Reviews

How Can I See the Light When It's So Dark?  |  How Can I Let Go If I Don't Know That I'm Holding On?

Praise for How Can I See the Light When It's So Dark?

“In this gentle combination of wisdom with practical methods, Linda Douty points every one of us toward a more grateful self.” —Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours

“I went out from reading Linda’s book to walk along with Mississippi River and found myself saying to my friend, ‘I am grateful for green spaces in the city… for the colors of the sunset… for friends to share such moments…’ I realized that Linda’s spiritual and practical insightfulness had renewed my awareness of the grace which surrounds me constantly, which, just as she says, evoked a deep gratitude within me. For those moments my soul felt as if it were flying. Linda is right—authentic gratitude is wonderfully life-affirming! And I am grateful for her friendship and for the wisdom she shares in this book.” —Rev. Mitzi L. Minor, PhD, Professor of New Testament Memphis Theological Seminary and author of The Spirituality of Mark and The Power of Mark’s Story

“Linda Douty has done it again! Thoughtful, fresh, patient with those of us given to complaint and ungratituide, she invites her readers to look again at unhelpful habits and attitudes and provides clear pathways toward a more skilled approach to living.” —The Rev. Eyleen Farmer, Associate Rector, Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tennessee

“Gracious and grace-filled! Linda Douty inspires us with stories of gratitude, and provides practices to build a life of gratitude. A book to be savored, page by page, practice by practice.” —Dwight H. Judy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

“Linda Douty’s wonderfully written How Can I See the Light. . . shows us the beauty of living in the Light. Through her stories and wit, we see that gratitude is the foundation of it all. Then—and this is the second gift of this book—she gives us tools to help us live the kind of life she talks about. Read it for inspiration . . . and challenge!” —Jerry Haas, Director, The Academy for Spiritual Formation, Upper Room Ministries, Nashville, Tennessee

“Most of us travel roads littered with good intentions not always realized. Linda Douty helps us avoid negative detours and suggests fresh, practical steps toward more desirable paths.” —Hayes Fletcher, author of Moonbeams from a Jar

Praise for How Can I Let Go If I Don't Know I'm Holding On?

"Every major spiritual tradition endorses a key piece of wisdom: It is by giving up, letting go, and renouncing attachments that we achieve fulfillment and joy in life. Linda Douty's book is a wise guide to accomplishing this vital lesson." --Larry Dossey, M.D., author of The Extraordinary Power of Ordinary Things, Reinventing Medicine, and Healing Words

"A wise, searching, and often witty reflection, well-informed by scriptures and life experience and rich in memorable lines, on one of our toughest human challenges--letting go so we may become who we can be with God's help. The work of a masterful spiritual guide whose own experience enables her to speak with authority. Essential reading for ministers and spiritual directors and people trying to get their act together." --E. Glenn Hinson, Emeritus Professor of Spirituality and John Loftis Professor of Church History, Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia

"Linda Douty's book, filled with stories and practical ideas, honors what we know of the release that comes with letting go, illuminates the places where we still hang on, and gives us the tools to take our next step toward freedom. Reading this book is affirming, challenging, and liberating." --Jane E. Vennard, author of A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice

"Charmingly and engagingly written, Douty's candid and conversational approach will appeal to many seeking for relief from themselves and their self-sustained burdens." --Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours

"In this wise book, Douty, a spiritual director and United Methodist, calls readers to identify the hurts and resentments that might be affecting their relationships with God and others. Individuals will find much that is useful on the road to healing. --Publishers Weekly, May 23, 2005

"The author identifies and offers practical suggestions about some of the dimensions in the landscape of letting go--an essential ingredient in the growth process. Even though there is general agreement on the need to let go, people often cannot identify their attachments. Speaking with wisdom based on experience, Linda charts some of the why, what, and how to uncover attachments and release them ... an important book for spiritual seekers." --Herbert W. Smith, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee

"Linda Douty has written a wise, compassionate, and comprehensive book rooted in her own life experience, her appreciation of diverse spiritual mentors, and her deep commitment to God's way. The 'how of letting go' through awareness, availability, action, allowing, and acceptance offers a profound process for the journey to responsible freedom. The author's honesty evokes and challenges readers to proceed hopefully in the art of letting go in our own lives." --Barbara B. Troxell, Senior Scholar in Spiritual Formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois.

"Linda Douty lets us know that the title of her book emerges from her own life experience and does this in such an inspiring and practical way that enables us to find much needed help for our own spiritual pilgrimage." --Paul Blankenship, PhD., Professor Emeritus, Church Historian, Memphis Theological Seminary

"As Linda Douty tells us the story of her journey she shares the achieved wisdom that has made her an exceptional spiritual director." --John McQuiston, author of Always We Begin Again and A Prayer Book for the Twenty-First Century

"If the world's wisdom traditions agree on anything, it's the paramount importance of relinquishing all attachments, material and spiritual. In this wise, honest, and witty book, Linda Douty brings home the meaning and practice of this discipline for a modern American audience. It will inspire you and show you the road to inner freedom." --Mark W. Muesse, PhD., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennesee

"A remarkably honest, engaging description of Linda Douty's struggle against the restraints--some imposed by society, some self-imposed--that frustrate our efforts to live as God intended. Her suggestions will be helpful to many engaged in the same struggle." --Gene Davenport, PhD., Professor of Religion, Lambuth University, and author of Into the Darkness and Powers and Principalities

"With compassionate clarity, Linda Douty guides us to a healing encounter with our deep hurts, fears, and defenses. To read this book is a release to a transformed response to life." --The Rev. Flora Wuellner, author of Forgiveness: The Passionate Journey and Heart of Healing, Heart of Light

"Douty's book is a wonderful demonstration of a passion for sharing an experience of how she was kept from being free and responsible in her spiritual journey. It is a book that shares how she found help in 'letting go' of the hindrances that blocked her true self-fulfillment. The book is also a serendipitous finding of persons and resources to assist the reader who wants to move from 'milk to meat,' as Saint Paul says, in their spiritual development." --Dr. William R. Walker, Adjunct Professor, Department of Pastoral Care, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis

"An emotionally and spiritually mature book, by an author who clearly knows the struggles of her topic from hard-won, deeply integrated personal experience. With realism, humor, and wisdom, Douty provides guidance through the many layers and levels of letting go by which God refines and blesses us throughout our lives." --Marjorie Thompson, Author of SoulFeast, Spiritual Director for Companions in Christ, Upper Room Ministries

"Spiritual director Linda Douty's inspiring first book takes the concept of "letting go" off of bumper stickers -- thank you! -- and gives it flesh and bones. With a generous mix of personal experiences of loss and divorce, others' stories, sound theology and wise psychology, she outlines why we need to let go, what we need to let go and how." (Read the full article) --Lisa Reuter, The Columbus Dispatch

Nestled in a comfy chair in her cozy, artistic bungalow, Linda Douty radiates warmth, wit and wisdom, with just enough sassiness to keep things from getting treacly. She's like a favorite aunt, the one who'll keep secrets and give advice, but only if asked. Here's a woman who's made peace with where she's been and is excited about the journey ahead. Now she's inviting others to share what she's learned along the way. (Read the full article) --James Dowd, Faith & Values, The Commercial Appeal

HOW CAN I LET GO IF I DON'T KNOW I'M HOLDING ON?“Setting Our Souls Free” by Linda Douty is for the serious Christian who strives hard to dot all the “I's” and cross all the “t's”, attends church faithfully, memorizes Bible verses, keeps a daily devotion time, teaches Sunday school, etc., yet still feels unconnected to God. Douty explains how she tried too hard in her relationships with God, friends, and family and was never happy. This book helps the reader to recognize the areas and situations in which stopping trying will work far better than keeping on repeating the same coping methods which are not working. Ironically, and opposite to what the Western society teaches children, it is not by working at it that we gain joy in relationships but by letting go and being, not by controlling but by appreciating, not by talking prayers but by listening prayers. This book will start you on the road to doing less and accomplishing more! It is an excellent self-help guide for learning how to relax into joy and peaceful relationships with yourself, others, and God. An excellent book! --Real Travel Adventures International Magazine