The Hidden Life: Revelations from a Holy Journey

By Catherine A. Snapp and Kitty Crenshaw

A personal and true look at clinical depression. Meet the woman who experienced depression when it often went undiagnosed and how she made her way out of that pit. In this book she walks beside you,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• ISBN: 0739464728
• ISBN13: 9780739464724
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: NavPress
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Her Thoughts Stay With You

Betty puts to words what many have experienced. She offers comforting answers that help explain your personal turmoil. Her self fulfillment is a quest many will want to stive to attain. This is an excellent read. I find myself thinking back on Betty's words often. I'm sure I will read it time and time again plus pass it on to others.

Hope for the depressed

The Hidden Life by Kitty Crenshaw and Catherine Snapp, is the story of a soul's path from deepest depression to deepest intimacy with Jesus Christ. It is the story of Betty Tartt Skinner's journey and legacy to many other women. Betty Tartt was born into an affluent, southern military family in 1926. The oldest of four children, she had all she could want-except her mother's approval. Even as a child she struggled with who she was. Her father was her mainstay until he killed himself and shattered her world. Her false front was already being erected as she stuffed her emotions to please her mother. Then, in 1948, she married Bryant Skinner. He was handsome and driven. In between having four children, she was expected to plan parties for hundreds of people and be involved in many other social activities. She was also very active in her church. The façade grew. In 1968, she reached bottom emotionally, mentally, and physically and committed herself to the mental ward of their local hospital. That started her upward journey-a journey that helped her recognize her own personhood and, more importantly, the relationship that God desired to have with her and all who call Him Lord. "Ultimately, the spiritual work for all of us is to take our identity from the One who calls us His beloved." "Trust and letting go work mysteriously together. Nothing ever stays the same in our lives, and again and again we are called to let go in order to find a new way." Betty learned to listen for God and to God. She learned to let Him envelop her with His love, and gradually found that love permeating every part of her until she was a part of that love. It was then that she found herself sharing His love with others who were struggling with depression-with their own identity. This book is Betty's life story and much more. It is God's story of His desire for all of our lives. When Betty started searching for her own identity, she found God waiting to guide her and strengthen her through each painful step. There was forgiveness to give to her mother, and new understanding of her husband to embrace. Most of all, there was gratitude to her Lord and Creator. This book will touch a cord in every person struggling with their own identity and their relationship with God. Women whom Betty's life has touched and changed, beautifully wrote this. Thank you to all for sharing with us. -- Linda Demorest, Christian Book Previews.com

Life-changing intimacy with God really is possible

Many excellent books have been published on the interdependence of the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of our lives. The Hidden Life goes beyond them all. Through the power of narrative story, with complete candor the authors describe Betty Skinner's serious depression and hospitalization in the 1960's and the practices that helped her heal and led her into a deep and transformative spiritual life. Excerpts from her journal and her poetry, begun out of desperation, reveal a window into an amazingly honest interaction with God and provide rich insight into the spiritual surgery within Betty's life. Her ongoing healing parallels her growing awareness of who God is, one who is infinitely greater than her earlier understanding. From childhood, a `good' Christian, working hard to do the right things, Betty, in her journey through brokenness, becomes aware of how deeply loved she is by God. This book connects with the deepest part of our souls and encourages us that a life-changing intimacy with God is really possible for ordinary and worn out people like ourselves. Amidst the burgeoning business of religious publications and big names, Betty stands quietly and profoundly alone, unknown and happy to remain that way, but convinced by those her life has touched that allowing her story to be told could enable others to come to know the depth and reality of life with God that she knows and lives. Betty's message is one that connects with people from a variety of backgrounds. The Hidden Life is written in a form easily accessible and understandable to those whose exposure to contemplative practices may have been limited.

Hope Amidst Despair...Healing by Faith...Hope in the Journey

"The Hidden Life" tells the very honest & compelling true story of Betty, a dear woman who years ago (young in her marriage & in her faith) suffered from severe depression & perfectionism. She was driven to succeed in all areas, and it literally almost killed her. Married to a very successful Florida businessman, Betty suffered terribly & was eventually hospitalized (when depression was rarely mentioned or openly dealt with) during which time her "spiritual awakening" began. After suffering emotionally thru her early married years, she subsequently sought treatment & healing & became a gentle & very compassionate mentor to many Christian women in her later years -- teaching many the value of faith, honesty, journaling, hope, God's beauty in nature, etc. This book tells Betty's faith journey in candid format with utter honesty -- it will be a very valuable tool for women who suffer with similar patterns/issues -- esp small groups & support groups in church circles.

The Hidden Life

I didn't want this book to end! I will read it again and again through the years. It is a beautiful testimony and reminder to me of the power that comes from giving up my attempts to "control" life and trusting Christ as He leads and guides me through the journey. Rarely does life turn out like we plan. This story of Betty's life portrays the hope, contentment and oneness with Christ that comes as a result of surrendering all of our life to Him in the midst of its struggles and pain. I just finished this book and can't wait for my husband to read it next.