Discipleship Minister, Brian Dodridge reviews

The School of Dying Graces
Lessons on living from two extraordinary journeys toward God
by Richard Felix with Rob Wilkins

This book was written to share a journey, so the reader can learn, grieve and be encouraged by God’s grace. Richard Felix, president emeritus of Azusa Pacific University writes of his wife’s (Vivian) battle with cancer and ultimately her death. Using Vivian’s detailed journal of her cancer experience Felix weaves her honest thoughts about cancer, treatment, life and death along with his own view of all these happenings from the heart of a loving husband.

As I read this book I began to experience the feelings of Richard and his wife, Vivian. Both believers in Jesus Christ, they wrote honestly about how theology is challenged when tragedy strikes.
While I have never lost a family member to cancer or other disease, reading this book makes me feel better equipped to maneuver through these difficult times which I am sure are ahead. Vivian’s courage in what is a remarkable journey gave me insight for how I am to fall into God’s arms when I face difficult times.

If you choose to read this book, prepare to cry, resonate, and fall in love with God’s grace all over again. I applaud Felix for recording this journey—I think the reader will better understand and sympathize with tragedies in life and probably be better prepared to die with grace.

Brian Dodridge