrow, their broken hearts and how God will answer us when we pray. It’s a very moving book about faith and it certainly will strengthen your faith.

Carol writes: “There are some tragedies that are too big for a heart to hold, and defy any description that makes sense. Time weaves its way through the shock, the hurt, and the inexpressible feelings, and one day you discover that in the process of daily survival, you have instinctively made decisions (good or bad), defined your theology, formed an opinion about God, and determined that you will either curl up and die emotionally or you will choose life. The terrifying truthful fact is that, in choosing life, you realise it will never match the kind of life that was in your carefully thought-out plan for your future. It will force you to view people around you differently. Your brokenness.........has the potential to develop an unshakable faith that defies rationality.”

“When I Lay My Isaac Down” will change your view on personal challenges. I was so encouraged, uplifted and moved to tears when reading about how Christian community support, stand in the gap, pray and encourage one another in difficult, traumatic times. They become Jesus hands and feet and a demonstration of unconditional love. “When you’re in a crisis, if you have only one supportive person, you can make it through the journey. We all need at least one person to be there for us in the middle of a tragedy.” There is such power in community. One also becomes keenly aware of the spiritual battle one is in and how the enemy tries to “wipe out” Christians spiritually and emotionally. The power of prayer is also revealed in this book. The Kent family were continually covered in prayer by family and friends. I found that inspirational. We need each other.

Sharing our personal stories with one another is so powerful. I enjoyed reading the section on “The Power of Speaking Up: “Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to theirs.
There is a common ground of understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing when we are authentic with each other. When we tell our real-life stories of what we have encountered on the journey of life, we break down barriers and create safe places to risk revealing the truth. Intimacy in our relationships springs to life when we are no longer hiding behind the mask of denial, embarrassment, guilt, or shame. We’re just us – people who have had some good days in life and people who have had some very bad days. We’ve quit pretending that everything is “fine” and that life is grand. When we share our stories with each other, we find a way of relating without a facade and without the need to impress. We can just be real. This brings tremendous freedom.” I agree 100%.

This is truly an excellent book. I enjoyed reading it and have learnt a great deal.

Compiled By Molly Manhanga