Category: Faith and Spirituality

Aching Joy- a book review

Jason Hague’s memoir “Aching Joy” explores faith, fatherhood, and autism through the lens of his son’s diagnosis. Despite initial denial and shaken faith, Hague finds solace in trusting a higher power. The book is a powerful journey through grief, hope, and ultimately, faith in the face of unexpected challenges.

updated March 4, 2024

In his memoir Aching Joy Jason Hague “writes and speaks about the intersection of faith, fatherhood, and autism”.

(In exchange for reviewing books for Tyndale House Publishers  I received a free copy. This post also contains affiliate links.) 

Aching Joy Book Promo 

Autism and Aching Joy

Jason Hague writes about his autistic son Jack’s diagnosis, therapy, and progress, but that is not the focus of this book.

(As Jason does in the book I will use the term “autistic” rather than “with autism”.)

Parents of autistic children often become focused on learning about autism, seeking treatments and services for the child, and celebrating any progress, victory, or achievement no matter how small.

Jason didn’t do that when first confronted with Jack’s diagnosis of autism. In denial of what the doctors said and other family members recognized, he grieved over what he saw as the death of the father-son relationship he had dreamed of.

Perhaps worst of all, his faith in an all-powerful loving God was shaken as it had never been before. Considering that Jason is a pastor, that was a crisis. 

Aching Joy is the story of Jason, and how he found his way back through the Land of Unanswered Prayer.


This is a book about the treasures I found in my darkness and the greatest of all was this: aching joy.  The Lord taught me how to sigh in pain,  how to weep in gladness,  and how to trust during days of hope deferred.

It was not an easy road to walk.  It still isn’t easy and it isn’t safe. Rather it is a confounding country full of myths and mirages. us here faith resembles denial settled this looks like a surrender and hope is the scariest creature of all.

Jason Hague

As Jason narrates his son’s cycles of regression, progress, and then regression again,  we also see the same happen to him;  his faith in God and answered prayer likewise waxes and wanes based on these and other life circumstances. He totters from expectation to disappointment,  from hopefulness to resignation, from faith to fear. 

But finally, he comes to terms with the roller coaster that autism can be and decides to put his trust not in a program, professional, or process,  but in a Person.


If there is an answer to the mysteries and tensions  in this unfinished life,  we will not find it in philosophy or poetry or self-help religion. Rather  we only find it in a Person.

Aching Joy  would be impossible if we were self- sustaining adults but fortunately we are much smaller than that. We are children of an eternal King. Courage and healing are in his hands and he waits for you to call.

He waits for you to tell him where it is you ache and to rest under the shelter of his touch. 

Jason Hague
Jason Hague, author of Aching Joy 

Jason Hague

At this link to his website, you will learn more about Jason, access his blog, and read the first two chapters of his book. 

Aching Joy is published by NavPress and distributed /marketed by Tyndale. 

exploring the HEART of health through reading

my Reader Rewards Club

My Reader Rewards Club 
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My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.

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Read more about autism in this previous post.

Why Autism Diagnoses Have Increased

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the U.S. is currently estimated at 1 in 36 children. Factors contributing to this increase include heightened awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria. The article stresses the importance of accurate identification and early screening, which may lead to more effective care and support for individuals with autism.

Keep reading

A Message of Life from Eugene Peterson

The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible, died October 22 at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.

There is an updated version of this post so go here

This post featuring Bible verses from the modern language version The Message was originally published over a year ago. I am reposting it today in honor of the author Eugene Peterson who passed away this week.

 

Proverbs 18 The Message (MSG)

Words Kill, Words Give Life

 

2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth.

4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood,

but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs. 

6 The words of a fool start fights;

do him a favor and gag him.

7 Fools are undone by their big mouths;
their souls are crushed by their words.

8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
do you really want junk like that in your belly?

13 Answering before listening

    is both stupid and rude.

15 Wise men and women are always learning,

    always listening for fresh insights.

17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing—

    until the cross-examination starts!

20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
    good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

21 Words kill, words give life;
    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

The Message (MSG)Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than whose lips are perverse Proverbs 19:1 from YMI
a shareable image from YMI- Why Am I?, a platform for young people to ask questions about life and purpose; a part of Our Daily Bread Ministries

A Message of Life from Eugene Peterson

 

 

 

Eugene Peterson- offered Words of Life

 

Eugene Peterson has completed his “long obedience in the same direction.”

The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible, died October 22 at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.

About his death, Peterson said this,

“I have no idea how it’s going to work out. But I’m not afraid, I’ll tell you that.

I’ve been with a lot of people who are dying. I think those conversations are some of the best I’ve ever had. These are people who have lived a good life and who have embraced their faith. They’re not afraid.”

 
 

He was the author of more than 30 books, including the bestselling A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, where he explored discipleship and perseverance in the Christian life.

 


exploring the HEART of life and death

I’m glad you chose to read this post.

Dr. Aletha