Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken
If you are in the midst of great soul-sorrow, this book is written for you. Christians are often afraid to put language to deep suffering. It doesn’t seem “holy” to outwardly grieve our losses, to lament our afflictions, to put up words like modern-day dust and ashes. This book is my humble effort to sit beside you in the darkness and say, “I know. I feel it too. Let’s go to Jesus right now, for we have nowhere else to go.”
I became disabled just two weeks after my honeymoon, and was forced to reckon with a body that changed overnight and inhabit a faith that no longer fit tidy answers. Diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)–a condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to send correction signals to the body—I now live with daily seizures, mobility loss, and chronic pain.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken is not about overcoming disability. It is about learning to live truthfully before God and others with unresolved grief, humiliating dependence, and lingering limitations. It is about recognizing that faith does not resolve all questions neatly, and that dignity, courage, and steadfastness may remain even when independence disappears. God is present in bodies that no longer work as they once did. His presence makes broken things fearful and wonderful.
This book is the companion I wish I had when I first became sick. Whether you are struggling with physical pain, disability, or illness, or are working through chapters of grief of a totally different kind, the answer to pain is always the same: Jesus will redeem your brokenness. He is building something—something fearful, yes. But also something wonderful.
TESTIMONIALS:
How do your respond to pain? 5/5
“Excellently written! Absolutely an engaging and deep book that speaks to people in all seasons of life. A book that made me cry, excited, angry (not at the book but people’s actions towards Sydney that she writes about), and laugh so hard my head and body hurt from laughing so long. A quote that shows Sydney’s humor in this “I wanted to ask him if he had ever helped a passenger become disabled” (in the context of a bad taxi driver “supposing” to have a disability accessible vehicle).
More importantly though, every chapter, every subheading, every story, she is constantly pointing to God as a good, loving, and gift giving Father, even when she is being mistreated in the hospital, lying on her floor unable to move, and when her husband’s deployment extends longer than they had planned. Yes this is her story, a beautifully written book on her walk through FND, but it isn’t about her disability, it is about what you do, what you think, how you speak, and how you treat others when you are in physical or emotional pain.
How do you respond to pain? Read this book. You will find an abundance of wisdom founded on Scripture and the hope we have in the Gospel.
“In our weakness, God meets us with His strength. These moments-small resurrections in broken places-are prisms refracting His beauty'” – Merrill-Lee P.
The messiness of life and the beauty therein 5/5
“Sydney is a dear friend and sister, and her faith, perseverance, and hope shine in this story of her life. While she has FND and struggles with chronic pain, seizures, and mobility loss, she offers hope and encouragement. She doesn’t have all the answers, nor does she offer them. She is disabled. She is a wife. She is a mother. But she is also a young woman who is learning and growing in her faith and love for God. In this book, she shows the beauty in suffering, pain, and brokenness. Every person is touched by suffering. Whatever your background, I hope you’ll read this book and be encouraged by it.” – Cheyenne F.
A Must Read 5/5
“I’ve barely started reading and I want to cry because I feel so seen. Sydney’s content creation is how I have arrived at my own diagnosis of FND so when I heard she had a book I immediately hit pre-order. If you or someone you know is experiencing deep pain (disability, loss, etc.) READ THIS BOOK. It calls out the truth in suffering the Church struggles to have the words for! God has anointed this book tremendously. Even those who aren’t Christian can feel the power behind these words that come from someone stronger than a human.” – Ava F.
“I LOVED it! I mean, I knew it would be good but seriously, it is fantastic! Honest, relatable, hopeful.” – Allison W.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken 5/5
“Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t put it down. Sydney is beyond inspiring!!” – D.I.S.
Must Read for the Suffering Christian 5/5
“Sydney puts to words so many things that I have felt but been unable to express the past 7 years I have been sick… the way she encapsulates not only pain but God’s goodness is absolutely amazing. She reminds me of a modern day Joni Eareckson Tada. Her words are so full of honesty, wisdom, and grace and are sure to draw you closer to the Lord in whatever unbearable thing you are facing. Her incredible story alone showed me that I am capable of so much more than I thought as a chronically ill person, but also that it’s always and only through Christ. We have no excuse, healthy or sick, suffering or not, to not submit it all to Him, and Sydney shows us the way. If she can go through what she has gone through and still have joy in the Lord, anyone can.” – Alyssa P.
I think this book may have changed my life 5/5
“I am blown away by all the work Sydney and so many who supported her did to get this book in my hands…
I was diagnosed with POTS/VVS in October after fighting for a diagnosis for a few years through back to back pregnancies with my daughters (1 year 10 days apart) and now that they are 1 and 2 I’m figuring out what motherhood looks like with a body that misbehaves.
This made me feel like I was navigating that with a friend who gets it at my side cheering me on and saying “I get it, there are ways forward, everything is figure-outable, and don’t forget He gets it more than anyone.”
Absolutely incredible job with this book. If you’ve ever battled your body or mind and need to remember you’re in His hand, read this!!” – Ronald
Clinging to God when life is hard 5/5
“I am amazed at all that Sydney has endured. I am grateful that she can testify to God’s faithfulness in the midst of the hard providences she has experienced, and that her story can encourage others.” – Michelle R.
A journey of pain, betrayal, faith, trust and love! 5/5
“In reading Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You’re Falling Apart we see Sydney’s inexplicable descent into a chronic illness characterized by severe pain, inability to use her limbs, and seizures. Sometimes accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (as if the symptoms themselves weren’t terrifying enough). And the doctors admit there’s something awfully wrong, but they’re not sure what. Until she’s diagnosed by FND, which gains her, truly, a diagnosis; but also provides her with a refusal for medical care and further testing.
We also get a window into Sydney’s heart and mind, as she journeys through this painful illness. And finally, the way her faith and trust in God begin to transform her thoughts, her conclusions, and even her understanding of eternity.
This is a beautiful, if terribly painful at times, memoir. Beautiful because Sydney shares her complete journey, inside and out, with us. Painful because we’re grieved that a fellow human is experiencing all of this. In the end, though, you’ll be blessed to read it. There will be words that impact your life, your faith journey, and your reminder that God is good. And loves us so dearly. And is always with us. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.” – T.
A deeply honest, hope-filled reminder that you are not alone in invisible battles 5/5
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken completely touched my heart.
This book is raw, honest, emotional, and incredibly encouraging for anyone walking through chronic illness, pain, grief, or seasons where faith feels difficult. Sydney Anne Bennett shares her story with so much vulnerability and grace, and you can truly feel the sincerity in every chapter.
What I appreciated most was that this book never minimizes suffering or pretends everything is easy. Instead, it gently reminds readers that God is still present even in the hardest moments. Sydney’s honesty about disability, unanswered questions, and the daily fight for faith made this feel deeply personal and relatable.
There were so many moments where I felt seen while reading this book, and I know it will encourage countless others who are struggling silently with invisible battles. It is both heartbreaking and hope-filled in the most beautiful way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone needing encouragement, comfort, and a reminder that they are not alone.”
Lovely 5/5
“Some books stay with you long after you close the final page. Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken by Sydney Anne Bennett was one of those reads for me.
As a neuroscience nurse, this story resonated deeply. Bennett shares her experience of becoming disabled just two weeks after her honeymoon after being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder. Reading about the daily reality of seizures, chronic pain, and the sudden loss of independence felt especially powerful because these are conditions I see from the clinical side, yet this book brings the lived experience to the forefront.
What moved me most was the honesty. Bennett does not try to offer neat answers or easy inspiration. Instead she writes openly about grief, dependence, and the emotional weight of living in a body that has changed overnight. Her words feel raw, compassionate, and incredibly emotional.
This book reminded me how important it is to listen to patient stories beyond the diagnosis. Behind every chart and every condition is a person navigating loss, resilience, and a new version of life they never expected.
A thoughtful and moving read that stayed with me.” – N.B.
Everyone needs to read this! 5/5
“Sydney Anne is one of the most courageous, inspiring and beautiful souls I have come across. What she has endured at such a young age g age would knock most people down. But Sydney writes so beautifully how Jesus heals and loves all of his children, and helps them get through this very difficult life with his strength and spirit. I too am a chronic pain warrior, having encountered horrific nerve and vascular head and neck pain for almost five years with little success or healing through medicine and doctors and modality. Thankfully I know God has my back and it’s His blessings that carry me through each day. This book is a must read for anyone suffering, or for anyone at all who needs to know you are going to make it!” – L.M.B.
Profound wisdom for all types of suffering – not just physical 5/5
“This is a profoundly well-written book by a writer wise beyond her years. She struggles with a disability and writes eloquently about how it has impacted her faith, work, and relationships. Though I don’t have physical struggles like hers, I gained great affirmation and encouragement from her words in my severe emotional and relationship struggles. It will easily make the best of the best list of the hundreds of books I will read in 2026 for its writing quality and wisdom.” – Helanthius
“Sydney Anne writes from the midst of the battle to those in the midst of their own battles. This is not a success story, it’s not a before and after. It’s a “here I am in the middle of the mess and here’s how Jesus is meeting me in it.” It’s both honest and hopeful, a lament and a praise. It’s vulnerable, empathetic, and real. (And sometimes even funny!) I read through it in two days because I just couldn’t stop. While this book will be an encouragement to people going through all kinds of hardship, it has special poignancy for those suffering from chronic illness or disability. I definitely cried. And I’ve already recommended it to several people.” – Dylan
A must read for anyone who suffers and those who love them. 5/5
“I sincerely can not put this down. I’ve never read anything more relatable, beautiful, encouraging, and hopeful when it comes to chronic illness and the discouragement and grief that accompanies it. This is a must read for anyone who suffers and the ones who love them.” – Bethany B.
Best book I’ve read in a long time. The author’s vulnerabilities show courage and inspired me. 5/5
“Just finished it!!!! So excellent! I stayed up reading the whole book until midnight. So worth it!
As someone who has a juxtaposition of comorbities starting with brain surgery and a stroke 20 years ago, this book made me feel so not alone.
It blessed my soul, and reminded me that although things can be so dark here on earth, that we don’t have to worry because God has already won this battle, and we are his children whom he holds in the palm of his hands.
So proud of you Sydney for writing your story. You have inspired me to one day write mine.
Thank you for the blessing your book brought me, and I am planning to re-read it again today.” – Dolce
Magnificent! 5/5
“As a disabled woman, also in my twenties, with many similarities in our stories, your book has been an inspiration and a needed kick up the backside. Thank you Sydney and Jesus! I couldn’t put the book down and now that I have, I feel strengthened to carry my walk with Jesus in a better way – closer to Him and with more hope. I wish we could be friends. I look forward to meeting you and your family one day in Heaven!” – A.C.
