Coming Clean: A Story of Faith

(Paperback)

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"I suppose we're all drunk on something." Seth Haines was in the hospital with his wife, planning funeral songs for their not-yet two-year-old, when he made a very conscious decision: this was the last day he wanted to feel. That evening, he asked his sister to smuggle in a bottle of gin, and gave in to addiction. But whether or not you've ever had a drop to drink in your life, we're all looking for ways to stop the pain. Like Seth, we're all seeking balms for the anxiety of what sometimes seems to be an absent, unresponsive God-whether it's through people-pleasing, shopping, the internet, food, career highs, or even good works and elite theology. We attempt to anesthetize our anxiety through addiction-any old addiction. But it often leaves us feeling even more empty than before. In Coming Clean, Seth Haines writes a raw account of his first 90 days of sobriety, illuminating how to face the pain we'd rather avoid, and even more importantly, how an abiding God meets us in that pain. Seth shows us that true wholeness is found in facing our pain and anxieties with the tenacity and tenderness of Jesus, and only through Christ's passion can we truly come clean.

Reviews

Coming Clean is not simply a book for alcoholics; its a book for anyone who has dealt with pain and been left scrabbling after God when their coping mechanisms fail or easy answers run out. This book is a mirror, held up for all of us to behold our addictions and the ways were all still recovering. Raw, sobering, miraculously ordinary, hopeful, beautiful, and yet terrifying. Seth is an honest writer, and there is no higher praise. * Sarah Bessey, author of Out of Sorts and Jesus Feminist *
Weve all got our vices, but without them, how would we cope Along comes Seth Haines, with a luminous pen, an uncommon authenticity, and a palpable hope for anyone whos tired of numbing the pain. Read at your own risk. This book might change your life. * Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of Love Idol *
Haines tells an engaging story of faith and addiction, of hope and despair, of trust and fear, of joy and pain, of patience and pride. His honesty is refreshing, his faith is challenging, his hope is encouraging, his love is passionate, and his portrait of Gods grace is amazing. This book is worth reading slowly and thoughtfully, allowing the transformative power of Gods grace to change the reader as it is changing the author. * Glenn R. Kreider, Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *
Seth Haines is a powerful storyteller, one who sticks to the narrative no matter how difficult the details without overcompensation, flowery disclaimers, or too much commentary. In Coming Clean, Haines offers readers a raw glimpse into his own brokenness, a struggle involving faith, substance, and lifes difficult path. Within these pages I not only became engrossed in the beauty and pain of Haines journey, but I also found bits and pieces of my own humanity throughout. Coming Clean is one of the best books about faith Ive read this year, and I believe it will be one of yours too. * Matthew Paul Turner, author of Churched and Our Great Big American God *
I honestly dont know how to put into words how this book has opened my eyes, healed me, pushed me, and brought me peace. But it has done all those things, and I will never be the same. * Annie F. Downs, author of Lets All Be Brave *
Vivid, uneasy, convicting. Seth Haines has written the best book of the past year. Coming Clean is the work of a true storyteller, a direct, crisp narrative shot through with poetic asides and the turmoil common to us all. At once a celebration of and a eulogy for our humanity, Haines commands language and style so deftly the work reads like the highest literary fiction. Approachable and witty, Coming Clean is a sobering reflection, no matter your addiction. * Preston Yancey, Canon Theologian, Anglican Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast *
Seth Haines Coming Clean is a profoundly courageous work that provides any reader a major dose of hope and guidance, whether or not he or she struggles with the more conventional addictions. His prose is heartfelt and moving, and though written in journal form, there is a depth to his reflections and revelations. They are significant thoughts, and the glimpses into his soul are truly meaningful. Readers will be encouraged and inspired in their own faith lives. * Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort, Presbyterian Church (USA), author of Making Paper Cranes: Toward an Asian American Feminist Theology; Streams Run Uphill: Conversations with Clergy Women of Color; and Yoked: Stories of a Clergy Couple in Marriage, Family, and M *
Coming Clean is more than it seems. More than a journey toward sobriety, more than another memoir. With honest pain and discovery dappled with poetry, Seth Haines prophesies to us of what it means to find the peace of God and the forgiveness of Christ. Read these words; you will never be the same. * Zach J. Hoag, author, preacher, and blogger *
Seth had me imagining what the world could look like if we all were widening our wounds, bleeding together, rejoicing in the astounding, transformative work of suffering, and coming clean as a global community. How beautiful. How kingdom. * Erika Morrison, author of Bandersnatch: An Invitation to Explore Your Unconventional Soul *
If honesty were an ocean, Seth boldly goes to the depths. Coming Clean is a book weve been waiting for, mostly because the church rarely goes below honestys surface. Hopefully, this book will not only teach us to swim; it will teach us to start diving. * A. J. Swoboda, PhD, pastor, author, professor *
Coming Clean is a gift of redemptive lyric, growing out of sober reflection that quietly compels the reader to honestly process their own faith journey. * Thomas Addington, PhD, cofounder and CEO, Givingtons *
Seth Haines states it plainly around the fiftieth page of Coming Clean when he writes that words are often poor illusions when it comes to discussing the painful topics of addiction and unforgiveness. But using those poor illusions, he offers up an honest and engaging narrative. Raw and soothing by turns, this memoir is a fine creation, one that provides a plumb line for anyone who has walked away from the simple center of faith. * Jamie A. Hughes, award-winning editor and writer *
Within these pages you will encounter the heart of a man and Gods heart for him. Seths honest words invite us all to come clean before a God who is comfortable in the mess. Coming Clean offers hope not feigned but known in the dark hours of pain and doubt. This is a book of uncommon depth and beauty. * Jamin Goggin, author of Beloved Dust *
This is a book about about coming clean, yes, but also about faith and pain and how we try to medicate our fear that nobody is listening when we pray. Seths honest words about his own journey of loss and recovery and forgiveness give me hope and encourage me to keep walking. * Micah J. Murray, blogger at micahjmurray.com *
No one wants to admit they have a problem, but the truth is we all have one. Coming Clean acts as both a mirror and a map. Seth Haines beautifully pointed writing and compelling story of sobriety force us to look at the realities of our own pain, but show us the way of healing by directing us to the goodness of God. For the pastor, for the layperson, for the victim of addiction, for the person with air in their lungs, Coming Clean is required reading. Ive waited my whole life for this book, and Im giving it to everyone I know. * Nish Weiseth, author of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World *

Author Bio

Seth Haines has experienced the grace that comes from a God who lives in mystery, who works through both joy and pain. Seth's first book Coming Clean: A Story of Faith received a Christianity Today Award of Merit in the publication's 2016 book awards. Seth's poetry and prose has been featured in various publications, including In Touch Magazine, Fathom Magazine, Tweetspeak Poetry, and at SethHaines.com. He makes his home in the Ozarks with his wife, Amber Haines, and their four sons.