Explore the Sacred Wonder of Life
How can we say that life is good and God is love
when there seems to be so much evidence to the contrary?
In the midst of suffering, we may fail to recognize the inherent dignity, purpose, and beauty of every human being—including ourselves—and perhaps fall into the belief that life isn’t always worth living. Christina Chase lives in stark contrast to such a worldview. Physically disabled since infancy by a progressive disease and severely dependent upon others for daily survival, the author of this book proclaims with all of her mind, body, heart, and soul that it’s good to be here.
Why?
Because she is infinitely and intimately loved—just like every human being.
In this book, Christina shares personal and poignant reflections
upon her own little, limited life, while exploring the very human life of Jesus Christ. While reflecting upon her sufferings, joys, doubts, and faith,
Christina offers a unique and intimate portrait of God in the flesh,
discovering what it means to be fully human, fully alive.
God chose to live here, to be little like us,
intimately experiencing our human struggles and wonders, pleasures and pains.
Only God’s love made manifest in the Mystery of the Incarnation reveals
the full joy, strength, and sacred wonder of being human that nothing can diminish, not even the dependency and limitations that mainstream culture deems undignified.
Crippled though she is, Christina’s fearful disabilities have led her not into anger, bitterness, or despair, but rather into a profound and intimate encounter with God’s love here and now—an encounter that you, too, can experience through the gentle allure of Christina’s witness.
About the Author
“Real joy has no strings attached.”
Christina Chase has unconditional love for her terribly beautiful life.
Living with lifelong, physical disability and severe dependency, she writes nonfiction, poetry, and flash fiction about the terrible beauty and profound wonder of being alive here and now. Unafraid of life’s big questions, Christina is a revert to Catholicism. After brief atheism and consideration of other religions, she saw Christ with new eyes, discovering, in God’s choice to intimately share our humanity, what it truly means to be fully human.
Christina has studied Scripture and Catholic doctrine through the Satellite Theological Education Program from the University of Notre Dame. When she isn’t writing or blogging at authorChristinaChase.com, she enjoys being with her loving, care-giving family, exploring nature, researching genealogy, watching football, and reading good books.
Endorsements
“Images and insights that will stick with you”
Michelle Buckman, award-winning novelist
Christina’s insights on suffering and her images of our Lord walking beside her, dragging his cross, will remain with me forever. If your faith needs a boost, or if you have any doubts about the value of life or the powerful influence of each and every person upon one another, read this book. Christina reveals the deep joy of living. Fantastic.
“A fresh point of view. Simply remarkable!”
Mr. Geoffrey Ashman,
Catholic deacon
A remarkable and inspiring collection of essays about the life of Jesus Christ, and about life in general. All as seen through the eyes of a woman who despite extreme challenges, has not allowed them to distract her from the greatest Truth of all: That we are all infinitely loved by our God, and are created to love Him and one another in return.
Rarely does an author show such vulnerability in their writing. Beautifully written, full of powerful examples and incredible insights to help us all embrace and to become more like the person God made us to be.
“Hope in the midst of suffering”
– Jeannie Ewing, author of “From Grief to Grace: The Journey from Tragedy to Triumph”
I first encountered author Christina Chase at an online conference in which I was presenting on the topic of the spirituality of writing. Chase’s debut book, “It’s Good to Be Here” is humbling, honest, and refreshing. She writes in a beautiful, poetic manner about the gift of creation, how she relishes life all around her, and the ways in which each of us can find the gift of our cross in the midst of suffering.
As a mom of a daughter with a rare disease myself, I found Chase’s insights and reflections particularly helpful from the perspective of one with a disability rather than as a caregiver like myself. Her faith is profound, and she clearly defines her struggles while also expressing the lessons she’s learned through her Catholic faith and experience of it.
A treasure for anyone experiencing suffering or a time of trial.
What other readers are saying:
“…a fresh narrative of the very real life that Christ lived in the body here on earth. For the first time, I felt like I could “see” Christ as she was describing him on the book’s pages.”
“I’ve read many thousands of books in my life; it is rare to find one like this which so radiates the love of the author.”
“She reflects clearly and often bluntly on what it means to be mortal and rejoices in her adoption as a daughter of God.”
“As the father of four disabled sons and now dealing with my own challenges, I found this book compelling for its honesty and realism. Christina generously reveals to us her Cross AND her decision to also see the joy that is available as long as there is life.”
“I am deeply grateful for this book and find myself returning to the thoughts contained in it again and again.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book!”
We are shaped by wonder.
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It’s Good To Be Here:
A Disabled Woman’s Reflections on God in the Flesh and the Sacred Wonder of Being Human
by
Christina Chase
published by Sophia Institute Press
“The glory of God is a human being fully alive,
and the life of a human being is the beholding of God.”
~ St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies
It's Good to Be Here 