Hopeful Sorrow - by Julie Busler (Paperback)

About the Book

In Hopeful Sorrow, Julie Busler shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and grief, showing that turning from childhood wounds to God in hope begins with turning toward them in sorrow through the practice of lament, which may then in turn move us to hope.

Book Synopsis

Did you grow up feeling unloved, unseen, and insecure? Do you still feel this way today? If so, you're not alone.

Our earliest relationships become the blueprint for how we relate to others later in life, including God. But what happens when those childhood relationships have left you wounded?

In Hopeful Sorrow, Julie Busler shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and grief, showing that turning from childhood wounds to God in hope begins with turning toward them in sorrow. Through the biblical practice of lament - bringing honest pain and questions to God - she demonstrates how acknowledging sorrow can lead to hope, resilience, and renewed faith.
Blending personal stories with insight from Scripture, Julie will equip you to:

• Face and process childhood pain with hope and forgiveness.
• Stop hiding pain and find peace in God's presence.
• Navigate feelings of abandonment and neglect.
• Trust God as a loving Father.
• Break family patterns that have been breaking you.

The lens through which we see our parents naturally affects how we view God, but there is hope! We really can attach to Him as a loving Father and learn to live securely in His love.

Review Quotes

"This book is beautifully and intentionally curated to help you break generational cycles and heal. While reading you will feel like you've found a companion that is holding your hand as you wade through the hard toward wholeness. What a gift Julie's authenticity is. She's put in the work and created a blueprint for us to do the same, all in the loving hands of God."
--Tori Hope Petersen,
Bestselling author of "Breaking the Patterns That Break You" and "Fostered"

"This book is a gift. It is honest and hard, it is true and healing. From the weight of her own pain and grief, Julie offers to walk alongside us and help us bring ours into the light and love of God. She has not squandered a tear as this is a story of redemption and hope."
--Sheila Walsh,
T.V. Host and author

"Hopeful Sorrow is honest, tender, and theologically rich. Julie doesn't shy away from the hard questions or painful moments but she also doesn't rush to easy answers. This is a faithful companion for anyone navigating the tension between grief and hope."
--Ian Simkins,
Lead Pastor at The Bridge Church

"I love this book! Everyone who has ever wondered whether lament is a holy exercise needs to read Hopeful Sorrow. With tenderness and clarity, Julie Busler shows that lament is not a lack of faith but an honest, hope-filled turning toward God in the midst of pain. Drawing from Scripture, sound theology, and her own experience with trauma and grief, she weaves together biblical truth and compassionate insight. This book is honest, wise, and helpful--I will return to it again and again."
--Vaneetha Risner,
Author of Watching for the Morning and Walking through Fire

"What if our deepest sorrow could be an avenue of hope? Through winsome storytelling, deep Biblical wisdom, and practical help, Julie shows us the power of stewarding our pain well. This book is a hopeful gift that I can't wait to recommend again and again! Thank you, Julie for having the courage to write this beautiful work."
-- Nicole Zasowski,
Marriage and Family Therapist and author of What If It's Wonderful? and Daring Joy

About the Author

Julie Busler is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who is passionate about helping people find hope and joy even in the midst of sorrow. As a mental health advocate, she has authored two books: Joyful Sorrow: Breaking Through the Darkness of Mental Illness and Hopeful Sorrow: Turning To God in Hope When Childhood Wounds Have You Turning Away. She is also a contributing author to Lifeway Women's Bible study, Grateful. Her heart for evangelism led to her serving as the Oklahoma president of Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) from 2020-2024. Julie, and her husband, Ryan, have 4 children and have served as missionaries in Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Turkey.