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The Fight to Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live
Explore how to live a life of joy and fullness, especially in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams.
How do you live a full life? Perhaps the better question is, how do you really live when life throws you sucker punches, when you face obstacles that seem to snuff out your faith, when you lose something or someone precious to you? In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie Lusko encourages women to suit up and thrive, not just in the dailies of monotony and routine but even in the most desolate of places. Using the backdrop of her second-born daughter Lenya's passing into heaven five days before Christmas in 2012, Jennie invites readers to embrace whatever destination they've landed. She teaches how, through the good and the bad, they can learn to grow, be strong, draw near to God, and be a blessing to others. It is in this sacred space of pain and promise that women can begin to flourish.
How do you live a full life? Perhaps the better question is, how do you really live when life throws you sucker punches, when you face obstacles that seem to snuff out your faith, when you lose something or someone precious to you? In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie Lusko encourages women to suit up and thrive, not just in the dailies of monotony and routine but even in the most desolate of places. Using the backdrop of her second-born daughter Lenya's passing into heaven five days before Christmas in 2012, Jennie invites readers to embrace whatever destination they've landed. She teaches how, through the good and the bad, they can learn to grow, be strong, draw near to God, and be a blessing to others. It is in this sacred space of pain and promise that women can begin to flourish.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
203 people are currently reading
3067 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Lusko
11 books45 followersJennie Lusko serves alongside her husband, Levi, leading Fresh Life Church in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming, as well as across the world online. They have five children: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, Lennox, and Lenya, who is waiting for them in heaven. The Lusko family lives in Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 2, 2020
Omg I feel as the Jennie and I are friends and she just spent the day with me telling me about my “Fight to Flourish” I’m in !! Best book ever to help see your part to participate in when it come to your life’s battles and storms so that you come out on the other side flourishing!!!
July 23, 2020
In this deeply personal memoir, pastor’s wife Jennie Lusko shares hard-won wisdom about enduring through unimaginable hardship to still flourish in relationships and grow in Christ. In December 2012, her five-year-old daughter, Lenya, died in a sudden, traumatic way. Lusko writes about how this loss has affected her and her family, and shares insights into how she has held onto her faith in God even in this darkness. She shares excerpts from her old journal entries, reflects from her current vantage point, and writes about how she has fought back against guilt, self-blame, and shame over having not been a good enough mother to Lenya.
This book could be very triggering to others who have lost children, but it is also incredibly encouraging and helpful, because it shows how a family can endure this kind of pain without falling apart. Lusko is incredibly vulnerable and honest about her own struggles, even mentioning the suicidal thoughts that she had after losing her daughter, but she also shows that it is possible to flourish even in the darkest circumstances. These life lessons apply to other forms of loss and suffering as well, and Lusko consistently points her readers to Christ, showing that it is possible to grow spiritually even in the midst of doubts, questions, and pain.
The Fight to Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live is a deeply personal, encouraging book. It is full of good advice and biblical teaching, and because Jennie Lusko is so honest about her own struggles, pain, and insecurity, she is able to write about spiritual realities in a vivid, personal way. This book can deeply encourage other women who are in various difficult circumstances, and is a strong testimony to God’s work in the author’s life.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book could be very triggering to others who have lost children, but it is also incredibly encouraging and helpful, because it shows how a family can endure this kind of pain without falling apart. Lusko is incredibly vulnerable and honest about her own struggles, even mentioning the suicidal thoughts that she had after losing her daughter, but she also shows that it is possible to flourish even in the darkest circumstances. These life lessons apply to other forms of loss and suffering as well, and Lusko consistently points her readers to Christ, showing that it is possible to grow spiritually even in the midst of doubts, questions, and pain.
The Fight to Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live is a deeply personal, encouraging book. It is full of good advice and biblical teaching, and because Jennie Lusko is so honest about her own struggles, pain, and insecurity, she is able to write about spiritual realities in a vivid, personal way. This book can deeply encourage other women who are in various difficult circumstances, and is a strong testimony to God’s work in the author’s life.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Beautiful
This book was so timely for me! Jennie's words are so real and relatable. Her story is proof that there can be beauty in the midst of pain.
This book was so timely for me! Jennie's words are so real and relatable. Her story is proof that there can be beauty in the midst of pain.
November 11, 2025
Jennie Lusko lived through my worst nightmare and still chooses to love and serve the Lord. Whatever she has to say I want to hear it. 🥲💙
April 23, 2020
Wow, what an incredible book! I loved every word of this book and will definitely read it again (which is very rare). Jennie shares her story of incredible loss so vulnerably. I so appreciated her insight into walking through grief and learning how to really fight to flourish. This is a book I would definitely recommend!!
May 14, 2020
read this book in 3 hours. I could NOT put it down. Jennie Lusko pens a powerful story of loss & beauty, and how the two are more intertwined than we think. this message is on time & in season. if you are on the fence about reading this one, do yourself a favor & get to reading. 🌿
December 28, 2022
Instead of focusing on blooming where you are planted, focus on pruning, watering, and weeding where you are planted.
April 11, 2021
I love hearing Jennie and Levi Lusko talk about their faith and hope in Jesus, because they have gone through an incredible hardship and when they speak of hope and life you know it’s not just empty words. They lost one of their daughters at 5 years old, which could easily crush a person. But as Jennie describes in this book, with Jesus we can rise up and fight through the grief and pain and actually come out flourishing.
While I love their story of hope and the courage Jennie displayed in writing this book, I didn’t love the book as much as I hoped I would. I liked it. It definitely contained a lot of nuggets of truth that encouraged me, but I felt it lacked structure. I felt like a lot of the stories and examples were saying the same thing and the book could have been edited down a bit. And (selfishly) I felt a lot of the chapters didn’t apply to the battle I’m going through.
Still, being pointed to Jesus is always a blessing. So I’m thankful I read it.
While I love their story of hope and the courage Jennie displayed in writing this book, I didn’t love the book as much as I hoped I would. I liked it. It definitely contained a lot of nuggets of truth that encouraged me, but I felt it lacked structure. I felt like a lot of the stories and examples were saying the same thing and the book could have been edited down a bit. And (selfishly) I felt a lot of the chapters didn’t apply to the battle I’m going through.
Still, being pointed to Jesus is always a blessing. So I’m thankful I read it.
June 6, 2025
I really wanted to love this book more than I did. It’s definitely a heartfelt and emotional read, and it covers some very difficult topics. I’ve always been moved by Levi and Jennie Lusko’s story and tear up when they share about their five year old daughter in heaven.
The first half of the book really drew me in. I appreciated the vulnerability and the reminders of God’s presence in our pain. But, around the midway point, I started to feel a bit disconnected. There was a section about loving yourself in order to love others as Jesus commands, and while I understand the intent, it didn’t sit right with me.
Stylistically, the book felt a bit lacking in structure. The tone was more casual, with paraphrased Scripture, hashtags, and cultural references that gave it a slightly juvenile feel. Though it includes encouraging insights and helpful Scripture for walking through grief, it didn’t leave the same lasting impression on me as Through the Eyes of a Lion.
The first half of the book really drew me in. I appreciated the vulnerability and the reminders of God’s presence in our pain. But, around the midway point, I started to feel a bit disconnected. There was a section about loving yourself in order to love others as Jesus commands, and while I understand the intent, it didn’t sit right with me.
Stylistically, the book felt a bit lacking in structure. The tone was more casual, with paraphrased Scripture, hashtags, and cultural references that gave it a slightly juvenile feel. Though it includes encouraging insights and helpful Scripture for walking through grief, it didn’t leave the same lasting impression on me as Through the Eyes of a Lion.
May 26, 2020
If you aren't a fan of books with overly religious tones or messages, this won't be a good fit for you. Although typically not a fan myself, this book had a great story with it and I found myself glued to the pages because I wanted to know how this author took the tragedy of her daughter's death and flourished herself.
A full review will be available on 5/26/20 at my link text.
A full review will be available on 5/26/20 at my link text.
August 28, 2020
This book came into my life at such an opportune time. Jennie’s vulnerability in telling a difficult story really helped me. What a beautiful and honest picture of life and the struggles that come along.
February 10, 2021
What a heartfelt book! He’s got you. ❤️
February 25, 2021
Jennie's journey of losing her daughter and sharing their story has brought healing to my own grief. I laughed and cried listening to the tender and fun moments of her walk. This is a book I will be forever grateful for.
June 13, 2022
This is a gem! Jennie writes from the heart & includes her journal entries after the death of her daughter until now. The everyday struggles she endures are common to all of us. She explains with such honesty & grace how to flourish when you feel like you are failing & gives key bible verses & encouragement to thrive. The book is like having a conversation with a friend. It was hard to put down
August 7, 2020
There were a few good tidbits in here, but overall I just didn't get much out of this one. Maybe because I've been drawing closer to God after a couple of tough years and feel like this is more for someone currently really struggling with something in their life? It's a very honest book, which I appreciate.
August 3, 2020
The week I read this book, I couldn't help but notice how Jennie Lusko's story and her biblical references were dovetailing nicely with my current Bible study on faith:
"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19
"So do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
If you guessed that I have been studying the chapter about when faith is hard, then you are correct. Faith is never easy in this world, and there are times when it seems impossible to believe in a divine God who always has your best interests at heart. However, He is always with us, and his love for us never changes. Jennie reminds us early in her book that since God exists out of time, he is also in the past with us, comforting us still in our darkest moments.
In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie shares how to not only survive the heartbreaking times, but how to flourish. I feel like I know Jennie now, and I enjoyed how she uses boxing analogies to make a point. I also appreciated how she bravely shares excerpts from her journal. These entries are so raw: They will break your heart! And yet I can see God's grace and love for Jennie as she struggles with the loss of her daughter as well as the mundane, everyday aggravations, like getting four children ready for the day and out the door.
Each chapter offers insight into how to depend on God (and his fighting for you) in order to flourish. Of the seventeen chapters, my favorites are: "Born to Shine," "You Can't Hug a Porcupine," and "Stir Up the Sweetness." In "Stir Up the Sweetness," Jennie shares her struggle with how her face reveals what she's thinking. I, too, have an easily readable face, and although it might briefly reflect my thoughts, it isn't a reflection of my heart. Jennie encourages us to cultivate kind eyes: "This happens on the inside. It's a heart issue. Kind eyes get their running start from the soul."
If we are to have kind eyes towards others, we need to first look to the One who looks at us this way. This is where sweetness begins...[Before we were saved] Forgiveness was our biggest need because sin was our biggest problem. If we can fully receive God's forgiveness, then forgiveness will flow from us, and from that well we will be kind and tenderhearted to those around us.
Stirring up the sweetness through kindness by making people feel welcomed, invited, loved, and appreciated helps those around us flourish. Clearly this book isn't just for people who have suffered incredible loss: It's for anyone who wants to live a more fruitful, meaningful life, and encourage others to do the same.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19
"So do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
If you guessed that I have been studying the chapter about when faith is hard, then you are correct. Faith is never easy in this world, and there are times when it seems impossible to believe in a divine God who always has your best interests at heart. However, He is always with us, and his love for us never changes. Jennie reminds us early in her book that since God exists out of time, he is also in the past with us, comforting us still in our darkest moments.
In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie shares how to not only survive the heartbreaking times, but how to flourish. I feel like I know Jennie now, and I enjoyed how she uses boxing analogies to make a point. I also appreciated how she bravely shares excerpts from her journal. These entries are so raw: They will break your heart! And yet I can see God's grace and love for Jennie as she struggles with the loss of her daughter as well as the mundane, everyday aggravations, like getting four children ready for the day and out the door.
Each chapter offers insight into how to depend on God (and his fighting for you) in order to flourish. Of the seventeen chapters, my favorites are: "Born to Shine," "You Can't Hug a Porcupine," and "Stir Up the Sweetness." In "Stir Up the Sweetness," Jennie shares her struggle with how her face reveals what she's thinking. I, too, have an easily readable face, and although it might briefly reflect my thoughts, it isn't a reflection of my heart. Jennie encourages us to cultivate kind eyes: "This happens on the inside. It's a heart issue. Kind eyes get their running start from the soul."
If we are to have kind eyes towards others, we need to first look to the One who looks at us this way. This is where sweetness begins...[Before we were saved] Forgiveness was our biggest need because sin was our biggest problem. If we can fully receive God's forgiveness, then forgiveness will flow from us, and from that well we will be kind and tenderhearted to those around us.
Stirring up the sweetness through kindness by making people feel welcomed, invited, loved, and appreciated helps those around us flourish. Clearly this book isn't just for people who have suffered incredible loss: It's for anyone who wants to live a more fruitful, meaningful life, and encourage others to do the same.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
January 12, 2021
Jennie Lusko shares the story of the unexpected loss of her young daughter. In this, her first book, she expresses her pain and her desire to flourish in spite of it. Jennie included personal stories and was disarmingly honest, even sharing journal entries. Though I have not lost a child as she has, I could relate on so many levels. She quotes John 16:33, “in this world you will have trouble.” Unfortunately, none of us are exempt of trouble, so there is something here for everyone. The book is appropriately titled Fight to Flourish, emphasis on the fight. The themes of the book remind me of a Sara Groves song called The Boxer. One of the main lyrics in the song says “When you said this was a fight, you weren’t kidding.” I’ve always liked that song, because of it’s honesty and relatability. If you have not heard it, it is definitely worth the time to look it up.
We have hope because Jesus has already overcome the world. The reason we can flourish is Jesus Christ. I had never read James 1:2-4 in The Message Bible, so this scripture hit me in a new way as I was reading the book. James 1:2-4 “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
I loved the Charles Spurgeon quote at the end, “Whatever there may be of beauty in the material world, Jesus Christ possesses all that in the spiritual world in a tenfold degree. Amongst flowers, the rose is deemed the sweetest, but Jesus is infinitely more beautiful in the garden of the soul than rose can in the gardens of the earth . . .’ I am the rose of Sharon’.” This was the best and rarest of roses. Jesus is not “the rose” alone, He is “the rose of Sharon,” just as He calls .His righteousness gold, and then adds, “The gold of Ophir” - the best of the best. He is positively lovely and superlatively the loveliest. He is more beautiful than the most beautiful things we have beheld.”
You will find challenge and encouragement in these pages.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
We have hope because Jesus has already overcome the world. The reason we can flourish is Jesus Christ. I had never read James 1:2-4 in The Message Bible, so this scripture hit me in a new way as I was reading the book. James 1:2-4 “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
I loved the Charles Spurgeon quote at the end, “Whatever there may be of beauty in the material world, Jesus Christ possesses all that in the spiritual world in a tenfold degree. Amongst flowers, the rose is deemed the sweetest, but Jesus is infinitely more beautiful in the garden of the soul than rose can in the gardens of the earth . . .’ I am the rose of Sharon’.” This was the best and rarest of roses. Jesus is not “the rose” alone, He is “the rose of Sharon,” just as He calls .His righteousness gold, and then adds, “The gold of Ophir” - the best of the best. He is positively lovely and superlatively the loveliest. He is more beautiful than the most beautiful things we have beheld.”
You will find challenge and encouragement in these pages.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 6, 2020
With raw emotion splashed across every page, Jennie Lusko shares her struggle with grief over losing a child.
Jennie and her husband Levi are the pastors of Fresh Life Church headquartered in Kalispell, Montana with campus across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. They stay busy but enjoyed the life they were living with their four daughters. One fateful day before Christmas, their five-year-old daughter Lenya suffered a severe asthma attack that ended in a tragic loss. After that day, nothing felt the same anymore. Everything became a struggle. Family vacations weren’t the same. Relationships changed. Even now, several years later and the addition of a boy to the family, there are still times that Jennie misses Lenya fiercely and struggles to return to any kind of routine. But God never changes, and she knows that she can rely on him.
Jennie shares several entries of her personal journals on days that she severely struggled with grief. Everybody struggles with something, whether it’s day to day tasks, being in the middle of a large project, or relationships. I have not experienced the loss of a child, but I almost did after a freak accident left my son with a skull fracture as I watched him be airlifted away. Ironically, this occurred in Monterey, California which is Jennie’s hometown. The struggle to forgive oneself is the hardest of all. There are thoughts of “If I’d done this…” or “Why didn’t I…..” These don’t make it any easier to move on through the process of grief.
Jennie does a tremendous job laying out thoughts and ideas for people that are struggling to flourish in their life. Her emotion is raw and displayed for everyone to read, showing how vulnerable she truly is. She talks about how she may look like she has it together, but underneath she is a mess. I think we all feel that way at some point in our lives and I’m glad that someone with the courage to share her story with everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Jennie and her husband Levi are the pastors of Fresh Life Church headquartered in Kalispell, Montana with campus across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. They stay busy but enjoyed the life they were living with their four daughters. One fateful day before Christmas, their five-year-old daughter Lenya suffered a severe asthma attack that ended in a tragic loss. After that day, nothing felt the same anymore. Everything became a struggle. Family vacations weren’t the same. Relationships changed. Even now, several years later and the addition of a boy to the family, there are still times that Jennie misses Lenya fiercely and struggles to return to any kind of routine. But God never changes, and she knows that she can rely on him.
Jennie shares several entries of her personal journals on days that she severely struggled with grief. Everybody struggles with something, whether it’s day to day tasks, being in the middle of a large project, or relationships. I have not experienced the loss of a child, but I almost did after a freak accident left my son with a skull fracture as I watched him be airlifted away. Ironically, this occurred in Monterey, California which is Jennie’s hometown. The struggle to forgive oneself is the hardest of all. There are thoughts of “If I’d done this…” or “Why didn’t I…..” These don’t make it any easier to move on through the process of grief.
Jennie does a tremendous job laying out thoughts and ideas for people that are struggling to flourish in their life. Her emotion is raw and displayed for everyone to read, showing how vulnerable she truly is. She talks about how she may look like she has it together, but underneath she is a mess. I think we all feel that way at some point in our lives and I’m glad that someone with the courage to share her story with everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
September 7, 2020
With raw emotion splashed across every page, Jennie Lusko shares her struggle with grief over losing a child.
Jennie and her husband Levi are the pastors of Fresh Life Church headquartered in Kalispell, Montana with campus across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. They stay busy but enjoyed the life they were living with their four daughters. One fateful day before Christmas, their five-year-old daughter Lenya suffered a severe asthma attack that ended in a tragic loss. After that day, nothing felt the same anymore. Everything became a struggle. Family vacations weren’t the same. Relationships changed. Even now, several years later and the addition of a boy to the family, there are still times that Jennie misses Lenya fiercely and struggles to return to any kind of routine. But God never changes, and she knows that she can rely on him.
Jennie shares several entries of her personal journals on days that she severely struggled with grief. Everybody struggles with something, whether it’s day to day tasks, being in the middle of a large project, or relationships. I have not experienced the loss of a child, but I almost did after a freak accident left my son with a skull fracture as I watched him be airlifted away. Ironically, this occurred in Monterey, California which is Jennie’s hometown. The struggle to forgive oneself is the hardest of all. There are thoughts of “If I’d done this…” or “Why didn’t I…..” These don’t make it any easier to move on through the process of grief.
Jennie does a tremendous job laying out thoughts and ideas for people that are struggling to flourish in their life. Her emotion is raw and displayed for everyone to read, showing how vulnerable she truly is. She talks about how she may look like she has it together, but underneath she is a mess. I think we all feel that way at some point in our lives and I’m glad that someone with the courage to share her story with everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Jennie and her husband Levi are the pastors of Fresh Life Church headquartered in Kalispell, Montana with campus across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. They stay busy but enjoyed the life they were living with their four daughters. One fateful day before Christmas, their five-year-old daughter Lenya suffered a severe asthma attack that ended in a tragic loss. After that day, nothing felt the same anymore. Everything became a struggle. Family vacations weren’t the same. Relationships changed. Even now, several years later and the addition of a boy to the family, there are still times that Jennie misses Lenya fiercely and struggles to return to any kind of routine. But God never changes, and she knows that she can rely on him.
Jennie shares several entries of her personal journals on days that she severely struggled with grief. Everybody struggles with something, whether it’s day to day tasks, being in the middle of a large project, or relationships. I have not experienced the loss of a child, but I almost did after a freak accident left my son with a skull fracture as I watched him be airlifted away. Ironically, this occurred in Monterey, California which is Jennie’s hometown. The struggle to forgive oneself is the hardest of all. There are thoughts of “If I’d done this…” or “Why didn’t I…..” These don’t make it any easier to move on through the process of grief.
Jennie does a tremendous job laying out thoughts and ideas for people that are struggling to flourish in their life. Her emotion is raw and displayed for everyone to read, showing how vulnerable she truly is. She talks about how she may look like she has it together, but underneath she is a mess. I think we all feel that way at some point in our lives and I’m glad that someone with the courage to share her story with everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
June 7, 2020
I just finished reading Jennie Lusko’s “The Fight to Flourish” and I have so many good things to say.
It was heart-wrenching and inspiring. I cried through the first half of the book. I chose to take my time and limit myself to two chapters a day, and it was so rewarding to my soul to just take it slow and meditate on the truth and life that Jennie Lusko gracefully chose to share. I’ve always looked up to Jennie from afar for her quiet strength and the authenticity through which she and her husband both seem to lead their church. As someone who loves fantasy novels, fighting, and sports movies centered around an underdog’s unlikely victory I’ve sometimes struggled with how I fit into the Biblical idea of womanhood. Jennie Lusko beautifully portrays the duality of softness and strength in “The Fight to Flourish”. Her analogies, movie references, and chosen scriptures were illuminating and consistently on point. She paints such a clear picture of pain and joy with her words and the scriptures she related them to.
A few of my favorite quotes 🌹🐆🌿
🥊 “Progress requires effort and energy, stamina and sweat, persistence and perseverance.”
💍 “Beauty is unlocked when we’re surrounded by darkness. The same way jewelers display diamonds against dark backdrops.”
🐆 “...velvet sheathed murder. Leopards are tender and tough, sensitive and strong, compassionate and confident - just like the kind of woman you are meant to be.”
🏃🏻♀️ “No amount of glittery makeup or faux eyelashes can make our eyes kind. This happens on the inside. It’s a heart issue. Kind eyes get their running start from the soul.”
Thank you, Jennie Lusko, for being obedient to what the Holy Spirit led you to write. This is going on my frequent rereads and recommendation list for sure! ❤️
It was heart-wrenching and inspiring. I cried through the first half of the book. I chose to take my time and limit myself to two chapters a day, and it was so rewarding to my soul to just take it slow and meditate on the truth and life that Jennie Lusko gracefully chose to share. I’ve always looked up to Jennie from afar for her quiet strength and the authenticity through which she and her husband both seem to lead their church. As someone who loves fantasy novels, fighting, and sports movies centered around an underdog’s unlikely victory I’ve sometimes struggled with how I fit into the Biblical idea of womanhood. Jennie Lusko beautifully portrays the duality of softness and strength in “The Fight to Flourish”. Her analogies, movie references, and chosen scriptures were illuminating and consistently on point. She paints such a clear picture of pain and joy with her words and the scriptures she related them to.
A few of my favorite quotes 🌹🐆🌿
🥊 “Progress requires effort and energy, stamina and sweat, persistence and perseverance.”
💍 “Beauty is unlocked when we’re surrounded by darkness. The same way jewelers display diamonds against dark backdrops.”
🐆 “...velvet sheathed murder. Leopards are tender and tough, sensitive and strong, compassionate and confident - just like the kind of woman you are meant to be.”
🏃🏻♀️ “No amount of glittery makeup or faux eyelashes can make our eyes kind. This happens on the inside. It’s a heart issue. Kind eyes get their running start from the soul.”
Thank you, Jennie Lusko, for being obedient to what the Holy Spirit led you to write. This is going on my frequent rereads and recommendation list for sure! ❤️
May 23, 2020
The Fight to Flourish is raw, inspiring and encouraging as the reader embarks on a journey of grief with author, Jennie Lusko.
Jennie opens the book by telling the reader of how they lost their five year old daughter, Lenya a few days before Christmas. Reading through this difficult chapter, continues to remind me that life is a gift and nothing is promised to us. As I read through this chapter and several others, I was reminded that in this season of life, there have been a lot of deaths for me. Deaths of dreams, the lifestyle I had previously lived, my personal expectations and the way life was. However, while in losing precious things, this book challenged me that I am not at the end of my road, but just in the middle of a journey.
Jennie shares with the reader how she struggles with grief and the death of relationships changing. She does a tremendous job with not only laying out her own personal story, but encouraging the reader that the struggle is not the final word. In fact, this book was incredibly moving and motivating to me. Sometimes the things we go through don't make sense at the time and may not for several years later, but eventually we can see how God will use them.
The Fight to Flourish was a tremendous reminder not to give up. Rather, instead show up. Show up being vulnerable. Show up in the mess, but don't give up. Don't hide and let people in to your story.
Overall, I found this book to be incredibly encouraging, and inspiring to continue to move forward in an unprecedented time.
Jennie opens the book by telling the reader of how they lost their five year old daughter, Lenya a few days before Christmas. Reading through this difficult chapter, continues to remind me that life is a gift and nothing is promised to us. As I read through this chapter and several others, I was reminded that in this season of life, there have been a lot of deaths for me. Deaths of dreams, the lifestyle I had previously lived, my personal expectations and the way life was. However, while in losing precious things, this book challenged me that I am not at the end of my road, but just in the middle of a journey.
Jennie shares with the reader how she struggles with grief and the death of relationships changing. She does a tremendous job with not only laying out her own personal story, but encouraging the reader that the struggle is not the final word. In fact, this book was incredibly moving and motivating to me. Sometimes the things we go through don't make sense at the time and may not for several years later, but eventually we can see how God will use them.
The Fight to Flourish was a tremendous reminder not to give up. Rather, instead show up. Show up being vulnerable. Show up in the mess, but don't give up. Don't hide and let people in to your story.
Overall, I found this book to be incredibly encouraging, and inspiring to continue to move forward in an unprecedented time.
March 2, 2025
Last week on the snow day we had, I heard a pediatric cardiac arrest go out. I turned on the radio and listened to the medic crew give report to the hospital when they were in route to the hospital. A 10 year old girl died due to an asthma attack and it gave me chills. I was talking about how terrible it was and how disturbing it was to me. She mentioned this book and how they lost their 5 year old due to an asthma attack. I immediately added this book to my want to read and listened to it while doing a landscape job. Not my best idea ever, cause I was crying pulling bushes out of the ground in the first 30 minutes of listening to the book. Haha Funny scene randomly seeing a guy crying doing landscaping. Anyways, the same feelings I have about being so interested in books about people who are facing their own mortality, are the same feelings I have for books that involve reactions to tragedy. How do people manage their feelings and emotions in an unimaginable circumstance? How do you find the motivation to overcome something so life altering... and do it with positivity? This book is a very vulnerable and open experience in how this family dealt with the passing of their 5 year old. Stories like the Lusko's and how they coped with their loss reinforce why I believe God is real and is so powerful. There are unexplainable things that happen to them post-tragedy that are things that I believe can only be explained with God. It was a great read and something I needed.
May 28, 2020
From cover to cover this book is beautiful both inside and out. I felt so inspired reading through this book and stopped to make notes several times.
“Easy doesn’t make you stronger”
Jennie Lusko is a woman of strong faith. As a pastors wife she has raised her children to love God and they are surrounded by people who lift them up daily. When Jennie’s five year old daughter is taken from them the whole community is shaken. The family knows sweet Lenya is in a better place, twirling in her princess costume, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Through pure determination Jennie will decide to move forward putting one foot in front of the other until she’s not only surviving, but thriving.
This book helps remind you that good can come out of bad, focus on what your have and not what you lost, and to appreciate everything even if it seems small. Sometimes we don’t get a second chance to tell someone we love them or we don’t know the last time we hugged someone it would be the last. We’re all busy and looking to the days to come instead of living the day we’re in.
I am thankful Jennie shared her story and Lenya’s life will live on in her words. This book is all about having the “Fight to Flourish” Dont let setbacks stop you from achieving your goals and believe in yourself because you are worthy. Enjoy the process because everyday we’re alive we have the chance to be great.
“Easy doesn’t make you stronger”
Jennie Lusko is a woman of strong faith. As a pastors wife she has raised her children to love God and they are surrounded by people who lift them up daily. When Jennie’s five year old daughter is taken from them the whole community is shaken. The family knows sweet Lenya is in a better place, twirling in her princess costume, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Through pure determination Jennie will decide to move forward putting one foot in front of the other until she’s not only surviving, but thriving.
This book helps remind you that good can come out of bad, focus on what your have and not what you lost, and to appreciate everything even if it seems small. Sometimes we don’t get a second chance to tell someone we love them or we don’t know the last time we hugged someone it would be the last. We’re all busy and looking to the days to come instead of living the day we’re in.
I am thankful Jennie shared her story and Lenya’s life will live on in her words. This book is all about having the “Fight to Flourish” Dont let setbacks stop you from achieving your goals and believe in yourself because you are worthy. Enjoy the process because everyday we’re alive we have the chance to be great.
October 15, 2020
Before you read this review: This book deals with the death of the author’s five year old daughter. If that’s a trigger for you, please skip the rest of this review.
I think it took courage for Jennie Lusko to share her story. Her honesty in this book was refreshing and encouraging. She didn’t mind sharing the pain of her journey of losing her child. I was impressed with her determination to embrace her emotional and spiritual journey; to push through the hard times; and her determination to still be an encouragement to her family and her church. She talks of the impact of her daughter’s death has had in their family. Although she looks at their loss in a realistic way, there’s a message of hope that shines through in every chapter. The message of this book embraces this quote “I don’t have to understand God in order to trust Him.” I know I’ll be returning to this book for practical encouragement during difficult times.
There are a couple of things mentioned about which I would not share the same opinion as the author. However, those things do not take away from the tremendous message of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I think it took courage for Jennie Lusko to share her story. Her honesty in this book was refreshing and encouraging. She didn’t mind sharing the pain of her journey of losing her child. I was impressed with her determination to embrace her emotional and spiritual journey; to push through the hard times; and her determination to still be an encouragement to her family and her church. She talks of the impact of her daughter’s death has had in their family. Although she looks at their loss in a realistic way, there’s a message of hope that shines through in every chapter. The message of this book embraces this quote “I don’t have to understand God in order to trust Him.” I know I’ll be returning to this book for practical encouragement during difficult times.
There are a couple of things mentioned about which I would not share the same opinion as the author. However, those things do not take away from the tremendous message of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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December 31, 2020The Fight to Flourish by Jennie Lusko is a beautifully written book about dealing with life’s hardships and finding strength in pain.
After her five-year-old daughter suddenly passes away from an asthma attack, Jennie shares her most vulnerable and intimate thoughts about God, life, and grief during the darkest time of her life.
Though it would have been easy to succumb to grief, Jennie shares how her grief strengthened her faith, her relationships, and her purpose. But, finding the beauty in the pain certainly didn’t happen overnight. With grief comes feelings of anger, sadness, and guilt. Through her writing, we see Jennie experience it all. However, we also see the strength, wisdom, and growth that Jennie experiences once she comes out from the other side.
The Fight to Flourish is a book about strengthening your relationship with God and yourself. Though this book has a strong focus on faith, regardless of your religious views, it contains valuable messages about grief, growth, and resilience that applies to everyone.
https://tabithoughts.com/book-review-...
After her five-year-old daughter suddenly passes away from an asthma attack, Jennie shares her most vulnerable and intimate thoughts about God, life, and grief during the darkest time of her life.
Though it would have been easy to succumb to grief, Jennie shares how her grief strengthened her faith, her relationships, and her purpose. But, finding the beauty in the pain certainly didn’t happen overnight. With grief comes feelings of anger, sadness, and guilt. Through her writing, we see Jennie experience it all. However, we also see the strength, wisdom, and growth that Jennie experiences once she comes out from the other side.
The Fight to Flourish is a book about strengthening your relationship with God and yourself. Though this book has a strong focus on faith, regardless of your religious views, it contains valuable messages about grief, growth, and resilience that applies to everyone.
https://tabithoughts.com/book-review-...
June 21, 2020
A raw account of what a grieving mother has learned through seeking God in the face of loosing her five year old daughter. I appreciated that this book wasn’t a retelling of her husband’s book but instead provided more of a focus on her moving forward. It was a great mix of biblical life lessons and stories. It did feel like her appeal to a smaller audience of women with kids and who were married, but that didn’t bother me too much. I also appreciated how she continued to place the focus on Jesus and being transformed by Him. This wasn’t a fluffy, typically Women’s ministry book but instead embraced the true pain and struggles in life by fixing our eyes on Jesus to help us no matter what season we are in.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
I also listened to portion of the audiobook through the local library and loved how they pulled in elements from her husband’s sermons, the funeral service, and has some musical elements. It was a nice addition to the audiobook!
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
I also listened to portion of the audiobook through the local library and loved how they pulled in elements from her husband’s sermons, the funeral service, and has some musical elements. It was a nice addition to the audiobook!
September 20, 2024
Having read Levi's book back in 2020 I had Jennie's book on my list to read as well. It is a little bit unfair for me to rate it only 4 stars since it obviously is written for the feminine audience. It still was worth it to me to read so I know whether to recommend it or not which I would to anyone, whether they have suffered a tragic loss like theirs or not. Like her husband, she brings in lots of illustrations from her personal life. She also uses movie and fitness references (including boxing and spinning) which are relatable to most people. She is very transparent as she shares some of her journal writing along the way. I am sure many women, moms and wives can relate to what she brings up as pain points in her life and not feeling worthy of God's love and forgiveness. Her book does not contain questions or application points at the end of each chapter. Instead, they are buried throughout though I am sure the study guide (available separately) would help particularly if you are in a group setting.
May 22, 2020
I flew through this in a day, it was so good! I was expecting a difficult, depressing read, and it is not that at all. The author uses her experience, including passages from her journal during that time, and her love of boxing, spin, and most importantly her faith to heal and eventually write this book to try and help others as they go through their own struggles. There were many things in here that I could relate to and therefore this book was helpful to me. She is real, honest, raw, and quite funny in some parts which was a nice, needed break.
This is a relatable book that anyone can use, no matter what they are going through to help them see that it is a moment in time, no matter how difficult that moment seems.
Thank you to @tlcbooktours, @thomasnelson, and @jennielusko for the free copy to review.
This is a relatable book that anyone can use, no matter what they are going through to help them see that it is a moment in time, no matter how difficult that moment seems.
Thank you to @tlcbooktours, @thomasnelson, and @jennielusko for the free copy to review.
January 6, 2021
This book was hard. One that made me stop after every chapter and sit. Sit in the hurt. Sit in the honesty. But most importantly, sit with the Spirit. So much of fighting to flourish and fighting forward is knowing that it is a fight I cannot win, will not win on my own merit. But it is a fight that has already been won for me on the cross. This book is a gift in my life, and I’m so thankful for the vulnerability and wisdom that Jennie Lusko shared, and the testimony of living through pain that she brings. There is so much hope in her words.
Lord, may I fight forward, fight with your Spirit, and fight to flourish. May I shake the hindrances and weights in my life and make room for the new, for the more, you are bringing. May I spend everyday with you, being shaped into the woman you have called me to be— a woman that reflects Jesus in all things.
Lord, may I fight forward, fight with your Spirit, and fight to flourish. May I shake the hindrances and weights in my life and make room for the new, for the more, you are bringing. May I spend everyday with you, being shaped into the woman you have called me to be— a woman that reflects Jesus in all things.
March 3, 2022
I can not get over how much I enjoyed this book. Jennie was so real, raw, vulnerable, and yet encouraging as she shared her story that is so powerful. I feel like I was just having coffee with my bestfriend while also experiencing the powerful preaching of a strong and bold communicator, yet simultaneously. I was moved to tears multiple times in this book, but also laughed, felt anger, and rejoiced. Jennie teaches that through the range of emotions that come with life, God is still good. The words of this book JUMPED off the page and into my heart. Her story is powerful and she models how to stand back up and fight to flourish when the trials of life come our way. It is powerful, vibrant, and relatable. Whether you are 16 or 60, this book is one you will always remember and never regret reading!
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