Divorce is an ugly word that encompasses not just the action itself but also the long-lasting, devastating ramifications. There are stigmas—some applied by society, but often self-inflicted—resulting from a marriage breakup. The author of Rebuild, Restore, Renew, Gladys Thompson has been there. She’s felt the pain and harsh impact of divorce. Her experiences have given her unique insights as she navigated the pain, the loss, and a vastly changed reality.
In Rebuild, Restore, Renew, she shares deeply personal lessons presented in a series of practical, motivational daily devotionals. They are aimed mostly at Christians but are useful and powerful sources of comfort and strategies for anyone working through divorce. They can also be used by those who have suffered life-changing rejection or separation through job loss or even death.
These short and powerful devotionals offer comforting words as well as suggested, practical actions and responses. They are a simple step-by-step aid for those coping with the nasty reality of divorce.
The book can be read in small, daily bits as intended. But they can also be consumed in larger chunks at a time. Depending on the reader’s needs and emotions, they can be read daily or in haphazard order.
Rebuild, Restore, Renew helps readers journey through the rocky, uncharted, and often unexpected hurdles towards restoration and renewal.
This is a must-read, practical guide for those dealing with divorce. It offers a rope of hope to those just ‘clinging on.’ Highly recommended.
— Barrie Doyle, author of the Oak Grove Conspiracies novels and Musick for the King, www.barriedoyle.com
When Gladys was hit by the trauma of divorce, she decided to respond redemptively. Whether that was a conscious choice or a result of living a life of faith, it was the path she followed. In her devotionals, she shares something of the journey she embarked on at that time.
With wisdom, Gladys chose to look at where she was and determine the direction in which she wished to go as she sorted through the complications that this unexpected and unanticipated disaster brought to her. As she slowly rose to her feet, she chose to engage in the process of rebuilding, restoring and renewing that continues in her life to this day.
Her companion on the journey was the Holy Spirit, and her guidebook was the Bible. As she began to apply the teaching from these sources to her life, she realized they could be useful to others on a similar journey and has offered them in her book. One thing that I appreciate is the way that scriptural ideas are so closely intertwined with everyday living. The practical suggestions offered help in the building of a new life.
I have been spared the pain of divorce, but there are other traumas that I have known, and I found that many of the experiences and helpful lessons that Gladys shares are equally relevant for me. My prayer is that all who read this will come away with renewed hope, greater faith and confidence in God’s presence in the midst of our difficult days, as I was.
I commend to you Rebuild, Restore, Renew: Growing in Christ While Going through Divorce.
— Eleanor Shepherd, award-winning author of More Questions than Answers: Sharing Faith by Listening
Sometimes our life journey takes us into territory we do not expect and for which we are unprepared. At such times, it is good to have a companion who has travelled similar roads and, although their journey is not identical, has the insight to help us along the way. Gladys is just such a welcome friend. I have known her as a co-worker and friend as she walked her journey of divorce, the loss of her original ministry career, and her devastating car accident. She takes the wisdom of Scripture, reflects on how it has helped her, and, with transparency and a touch of humour, speaks to issues that may be timely as you travel your own journey. And for every day, there is a prayer. It may or may not be the exact prayer that you would pray, but I am confident it will open a line of communication between you and the God who not only walked with Gladys but who also will walk with you.
— David Freeman, Associate Pastor, Gateway Church, Caledonia, ON
As a pastor, I have observed that experiencing divorce is not unlike going through the various stages of grief after the death of a spouse. I have often wished that there were more tools available in pastoring such hurting people. Gladys Thompson has now handed us such a tool. Gladys is not naïve enough to suggest that healing will happen overnight, but these devotionals are designed to bring us back from the edges of hope to a more deeply formed and focused faith that motivates us to rebuild our broken world with confidence and resilience. I believe God will greatly use these devotionals to help many people who are facing life after divorce and others who will read these to assist them with other forms of difficulty.
— Colonel Lindsay Rowe, Retired Salvation Army Officer
In Rebuild, Restore, Renew, Gladys recounts the two “divorces” that she faced with a candour that expresses the depth of pain and loss that crushed her dreams and changed the course of her life. As her story is revealed, each chapter tells not just the painful experiences but also the lessons and workings of God along the way as He rebuilt and restored her life to one of purpose and renewed joy.
Life isn’t always fair, but God promises His presence and guidance to those who seek to rebuild their lives based on the foundational principles of His Word. This book is for anyone seeking hope and wondering if life after divorce or loss is possible.
—Bev Broughton, chaplain and former facilitator of Divorce Recovery support groups