TRUST: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times

by Donna Strong

Living in a Christian home, I was always taught by my parents to TRUST God! They not only taught me this principle; they lived it before me by their actions, even in times of great distress.

At only 20 years old, our family experienced a situation that very much challenged us on this
Did we truly believe what we'd been saying?
Did we fully trust that God would be there for us in a time when others weren't?
Did we know that, somehow, this situation would be resolved?
Did we decide to totally abandon our faith?
Did we rise to the occasion and come out on the other side?
Did this situation teach me that life isn't always fair?

Beginning with the day of my birth, I share stories of my growing-up years and how I learned through undesired circumstances to TRUST God when life seemed impossible, even in my marriage and child-rearing years. This book doesn't sugar coat the challenges we faced. It's real; honest; and reminds each of us that we CAN make it when we put our faith and trust in God!

248 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2025

About the author

Donna Strong grew up in Dayton, Ohio with her parents and sister. They were a Christian family who loved the Lord dearly. Even though the family's faith was strong, they encountered extremely difficult times and were required to make major life decisions. She learned that even “church people” can be some of the most hurtful to others, even disassociating themselves when they should be uplifting and praying for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Most definitely, trusting GOD (rather than man), is the only option that truly exists.

After Donna married, she and her husband also dealt with unexpected circumstances in their marriage that also dictated trust in God for their family. Once again, with an extremely strong belief in God and knowing that HE is the only one to trust in trying times, they were able to resolve themselves to giving their situations to God.

She was once asked if she would have preferred not experiencing these trials. Humanly, yes; spiritually, no. As horrible as these situations were, they truly shaped her into the person she is today.

Reviews

[Mail Fredrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What immediately stood out to me about this book was the sincerity behind it. A lot of faith-based memoirs talk about perseverance in broad terms, but this one feels much more personal and emotionally honest. The idea of wrestling with whether to trust God or walk away from faith entirely gives the story a level of vulnerability that makes it feel genuine rather than overly polished.

I also appreciated that the description focuses on real struggle instead of presenting faith as something effortless. The themes of testing, emotional exhaustion, hope, and spiritual endurance make the book sound relatable for readers who have gone through difficult seasons and questioned their own strength or beliefs.

The reason I settled on 4 stars instead of 5 honestly comes down more to the presentation than the message itself. After reading the description, the book feels much more raw, heartfelt, and emotionally impactful than what I initially expected. It has themes of struggle, surrender, faith, and emotional resilience, but I’m not sure the current visual presentation fully communicates that emotional depth to potential readers browsing online.

I almost assumed it would be another standard inspirational testimony book before reading further, which would’ve been unfortunate because the actual heart of the story feels much more personal and relatable than that first impression suggests.

I genuinely think a stronger cover direction could help the book connect more immediately with readers searching for honest faith-centered encouragement during difficult seasons of life.

Definitely a meaningful and emotionally grounded faith journey.

[Altus Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What impacted me most about this book was how emotionally transparent it felt. A lot of books centered around faith and perseverance can sometimes feel distant or overly refined, but this one carries a level of honesty that makes the journey feel real. The internal struggle between holding onto faith and wanting to walk away entirely added a depth that made the story much more relatable and human.

I appreciated that the book doesn’t try to simplify pain or spiritual struggle. Instead, it leans into themes of exhaustion, doubt, endurance, and hope in a way that many readers who have faced difficult seasons in life will probably connect with deeply.

The reason I landed at 4 stars instead of 5 has less to do with the writing itself and more with the book’s visual presentation. After reading the description and understanding the emotional weight behind the story, I realized the content is far more heartfelt and powerful than the cover initially suggested to me.

At first glance, I honestly assumed it would be a more conventional inspirational testimony, and I almost overlooked it because of that. But once I read further, it became clear there’s much more emotional vulnerability and authenticity here than the current presentation communicates.

I really believe the book could benefit from a cover that better reflects the emotional struggle, resilience, and sincerity found within its pages. The message itself is meaningful and grounded it just deserves a presentation that immediately conveys that same emotional depth to potential readers.

[Johnny Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful and uplifting testimony about holding on to faith when life becomes overwhelming. Through sincere and reflective storytelling, the author opens up about personal struggles and the difficult moments that tested her beliefs. What makes this book meaningful is the way it reminds readers that faith is not just for easy times, it is most important during seasons of uncertainty and hardship. Donna Strong’s message encourages readers to remain steadfast, trust God fully, and believe that even the toughest experiences can lead to spiritual growth and renewed hope. This is a comforting and inspiring read for anyone seeking encouragement in their faith journey.

[Evelyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book carries a strong message: even in your lowest moments, faith can carry you through. TRUST: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times is filled with honest reflections that feel personal and genuine. Donna Strong doesn’t pretend life is perfect, she shows the hard parts and how trusting God made the difference. It’s encouraging, refreshing, and definitely worth reading if you need a boost in your faith.

[Emily More · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRUST: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times by Donna Strong is one of those books that really speaks to you when life gets tough. It’s not just theory, it’s real experiences, real struggles, and real faith in action. What stood out to me is how the author shows that trusting God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. If you’ve ever felt tested or uncertain, this book will remind you that you’re not alone.

[Liyah O · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRUST: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times is a heartfelt Christian memoir about faith during difficult moments in life. Donna Strong shares her personal journey of facing challenges and choosing to trust God instead of abandoning her faith. The story is honest, emotional, and inspiring, encouraging readers to remain hopeful and strengthen their trust in God during stressful times.

[Amelia Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something uplifting and meaningful, this book delivers. TRUST: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times is a reminder that even during stressful seasons, there’s purpose and growth. The author shares her journey in a way that feels real and relatable, making it easy to reflect on your own life. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking, and believing, stronger than before.