Still Standing: How to Live in God’s Light While Wrestling with the Dark―Trade Fear, Shame & Grief by Clinging to God’s Peace, Joy, and Promises―Great for a Women’s Bible Study

by Courtney Joseph Fallick

What do you do when life knocks you down? When you have to get up--day in and day out--and be strong for others while inside you're fighting deep emotional battles? When days, weeks, even months go by, and God still seems silent?

In the wake of her husband's deep betrayal and abandonment, bestselling author Courtney Joseph found herself drowning in fear, shame, and grief--and clinging to a God who seemed to have left, too. Now opening up about this dark season, she shows how to rise up after a heart-crushing struggle, cling to the promises in God's Word, and move forward stronger than before. Sharing the hard-fought lessons she learned, she helps you

· hold on to your faith when life wounds you
· stand back up--and keep standing--after being knocked down
· overcome discouragement and disillusionment
· heal your hurts and let go
· recover from loss and grief
· find enough strength, joy, rest, and peace for each day

This dark valley will end. Here is the infusion of hope you need to rise, live well, and walk with the King.

Genres: Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice is great, but if you're going through something messy, where you are feeling overwhelmed and like a failure, you may get angry at the tone of perfection the author unconsciously has. Very type A. Very accomplished. Very put together. Very not depressed. Very godly. Very financially blessed. Very supported. And if you listen to the audio version (narrated by the author), she sounds giddy through the entire thing. I threw up a little in my mouth. Otherwise, the advice is great. Especially about not allowing yourself to become bitter. And she uses lots of great Bible verses that are encouraging. So, in short, great advice, irritating tone.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney’s story is inspiring, through her story you can find courage to keep going when life is hard and messy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Standing is about overcoming challenges and crises that we all face in this life. "I remember my pastor once saying: "all of us are either: coming out of a trial, going into a trial or are about to go into a trial." Among other things, Courtney writes about her experience with an unwanted divorce.

Still Standing reminds us that God is faithful and we need to lean into Him and the truth of His Word when confronted with those challenges. Courtney walks us through different emotions we may feel and how to think through them biblically. She encourages us to keep moving forward and to reject the enemy’s lies. Her stories also remind us to speak words of truth to ourselves and others. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

Courtney offers practical suggestions and examples to incorporate these ideas into our daily lives. You can simply read the book, but if you would like to spend more time pondering the content, there is a free printable of the end of chapter reflection questions available on her website as well as videos corresponding with the four parts of the book. Either way, this book is a valuable resource in your journey to Keep walking with the King.

[Jean Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for this book where the author shares her journey with such rawness, honesty & vulnerability. I found myself crying at several points because I could relate to parts of her heartbreak, sadness & devastation. The author’s reflection questions at the end of each chapter along with her topical lists of Scripture verses throughout the book are so helpful, and I’m sure I will be picking this book up time & time again. Thank you Courtney for not only sharing your story, but for your wisdom & encouragement to others who need help in standing firm in the midst of their own journeys. Heartbreak, devastation, sadness and even despair knock our navigation tools for a loop and we sometimes lose focus & get stuck. May God’s Word forever be our guiding instrument and help us remain right side up as we pass through our valleys - whatever they may be. May God bless you and your family.

[Shonda Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Standing is an amazing book. Courtney shares glimpses of her life while walking through a difficult situation. She weaves Scripture in naturally, gives very relevant and encouraging words, speaks truth and hope and points to Jesus. Each chapter has questions and several have a list of 10 verses for when you feel scared, angry, or worried. Just to name a few. This book dives into some heart issues and real life struggles. I love the tagline which sums up this book- "How to live in God's light while wrestling with the darkness." Keep this book as a reference for when you feel tested in your faith.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to start this book and finished it the same day, it is that good. This book is partly about Courtney's testimony, but it is mostly about leaning on God in the very hard times of life. I love that she wove Scripture throughout, and that she gave practical advice on how to live in the lightness of God, even in the midst of dark times. I will be buying this book and giving it to others as gifts this year for birthdays and holidays.

[Lisa Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by Courtney's honest, vulnerable telling of her extremely painful experience. And I also greatly appreciate how she brings the reader along to such encouraging, comforting truths - without minimizing the pain - as she shares her heart-wrenching story. She offers hope and compassion based on a biblical foundation. If you've been through any trauma, but especially relational trauma, I highly recommend this book as a very helpful resource.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written book on how to trust God when life throws you unwanted and unexpected curves in your life. Courtney uses her well known relaxed conversation that she's used with other books she's written covering the books of the Bible and other enjoyable studies. She brings her own personal situation into these books. The reader will witness her Christian attitude and meet the woman that lives what she speaks through each one.

[Debby Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have experienced infidelity or any kind of loss in life, this book is an inspiration. Courtney shares her story with grace and honesty. She reminds us how to find God's truth and experience his everlasting love and guidance through the darkest times.
This book is an easy read and Courtney makes us feel like she's a friend and speaking directly to each of us.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highlighted a lot of quotes about what the enemy wants us to believe and how to fight those thoughts. I think this book will be a great comfort when I’m feeling overwhelmed and down. The droning on about the breakup of her marriage got tedious after a while, but I was mostly able to overlook it because it’s the vehicle on which she bases her fight against the enemy.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even more than I expected! A very helpful read. Courtney has written a heartfelt book that is full of solid advice that's practical and applicable no matter one's darkness they might be going through. I am leaning on Romans 12:12 and this book sure does reinforce for me that verse from Scripture. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely grateful to Jennifer Dukes Lee for drawing my name to win this! Well established Christian author gets divorced. Deep despair and doubts in the darkness. She shares how she found joy again. Great verses for various topics that I will revisit again and again.

[Amy Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Courtney Joseph since 2013 when her first book was published. I appreciated her vulnerability telling her story and I listened to the audiobook that she narrated so it felt authentic and encouraging.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Courtney for being so open and vulnerable so that your experience can encourage and help others.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for anyone going through a hard time, especially loss of relationships or dreams. Not only does she encourage the reader, she points out the perfect scriptures.