Wally Long, an experienced author, pastor, and speaker, has recently released his powerful book, Why Me, Lord?—a compelling work that offers hope and encouragement for those grappling with life’s most difficult trials. The book’s core message focuses on the pain of suffering and the comfort that comes from faith, particularly in the midst of life’s overwhelming challenges.
Why Me, Lord? is not a how-to guide for overcoming hardship. Instead, it serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, rooted in Long’s own personal tragedies. Throughout the book, Long reflects on his family’s losses and the lessons he learned through suffering, using these painful experiences to offer insights and guidance for others facing similar struggles.
In the preface of the book, Long recounts the harrowing events that tested his faith. His journey began with a phone call in 2006 informing him of his youngest sister Tessie’s tragic death. Just months later, Long’s life was shaken again when his son was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. The trauma didn’t stop there—his mother, whose health had been deteriorating for years, passed away shortly after, leaving Long and his family reeling. Less than four years later, another devastating blow struck as Long learned that his brother and his wife had been murdered, with their own son charged with the crime.
While these events left Long and his family in a state of emotional, physical, and spiritual upheaval, they also led him to a deep understanding of how faith can provide solace during even the most painful of circumstances. Through his writing, Long shares this perspective, offering his readers not just answers, but a personal invitation to wrestle with the difficult question of suffering from a biblical point of view.
The book’s forward, written by Chesed Anne Dent, Director of Global Studies Internships at Liberty University, captures the essence of Long’s approach to suffering. Dent writes, “A conversation on trials and sufferings does not usually elicit feelings of being welcomed, but that is exactly how this book felt. It felt like a hospitable, gentle invitation to sit with Wally Long and hear the deep groanings of his story’s suffering and the depth of comfort that a rooted biblical perspective has given him.” Long’s humility and honesty resonate throughout the pages, and readers are invited to join him on his journey of faith, doubt, and eventual healing.
Long’s story is one of resilience and determination. His family’s experiences mirror the deep pain many people face when dealing with personal loss, yet his writing proves that healing and hope are possible, even when it seems impossible to carry on. His narrative emphasizes that suffering is a universal part of life, but that it need not define one’s future. Why Me, Lord? speaks to anyone who has ever asked the question of why suffering occurs, providing not just answers but a pathway forward.
In addition to his writing, Long has been an influential speaker, sharing his message of hope and healing at churches, conferences, and various media outlets. His book has already been featured on numerous podcasts, TV shows, and radio programs, including The Happy Hour with Dr. Tenpenny, InContext with Dr. Michael Easley, Life Today Live with Randy Robison, and Unscripted Faith on the Cornerstone TV Network. His story and message continue to inspire audiences across the country.
Wally Long’s journey from personal tragedy to spiritual triumph has made him a sought-after voice in both Christian circles and public speaking platforms. In 2013 and 2014, Long’s speaking abilities earned him a place as a semi-finalist at the World Championship of Public Speaking. His experiences, coupled with his genuine desire to help others through their struggles, set him apart in a crowded space of faith-based authors and speakers.
For those grappling with loss, Why Me, Lord? offers a beacon of light. Through his reflections, Wally Long reminds readers that it is possible to emerge from the darkest of times with a renewed sense of purpose, hope, and peace. His book is a reminder that suffering, while painful, can be a catalyst for transformation, and that faith, in its purest form, offers profound comfort in the face of life’s most difficult questions.
Why Me, Lord? is available now on Wally Long’s official website www.wallylong.com, where readers can also find more information about Long’s story and upcoming speaking engagements. Readers can also connect with Long on social media through his Facebook @wallylong1960 and LinkedIn @wallylong.