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Nothing to Fear
“I’m really concerned about the state of the world. It feels like things are falling apart.”
“I’m worried about my family’s future.”
“How can I stand firm in my faith in today’s culture?”
Our times are turbulent ones, and questions and worries like these can haunt us and keep us awake at night. Yet is it possible that, ultimately, there is actually nothing to fear? Barry C. Black is the spiritual “leader of leaders” for the US Senate―shepherding those on the front lines of the decisions that shape our culture. Now, Chaplain Black shows all of us how to thrive in the midst of today’s turbulence and confusion by following eight principles that Jesus gave his disciples prior to sending them into a dangerous world. These teachings are as relevant today as when Jesus first spoke them two thousand years ago.
Containing Scriptural insights and powerful prayers to help you seek God’s guidance and blessing, Nothing to Fear will illuminate the way to live boldly, bravely, and faithfully in the face of today’s perils.
“I’m worried about my family’s future.”
“How can I stand firm in my faith in today’s culture?”
Our times are turbulent ones, and questions and worries like these can haunt us and keep us awake at night. Yet is it possible that, ultimately, there is actually nothing to fear? Barry C. Black is the spiritual “leader of leaders” for the US Senate―shepherding those on the front lines of the decisions that shape our culture. Now, Chaplain Black shows all of us how to thrive in the midst of today’s turbulence and confusion by following eight principles that Jesus gave his disciples prior to sending them into a dangerous world. These teachings are as relevant today as when Jesus first spoke them two thousand years ago.
Containing Scriptural insights and powerful prayers to help you seek God’s guidance and blessing, Nothing to Fear will illuminate the way to live boldly, bravely, and faithfully in the face of today’s perils.
- GenresChristian
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2017
About the author
Barry C. Black
8 books23 followersOn June 27, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) was elected as the sixty-second chaplain of the US Senate, an office established in 1789. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the US Navy for more than twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the chief of navy chaplains.
Commissioned as a US Navy chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Black's first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, VA. Subsequent assignments included Naval Support Activity, Philadelphia, PA; US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Long Beach, CA; Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course, Newport, RI; Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, SC; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and Training, Pensacola, FL; and Fleet Chaplain, US Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, VA.
As rear admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, MD, and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University. In addition to earning master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has received a doctorate degree in ministry and a doctor of philosophy degree in psychology.
Chaplain Black has been recognized for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from among 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from the Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream—Realizing the Vision," for military excellence.
Chaplain Black is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, FL. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.
Commissioned as a US Navy chaplain in 1976, Chaplain Black's first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk, VA. Subsequent assignments included Naval Support Activity, Philadelphia, PA; US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; First Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), Long Beach, CA; Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course, Newport, RI; Marine Aircraft Group 31, Beaufort, SC; Assistant Staff Chaplain, Chief of Naval Education and Training, Pensacola, FL; and Fleet Chaplain, US Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, VA.
As rear admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, MD, and an alumnus of Oakwood College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University. In addition to earning master of arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management, he has received a doctorate degree in ministry and a doctor of philosophy degree in psychology.
Chaplain Black has been recognized for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from among 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from the Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream—Realizing the Vision," for military excellence.
Chaplain Black is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, FL. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 7, 2017
***Black's biblical insights & powerful prayers have never been more needed***
Chaplain Barry C. Black, retired U.S. Navy admiral, is the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to become Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. He's held the office since 2003 and is considered the "spiritual leader of leaders for the U.S. Senate," where he "offers spiritual counsel across both sides of the aisle."
That wise counsel is captured in his new release, "Nothing to Fear: Principles and Prayers to help you Thrive in a Threatening World," where Black encourages readers to use "seven principles Jesus gave to His disciples" in Matthew 10:16 when he sent "them out as sheep in the midst of wolves with the command to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
The book's twenty-six chapters are divided into eight sections bound together with an underlying theme of encouraging prayer, simplicity and intimacy with Christ regardless of background or political affiliation. I especially liked his principles on prayer and how to stand firm on our faith in a divided, partisan culture. He draws on culture, personal experience and Scripture to illustrate his "Fearless Principles" and closes chapters with "Purposeful Prayers."
Instead of praying only when a crisis arises Black encourages readers to talk to their heavenly father like they would a loving earthly father—about everything! He writes, “How would you feel if you were a parent whose child only spoke to you when he or she wanted something?"
Our times are challenging, with issues that divide those who make decisions that shape our nation and culture, and issues that divide friends and even family members. Black's perspective, his biblical insights and powerful prayers have never been more needed. His teachings on how to live "boldly, bravely, and faithfully in the face of today's perils," followed by his prayer to "replace our anxiety with calm, our confusion with clarity and our despair with hope" are refreshing and encouraging. On a scale of one to ten, "Nothing to Fear" is a twelve because with the Lord there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
'Nothing to Fear: Principles and Prayers to Help You Thrive in a Threatening World, Barry C. , Black, Chaplain of the Senate, Tyndale Momentum, Feb 7, 2017, 256 Pages, 978-1496418685
$15.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" January 2017
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Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
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Chaplain Barry C. Black, retired U.S. Navy admiral, is the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to become Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. He's held the office since 2003 and is considered the "spiritual leader of leaders for the U.S. Senate," where he "offers spiritual counsel across both sides of the aisle."
That wise counsel is captured in his new release, "Nothing to Fear: Principles and Prayers to help you Thrive in a Threatening World," where Black encourages readers to use "seven principles Jesus gave to His disciples" in Matthew 10:16 when he sent "them out as sheep in the midst of wolves with the command to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
The book's twenty-six chapters are divided into eight sections bound together with an underlying theme of encouraging prayer, simplicity and intimacy with Christ regardless of background or political affiliation. I especially liked his principles on prayer and how to stand firm on our faith in a divided, partisan culture. He draws on culture, personal experience and Scripture to illustrate his "Fearless Principles" and closes chapters with "Purposeful Prayers."
Instead of praying only when a crisis arises Black encourages readers to talk to their heavenly father like they would a loving earthly father—about everything! He writes, “How would you feel if you were a parent whose child only spoke to you when he or she wanted something?"
Our times are challenging, with issues that divide those who make decisions that shape our nation and culture, and issues that divide friends and even family members. Black's perspective, his biblical insights and powerful prayers have never been more needed. His teachings on how to live "boldly, bravely, and faithfully in the face of today's perils," followed by his prayer to "replace our anxiety with calm, our confusion with clarity and our despair with hope" are refreshing and encouraging. On a scale of one to ten, "Nothing to Fear" is a twelve because with the Lord there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
'Nothing to Fear: Principles and Prayers to Help You Thrive in a Threatening World, Barry C. , Black, Chaplain of the Senate, Tyndale Momentum, Feb 7, 2017, 256 Pages, 978-1496418685
$15.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" January 2017
Google+GailWelborn
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
July 17, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just okay for me. As a person that struggles day to day with what can be overwhelming anxiety, this book taught me that no matter what God's got our back. And lately, this world has been so messed up, so scary, so worrisome, that the cloud of darkness can overshadow my knowledge that God's got this...all of it.
So, on one hand, it was good to read and remind myself of that fact. It was good to see it in print, to reassure myself. I can see myself re-reading parts of the book in the future when things get so messy.
On the other hand, however, the book seemed to jump from subject to subject and felt choppy. Almost as if I was reading a bunch of different sermons on the same general subject. This made for disconcerting reading, and almost made me want to put down the book.
Overall, if you need the reassurance that God is in charge of everything and you can't control anything, most of this book is for you. Just don't expect it to be a continuous process in reading.
This book was just okay for me. As a person that struggles day to day with what can be overwhelming anxiety, this book taught me that no matter what God's got our back. And lately, this world has been so messed up, so scary, so worrisome, that the cloud of darkness can overshadow my knowledge that God's got this...all of it.
So, on one hand, it was good to read and remind myself of that fact. It was good to see it in print, to reassure myself. I can see myself re-reading parts of the book in the future when things get so messy.
On the other hand, however, the book seemed to jump from subject to subject and felt choppy. Almost as if I was reading a bunch of different sermons on the same general subject. This made for disconcerting reading, and almost made me want to put down the book.
Overall, if you need the reassurance that God is in charge of everything and you can't control anything, most of this book is for you. Just don't expect it to be a continuous process in reading.
April 1, 2020
This is a very well written book. Highly inspirational and instructional and is never a boring moment when reading this book. The script are very well organized and structured for was of reading and understanding.
January 28, 2024
Excellent book with very good points and stories.
May 25, 2023
A book about how to live a full life from the chaplain of the US Senate.
February 1, 2017
It seems that everywhere I look I see or hear the word fear. It comes moment by moment in newscasts and the posts on social media. It shows up on titles of blogs and new books. Perhaps it even can whisper in our ear when we are not paying attention. It reminds us that we live in a dangerous world. What we may need to hear and see more of are the evidences of ‘God with us’ in the midst.
To that end, Nothing to Fear: Principles & Prayers to Help in a Threatening World by Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, speaks truth in reminders of who we are in Christ and how to find our way back to focus on Him when we slip down the primrose path fear might tempt us toward.
To that end, Nothing to Fear: Principles & Prayers to Help in a Threatening World by Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, speaks truth in reminders of who we are in Christ and how to find our way back to focus on Him when we slip down the primrose path fear might tempt us toward.
April 5, 2017
One thing I have battled my entire life is fear. Fear is the reason why I have panic attacks and I'm sure fear has a lot to do with my bouts with depression as well. Let's face it, we live in a tough, cruel world. So many things happen that cannot be easily explained and even though I am a Christian I sometimes wonder where God is in all of this. We as humans are constantly haunted by some form of fear. Fear of the unknown, the fear of 'how,' or fear of the future of our country. So much fear.
I have never been able to imagine a life truly without fear but after reading Nothing to Fear by Barry C. Black I am now on the road to living a fear-free life. How is that possible? Faith.
Barry C. Black is the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate which is what really grabbed my attention and motivated me to read this book. Talk about someone being on the front lines! My curiosity did not disappoint as this is a wonderful and well-written book. Mr. Black has a very down-to-earth writing style and after you read each chapter you have a vision of what you need to do to take that next step to live without fear.
The book is broken down into seven parts which coincide with seven principles that Jesus gave His disciples before sending them into the world to spread the Gospel.
1. Prepare to be sent
2. Do a reality check
3. Thrive in a predatory world
4. Be as wise as a serpent
5. Be as innocent as a dove
6. Concentrate on the task
7. Persevere through rejection
Within each chapter, there are "Fearless Principles" that dig deeper into the chapter's main theme and each chapter ends with a "Purposeful Prayer" which are simple yet very powerful. This book is not full of one man's opinions of how to live a life without fear but consistently points you back to the Bible and back to the Lord to back up his point.
There is so much encouragement and practical application within these pages! I am so thankful that I was able to read it and will continue to have in my arsenal when fear starts to creep up in my life.
"Remember, 'it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13 ESV).' He keeps us fearlessly thriving in a threatening world."
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I have never been able to imagine a life truly without fear but after reading Nothing to Fear by Barry C. Black I am now on the road to living a fear-free life. How is that possible? Faith.
Barry C. Black is the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate which is what really grabbed my attention and motivated me to read this book. Talk about someone being on the front lines! My curiosity did not disappoint as this is a wonderful and well-written book. Mr. Black has a very down-to-earth writing style and after you read each chapter you have a vision of what you need to do to take that next step to live without fear.
The book is broken down into seven parts which coincide with seven principles that Jesus gave His disciples before sending them into the world to spread the Gospel.
1. Prepare to be sent
2. Do a reality check
3. Thrive in a predatory world
4. Be as wise as a serpent
5. Be as innocent as a dove
6. Concentrate on the task
7. Persevere through rejection
Within each chapter, there are "Fearless Principles" that dig deeper into the chapter's main theme and each chapter ends with a "Purposeful Prayer" which are simple yet very powerful. This book is not full of one man's opinions of how to live a life without fear but consistently points you back to the Bible and back to the Lord to back up his point.
There is so much encouragement and practical application within these pages! I am so thankful that I was able to read it and will continue to have in my arsenal when fear starts to creep up in my life.
"Remember, 'it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13 ESV).' He keeps us fearlessly thriving in a threatening world."
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews