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About Walking with God through the Valley
An interview with May Young
EV: What led you to write this book? What problem or issue(s) are you seeking to address?
MY: I wrote this book because I want more people to understand a fuller conception of biblical lament so that they can experience the healing and hope that it brings. Too often when people talk about lament, they describe it as sadness or even wallowing in pain. The Bible offers a much deeper perspective, which I seek to unpack in my book.
EV: What is the thesis of your book?
MY: The genre of biblical lament offers a rich and multi-faceted approach to engage God that moves us toward greater hope.
EV: Who’s your target audience, and what are you most hoping they hear from it?
MY: My target audience is anyone looking to engage God through lament during times of pain, doubt, anger, loneliness, loss, grief, and repentance. My hope is that their concept of lament is broadened, and they find it to be a helpful practice for themselves as well as for the church community.
EV: Did you have any “aha” moments while writing the commentary?
MY: While I had many “aha” moments, one significant “aha” moment was when I realized the differences between biblical lament prayers in comparison to those of Israel’s ancient Near Eastern (ANE) neighbors. It made me grateful for the examples we have in Scripture to engage God during times of difficulty, doubt, and pain.
EV: What was the most challenging part of the commentary to write?
MY: I think the most challenging part was sharing my own personal perspective and experience on lament. It was not just a topic that I could discuss as an objective observer. I had to express a degree of vulnerability, which moved me out of my comfort zone.
EV: If your book was made into a movie, what actor/actress would play the lead role?
MY: I don’t think this really fits my book. 🙂
EV: What kind of seminary/church classes should assign your book?
MY: Any seminary/church classes dealing with Hebrew Poetry, Psalms, Lamentations, or the concept of lament.
About the Author
May Young (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University.