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Becoming Resilient: How to Move through Suffering and Come Back Stronger
Everyone suffers disappointment, rejection, injustices, and losses, perhaps even traumatic ones. The spiritual pain born of such suffering can paralyze us, leaving us broken inside and barely getting by with the motions of life. Whether we remain stuck or move forward is determined in large part by our resilience.
Concise and compassionate, Becoming Resilient takes our most common question when tragedy strikes-- Why? --and replaces it with the healthier, more productive question, What next? A professional Christian counselor for 20 years, author Donna Gibbs draws on her experience helping clients get unstuck, sharing secrets for building resilience that will change readers' experience of suffering. She offers practical tools and effective coping strategies to deal with whatever life throws their way so they can move through suffering--and come out stronger on the other side.
Concise and compassionate, Becoming Resilient takes our most common question when tragedy strikes-- Why? --and replaces it with the healthier, more productive question, What next? A professional Christian counselor for 20 years, author Donna Gibbs draws on her experience helping clients get unstuck, sharing secrets for building resilience that will change readers' experience of suffering. She offers practical tools and effective coping strategies to deal with whatever life throws their way so they can move through suffering--and come out stronger on the other side.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2017
44 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Donna Gibbs
3 books6 followersDonna graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993 with a BA in Psychology. She has post-graduate training in the specialization of School Psychology and an MS in Community Counseling which she earned in 1997 from Western Carolina University. She earned a Ph. D. in Christian Counseling and Psychology from Louisiana Baptist University in 2007. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor. She is on the professional referral networks for Focus on the Family and Crisis Care Network. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and on the professional blogging team for the AACC.
Donna has been in practice at Mud Creek Baptist Church since 1998. She directs A Clear Word Counseling Center, along with marriage and support ministries for Mud Creek Baptist Church. She frequently enjoys speaking and training engagements. Prior to full-time practice at Mud Creek, she served in various Community Mental Health Agencies as a Child and Family Therapist and school consultant. She co-authored Water From the Rock, a resource for those who are struggling with the grief of infertility, which was published by Moody Press in 2002. Donna is also author of Kiss & Tell: Truths that will Transform your Marriage, published in 2009, and Sacred Secrets to Healthy Relationships: Mary, How Did You Do It?, published in 2010. Becoming Resilient will be released by Baker Publishing in 2017. And, another writing project is expected to be released in 2018. Donna has been married to her husband, Mark, for 21 years, with four active and fun-loving boys.
Donna has been in practice at Mud Creek Baptist Church since 1998. She directs A Clear Word Counseling Center, along with marriage and support ministries for Mud Creek Baptist Church. She frequently enjoys speaking and training engagements. Prior to full-time practice at Mud Creek, she served in various Community Mental Health Agencies as a Child and Family Therapist and school consultant. She co-authored Water From the Rock, a resource for those who are struggling with the grief of infertility, which was published by Moody Press in 2002. Donna is also author of Kiss & Tell: Truths that will Transform your Marriage, published in 2009, and Sacred Secrets to Healthy Relationships: Mary, How Did You Do It?, published in 2010. Becoming Resilient will be released by Baker Publishing in 2017. And, another writing project is expected to be released in 2018. Donna has been married to her husband, Mark, for 21 years, with four active and fun-loving boys.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2019
3.5 almost 4 stars. Good book. Let's dive into the notes:
"Unmet expectations are often a result of unrealistic expectations."
"Even destructive coping still helps us cope."
"An addiction is anything we attach ourselves to in an attempt to disconnect from pain or suffering."
Ephesians chapter 4 verse 26 talks about how anger isn't a sin in fact anger is the most productive emotion we feel. We shouldn't let anger lead to send by allowing it to control us but then there's the argument can you have her have anger and not let it control you or act out in anger and not let it control you what about happiness you can act out and happiness is that controlling you? I must have been using voice-to-text because I don't understand this one.
"Anger is the perfect fuel for our resilience it can lead us out of our oppression God created us with the capacity to feel anger."
"Those who bounce back from Life's hurts most effectively are typically those who are willing to share their struggle with someone they trust."
"Even wonderful blessings in life can be disastrous to us if we over identify with them or depend on them for our sense of security and significance. This is the most important take away I think.the same works with pain and suffering do they define you or do you define those things?"
"Unmet expectations are often a result of unrealistic expectations."
"Even destructive coping still helps us cope."
"An addiction is anything we attach ourselves to in an attempt to disconnect from pain or suffering."
Ephesians chapter 4 verse 26 talks about how anger isn't a sin in fact anger is the most productive emotion we feel. We shouldn't let anger lead to send by allowing it to control us but then there's the argument can you have her have anger and not let it control you or act out in anger and not let it control you what about happiness you can act out and happiness is that controlling you? I must have been using voice-to-text because I don't understand this one.
"Anger is the perfect fuel for our resilience it can lead us out of our oppression God created us with the capacity to feel anger."
"Those who bounce back from Life's hurts most effectively are typically those who are willing to share their struggle with someone they trust."
"Even wonderful blessings in life can be disastrous to us if we over identify with them or depend on them for our sense of security and significance. This is the most important take away I think.the same works with pain and suffering do they define you or do you define those things?"
September 21, 2017
As a professional Christian counselor, Gibbs has seen the deep pain suffered because of tragedy. She offers her practical thoughts on how to make it through that pain. This book contains a wealth of information and good suggestions.
Many have tried to explain why a good God allows suffering. I like what Gibbs concludes. “I have come to the conclusion that God allows some suffering in our lives to expose the fullness of His character – His love and mercy, His compassion and concern, His forgiveness and redemption, His grace.” (Loc 111/2666) That really makes sense to me. We could not know those aspects of God without suffering.
I like Gibbs' suggestion that we move beyond the “why.” Getting stuck there is fruitless. She helps us see the causes of suffering and its various kinds. She reminds us that Scripture tells us suffering will be part of our Christian life. We need practical help in experiencing the suffering, coming through it well.
She helps us identify the kind of behavior that gets us stuck in coping. I appreciated her identifying behavior that is a normal reaction to abnormal events but when we stay in that behavior, it turns into a psychological dysfunctional state creating further suffering. She has good information and suggestions for developing the right coping skills.
She includes many illustrations of people who have made it through suffering and came out well on the other side. She also includes biblical illustrations and some of her own experience of suffering. The stories are positive examples of people who allowed their suffering to be used for a greater purpose.
Gibbs assigns homework to her patients and she does the same in this book. She also includes application questions. She suggests we discuss these questions with a trusted friend.
I highly recommend this book to those who are suffering and are ready to allow God to use it for good. You'll read many encouraging stories and be offered practical suggestions to help you get unstuck and get through to living with resilience. Gibbs is clear that this will take work. This book will inspire you and help you on your path.
Food for thought: “If you want resilience, giving up is simply not an option.” (Loc 2089/2666)
More food for thought: “Remember, God ultimately provides our resilience. We simply cooperate.” (Loc 2289/2666)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Many have tried to explain why a good God allows suffering. I like what Gibbs concludes. “I have come to the conclusion that God allows some suffering in our lives to expose the fullness of His character – His love and mercy, His compassion and concern, His forgiveness and redemption, His grace.” (Loc 111/2666) That really makes sense to me. We could not know those aspects of God without suffering.
I like Gibbs' suggestion that we move beyond the “why.” Getting stuck there is fruitless. She helps us see the causes of suffering and its various kinds. She reminds us that Scripture tells us suffering will be part of our Christian life. We need practical help in experiencing the suffering, coming through it well.
She helps us identify the kind of behavior that gets us stuck in coping. I appreciated her identifying behavior that is a normal reaction to abnormal events but when we stay in that behavior, it turns into a psychological dysfunctional state creating further suffering. She has good information and suggestions for developing the right coping skills.
She includes many illustrations of people who have made it through suffering and came out well on the other side. She also includes biblical illustrations and some of her own experience of suffering. The stories are positive examples of people who allowed their suffering to be used for a greater purpose.
Gibbs assigns homework to her patients and she does the same in this book. She also includes application questions. She suggests we discuss these questions with a trusted friend.
I highly recommend this book to those who are suffering and are ready to allow God to use it for good. You'll read many encouraging stories and be offered practical suggestions to help you get unstuck and get through to living with resilience. Gibbs is clear that this will take work. This book will inspire you and help you on your path.
Food for thought: “If you want resilience, giving up is simply not an option.” (Loc 2089/2666)
More food for thought: “Remember, God ultimately provides our resilience. We simply cooperate.” (Loc 2289/2666)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 23, 2017
There are many books on suffering and it is hard to set yourself apart as an author when you are addressing this topic. One thing is certain: suffering will come to absolutely every one of us. There is no escaping it.
To be honest, seeing that the forward was written by Gary Chapman made me want to read it. I respect him as an author, so I knew that he would only put his name on the best books.
In my opinion, Donna Gibbs did an excellent job setting herself apart from the other authors who have addressed this topic. I loved the real-life examples. It made the book so personable to me. I'm not currently in a season of suffering, but have come out of a year of intense suffering. It was wonderful to read the stories and I could see which person I most identified with.
Chapters 2 and 3 were great chapters that no a lot of people address. We say it's okay to grieve, but there are many who get stuck in grieving. When we don't understand the "why" and so desperately want to know, we become stuck. Especially when it's all we can think about. She gave some wonderful examples of people who have become stuck through this exact reason.
My favorite part was Part 2 of the book. It addressed the issue of getting unstuck and building reilience. She spends six chapters addressing the ways that you can best learn to move on. Chapter 4 is how we need to acknowledge our suffering. In it, she tells a heartwrenching story of a woman who had an abortion and she absolutely could not get past it. It carried with her for years until she acknowledged the pain that her family had forced her into.
Chapter 5 is that we need to tell the whole story. Her example was from a man whose wife had committed suicide. I loved how she said we don't often want to talk ill of someone who has died, but in some cases, it's needed so we can tell the whole story. She tells the story of Scott who had faced suffering twice in his life in such an intense way. He loses his daughter in such a horrible way, yet he doesn't become stuck in his grief because of his faith. He chose to still sing praises to God in the midst of his "Red Sea" moments.
Chapter 6 is considering a different angle. She shares about her Honduran friend taught her that we needed to redefine suffering. So often, we just need another perspective in our suffering and pain.
Chapter 7 is balancing emotional boundaries. This chapter threw me for a loop because I thought she was going to discuss about setting up boundaries with others. However, she talks about the destructive thoughts in her mind. How do we describe ourselves vs. how God describes us. These are often two totally different viewpoints and we tend to believe most how we describe ourselves.
Chapter 8 addresses how to maintain healthy relationships. Oftentimes, suffering gives us tunnel vision and all we can see is ourselves and the pain. She reminds her readers that we need the church and we need each other. So don't shy away from those you need. Embrace them and search them out.
Chapter 9 is on practicing self-care. You have to stay well during your suffering, even if your heart is broken. It's so easy to forget about ourselves, but we must remember to sleep, eat, laugh, exercise, journal, obsess about Jesus, and all of those other things that help us heal.
Part 3 is about turning our healing into thriving. Suffering is a terrible part of life. But if we remain stuck in that, we will never thrive. It's impossible. We must learn to thrive and see the big picture through God's eyes, not our finite eyes.
This book on suffering is one that is definitely encouraging. She doesn't make light of suffering and yet, you still come away feeling like you've just sat on the couch and talked to your counselor or your best friend. If you or someone you know is suffering, give them this book to read. They will know when they're ready to read it for themselves.
__________
I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
To be honest, seeing that the forward was written by Gary Chapman made me want to read it. I respect him as an author, so I knew that he would only put his name on the best books.
In my opinion, Donna Gibbs did an excellent job setting herself apart from the other authors who have addressed this topic. I loved the real-life examples. It made the book so personable to me. I'm not currently in a season of suffering, but have come out of a year of intense suffering. It was wonderful to read the stories and I could see which person I most identified with.
Chapters 2 and 3 were great chapters that no a lot of people address. We say it's okay to grieve, but there are many who get stuck in grieving. When we don't understand the "why" and so desperately want to know, we become stuck. Especially when it's all we can think about. She gave some wonderful examples of people who have become stuck through this exact reason.
My favorite part was Part 2 of the book. It addressed the issue of getting unstuck and building reilience. She spends six chapters addressing the ways that you can best learn to move on. Chapter 4 is how we need to acknowledge our suffering. In it, she tells a heartwrenching story of a woman who had an abortion and she absolutely could not get past it. It carried with her for years until she acknowledged the pain that her family had forced her into.
Chapter 5 is that we need to tell the whole story. Her example was from a man whose wife had committed suicide. I loved how she said we don't often want to talk ill of someone who has died, but in some cases, it's needed so we can tell the whole story. She tells the story of Scott who had faced suffering twice in his life in such an intense way. He loses his daughter in such a horrible way, yet he doesn't become stuck in his grief because of his faith. He chose to still sing praises to God in the midst of his "Red Sea" moments.
Chapter 6 is considering a different angle. She shares about her Honduran friend taught her that we needed to redefine suffering. So often, we just need another perspective in our suffering and pain.
Chapter 7 is balancing emotional boundaries. This chapter threw me for a loop because I thought she was going to discuss about setting up boundaries with others. However, she talks about the destructive thoughts in her mind. How do we describe ourselves vs. how God describes us. These are often two totally different viewpoints and we tend to believe most how we describe ourselves.
Chapter 8 addresses how to maintain healthy relationships. Oftentimes, suffering gives us tunnel vision and all we can see is ourselves and the pain. She reminds her readers that we need the church and we need each other. So don't shy away from those you need. Embrace them and search them out.
Chapter 9 is on practicing self-care. You have to stay well during your suffering, even if your heart is broken. It's so easy to forget about ourselves, but we must remember to sleep, eat, laugh, exercise, journal, obsess about Jesus, and all of those other things that help us heal.
Part 3 is about turning our healing into thriving. Suffering is a terrible part of life. But if we remain stuck in that, we will never thrive. It's impossible. We must learn to thrive and see the big picture through God's eyes, not our finite eyes.
This book on suffering is one that is definitely encouraging. She doesn't make light of suffering and yet, you still come away feeling like you've just sat on the couch and talked to your counselor or your best friend. If you or someone you know is suffering, give them this book to read. They will know when they're ready to read it for themselves.
__________
I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
October 12, 2017
For most of my life I have struggled with bipolar depression. I have taken numerous medicines to help overcome the struggles I face, both in the manic side as well as depression side. While through all of this I have been and felt suicidal, at least three times in my life, I have marched on. These days, at the age of forty-four, I still struggle, but due to my walk with Christ, things are a great deal easier. Why? Jesus tells us, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27, New American Standard).
When I say this I don't mean to say I'm doing it through my own strength. It's never been my strength. We all have a need for a support system, whether it's our immediate family--brothers, sisters, parents--or even the family we have with our spouses and children. Relationships are the glue which hold us together. I say all of that to say this, Donna Gibbs has tremendous insight as to how to become resilient. She shows, in her book, how to go from suffering to getting unstuck, to thriving even when you do suffer.
Again, Jesus tells us, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, Berean Study). Overcoming this life, the struggles we go through, the pain and suffering we have isn't simply something we go through on our own. Jesus has been there. Donna shows and reminds us, in her way, that Jesus was just as resilient as we can be. If anything, Jesus is the model of how we can stay and remain resilient. We all need help, so we ought to let God do His part, while we do ours: lean on one in another when we need to grieve (see Galatians 6:2).
I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
When I say this I don't mean to say I'm doing it through my own strength. It's never been my strength. We all have a need for a support system, whether it's our immediate family--brothers, sisters, parents--or even the family we have with our spouses and children. Relationships are the glue which hold us together. I say all of that to say this, Donna Gibbs has tremendous insight as to how to become resilient. She shows, in her book, how to go from suffering to getting unstuck, to thriving even when you do suffer.
Again, Jesus tells us, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, Berean Study). Overcoming this life, the struggles we go through, the pain and suffering we have isn't simply something we go through on our own. Jesus has been there. Donna shows and reminds us, in her way, that Jesus was just as resilient as we can be. If anything, Jesus is the model of how we can stay and remain resilient. We all need help, so we ought to let God do His part, while we do ours: lean on one in another when we need to grieve (see Galatians 6:2).
I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
September 18, 2017
I am not sure we can ever fully comprehend when difficult circumstances enter our lives, nor find the all the answers we seek, but we can find a way to respond in a healthy manner so that difficulties do not consume us.
Becoming Resilient by author, Donna Gibbs, seeks to help us find our way to a healthy response so that we are able to move through our suffering and become even stronger because we have endured.
The author offers practical and wise help to propel us forward to live with greater purpose rather than being stuck in the past. We will never be able to avoid suffering. We need to learn how to respond in a godly way so that we endure and become productive in spite of our pain and not immobilized by it.
Each chapter felt like a counseling session as her manner is compassionate, gentle, and easy. There are homework questions at the end of each chapter designed to move us forward, bringing progress to our journey, and to victory. There are also victory verses, suggested to memorize, at the close of each chapter.
Our pain need not be the end of our story. We can continue on without regret, destruction, and unhealthy patterns to a future that is lived well.
The book was an encouraging read not only for those days that I may need to endure but as a resource to encourage others in my life.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell/ a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
Becoming Resilient by author, Donna Gibbs, seeks to help us find our way to a healthy response so that we are able to move through our suffering and become even stronger because we have endured.
The author offers practical and wise help to propel us forward to live with greater purpose rather than being stuck in the past. We will never be able to avoid suffering. We need to learn how to respond in a godly way so that we endure and become productive in spite of our pain and not immobilized by it.
Each chapter felt like a counseling session as her manner is compassionate, gentle, and easy. There are homework questions at the end of each chapter designed to move us forward, bringing progress to our journey, and to victory. There are also victory verses, suggested to memorize, at the close of each chapter.
Our pain need not be the end of our story. We can continue on without regret, destruction, and unhealthy patterns to a future that is lived well.
The book was an encouraging read not only for those days that I may need to endure but as a resource to encourage others in my life.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell/ a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2017
Although God never planned for suffering to be a part of our lives, because of sin, pain, suffering and brokenness is now a natural part of the human experience. Unfortunately, most of us are not prepared for bad things to happen to us, and when they do – when tragedy strikes – we are ill equipped to deal with it.
Often, we fall into destructive patterns of thinking and behaving. We get stuck in our pain. We cope through denial or by overanalyzing the situation, believing that if we can find the answer to why the situation occurred, our pain will stop.
In Becoming Resilient, Donna Gibbs teaches us the skills we need to move through our pain. Her book shows us how to become unstuck and build the resilience we need to reframe our stories and see our pain from a different perspective – God’s perspective.
Each chapter contains victory verses to help us apply God’s truth to our lives and application questions to help us process the material that Donna is presenting.
In light of the events that are going on in the world today, Becoming Resilient is a timely and much-needed read for many people!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
Often, we fall into destructive patterns of thinking and behaving. We get stuck in our pain. We cope through denial or by overanalyzing the situation, believing that if we can find the answer to why the situation occurred, our pain will stop.
In Becoming Resilient, Donna Gibbs teaches us the skills we need to move through our pain. Her book shows us how to become unstuck and build the resilience we need to reframe our stories and see our pain from a different perspective – God’s perspective.
Each chapter contains victory verses to help us apply God’s truth to our lives and application questions to help us process the material that Donna is presenting.
In light of the events that are going on in the world today, Becoming Resilient is a timely and much-needed read for many people!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
September 28, 2017
In this day and age, it seems that you can purchase so many books on suffering and self-help, or how to become more resilient as a person, but nothing in my opinion, quite touches the subject as counselor, Donna Gibbs does. I think I connected with this book so well because of my license and degree in social work. I connected with the author and the approach in which she wrote this book and the way she tells of deep pain and suffering.
More importantly, I found how she approaches the question we all want to ask "Why?" and that rather than asking that, we should stop asking that question because it just gets us stuck there. Suffering happens and it is part of the life that happens when we follow Christ. He never promised us an easy life, but he promised that we would have a great life with him. Instead of being stuck in the why, we need to look to God and then also look for ways to cope. I just love the biblical illustrations she includes and again, her own personal stories of suffering. This is a great book and one I can't say such good enough things about! I highly recommend this book to every single Christian! I give this book 5/5 stars.
More importantly, I found how she approaches the question we all want to ask "Why?" and that rather than asking that, we should stop asking that question because it just gets us stuck there. Suffering happens and it is part of the life that happens when we follow Christ. He never promised us an easy life, but he promised that we would have a great life with him. Instead of being stuck in the why, we need to look to God and then also look for ways to cope. I just love the biblical illustrations she includes and again, her own personal stories of suffering. This is a great book and one I can't say such good enough things about! I highly recommend this book to every single Christian! I give this book 5/5 stars.
December 30, 2017
Becoming Resilient: How to Move through Suffering and Come Back Stronger (Audio CD) by Donna Gibbs is a wonderful book that encourages the reader/listener to use prayer and scripture to help you get through whatever suffering, ordeal, trial you are facing and going through. Ms. Gibbs is a professional counselor, and compassionately presents helpful tips, and plans to assist you and me to grow in resilience, understand the meaning of suffering in regards to scripture that makes you feel like you are not alone in your struggles. She reflects on Solomon's seasons and reasons for pain in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the sources of our suffering, and more. She offers application questions at the end of each chapter (in print and in audio format) to help you further understand the meaning and understanding of each chapter's topic. For example, the first chapter studies suffer in depth.
This is a useful book for church counselors, ministers, pastorss and for those dealing with pain and struggles, also a great resource for public libraries.
This is a useful book for church counselors, ministers, pastorss and for those dealing with pain and struggles, also a great resource for public libraries.
September 3, 2017
BECOMING RESILIENT is a wonderful read that is a self help book that guides you through how to mange suffering. All of us at some point suffer disappointment, rejection, injustice or loss. It really is not a matter of if but when. Gibbs writes in such a way that empowers you to take on whatever life throws your way with practical steps and a biblical perspective. Each chapter has a step by step way to embrace and overcome whatever it is that you struggle with. I really like all the scripture/verses throughout this book. This book is a great read for anyone who has suffered a loss and needs encouragement to accept an move forward
September 18, 2017
This book was an incredible writing and compelling to read with had supporting, healing, and giving us a lot of tool to learn to developed emotion, and positive skills to work through these long day that make all we are had been experience grief, loss, suffering, struggling, and having a rough in life. This story will challenges us to Balance Emotionally, Maintain Healthy Relationships in living Christian life with out all this pain. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book free from Revell for this review “.
March 1, 2022
I like when it talked about how anger is not a “bad” emotion and that it actually is an emotion that motivates you and moves you. Anger in itself is not sin, but a proper response to injustice when it is entangled with self control.
This wasn’t something she said exactly, but what I’ve been thinking about before.
Definitely an affirming book for people suffering.
This wasn’t something she said exactly, but what I’ve been thinking about before.
Definitely an affirming book for people suffering.
May 2, 2023
Some helpful tools and encouragement to see a professional counselor. I think it's a good book to read before starting counseling so you have some language to help you explain what you've been through and are experiencing after trauma.
September 18, 2017
This book offers a lot of practical principles for not getting stuck in our suffering. A little formulaic but still worthwhile and well written.
December 5, 2019
Encouragement with Christian values, spirituality and heartfelt examples of resilience. Some new and thoughtful perspectives to apply to challenging life situations, no matter your worship.
September 18, 2021
This book was very practical and encouraging.
March 28, 2020
I wanted to like this book. I really did. The author starts off well in the introduction but one thing I was not expecting was all the stories of people she’s encountered. For a book like this, written by a professional counselor, I wasn’t expecting that 85% or more of the book would be her sharing the situations and outcomes of other people. I expected encouragement, her counseling expertise, biblical foundation (which there is some, like when she briefly writes about Hannah and Paul), but these elements felt way too few and far between.
When I came to the stories I honestly skimmed and skipped. That sounds terrible, but had I known this was what the book would vastly consist of, I wouldn’t have bought it. It’s not like we can’t learn from one another’s stories, that’s not what I’m saying at all, but if there’s a book marketed to guide its reader into becoming more resilient through their hardships, then I don’t necessarily want to read a book all about other people and how they succeeded or failed at resilience, because that’s not exactly going to encourage me personally. Like I've said, it didn't help that the cover led me to anticipate a book with biblical and practical steps.
In the end, I think the author’s introduction started on target, but the rest of the book quickly lost that focus.
When I came to the stories I honestly skimmed and skipped. That sounds terrible, but had I known this was what the book would vastly consist of, I wouldn’t have bought it. It’s not like we can’t learn from one another’s stories, that’s not what I’m saying at all, but if there’s a book marketed to guide its reader into becoming more resilient through their hardships, then I don’t necessarily want to read a book all about other people and how they succeeded or failed at resilience, because that’s not exactly going to encourage me personally. Like I've said, it didn't help that the cover led me to anticipate a book with biblical and practical steps.
In the end, I think the author’s introduction started on target, but the rest of the book quickly lost that focus.
November 21, 2017
This book is amazing and contains such great wisdom for dealing with all kinds of suffering, from trauma to broken relationships to physical issues. It has enlightening real-life examples of people she's counseled and other people she knows who were either stuck in their suffering or were resilient and moved through it well. She also uses Scripture to explain and comfort. The author first has a section explaining that suffering is normal in that everyone is going to suffer at one time or another and the Bible says we can expect to suffer. She looks at reasons people get stuck when suffering, such as believing destructive theology, practicing destructive thinking or having poor coping skills.
The next section talks about getting unstuck and building resilience by acknowledging the suffering, telling the whole story and balancing emotional boundaries, to name a few ways. Some people live in denial and don't want to even acknowledge their pain while others focus on parts of the story or situation instead of looking at the whole picture. It's very important to focus on who God says you are, not on what the suffering says. Her last section looks at learning to thrive once you're unstuck and looks at the big picture and finding purpose. The end of each chapter has a victory verse and application questions. This is such an important book for everyone to read who feels they could use a little, or a lot, more resilience, because if you haven't gone through suffering yet, you will. It's best to be prepared so you don't get stuck in the first place, but there's always hope for getting unstuck! I highly recommend this book!
I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
The next section talks about getting unstuck and building resilience by acknowledging the suffering, telling the whole story and balancing emotional boundaries, to name a few ways. Some people live in denial and don't want to even acknowledge their pain while others focus on parts of the story or situation instead of looking at the whole picture. It's very important to focus on who God says you are, not on what the suffering says. Her last section looks at learning to thrive once you're unstuck and looks at the big picture and finding purpose. The end of each chapter has a victory verse and application questions. This is such an important book for everyone to read who feels they could use a little, or a lot, more resilience, because if you haven't gone through suffering yet, you will. It's best to be prepared so you don't get stuck in the first place, but there's always hope for getting unstuck! I highly recommend this book!
I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
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