The Ability to Endure

by Michael Chitwood

Genres: Nonfiction

265 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about what lies on the other side of fear. It's written by the founder of Team World Vision, a man who's compelled to help people in Africa get clean, sustainable water. As he's started a movement of runners raising millions of dollars, he's lived through the worst kind of suffering imaginable. Michael Chitwood is a marathoner, a fundraiser, a man of faith and a picture of endurance. A great book.

[Jordan Cuellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It’s incredible and everyone should read it. It’s a book about loss and pain and perseverance and fear and faith and where all those intersect in life. Please do yourself a favor and read this book.

“It’s confounding how our hearts can hold so much sorrow and so much joy at the same time.”

[Melanie Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

How had I never heard of this book before? Absolutely amazing! I’m giving this book to every member of my family and can’t wait for my middle schooler to read this too. Incredible!

[Amandanoel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars but I am prime audience for this book. It is written in a very simple manner- extremely short chapters, straightforward writing, but it is very powerful to read about the journey of the man who started the “team world vision” subdivision of world vision. It was extra touching that I found my way to team world vision the year my word of the year was Endure. Left me with lots to think about, a lot of inspiration, and a great big Yes to change running my journey with Team World Vision

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the midst of training for the 40th anniversary Chicago marathon run and fundraising with Team World Vision, I'm so grateful I chose to read this book (a recommendation from and lent to me by a good friend). It is highly inspirational and beneficial for endurance of all types -- which we ALL face in different ways in life. Michael Chitwood does a wonderful job of relating the experience of endurance running to the endurance needed in life, especially around areas of grief and loss. I strongly recommend this book to anyone -- runner or otherwise.

I'm also extremely grateful that I chose to run the marathon for such an awesome charity organization as World Vision. This book solidified my excitement to run with them!

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaned to me by a friend, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this, her favorite book. The fellow on the cover didn’t seem like much.

Moving past that, this book is a heartbreaking and inspiring story of faith, compassion, and the strength to keep moving forward. Always forward. I don’t run, not anymore, but the drive to put one foot in front of the other, the need to push past the fear, is one we all can share.

A tremendous work of character and heart. An easy read. An honest work of faith. Highly recommended.

[Abhisha Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired to do more from page 1. Thank YOU Michael for sharing what you endured & showing the rest of us that we can endure the challenges too.

[Shannon Tulian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! I absolutely loved it and finished the book in tears. I immediately turned to my husband and told him he has to read this.

[Jennifer Stevensen-Waldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great story. As a runner for Team World Vision, this inspires me even more to keep doing what I am doing.

[Kimberly Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a great personal life story. However, I just feel really sad right now.

[Jaclin McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael is my son’s football coach. He’s a great human. This book is a quick and thoughtful read!

[Adriane Devries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running became prayer for Michael Chitwood. Hours on the road alone with God helped him to grieve several devastating personal losses, and he learned that pain is the best, though certainly least appreciated, training ground for a life of relentless compassion. His journey led him to begin Team World Vision, a movement that emboldens average, non-running-type folks to participate in marathons in order to alleviate suffering in countries like Africa. He insists that God will not necessarily make your life—or 26 miles—easy, but He can give you what is needed to endure, most likely right on the other side of fear. Michael lives what he preaches, encouraging us to let God transform our pain into something beautiful.

“Some people say, ‘How can God let people starve to death or let children die because they don’t have safe water to drink?....God could ask us the same question…He has trusted us with all the resources to meet these needs…By global standards, we are the rich people.’”

[Pamela Milleville-Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not had all of the heartaches that Michael had, but I have had some. His insight, thoughts, inspirations and sometimes raw truth rang true. Going through heartache, loss and bereavement can be crippling. It can make me question God, but it can also make me self-centered if I allow it to remain. I don't ask to get through or to get over it, but I am given opportunities to look up for just a moment and look at someone else and see if there isn't something I can do and like Michael, I have found therapy on the road. I have found unexpected healing through giving to others and I have found God indeed meets my needs and carries me through when I didn't know it. Michael's book is real and spot on!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to run my marathon for Team World Vision! So many great thoughts about faith, moving past fear, and especially using your gifts to give back to those on our Earth who need it the most. Amazing.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! This book is full or wonderful stories, beautiful imagery, and meaningful life lessons. Michael is a gifted story teller. Read this book and you'll want to make a difference in the world!!!

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging! Powerful! Emotional! An awesome story of continuing on through challenges and the heartaches of life.