An Exploratory Journey of Formation
A Feature Review of
Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions
Courtney Ellis
Paperback: InterVarsity Press, 2026
Buy Now: [ Bookshop ] [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ] [ Audible ]
Reviewed by Rob O’Lynn
Courtney Ellis’s overall goal in Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions is to invite us to “come and see” how nature responds to change so that we might ground ourselves in creation as both elements of creation (creatures) and stewards of creation (8). She offers “four distinct qualities of how creation weathers” change—preparation, curiosity, adaptability and resilience (8). She structures her discussion in this way so that we will “understand the echoes of ourselves” that are present in creation in order to “find ourselves home at last in a world that is constantly shifting under our feet” (8). She unpacks each quality with chapters that focus on both action (natural instinct?) and location through a blend of storytelling, pastoral reflections and nature observations.
The first quality is preparation, here understood as being “better equipped to deal with impending change” so that we can “feel more at peace with change, knowing that we have done what we can in advance to ease the transition” (9). Here, Ellis explores the topics of stasis (Chapter 2), forests (Chapter 3) and fledging (Chapter 4).
The second quality is curiosity, or being able “to receive novel information without defensiveness, fear, or judgment” so that we can “practice attentiveness” and ask “questions of ourselves, others, and our circumstances as we seek to discern what our next steps might be” (37). In this section, Ellis considers noticing (Chapter 5), ecotones, or transitional areas between two ecosystems (Chapter 6), aging (Chapter 7), flocking (Chapter 8), and migration (Chapter 9).
The third quality is adaptability, the ability “to learn new skills while setting aside those that no longer serve us” so that we may “apply newly learned information to adjust ourselves as conditions change” (83). Ellis looks at urban wildlife (Chapter 10), climate (Chapter 11), winter (Chapter 12), molting (Chapter 13), and water (Chapter 14).
The final quality is resilience, or being able to “arrive at a new healthy and stable place after a transition, particularly one that is difficult or painful” so “that change can be managed, recovered from, and sometimes even enjoyed” (135). Here, Ellis explores the topics of wind (Chapter 15), prairie (Chapter 16), decomposition (Chapter 17), and endings (Chapter 18). The book concludes with a reflection on wonder and includes an appendix of discussion questions.
Overall, this is an engaging discussion of how we can learn to see change as a spiritual discipline through nature in a way that can enrich our lives. As I mentioned above, Ellis fills each chapter with effective storytelling, pastoral reflection and nature observations. However, there was one practice that I would have liked to see her spend more time with—engaging with scripture. While the connection between ecology and theology has been central to Jewish and Christian belief since the beginning, it remains a relatively niche topic within the broader community of faith. Some outright reject it while others invest deeply in the conversation. Yet, the conversation is growing—as it rightfully should. And in doing so, especially if one hopes to reach those who are not giving ecology much thought theologically, one should engage with the bounty of creation texts through the pages of scripture. Although Ellis’s book is not offering itself as an ecological study of scripture like Creation, Character, and Wisdom: Rethinking the Roots of Environmental Ethics, Dave Bland and Sean Patrick Webb’s often overlooked study of creation care as an ethical topic (Wipf and Stock, 2016), more consistent engagement would have been appreciated. That being said, I did appreciate that she often used the First Nations translation when she did engage with scripture.
To be clear, this book is not necessarily about creation care or ecological theology. It is about how to navigate change in our lives by implementing lessons learned by observing creation. However, the forest that Ellis refers to is not merely a prop. She passionately invites us on an exploratory journey of spiritual formation by looking down at the creepy crawlies that wander through the moss at our feet rather than looking up at the celestial bodies in the sky, much the same way that Joseph Gordon does through his work with snakes (which you can read about on his “Creaturely Theology” blog). In doing so, and through her gift as a storyteller, Ellis channels the Desert Mothers and Fathers who exhorted their disciples to put away false notions of conquest and dominion and take up the divine mantle of creature created in the image of the Creator. We reside on this planet; we do not own it or control it. The ground under our feet has felt more footsteps than we can possibly imagine and will feel many more after we are gone. It has much to teach us, if we would only listen.
Rob O'Lynn
Rob O'Lynn is Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Director of Graduate Bible Programs, and Dean of the School of Distance and General Education at Kentucky Christian University. He has served congregations in Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky. You can follow him @DrRobOLynn on BlueSky or Instagram.
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
Understanding Christian Nationalism [A Reading Guide] |
 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall for Christian Readers!
|
 Hilarious One-Star Customer Reviews of Bibles |
