Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships

by Sarah Swafford, Andrew Swafford

Attentive to the challenges faced by young people today―online dating, social media, and more― Gift and How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships presents the insights that Andrew and Sarah Swafford (the author of Emotional A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships ) have learned about fostering authentic relationships, answering life’s deepest questions, and remaining committed to a relationship with God from more than fifteen years of ministry to college students. Beginning with stories of how God has personally transformed their own hearts and using the interactions they have had with the young adults to whom they minister, the Swaffords approach those who desire a truly meaningful life with a message of faith, hope, transformation, and joy . This valuable book presents real-life advice
To those facing universal human struggles with isolation, insecurity, and sadness, Gift and Grit inspires a deeper look at the healing, forgiveness, and transformation we desperately desire in our lives and in our relationships . With discussion questions , Gift and Grit is perfect for small groups and book clubs to grow together in faith.

Genres: Faith, Catholic

234 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2023

Reviews

[Reghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I can ever view relationships the same after reading this book and I also think I have a better perspective on these relationships as well. Loved it and will definitely read another book by these authors. 🫶🏻

[Ashlyn Gayk · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Really great book. Love it. Would definitely recommend it. And re read this book. Love this author. Would definitely read more books from them.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for an audience of young adults, because that's who the authors work with. However, I, though far beyond the young adult stage of life, still found it informational and inspirational. It makes me want my own Srodowisko.

[Mateja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that can - and will - change your life. Can't even express how thankful I am that I've read it and surely will again - many times.

[Thomas Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 5/5. Not because it revealed some deep message that had never been said before, but because it gives solid and simple ways to grow in your faith and bring those around you closer to Christ.

It covers a variety of topics including healing, where we find meaning, how we manage evangelizing to friends who don’t share the faith, relationships, remaining in the present moment, chastity, and more. It’s a perfect book for anyone who lives surrounded by societal norms that push us against what we are made for and who wants to change their life to be oriented around Christ.

The Swaffords are relatable, concise, understanding, clear, and real. They answer dozens of questions that lie stagnant in the minds of young Catholics today, holding them back from embracing the faith. They challenge the reader to live a life at the heights of virtue by giving a good place to start. This book is perfect to recommend to those who are newly on fire and want to uproot their past life and establish a new one in Him.

“Holiness means going all in with Jesus, being convicted and committed with grit and love and making a gift of yourself and your life. It is about a holy fearlessness—answering first and foremost to the Holy Spirit and not stopping at the limits of what is considered ‘acceptable’ and ‘respectable’ by our peer groups or family.”

[Monika Culjak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being several years outside of college and having fostered my own Srodowisko (community with a purpose) already, this book felt less applicable to me but gave me plenty of amo for the students I teach and those around me that I love who are coming back around to the faith on many of the challenges striving young adults have today - finding good friendships, dating, self-image, temptation, forgiveness, etc. It takes these challenges and filters it through the lense of our ultimate meaning and the (supernatural) grit we need to live it out - which we need awareness for both of!
As always, the Swafford’s always knock it out of the park when it comes to writing about dating/chastity. I also really appreciated the section on drunkenness since that’s something so many Catholics see as a nonissue.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it says I have been reading this book for a really long time, but it truly was a great book, it’s just a deep read. I learned a lot of valuable lessons about relationships rooted in faith and how to actively live out my own personal faith. It put into perspective a lot of things I have either been worried about or just thinking about. It is a great book for learning how to navigate romantic relationships, friends, forgiveness, the deeper meaning of God’s will for us, and deep wounds with the foundation of God in the Sacraments. Recommend!!

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring guide

Gift and Grit is an inspiring guide for living a life filled with meaning. Authors Andrew and Sarah Swafford detail how the road to virtue is also a path to joy and true fulfillment. While especially attuned to the needs of young people, this work can appeal to readers of all ages who are searching for deep relationships with others and a stronger commitment to God.

[Cali Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me think and taught me some general but valuable lessons. I think its a very good book for people my age (young adults) and i think everyone in between high school and college would benefit from reading it.

[Jacob Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book that goes in depth on virtuous friendships and relationships. You get both perspectives from the authors, as well as personal experiences in their life. It also talks about prayer and our relationship to God.

[Alex Hubley]

Good book for college students and young adults who are trying to live their faith and have good relationships with others

[Beautiful Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would definitely recommend for older teens and college students!

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just not a huge fan of faith-based self-help books but it was alright!

[Joaquin Ama · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book for young catholics who are starting to build relationships