A Must-Read Book about Waiting

by Lois Flowers

Until a few months ago, I had never applied to be on a book launch team before.

For one thing, I don’t especially like writing book reviews (though I do love reading them). And then there’s always the uncomfortable (though probably remote) possibility that I might not want to endorse a book wholeheartedly after reading it, no matter how much I’ve enjoyed the author’s work in the past. (As one who prefers not to hurt other people’s feelings, I’d just rather avoid that situation entirely.)

But when the opportunity came to be on the launch team for Tricia Lott Williford’s fourth book, Just. You. Wait.: Patience, Contentment, and Hope for the Everyday, I had no such reservations. I’ve loved Tricia’s writing since I read her first book, And Life Comes Back. While I normally get books from the library, I buy hers without hesitation. She’s funny, genuine and—perhaps most importantly—able to impart solid biblical truth in way that is gentle yet unwavering.

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I’m terribly behind schedule when it comes to fulfilling my launch team obligations for Just. You. Wait. I received the review copy right around the time my dad died in late May (five weeks after my mom died on Good Friday). I got the published version of the book (which I had preordered in February and completely forgotten about) after it released on July 9.

I read both copies—rushing through the review copy during the numb-yet-extremely busy days leading up to my dad’s funeral in mid-June, and slowly working my way through the final version after we returned from our family vacation to Alaska in July.

Now here it is, the third full week of August, and I’m finally getting around to finishing this book review. It’s been on my to-do list for weeks, obviously, but I just haven’t had the energy to tackle it.

I have a feeling Tricia would understand, though. She knows a thing or two about the aftereffects of loss, about what happens when life catapults you in directions you weren’t expecting and often have no idea how to handle.

More than anything else, Tricia’s other books taught me to empathize. Her transparent recounting of her own experiences showed me what it’s like to lose a spouse suddenly and navigate life as a single, widowed mom of two young boys. Her earlier works were inspiring, engaging and often encouraging, for sure, but mostly from a distance.

On the other hand, Just. You. Wait. met me precisely right where I am right now. It’s not a book about grief or loss, per se, but the author’s story—together with vulnerable glimpses into her new husband’s past struggles—permeate the pages.

Along the way, she bravely tackles topics such as the “Great Waiters of the Bible,” what God is up to while we’re waiting, what to do in the meantime, and how to respond when it seems as if the wait is never going to end (or when it ends differently than we had hoped it would).

Her message is as applicable to people who are waiting for a new chapter in their lives to unfold or a difficult season of life to be over as it is for those who are longing for the pain of loss to subside or for God to answer fervent prayers for a loved one. I usually dog ear pages rather than mark them up, but I nearly bled my green highlighter dry on the chapter titled “Where is the Sunshine? Waiting to Heal.”

Sometimes, I get done reading a new book and I’m left wanting more—more depth, more empathy, more structure, more editing, more solid theology. With Just. You. Wait., I was sad when it was over because I wanted to read more.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, even when it made me cry, and I didn’t want it to end.

For me, that’s the mark of a wonderful book. And Just. You. Wait. truly is a wonderful book.

Lois

I nearly bled my green highlighter dry on the chapter titled “Where is the Sunshine? Waiting to Heal.” #JustYouWaitBook by @TriciaWilliford Click To Tweet Just. You. Wait. by @TriciaWilliford met me precisely right where I am right now. Click To Tweet

Note: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Leave a Comment

20 comments

Michele Morin August 23, 2019 - 7:43 am

Love your words about the book (I need an entire CURRICULUM on waiting!), and also the vibrant smile coming through in our photo.

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:46 pm

Ha ha, Michele … I think that I’d benefit from that curriculum too! Thanks for your kind words, my friend. 🙂

Reply
Rebecca Hastings August 23, 2019 - 6:30 am

Isn’t it amazing how God uses things at just the right time in our lives. I’m so grateful He was speaking to you in those pages just when you needed it!

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:46 pm

Yes, Rebecca … that is amazing! This book came at just the right time, that’s for sure!

Reply
Mary Geisen August 22, 2019 - 7:09 pm

This book sounds wonderful. I have been through a lot of waiting in my own life. I am sure that reading Tricia’s words would reassure me that waiting is okay and there is no right or wrong way to do it.

Thank you for the review. I am adding this to my already long TBR list.

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:45 pm

I’ve done a lot of waiting too, Mary. I’ve gotten a bit better at some types of waits, but I still struggle with the ones where the outcome is uncertain or unknown. (groan). Hugs, friend!

Reply
Bethany August 22, 2019 - 4:35 pm

Sounds excellent! So glad it was timely for you! I’m adding it to my wishlist!

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:43 pm

I would definitely do that if I were you, Bethany! Let me know what you think if you have a chance to read it. 🙂

Reply
Linda Stoll August 22, 2019 - 9:11 am

Such a pretty picture of you, Lois … you look so happy and relaxed! A good book will do that …

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:42 pm

What a sweet thing to say, Linda! I hadn’t considered looking happy and relaxed among the therapeutic benefits of a good book, but I think you’re right! 🙂

Reply
Lisa Appelo August 20, 2019 - 4:31 pm

This one is on my to-read list! I love the title. Waiting is its own hard — often such a wilderness. Thanks for the review.

Reply
Lisa Appelo August 20, 2019 - 4:33 pm

Also, I’m so sorry for your back to back losses. It’s layers of grief, I’m sure, and it makes returning to “normal” life tasks so hard. Praying now that you will have many warm memories today.

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:40 pm

Thank you so much, Lisa.

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:39 pm

I love the title too, Lisa. Have you read any of Tricia’s other books? I know everyone’s story of loss is unique, but I’m guessing you would relate to much of her writing.

Reply
Trudy August 20, 2019 - 12:07 pm

Wow! This truly sounds like a meaningful book, Lois. I’m awed and grateful it came to you at a time in your life when you’re experiencing such grief over the losses in your life. The two pages you share here are so packed with impactful insights of truth. You continue to be in my prayers, dear friend. Blessings and love to you!
P.S. I love your beautiful pic. 🙂

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:36 pm

Aw, thank you so much, Trudy! Yes, the timing of the book’s arrival–both times–was truly providential! I wish I could have shared many more quotes … but as you can see from the highlighted pages, I wouldn’t know how to pick! Love and hugs back to you. 🙂

Reply
Jeanne Ta August 20, 2019 - 11:47 am

Lois, this sounds like an amazing book. And how good of God to orchestrate things so you were able to read when you most needed Tricia’s words. The good thing about launch teams is a review is always welcome, even when it’s a little “late.”

I’m continuing to pray for you, my friend.

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:33 pm

Thanks so much, Jeanne! It is an amazing book … And I’m glad to know there’s flexibility built into launch teams! It’s sometimes hard to keep such deadlines when life keeps happening, you know? 🙂 Hugs, friend!

Reply
Lesley August 20, 2019 - 7:47 am

This sounds like a great book, Lois! Thanks for sharing about it. I love how it met you where you were and gave you encouragement as you dealt with your losses. Waiting is definitely not something I find easy so I’ll have to check this out!

Reply
Lois Flowers August 26, 2019 - 7:32 pm

I’m not a fan of waiting either, Lesley. I have a feeling you would like this book for sure!

Reply