Complaints of the Saints: Stumbling Upon Holiness With a Crabby Mystic is a masterful spiritual work. Author Sister Mary Lea Hill, FSP, draws upon the experiences of history's holy men and women to show us how to combat a complaining spirit.
Hill explores the root causes of complaints, such as annoyance, pride, aggravation, and actual mean-spiritedness. She offers a helpful prayer from the Book of Psalms to aid the reader in avoiding complaining: "Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector." (Ps 19:15)
The author has a down-to-earth way of expressing herself with an "everywoman" sensibility. The short chapters are excellent for daily study, particularly given the reflections Hill offers.
For instance, at the end of a chapter entitled "Normal People," Hill writes, "What we complain about is one thing. Why we complain about it is another. What we'll do about complaining is another matter still. What are your thoughts?"
If you are one of the many spiritual seekers afflicted with crabbiness from time to time, you will find this book to be a great antidote to your duress. And you may find yourself becoming holier along the way!
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