Strivings Within - The OCD Christian: Overcoming Doubt in the Storm of Anxiety

by Mitzi VanCleve

Strivings Within takes the reader through the personal journey of the author as she shares her transparent account of her struggle with Anxiety Disorders. This book will resonate with those who suffer from OCD in such a way that they will feel as though Mitzi has written some of their own story. Strivings Within takes the reader from a pain-filled and confusing experience to enlightenment hope and purpose. It is very difficult for the Christian to reconcile the experience of intense anxiety to the life of faith. That can’t happen until the sufferer realizes that they have a valid but very manageable disorder. Strivings Within is a must read for the Christian who is afflicted with OCD, as well as for those who love them.

Audible Audio

First published August 21, 2013

Reviews

[Norby Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought so much clarity to things I have experienced in my own journey with OCD and anxiety. Super good and knowledgeable book to better understand OCD and anxiety works and how to overcome it. If you ever have anxiety (even if it’s not the OCD-type), this book is super relevant for you because it talks about how to address anxiety in general (as well as with OCD specifically of course).

[Rachael Mantelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all Bible-believing Christians. I would also highly encourage all pastors and other church leaders/teachers to own a copy and inform themselves on this common, but often misdiagnosed/stigmatized disorder.

[Jeanie Kenkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The details of her experience get tedious, but if you can persist, you learn a lot. The author closes with a knockout punch.

[Phillip White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say that it is rare for me to read books for pleasure, as I usually don't have much time to read. However, personally dealing with OCD, this year (summer specifically) has been very rough for me, and when I stumbled across this book, being a Christian based book, I realized I had to read it. I cannot thank the author, Mitzi VanCleve, enough for having the courage to write this book. Because of her willingness to trust God and put her struggles and accomplishments in writing, people like me are able to find hope, and comfort in knowing they are not alone. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to find comfort in a struggle, and practical steps you can take to get on the road to managing OCD instead of it managing you. Mitzi shows courage along with phenomenal realism and honesty to really relate to any Christian struggling with this disorder. If you have any desire to start managing your OCD and strengthening your walk with Christ through it, this book is a perfect start for you.

[Kari Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first third of this book details Mitzi's experience of the onset of her Anxiety Disorder/OCD. It is a look into the terrified thinking of a person who has been subjected to this debilitating illness. The last portion details methods and medications she has used to help her attain control of her mind.

As someone who has a BA in psychology, this book was incredibly fascinating. As a Christian, this book is incredibly enlightening. I highly recommend this book for anyone who holds a pastoral or guiding role in the church who may sometime meet and have to council someone with genuine Anxiety/OCD.

[Brenda Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've ever struggled with any of these feelings, this book is for you. Excellent resource...

[Maria Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelent, exceptional, wonderful book. Helped me so much... I don't feel alone anymore. It can help people striving with ocd

[Megan McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful!

This was a huge help in my walk with the Lord. Hearing Mitzi share openly encouraged me greatly in understanding my brain and how it works.