Busting Barriers: Overcome Emptiness and Unleash Fruitful Living

by Gladys Childs

Whispering aches, a cavern craving meaning and purpose within you. There are barriers you can't seem to move past. But you have the power to overcome them.

It's time to shatter the barriers holding you back and boldly step into the abundant life God designed for you. "Busting Overcome Emptiness & Unleash Fruitful Living" is not just another self-help book; it's a transformative journey towards a deeper connection with God and a life filled with lasting joy.

This 40-day devotional, the first of a three-part series, is a guide to breaking through psychological barriers that keep us from living out the fruits of the Spirit. With scripture, practical application, self-affirmation statements, reflection, and guided journaling, you'll be equipped to overcome the obstacles to achieving fruitful living and relationships.

Don't settle for a life of emptiness and unfulfillment. Embrace self-care, spiritual transformation, and the fullness of God's blessings. It’s time to start Busting Barriers and unleash fruitful living.“Message to relatable message, Gladys will walk with you into freedom from what’s holding you back from staying in step with the spirit. I just know these words will bless your heart like they have mine.” –Keri Eichberger, Author of Win Over Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes “Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Gladys Childs offers a heartfelt and practical guide….showing us that true connection requires patience, sacrifice, and a willingness to navigate the uncomfortable.” – Rev. Dr. Kory Knott, Senior Pastor, Custer Road United Methodist Church

Genres: Devotional

257 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

As the 'Truth Doctor,' Gladys meets people where faith and life collide—offering clarity, hope, and practical wisdom. Author, speaker, and TV host of Bare Faith, she steps into the mess where faith feels fragile and pain runs deep, helping others find unshakable faith and lasting freedom.” Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook.

Reviews

[DONNA MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this devotional is laid out. The author divided the book into 9 chapters, one chapter for each fruit of the Spirit ... Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Each one of these chapters gives us a brief definition of the fruit along with a popular myth surrounding that particular fruit. Love how the author did this ...

You will find five devotionals within each of these fruit of the spirit categories/chapters. Ms Childs helps us to bust through the barriers we (and most people) may have about each one of these fruits. You will find prayer, practical application, personal affirmation, reflection pages and calls to action to help us connect to God.

I highly recommend this book. Would make a GREAT stocking stuffer.
Thank you Gladys ...

[Deborah Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time to bust any myths or barriers that are keeping you from a fruitful living now!

I was excited to jump into this book as I know how vital the fruit of the Spirit is, but at times, I feel stuck and wonder, is it just me? But as I read the devotional "Busting Barriers," I learned I wasn't alone. Glady's fresh devotional on the fruit of the Spirit helped me identify and address myths and barriers holding me back from fruitful living. I love that she is with me in the trenches, teaching me to break these barriers. Praise God!

[Christa Spaeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glady's new devotional is a must-read, perfect for a diverse audience with practical and meaningful insights into the fruits of the spirit. Each daily devotional is enriched by Glady's personal and relatable stories at the beginning of every section. The JOY section, a personal favorite, beautifully highlights the daily choice to embrace joy, a notable quote from this section, "Every day is a gift from God, an opportunity to experience His love and grace."

What sets this devotional apart is its thoughtful design, featuring a special section at the end of each devotional that offers readers three practical applications or a personal affirmation. This intentional inclusion provides a tangible and interactive dimension to the day. This section encouraged me to a deeper exploration of each fruit of the spirit. Glady's devotional not only offers profound reflections but also equips readers with practical tools for personal growth, making it a perfect resource to have on your nightstand.

[Lisa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Busting Barriers: Overcome Emptiness and Unleash Fruitful Living and looked at the table of contents, it felt like this book was written just for me! Dr. Childs writes in a way that is personable and relatable – her words offer encouragement and motivation to live by the fruits of the Spirit and to grow closer to God through daily readings. The devotions surrounding each of the fruits of the Spirit are short and manageable even if you are rushed – you can still fit these in. The chapter on peace really spoke to me, in particular busting the barriers of busyness, boundary setting and procrastination. What I found especially helpful are the practical applications at the end of each devotion – they are not lofty, unattainable tasks - they are steps that can be easily incorporated into your day and are easy to turn into regular habits, stacking with other daily applications. I am so thankful that I chose this book and recommend you do the same – you will not be disappointed!

[Eve Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Busting Barriers* is a wonderful book that helps you break through the obstacles the enemy uses to hold you back.

Gladys shares practical steps to help you identify the barriers the reader struggles with while encouraging breakthrough with personal stories, scripture and practical application.

I personally enjoyed the personal affirmations that are perfect to utilize for personal introspection.

She includes a place for reflection and a prayer that makes the reader feel as if she is sitting next to you encouraging you on your journey.

My favorite chapter was on peace and busting the barrier of worry, which the enemy has used to try to hold me back. Her visual reflection of imagining prayer as a heart-to-heart chat with the Creator gives the reader great hope when they are facing a challenge where they have no control.

I highly recommend this devotional *Busting Barriers: Overcome Emptiness and Unleash Fruitful Living.*

[Lori Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love about this book!

Though it was difficult to choose, my favorite section, the one that hit closest to home w me, was Patience—something I have struggled with all my life. I find that impatience is an older sibling of control. This book helped me see that once we let go of our expectations, control lessens, and patience becomes easier.

From this section, Busting the Barrier of the Unexpected:
“Like an artist creating a masterpiece, our lives are crafted into something beautiful, even through unexpected brushstrokes.”

(Bonus! The author generously gives readers an opportunity to join her F.R.E.E. to Thrive Community at no additional cost for extra support in living out the fruits of the Spirit in everyday life.)

[Adaora O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Treasure Trove For The Thirsty Soul

In a world that is growing louder with every passing day, Bursting Barriers is a treasure trove, an oasis bound in a book cover. It is filled with real life examples that will resonate with anyone looking for meaning, encouragement or validation. And the good part is, it unravels new insights each time you read it.

I highly recommend this as a gift for any season... you never know when someone needs that pat on the shoulder, that gentle nod of encouragement, that small smile of recognition.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busting Barriers is the first devotional book I have read to have an interactive study guide with which I can choose areas I need to work on and apply to my life. In the chapter on Joy I love that Dr. Childs encourages the reader to spend time in nature to embrace God’s presence… but also to not abandon Christian friends and the blessings that shared experiences bring. I am so excited to recommend this devotional and to spend more time growing spiritually as I read again and study the pages.

[Naomi Fata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busting Barriers is a unique and insightful approach to the fruit of the spirit. Each day of this devotional is thought provoking. For example recognizing that time management is an aspect of love. We have to purposefully take the time to prioritize those that we love and to make time for them. A favorite quote is “love isn’t just an emotion, it's an action, choice and commitment.

[Susan Mellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is perfect for anyone just learning about the fruits of the spirit or anyone needing a reminder.

Dr. Childs shares personal experiences which I enjoyed, making her relatable. Not only is this devotional easy to understand, she offers practical applications for the reader to incorporate into their own life.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Child’s’ stories were relate able. My favorite is the practical application and personal affirmation sections through each Fruit of the Spirit. So often we read books that don’t help us apply what we learned. Great read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short chapters are packed with wisdom. Gladys writes with wit and wry humor, which makes these devotions interesting and relatable. Lots of gems to ponder from this great first book by Gladys - I can't wait to read more!

[Michele Vrabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the significance of the 40 days and how the devotional is laid out by fruits of the spirit. You can go as deep as you want and come back to it again and again.

[Nancy Lavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this devotional. It’s well written and approachable and full of so much practical application. Highly recommend

[Theresa M. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busting Barriers is beautifully crafted to address each fruit of the spirit from a biblical standpoint,as well as from the author’s personal experience. It then addresses several barriers to each fruit of the spirit as individual devotions. Included are practical applications, affirmations, and space for reflection. This is a thorough devotional on the fruits of the Spirit. I recommend it for anyone wanting to break through barriers and grow in their faith.

[Rebecca Engebretson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes a perfect stocking stuffed for a friend or family member that needs to hit the pause button during this busy season. Across nine insightful chapters, the author breaks down the fruit of the spirit, weaving in real life, relatable stories from their own experiences. I found the writing vulnerable, making the practical application section at the end of each chapter particularly meaningful.

[Sharee Gaiser]

It's not often you pick up a book that speaks straight to your soul and encourages you in your faith journey. Busting Barriers, by Gladys Childs, is one such book. We can be blind to the things that stop us in our tracks or slow the growth of the fruit God wants to grow in our lives. Truth be told, it's easy to become stagnant and feel like life is passing us by. God desires that we would flourish and live fruitful lives. Busting Barriers will help!

God spoke to me in the section about LOVE. There is someone in my life I am struggling to love. I kept thinking it was all the other person's fault until I read the devotional "Busting Barriers." I realized it was ME who put up the barriers to love. The barrier was stopping me from loving them as someone made in the image of Christ, and the barrier was preventing their love from reaching me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your loving conviction!

With a focus on the fruits of the Spirit, each devotional contains prayer, practical application, personal affirmation, and space for reflection. This is a book to make your own through journalling and Bible study.