Traci Rhoades

Spinning Crap Into Fertilizer Traci Rhoades

When it comes to suffering, there are two kinds of people in this world... Those who say, "Crap happens," and those who cry out, "Why is this crap happening to me?""Turn that crap into fertilizer" was Sarahbeth Caplin's father's twist on the expression, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." That line became a running joke between the two of them during his final months of life, as he rapidly deteriorated from cancer. David Caplin's death prompted Beth to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about why we suffer, if God cares, and why He seems to intervene for some people who pray for healing - but not for everyone. At some point, it occurred to Beth how many Christians seem to pray to be spared from pain, when perhaps it would be beneficial to also pray for the tools with which to face it. Drawing inspiration from her Jewish heritage, Beth explores the ways in which unexplained pain, disappointments, and losses can be used for redemptive purposes...if we are willing to entertain the possibility.