Weathering Change

Reviewed by:

Connie Sikma, ECLA member and newest reviewer

Title:

Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions

Author:

Courtney Ellis

Publisher:

IVP

http://InterVarsity Press

Date:

2026

Format:

Paperback

Length:

208 pages

Overview:

Courtney Ellis uses her own experiences of life’s transitions to explore meaningful ways to navigate this all-encompassing experience of changes in life. Courtney begins the book with the experience of hiking the California trails. She weaves in interesting nature facts in her stories that intersect with the human experience. I found her descriptions on nature particularly vivid and refreshing. She uses diverse natural phenomenon such as forests, fledging, flocking, migration, water to peacefully embrace rhythms of life.

This book is a soothing read for someone caught in the big and little storms of life and might be in need of a place to rest. Ms. Ellis touches the surface of what the causes and solution is to our crisis. She goes to nature as a way to get in touch with God and leaves it there with a Psalm or scriptural narrative to meditate on.

This would be the book to take on a nature hike or a retreat. It would also be useful to use in a book club or spiritual formation class to explore ways to see how God works in nature as well as our lives.

Rating:

4 stars

Suggested audience:

Progressive Christians and those involved with the Spiritual Formation movement will appreciate this though some conservatives might find her subtle political leanings distracting. It’s accessible to most readers and could work well as read aloud to minister to older adults navigating significant life changes.

Christian impact:

Tying the nature metaphors with spiritual realities gives a fresh perspective on the seasons of life.

Also includes:

-Questions for reflection and discussion

http://Amazon.com

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/