Review of "The Ominous Struggle" by George Beasley

Score: 95+/100 (9.5+ out of 10)

The Ominous Struggle is a deeply introspective and faith-based examination of the nature of struggle in life. George Beasley—a multi-time OCA winner for his heartfelt memoir, The Invisible Soul-- uses personal experiences, biblical references, and philosophical reflections to guide readers through the emotional and existential challenges that define human existence. The book explores how struggles—whether personal, societal, or spiritual—are intrinsic to life but can also be transformative when approached with faith, hope, and resilience.

While the author's previous book was beautiful and powerful in its own right, The Ominous Struggle appears to be a significantly better written and formatted book as a whole. So, while The Invisible Soul excelled with the shear power, beauty, and inspirational nature of its story, The Ominous Struggle excels at being informative and educational while being a more refined book overall (in terms of writing and structure).

Speaking of structure, the book is structured into twelve thoughtfully crafted chapters, each shedding light on a different dimension of struggle. It begins by defining the concept, breaking it down into societal, personal, and existential challenges that shape our daily lives. From there, it explores how faith and perseverance can help individuals find hope amid adversity, setting the stage for deeper discussions on the evolving role of religious institutions, the complexities of transparency, and the impact of judgment from others. The book also takes a critical look at materialism and the pressure to project happiness, even when struggling internally.

Thankfully, despite this more structured and didactic approach, the book is still distinctly personal similar to The Invisible Soul. Beasley still draws upon personal experiences and personal stories, some of which take a lot of courage to share.

One such example is when Beasley reflects on the struggles and loss of his beloved brother, Chris, who passed away at the young age of thirty-seven. Beasley recounts their shared memories on the pier, where they once talked about their hopes and dreams. He describes the profound grief and reflection that come with standing in the same place his brother once stood, listening to the silent echoes of the past. This moment is more than just reminiscing; it’s a raw and deeply personal acknowledgment of loss, resilience, and the fleeting nature of life. Through this story, Beasley not only honors his brother’s memory but also illustrates how personal struggles, no matter how painful, can shape our perspectives and deepen our faith.

It should also be noted how light can be found even in dark times and situations like this. For example, Beasley reflects on how Chris's search for God and a Christian community served as a gateway to get Beasley into the church as well. What began as Chris’s personal journey toward faith ultimately became a transformative experience for Beasley, illustrating how even in the midst of struggle, moments of grace and purpose can emerge. This connection between personal hardship and spiritual growth reinforces one of the book’s central messages—that faith can illuminate even the darkest paths, leading not just to individual healing, but also to the restoration of relationships and a deeper understanding of life’s greater purpose.

The author also tackles heavier themes, such as finding meaning in mortality, the role of faith as a guiding force, and the presence of evil in human struggles. Rather than leaving readers in despair, the latter chapters shift toward empowerment, offering insights on how to bring hope and discover personal victories. The book closes with a powerful message of embracing life with faith, hope, and mercy, emphasizing that struggles, while difficult, can ultimately be transformative.

Here are a few of our key takeaways from this book:

One of the book’s strongest messages is the necessity of support that is both loving and compassionate. Beasley emphasizes that true support isn’t just about offering tips, advice, or words of encouragement—it requires genuine understanding, patience, and the willingness to walk alongside someone in their struggles. Judgment and superficial gestures do little to help those facing hardships, but unwavering kindness, empathy, and faith-driven support can be life-changing.

Most of all, Beasley invites us to LISTEN and to TAKE TIME for people rather than judging them. The Bible encourages us to not judge people, this ultimately means not to dismiss and blame them for the way the feel, the things they've done, or the things that have happened to them.

According to Beasley, "In times of crisis, people often need to feel heard and understood more than anything else" and that "[t]ime is one of the most valuable things we can offer someone who is struggling, and it can make a world of difference."

Beasley also advocates for being authentic and genuine. Echoing sentiments and a key concept in The Invisible Soul, the author points out how many people wear a "mask of happiness" made worse by social media and societal pressure/expectations to be normal.

However, the reality is that pain and hurt are normal. Negative feelings are normal. Don't hide it away, talk about it! Discuss it with people. Get help when needed. Don't let it eat at you from inside and degrade your soul.

On that note, the book also (interestingly) confronts how evil is also a normal part of the human world and experience, serving a purpose even when that purpose may not be easy to understand. According to Beasley:

"The truth is, that evil serves a purpose, even when we don’t fully understand it. It challenges us, tests us, and ultimately leads us back to God. Whether through personal experiences, like the abuse I endured, or larger cosmic battles like the crucifixion of Christ, evil is part of the human experience. But it is not without hope. For in every struggle, there is the possibility of redemption, healing, and growth.

As we examine the role of evil in our lives, I encourage you to reflect on your own encounters with darkness. How have they shaped you? And how might you, too, find grace in the midst of the struggle?"

In speaking of an inspirational person named Keith, Beasley states: "Despite the hardships he faced, he never spoke negatively about his past or his circumstances. Instead, he focused on the present and the future, encouraging others to learn, love, and live fully."

Ultimately, this is a book about hope.

"Hope in the struggle is not only possible but essential for navigating life's challenges. By grounding our hope in the promises of God and the truths of Scripture, we can find strength and resilience to persevere. As we trust in God's plan and seek His presence, we discover that hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a steadfast anchor for our souls. In the words of Hebrews 6:19, 'We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.'"

Check it out on Amazon!