Why Me Lord? Why Is My Loved One Incarcerated? . - faith reviews - Shawna C. Bridgett - book review

Why Me Lord? Why Is My Loved
One Incarcerated?
by Shawna C. Bridgett
Words of Wisdom Publication
April 2001, $12.95, ISBN; 0-902426-0-3

A mother with an incarcerated son relates her life experience in 58 diverse entries that enunciate the possibility of a paradigm shift from pessimism to wholeness. Encouragement takes center stage. Bible verses and pertinent thoughts vividly escort the reader through minefields of raw emotions to a crisis of faith and forgiveness, exposing rage and anger, decrying the pain of visitation, ultimately propelling the author to a transcendent moment of accepting the circumstances as "God's Will."

"I feel like Abraham in the Bible ... Will I get my son back? Surrendering my son to Jesus has been a difficult journey ... I'm in the process of releasing my tight grip on my son. I have not totally let go. I'm still holding onto a few strands ... Maybe one day I will be able to let go of those threads. PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for attempting to do your job."

Initially, the book has a cathartic quality. A window is opened into a painfully, tortured heart. "Will I have any hope again? The pit is so deep. I'm losing my faith in God. I wonder if He cares." Sorrow and sadness catapults her into a deep conflict from which only an encounter with God can provide deliverance.

Though not a compelling writer, Bridgett directs a substantial light on her dark side, slaying spiritual/psychological dragons. This is a mildly convincing manual of compassionate guidance that rekindles faith, opens the heart and transcends fears. Hope, love and laughter emerge. Through this devotional journal, the author brings a measure of hope to African Americans with imprisoned loved ones.

--Reviewed by Eleanor G. Henderson Eleanor G. Henderson is a clinical social worker in private practice.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group