Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache

First of all, a little backstory: my husband and I have followed Granger since 2011, when we initially began dating. We danced our first dance at our wedding in 2016 to one of Granger’s older songs, “Crazy as me.” We have been to 6 shows, heading to our 7th and final concert for his Farewell tour in Columbus later this month. We went to one show after River gained his angel wings and it was an acoustic show in 2022 while Granger was filming the movie Moonrise, which is fantastic (go watch it). I believe he preached the very next morning in Columbus. We watched Grangers sermons online when he spoke in Texas, Indiana, and Ohio. After watching his sermons online, we began to wonder if he would eventually give up music and pursue ministry. Granger’s sermons were each thought provoking and beautifully prepared. We were not shocked when he finally made the announcement that he would be stepping away from music and as a fan, I am honestly so proud that he is unwaveringly answering the call he received from our Savior.That being said, (I’m not just saying this as a fan) this book is a must read. I cannot recommend it enough. It took me on a roller coaster of emotions. I would cycle through sobbing and smiling, and reminiscing on the years since being first exposed to Granger’s music and present day; I can vividly remember the once in a lifetime experiences my husband and I had with Granger over the years. Although I am not a part of his inner circle, this book certainly made me feel like it. He opened every part of his soul in this book, which is extremely vulnerable and incredibly powerful. Although our opportunity to see Granger on the country music stage is coming to an end, I am extremely thankful for the memories and cannot wait to watch from afar how his journey continues through ministry. BUT GOD!Dear Jesus, please bless Granger and his precious family as he embarks on the journey of ministry and glorifying your name. I pray that you continue to guide his path through the river until your kingdom does he reach. I pray that you protect his family and continue to heal the wounds left by the earthly loss of their son/sibling/nephew/grandson. We know little River is in your hands. I pray that you infiltrate their lives with light, so that they may share it with others for you alone are worthy of all of our praise and glory. And as my late grandfather always used to end his prayers, “Have your way in our hearts and our lives. We thank you for all good things. In your precious name I pray, Amen.”P.s. Granger, if you are reading this, Gospel album? 🤔🙏🏽

This family suffered from the tragic death of their 3 year old son, River. Any parent would be sick with guilt whether deserved or not. This is the story of how Granger and his wife worked through the trauma and sorrow. It was well written and not so depressing that I couldn’t get through it as are so many books about loss. It truly celebrated River’s life while showing how hard Granger tried to find peace.I’m thoroughly ashamed of internet trolls who added to this families pain by making outrageous accusations. Those are people who hide behind a computer screen to demonstrate how insensitive and cruel they really are.Granger turned to Christ and much of his words towards the end of the book were uplifting and representative of a profound and honest change that can only occur upon salvation. My only concern was that due to his listening to John Piper, his theology is Calvinist. Yes G-d is sovereign. But He did not cause or predestine this tragedy. Passages suggesting that G-d is the cause of evil are misunderstood by those who do not have a correct Hebrew understanding of the Tanakh. G-d does not micromanage everything that happens on this earth. We live in a fallen world where pain and sorrow exist, not because G-d proclaimed it, but because this is an imperfect world. There does not need to be a grand reason for tragedy. It does not have to have meaning. Loss is part of the fallen state of this world which will one day be made perfect again. In the meantime, the Lord sees our tears and sorrows with families through such ordeals, strengthening them and giving them comfort. They need to know that no one is elected to salvation and no one to be eternally lost. Christ died for everyone and wants all human beings to be saved. A three year old is not capable of understanding the gospel and goes directly, upon death, to be with Christ. This “elect versus predestined to be lost” is unscriptural. I see a great future for this wonderful young man in ministry but I pray he will get out from under the deceit of Calvinism. Initially, the doctrines give a false joy that you were chosen to be saved! You! But, in reality G-d created all human beings to find salvation. It is our choice and not fixed from the foundation of the world. In time, the doctrines of Calvinism will bring nothing but more sorrow.G-d bless this beautiful family. Praise Him, in His mercy for their new baby, Maverick.

Got this book last night and I just started reading and kept going till I ran out of pages. Whether you've heard of Granger before or not, I would still urge you to buy this book!! For me personally I've followed Granger for a couple years now and I've heard a part of his story many times, but reading this and seeing the entire story in full context brought tears and excitement at the same time!! I'm super proud of Granger and the changes he is making in his life to serve God more fully and I hope that through this, many people are brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord!!!

This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It’s raw and honest. Granger wrote this book with so much passion and depth. He’s only strengthened my faith in God. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. It speaks of profound loss, darkness and finding the strength to move past grief.

This book is great for anyone! Granger tells his story in a real and vulnerable way that is easy to read, yet so captivating. It is inspiring. Hopeful. Just overall a great read. One of the best books I've ever read.