Gretchen Baskerville - The Life-Saving Divorce: Hope for People Leaving Destructive Relationships

Praises for The Life-Saving Divorce

This practical and straightforward book combines a traditional high regard for scripture with the latest results of academic research by Christian scholars and applies it to pastoral realities. The problem of abuse within marriage is shamefully common but rarely mentioned, especially in churches. The approach of this book is both empathic and well researched, employing the latest stats alongside clear advice. A must for anyone involved in pastoral work and a lifeline for those suffering within marriages.

REVEREND DR. DAVID INSTONE-BREWER, WWW.DIVORCEREMARRIAGE.COM

Gretchen is giving freedom for captives. She helped me think deeply about deeply held wrong ideas related to divorce!

PASTOR NEIL SCHORI, PASTOR AT THE EDGE CHURCH, KEY WITNESS IN THE DREW PETERSON MURDER CASE

I describe Gretchen as generous, wise, courageous. She has helped me as a pastor have both a theology and a practice that reflect the heart of God toward people who divorce and people who consider divorce.

PASTOR COLE BROWN

Its so much easier for a pastor to prioritize the institution of marriage over the people within that institution. Yet any marriage defined by power and control has already been broken at the foundational level. This book exposes the tactics of those who leverage marriage to serve themselves and shifts blame away from victims who tirelessly work to salvage beauty from betrayal. Gretchen shines as a ray of hope into a dark place, offering us a better way.

PASTOR JEREMIAH RICE, CERTIFIED CO-FACILITATOR OF DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION GROUPS USING THE DULUTH MODEL

Mark my words The Life-Saving Divorce is going to be a huge catalyst for change in the Christian community. Gretchen not only has years of experience working with Christian divorcees, but she has done hardcore research and produced an incredibly powerful, compassionate, and insightful solution for the destructive issues found in many Christian marriages. If you have ever wondered if God is okay with you and your divorce, you need to read this book.

NATALIE HOFFMAN, AUTHOR OF IS IT ME? MAKING SENSE OF YOUR CONFUSING MARRIAGE

Im so thankful for Gre tchen and this book Gretchen uses her God-given gifts and her years spent leading divorce recovery groups to help regular people like me, who are still in a fog of disbelief (after 24+ months of leaving), come to grips with why divorce is okay with God in certain situations. Shes helping fight the imaginary taboo that regularly accompanies Christians who divorce. This book will help you. And please buy it for a friend who may feel trapped because of her devotion to our Lordand her vows. It could save her life.

SHERYL WEAVER

Sympathetic, liberating, rational. She helped me not feel the pressure of having to sustain a marriage on my own and [helped me understand] that divorce is a valid option instead of continually being made to feel less than or staying with someone who d oesnt want to stay with you.

JEFFREY LEWIS

I have been in ministry for roughly 20 years as a pastor, church planter, missionary, and mentor of church leaders. After reading this book I am both exceedingly grateful that it now exists and heartbroken that I did not have this resource the first 20 years of my ministry The book is an excellent resource for church leaders, people struggling in their marri ages, divorced Christians and church members in general as Gretchen covers everything relevant to the topic This will be the book I recommend to those considering divorce or already divorced and the book I will purchase for church leaders in hopes that they read it and better shepherd their people as God desires. I know it has already empowered me to do just that.

RACHEL RAMER

Her voice is crucial, liberating, hopeful. She helped me see my life and marriage through Gods gracious eyes.

RICHELLE WISEMAN

When I think of Gretchen, I think of the words: Needed, truth-telling, and hope. She filled in the data and research behind the things I knew by experience, both personally and from others I know. There is so much bad Christian advice that doesnt acknowledge destructive marriage and abuse; this truth is so needed in the world.

JODI POMPA

This book should be read by pastors and family ministry leaders in every church. Those reaching out to us for help deserve our empathy and support. This book is a perfect example of why its important for pastors (and others) to listen and learn from survivors.

DIANA HOEKSTRA

Gretchen is supportive, unapologetic, and confirming. She helped me understand I am not alone in my divorce walk, [and] that the Christian community need not vilify already damaged spouses who have to seek divorce.

HOLLI LEWIS

Many in the church are unaware that the Bibles divorce laws were originally given as a protection for women. They are, as Jesus puts it, a concession God makes to preserve life in a world full of hard and fallen hearts. In this important book, Gretchen Baskerville calls attention to the best biblical scholarship on the topic and combines it with wise counsel from the trenches of ministry.

REV. DR. TIM MOREY

She gives hope, mercy, and strength. She helps lessen the shame carried by divorced woman of deep faith.

MARILYN SMITH, MSW, LCSW

If you are in an abusive relationship, if you have a loved one who is in one, or if you are struggling to discern the Biblical truths of divorce: read this book. It is wise. It is safe. It is gentle. It is not demeaning towards anyone. It is not condemning, and it is not high-handed You will feel loved and cherished. In the beginning, Gretchen tells you to imagine her wrapping her arms around you, telling you its going to be okay. That feeling stays with you throughout the entire book. You will be okay. Your babies will be okay. Youre going to make it. You are not alone. You are enough.

For interwoven in every sentence, in every wordand I cannot stress this enoughis the fact that Gretchen is not the only one holding you. She simply adds her human arms to the arms of the One who holds the universe, yet has written your name on the palm of His hand. You are not forgotten. You can do this. You can make it. Hold on. Get that life-saving divorce.

JOELLE

Transformational, honest, refreshing. I realized God didnt want me to give my life for my marriage. I am worth so much more than that.

E. FARLEY

Gretchen helped me process my parents divorce in such a way that I dont have to feel guilty about it at church and now know how to defend why it was a good thing for our family.

SARAH BARNARD

Gretchen has provided a resource that is both deep, thorough, steeped in sound Biblical exegesis and grounded in solid abuse and trauma awareness. Every church leader and pastor should not only have this on their shelf but refer to it often and provide it to those who are struggling with their marriage.

BRENDA CAMPBELL WAKEFIELD

Gretchen is perceptive, honest, and compassionate. She is someone who understands the importance of focusing on womens wellbeing

SHIRLEY FESSEL, MA, MED

Gretchen gives hope, grace, and solidarity. She has opened my mind to think about how the church is pastorally responsible from the pulpit as much as one-on-one, and how rigid dogma isnt the best tool for keeping people from harm.

CHARLOTTE NAYLOR DAVIS

Her words are vital, practical, and relatable. Gretchen helped me stop shaming myself for leaving my abusive marriage.

KATHERINE LEONARD