"I sat, staring again at the table, feeling trapped between the guilt of choosing to leave my colleagues in an already impossible situation that would be that much more impossible with one less person and my desperate craving for rest."

Embracing God's Love Through Life's Uncertainties

At the heart of this captivating memoir lies the profound question that tugs at the core of our existence: Can we truly trust the boundless love and goodness of God, even when life seems to be falling apart?

Navigating Life's Tumultuous Waters with Faith & Vulnerability

Spanning continents and emotions, Risking Rest follows Carolyn's unwavering commitment to faith in a good and loving God as she navigates the tumultuous waters of medicine, obstetrics, and a life-altering journey to Afghanistan. But it's her grappling with illness and the shattering of her carefully constructed world that truly puts her trust to the test.

-Is her foundation strong enough to hold in the midst of chaos?

-Can she find a place of rest in God's embrace?

As you journey alongside Carolyn, her experiences become mirrors reflecting your own moments of doubt, vulnerability, and resilience. As the pages unfold, you will be captivated by her struggle to believe in her worth beyond her roles. With her, you’ll discover yourself safely carried by God as an unborn babe and “midwifed” by the One who carefully tends new life. You’ll discover that same One wooing you, longing to share with you his life, love, and work in the world.

"Few people have been taken to the deep places Carolyn describes in this book, and few people have encountered God the way she has. Her insight into the gospel is captivating, life-giving, and powerfully encouraging." — Darrell Johnson

About the Author

Carolyn J. Watts, M.D., MATS (Regent College), worked as an obstetrician in Afghanistan for four years before illness ended her medical career. Now a spiritual director and writer living in Vancouver, B.C., she delights in offering grace-filled space where weary fellow pilgrims can rest in God’s love. Her writing has been shortlisted for the Castle Quay Best New Canadian Manuscript and awarded the Luci Shaw Creative Writing Prize, the Harvey-Mackey Award for Journalism, and the Word Guild’s Best Blog of 2021. Connect with her at www.hearingtheheartbeat.com.