Daphne and Miles’ stories are complicated, yet relatable, and we empathize with them because we all have our own friendships or relationships that come and go, and leave imprints on our lives, for better or worse.
Part of the beauty of the Reformed tradition is its emphasis on discernment that may often walk a fine line between extremes. Therein lies a tricky part of our witness and walk as faithful disciples of Jesus: we are not called to win or to necessarily be in power, but to be faithful. Alberta’s book is one useful tool to that end.
Through a disarming vulnerability, Dark helps us see the things that are normalized in our culture (peer pressure, power, shame, fear, dehumanization) and reminds us that we aren’t actually supposed to be this way.
I recommend this helpful book for all of us who are not therapists, yet find ourselves searching for ways to have therapeutic moments with students, our family, church members, friends, or ourselves.