Synopsis
Learn how to work your way through life’s unexpected challenges with grace and find a deeper faith while on your journey. In this biblical and conversational book by Dr. Tony Evans and his four adult children—Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, and Jonathan Evans—you will hear five insightful perspectives on what it means to hold on to faith when life breaks your heart.
We have all been through difficult seasons and times in life when it seems like the hits keep coming and you can barely catch your breath. The Evans family knows what this is like, as they’ve experienced the deep grief of losing eight loved ones in less than two years’ time, including the devastating passing of Lois Evans, the matriarch of the family.
In Divine Disruption, Dr. Tony Evans and his children pull back the curtain on their faith-shaking experiences, in order to provide biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for how to deal with the hard, unexpected things we all inevitably face.
My Review
Losing someone is an incredibly difficult experience, and processing grief is overwhelming.
Actually, it is HARD.
After the passing of my father in 2022, I found myself searching for books to help me navigate through the emotions I was feeling. My search led me to Divine Disruption by Dr. Tony Evans, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Shirer, Anthony Evans, and Jonathan Evans. This book is exactly what I needed – a deeply personal exploration of faith, loss, and family bonds. That’s what Divine Disruption offers readers with its refreshing and heartfelt approach navigating grief.
The authors shared their unique stories and perspectives on grieving, which was comforting because during my grief I found myself gravitating to people who have experienced the grief that I was experiencing. What I appreciated most about the book was that the authors didn’t hold back on the tough topics. They shared their doubts, fears, and even moments of crisis of faith. As a Christian, this was important to me because it reminded me that asking hard questions and being honest about my feelings is a natural part of faith. Hearing their candid stories made me feel less alone in my own grief and working out my faith while I grieve.
Another aspect of Divine Disruption that resonated with me was the way the authors portrayed their individual and collective experiences with death. They didn’t sugarcoat the pain or the challenges that come from losing not one but multiple loved ones back to back. This multifaceted approach not only demonstrates that grief manifests differently for everyone but also emphasizes the role of faith as a powerful resource for healing.
As usual, I also listened to the audiobook version of Divine Disruption, which I highly recommend. Each author reads their respective chapters, not only does this bring their emotions to life, but personally, it also adds to the sense of intimacy and connection I needed in that moment. It was like I was in a grief support group because listening to their voices gave me a sense of comfort and made me feel like they were speaking directly to me.
If you’re experiencing grief or know someone who is, I’d highly recommend adding Divine Disruption to your reading list. Rather than offering lectures or abstract teachings, the authors openly and honestly share their own grief, confusion, and questions as they navigate the loss of their loved ones. The raw emotions expressed by each author will resonate with those who have experienced similar losses. It’s a reminder that even though loss can be painful and disruptive, there is always hope for healing and finding joy again. Through their stories, the authors provide a powerful message of resilience and strength that inspires readers to keep pushing forward, even when it feels impossible.
About the Authors
Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, and bestselling author of more than one hundred books, booklets, and Bible studies.
Chrystal Evans Hurst is the bestselling author of She’s Still There and co-author of Kingdom Woman, with her father Dr. Tony Evans.
Priscilla Shirer is a Bible teacher and conference speaker with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Also a popular author, her books include the New York Times Best-Seller, The Resolution for Women, One in a Million, and Life Interrupted.
Anthony Evans has emerged as one of Christian music’s premier worship leaders and singer/songwriters. Along the way, he has released ten solo projects, two of which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album charts.
Jonathan Evans is a mentor, author, speaker, and former NFL player. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary.
