Deborah McCormick Maxey PhD

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed professional counselor, certified traumatologist

“Someone near you could be in a world of pain. Invisible pain. We may look “normal.” But those of us who suffer from chronic pain are in a world of our own. It supersedes everything and everyone one, demanding our attention… As a chronic pain sufferer, and licensed therapist with comprehensive education on the subject, I have treated countless fellow pain sufferers. I wish this book had been in my hands years ago, because it would have been required reading for each patient or a pain sufferer’s loving family members so that they could understand better.

“The Hem of His Garment Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a true gift. It completely explores the annihilating effects on our lives and those we love, as well as offer hope for the spiritual damage that aches to be healed, with Biblical references and a myriad of suggestions. Bengtson nails it. She doesn’t just describe the problem; she offers a book full of possible ideas. For yourself, or a gift, and especially for someone newly diagnosed. This book is Hope in your hands.”

Holley Gerth

Bestselling author of  What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments

“Pain is inevitable, but enduring it alone is optional. Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a voice of hope who will speak into your struggles, a helping hand who will point you to Jesus, and a wise guide who will lead you through whatever you’re facing so you can embrace more of what our good God has for you.”

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Physician, bestselling author, and host of the I Choose My Best Life podcast

“Honest and transparent. Dr. Michelle Bengtson gives the reader permission to ask hard questions and practical guidance on how to seek God during times when you feel the most wounded. A beautiful gift for every person living with pain.”

Lisa Appelo

Author of Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart

“The Hem of His Garment is a masterpiece of help and hope in deep pain. Michelle is the guide we all need when we’ve endured long past the timeline we gave God or God seems silent despite our prayers. Sharing her journey of pain with raw vulnerability, Michelle shows us how to renew authentic hope and navigate suffering that seems too hard to handle.”

Michelle Nietert, M.A., LPC-S

Clinical Director of Hope Helps, Author of Loved and Cherished

“In The Hem of His Garment, Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides holistic, practical, and biblical strategies to help us move through our pain. Her approach to the seven different primary forms of pain including the less commonly discussed emotional pain, relational pain and secondary dynamics of pain inflicted by others is a much needed resource for faith-based medical and mental health professionals.”

Shonda Whitworth

author of Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven: Petitions for Prisoners and Prison Families and co-founder of Fortress of Hope Ministries, Inc.

“Dr. Michelle’s courage, compassion, and faith fills every page of The Hem of His Garment. As a fellow pain sufferer, I’ve cried out, “God, can’t you give me a how-to guide?” God has answered this prayer for those who are walking through the valley of pain. Drawing from the experience of her own sufferings combined with biblical truths, Dr. B provides a step-by-step guide on how to walk through the darkness of pain yet radiate the glory of God. This book addresses the tough questions many silent sufferers want to ask but rarely discuss with others. Readers will find encouragement, support, and the inspiration to carry on amid their pain.”

Carol Kent

Founder of Speak Up Ministries, Speaker and Author of When I Lay My Isaac Down (NavPress)

“The Hem of His Garment sings hope in the minor key. It is an honest, profound, and deeply moving labor of love that will invite you to weep, worship, and pray. This book is a treasure for those who live in constant pain—and for those who long for a resource to give to friends and family who are hurting.”

Tracey Mitchell

International Speaker, Award-Winning Author

“In The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms, Dr. Bengtson addresses the hard and often ignored questions that engulf pain-filled seasons. Emotionally captivating and thought-provoking, this manuscript is healing wrapped in print form. This book will be an anchor to your soul and wings to your hopes. Join thousands of other readers who are discovering the silver lining when life does not seem fair or isn’t making sense.”