I discovered Sarah Bessey through A Rhythm of Prayer and had no idea she was among the many former evangelicals who, thankfully, chose an evolving faith. Without being a full-on memoir, Bessey weaves her own story into notes of encouragement (bolstered by theology, philosophy, and psychology) for those maybe a little earlier on their journeys of evolving faith. I laughed out loud reading, “Sometimes one of the greatest gifts God gives to us is losing our religion,” because there is such truth to that. I became a Christian as an adult, so mine has always been an evolving faith, finding my way from nothing to something, instead of painfully realizing what must be left behind to make room for that something. I have witnessed the struggles of friends who believed what their families believed for generations and what their churches taught without ever even thinking to question it—until they had no choice but to question it and then felt utterly lost, and often rejected as well. Field Notes feels intended to assure people they are not alone and the journey is worth it. (It is! it is!) Because my journey has been so different, there were times when I was acutely aware I am not the intended audience. Nevertheless, Bessey’s words have a universal ring, because we will all find ourselves in the wilderness. Beyond the wilderness of an evolving faith, there are the wildernesses of grief, trauma, broken or strained relationships, unfulfilled dreams, health challenges, times of transition, national crisis, and so much more. Whatever the context, Bessey’s realization remains true, “The wilderness wasn’t something for me to fear: God was already here, making a way.” Field Notes for the Wilderness is a loving reminder others have walked this hard path, there are companions along the way, and God is always with you. When I learned there is a guided journal available to accompany the book, I realized that was the one thing that had been subtly missing as I read. Despite the concept of being a “field guide” and Bessey’s promise of sharing the practices that served her in the wilderness, she only mentions practices from her life tangentially or in broad terms, and doesn’t discuss any in great detail. I initially thought this was because Bessey was trying too hard to avoid being prescriptive, but then realized that content might be in the guided journal. I also realized she might be hesitating to offer specifics to avoid claiming expertise. Her only strong suggestion is to “find a companion—a qualified companion—like a therapist or spiritual director to walk this path with you.” As a spiritual director who has a therapist and is grateful all of my clients also have therapists, I’m on board with this suggestion! So, if you are in the midst of the wilderness of evolving (or falling apart) faith right now, I’d encourage you to check out the guided journal. And maybe look into spiritual direction, too. But the book absolutely stands on its own, and can be an encouragement wherever you are on your journey. I received a digital review copy prior to publication, but loved the book so much I ordered a hard copy at my own expense!