Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience

by Nicole Wilke, Megan Roberts (editor), Amanda Hiles Howard

As our cultural understanding of the impact of childhood trauma has deepened, it's easy to overlook the extraordinary resilience that can grow from the soil of early adversity. What Science and Scripture Say About Resilience provides a comprehensive exploration of what adversity and trauma truly mean, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of these complex experiences. This book presents a uniquely Christian perspective on resilience, seamlessly integrating substantive scientific research with biblical truth, offering a hopeful and faithful approach to overcoming adversity. With a strong emphasis on relationships, nine practical, relationship-centered strategies are offered to transform adversity into a catalyst for growth and resilience.

Through compelling stories, examples, and explanations of important research studies, this book brings the concept of resilience to life, showing rather than merely telling how it can be cultivated. Challenging the conventional view of adversity as solely negative, Overcoming reveals how challenge is a crucial ingredient for building resilience, just as resistance is essential for building physical strength. Unlike some books that prescribe complex services and programs, Overcoming emphasizes the power of relationships to buffer the negative impacts of adversity. It demonstrates how small acts of love and connection can make it easier for children to adapt and overcome hardships.

Co-authored by well-credentialed researchers and followers of Christ, Overcoming provides a unique and authoritative voice on the topic of resilience. With its unique blend of scientific rigor, biblical wisdom, and practical guidance, this book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to nurture resilience in the face of adversity.

Praise for Overcoming..."This book is like a strong yet gentle hand that holds us all by the chins and slowly lifts our eyes up to see that our past and present circumstances are not the end of the story. Both science and scripture affirm - we are resilient, and there is hope." - Jason Johnson, Director of Church Engagement and Mobilization with CAFO, foster and adoptive parent

"We all want to do the right thing, but knowledge is essential. In Overcoming, Nicole Wilke and Mandy Howard interpret the latest research on trauma in a Biblical context providing an invaluable roadmap for supporting those in our community who have experienced adversity." - Dr. Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., Founder of the International Adoption Clinic at the University of Minnesota, child welfare researcher, and adoptive father

281 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Gianna Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it for class, but the content it super helpful and makes me feel more prepared about being a parent in the future

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little book overflowing with encouragement!
Raising kids well is the most challenging job we do because the stakes are so high. It doesn't matter if they've come from hard places or experienced trauma in our family, we can easily get lost in the pain. Many voices out there confirm our feelings - "this is broken, we are broken, it'll never change!"
Thankfully, the Truth is backed by science, & in a clear and easy read for the weary parent, grandparent, or caretaker - the feelings are false. Filled with real examples of Overcomers, practical tips & resources we are reminded no matter what God has overcome and in Him we can too.

[Autumn Dauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has or works with kids! The authors obviously did some great research on how adversity affects kids and how caregivers can help them grow into resilient individuals. There was a great mixture of psychological and biblical research to back up all the points made in the book with great practical advice in the last few chapters.