I was sent an advance copy of Worth The Wrestle by Sheri Dew to review. The book is not a long book- I read through it in a couple of sittings. The artwork is by James C. Christensen, who recently passed away (one of my best friends from adolescence loved James C. Christensen, so his whimsical art always makes me think of her. Hi E!).
While the illustrations are whimsical, the book is not. Sister Dew takes a frank approach to her topic: The gospel of Jesus Christ is worth the wrestle.
Sister Dew begins by sharing an experience from a history class at BYU.
“I wish my history professor had not positioned questions about our history or doctrine as threats to testimony… questions are good… questions asked against a backdrop of faith and with an earnest desire…always lead to spiritual growth.”
She also shares an experience from this class of hearing a polygamous matriarch share experiences which young Sheri found unsettling because she felt like the guest speaker made many valid points.
Throughout the book Sister Dew shares experiences from her own life where she has struggled and wrestled. I appreciate her honesty and openness.
Chapter 1: Questions are Good
Chapter 2: Wrestling
Chapter 3: Receiving Answers
Chapter 4: Walking By Faith
Chapter 5: Cherishing Keys
Chapter 6: Standing As Witnesses
Conclusion: What is Worth Wrestling For?
I went through the book and wrote down things I liked and concerns I had through each chapter- I did feel that there was kind of a presumption that if you don’t get answers that keep you in the church that you are asking the wrong way- which may be true- or may not be. After finishing the book, I decided I don’t want this review to be a breakdown of the good, bad, and ugly, because the overall premise is pretty simply summed up by a couple questions.
Sister Dew speaks of a former institute student who struggled with her testimony, but when asked “Do you want to have a testimony?” And “are you willing to work for it?” Was able to say, “Yes”. I think that is the line for whom this book will be helpful. If you want to have a testimony and are willing to work or wrestle for it, then I think you will find this book full of guidance and support. If you are not in a place where you have the desire for a testimony or the energy to work for it, then, this will not help you.
There were some parts that made me sigh, as I feel there is still some disconnect between my experience with challenges and questions and those who leave and Sister Dew’s experience, but perhaps some of that is due to perspective. Overall, I found the book a gentle reminder of what in my own life is worth wrestling for, and reassurance that there are imperfections, that it is a normal part of life to question and search, and that searching for answers isn’t a simple process.
I think Sister Dew’s conclusion- where she highlights the things she believes are worth wrestling for- is the ultimate question we all must ask ourselves. What do I love enough to wrestle for? No one else can answer that for us.