The Garden: A Spiritual Fable About Ways to Overcome Fear, Anxiety, and Stress

by Jon Gordon

From eight-time bestselling author Jon Gordon comes a spiritual fable about the power of faith, hope, and love Meet Jay and Kay. They’re twins, and like many teenagers their age, they’re dealing with stress and anxiety. One day on their way to school, they have a nice conversation with their old family friend and youth soccer coach, Mr. Erwin, who shows them a special garden he created in his backyard. The garden serves as both a place and a metaphor for Mr. Erwin to share a powerful paradigm and practical strategies to help the twins overcome their fear, stress, and anxiety. The Garden is an enlightening and encouraging spiritual fable that reveals the 5 D’s that can sabotage us and a proven plan to help us overcome and win the battle in our mind. Rooted in Jon Gordon’s faith tradition, this fable is a different kind of book than his previous business fables. However, in his familiar trademark style, he takes a complex subject and simplifies it to help people take action and improve their lives. Everyone will struggle with fear, anxiety, or stress at some point in their lives, and everyone will have to overcome these challenges to create the life they were meant to live. Given that there are many contributing factors that influence how we think and feel, Jon wrote this book to share how the power of love, encouragement, truth, faith, and belief can be part of the solution. Having worked with countless leaders, companies, sports teams, professional athletes, and high school students, Jon Gordon infuses this life-changing story with thought-provoking ideas, practical strategies, and a framework to overcome fear with faith. Whether you are dealing with fear, stress, and anxiety yourself, have a family member that struggles, or are a mental health expert that works with clients, if any of the ideas in this book can be useful to you or the people you love and care about, then it’s worth a walk through The Garden with Jay, Kay, and Mr. Erwin to discover ways to persevere through life with the power of faith, hope, and love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Spirituality, Faith, Leadership

160 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2020

About the author

Jon Gordon is an American business consultant and author on the topics of leadership, culture, sales, and teamwork.

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and The Goldfish, Soup, The Seed and his latest The Positive Dog. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Atlanta Falcons, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, Bayer and more.

Jon is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Masters in Teaching from Emory University. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations and teams.

When he's not running through airports or speaking, you can find him playing tennis or lacrosse with his wife and two "high energy" children.

You can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jongordonpage

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jay and Kay are teen twins dealing with stress and anxiety. Jay deals with bullying at school, while Kay has issues with her confidence. Both teens worry about their future. On their way to school they have a chat with a neighbor, Mr. Erwin, who’s an old friend of the family. Mr. Erwin knows what the teens are experiencing, and over the course of days shares spiritual knowledge with them to support them on their life journeys.

Unfortunately, this story lacked the emotional and powerful impact I expected, and the ending was a little contrived and maybe even too insta-fix for me. However, there are some interesting analogies and quotes here, and I did find inspiration in it. It’s also heavily spiritually-based which I loved. This book is worth a try for teens and adults who are struggling in life with a need to overcome stress, low self-worth, and anxiety, and even those that would like to strengthen their relationship with God.

3***

[Jay Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with a great message. Another great Jon Gordon book. What a great Father's Day gift!

[Savannah Hongell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book for my dad who really likes Jon Gordon. I am not a very religious person, but there are some takeaways for everyone.

[Tina Queary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all Jon Gordon books, they stir emotion. This book was timely and a great reminder of Satan uses the 5 D's to drive a wedge between us and our relationship with God. Making us doubt, be discouraged, and feel we are not good enough. This is false, as God's love says we are a "child of God", we are loved; we are chosen; we are accepted. Great reminder that we have a daily battle but we are never alone and how sharing this with others leads to more D's in our life. Great read. Short, easy to follow and impactful.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my new favorite book by Jon Gordon!

[Muhammad Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has to be one of the best work of Jon Gordon. Recommended read for anyone looking to counter doubt & distraction

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this is written draws you in and breaks down complex ideas. The conversational manor and eloquent writing style is refreshing and inspiring. A great quick read with wonderful take aways.
I was provided an advanced copy of The Garden from the publisher.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read full of powerful information and reminders that the enemy is always lurking but that with a relationship with God, you already have victory. Lifted a lot of the anxiety and fear I had been feeling. Exactly what I needed during this season - very timely!

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for everything going on in our world today. Sometimes the simple reminders, “Love wins because love unites,” are the answers we’re looking for. Thanks for the reminder, Jon, and bringing attention to the 5 D’s Satan uses to drive a wedge between us and God.

[Juan Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and a typical Jon Gordon book. Good story to remind us to trust God. It was a little corny and short. We should all know that Mr. Erwin is in reference to Erwin Mcmanus. If I wasn't so familiar with Jon Gordon books I might have enjoyed it a little more. I liked it and will recommend to others. It is what I have come to expect about Jon Gordons books.

Gold:
1-“God made human beings in his own likeness and image. This means they didn't eat the fruit because they wanted to be like God because they already were like God. They ate the fruit because the serpent convinced them that they weren't like God and they believed this lie.”
2-1-“Many say, ‘Show me God and I will trust you.’ But it works the other way. When you trust, God will show you.”
3-“God is great and so he planted seeds of greatness in you. God is good so there is goodness in you. God is love so there is love within you.”
4-“Distractions are the enemy of greatness.”
5-“Evil's ultimate goal is to divide us and separate us from God,” he said. He distracts, discourages, distorts, and creates doubt so that we will be divided from God, divided from each other and from ourselves.”

[Roman Nowak · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The power within you is more powerful than the circumstances around you."

Whether you are religious or not, the story of this garden will be sure to inspire you. Focus on your gifts, your mission, and your passion. There are many doubts along the way, many instances where we are tempted to lead with greed and ego, but this is a call to live out our mission; to lead with our heart, to believe in good, and to make a difference in the world.

I will be sharing this as a read-aloud with my students next year to start the new semester.

Thank you Jon Gordon!

[Linde Sifuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to start or rekindle your relationship with God and struggling with where to begin I would highly recommend this book for you. It is a wonderful story that is easy to read and will not take long to get through while gaining wonderful insight into how to connect with God. I can't wait to share the message with my four kids. It will definitely be something I have my soon to be sophomore and freshman read. This is a must read and a book that should be in your personal library.

[Rebecca L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

I can see how some people would enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t for me. This book takes a Calvinist worldview and my personal theology is much more Wesleyan. I also did not like how it is told as a moral fable. It was too simplistic for my taste. It would probably be a good book for a Presbyterian Sunday school classes. In fairness, I was probably not the target audience.

[Lesleyanne White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to everyone. It is not a one read only then forget on the bookshelf kind of book. It is a book to be read and re-read throughout life when struggling with faith. Not necessarily faith in God, but faith that things can, and will, be good again. In these current times we are all following a "roadmap" to a better future, this is a roadmap to overcoming fear and anxiety.

[Kathy Turnball · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a book I could not put down. A positive message for such a time as this. Great connection to Garden of Eden and Christ's death on the cross. A perspective I honestly had not thought of or heard in this way before. A must read for parents who I pray would share with their children for sure. A book I plan to give away to many.

[Brian Berrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read (will take you about 90 minutes). While I disagree with some of his interpretations, there is some wonderful wisdom to be found in this book. My favorite quote is probably, “It’s scarier to see so many losing a battle they have no idea they are in. If you don’t know you are in a battle but your enemy does, you will surely lose.”

[Kimble Taulbee Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this as part of the launch group and it was a great book! Different than most John Gordon books as it is based upon the Bible but it might be one of my favorites . I already have a list of people that I will be gifting this book to once it is released .

[Rachel Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Jon Gordon’s books that I have read, I have loved. However, this one touched me deep inside. Through his story telling he was able to remind me of the spiritual battle we face inside, and how to fight against that battle. I plan to buy copies for a few people in my life.

[Christine Cusano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!! It is similar but different from his other books. This one has a very powerful message for anyone but it is more faith based. As with most of Jon's books, it is a nice afternoon read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Teri Lyn Fukar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of Jon Gordon’s launch team. I’ve read a few of his other business fables, and appreciated the religious aspect of this book. It’s a great reminder and refresher and can be read again and again when needed. It’s written well enough for kids and adults alike to understand.

[Jolleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It was so good for my soul. I cannot wait to share it with my children, family, friends...everyone!!

[Jamie Arcykiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great! It makes you remember where we are from and how to be at peace with your life ❤️

[Leigh Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting fable about ways to conquer anxiety and fear. It is a quick read with some good takeaways.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a prime example of moralistic therapeutic deism. According to this fable, the main problem faced by two teenagers is that they don’t have enough self-esteem because they believe Satan’s lies about them. In order to be saved from this, they need to believe that they are “enough.” Along the way, the theology found throughout this book is woefully inadequate, at times even Pelagian. Negative thoughts are passed off as always and in every case the product of Satan, dismissing the very idea of one’s own fallen condition. The role of the cross is fuzzy at best, meriting precisely one paragraph in the entire book, while never arriving at a firm conclusion as to what it accomplished. Faith is depicted more as fideism, and the Christian life is pictured vaguely as “accomplishing your destiny.” While at times inspiring, in the end it fails to offer a truthful and effective antidote to the fear, anxiety, and stress it seeks to address.

[Rhoda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Garden is "a spiritual fable about ways to overcome fear, anxiety, and stress." The author uses a series of "D" words to weave the teaching together. The fable combines Biblical principles with some New Agey ideas. The storyline was simplistic and follows the recipe of much Christian media in which the character hears a truth and boom! everything works out perfectly.
I will stick with Jon Gordon's business fables.
Two ideas I did like:
Satan tried to convince Eve that God didn't want them to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil because He didn't want them to be like Him, but God didn't want them to eat of the fruit so that they could continue to be like Him.
Adam and Eve were naked in the garden covered in shame, but Jesus died on the cross naked to conquer shame.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read of just a few hours, which is nice, when you want an uplifting afternoon read. Having read The Energy Bus for work, I was interested to read The Garden, as it had a spiritual emphasis.

Gordon is a good story-teller and can put concepts into an easy-to-understand storyline, making them memorable. I enjoyed the conversations between Mr. Erwin and the twins, tackling the hard realities that young people face with the truth of the gospel.

This book is a wonderful book to gift to those struggling with anxiety and fears, which makes it especially good for these days of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As we turn from the lies to the the truth, God brings healing and hope. A recommended read.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually found this book to be surprisingly simplistic and lacking in detail. It feels like more of an outline of topics that desperately need expounding upon. The characters have no depth and their issues are too broadly labeled for the reader to personally connect or identify with in any meaningful way... This was my first time reading anything from the author, even though he has a long list of published titles; which was precisely the reason I expected much more and have found myself disappointed.

If you are looking for specific answers on how to equip yourself in overcoming the battles mentioned of fear, anxiety, and stress, this book does little to provide help for the struggle to victory.

[Lyndie Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because… I enjoy Jon Gordon’s work. I can always use encouragement to overcome fear, anxiety and stress.

This book was about Jon takes us through a series of encounters by an old gentleman and two neighborhood teenagers where he gives the tools to confront their greatest fears.

Things I liked about this book A quick trip back to the garden is always refreshing. It is also a reminder we need to watch for people in our path who need encouragement.

Why you should read this book A refreshing moment of God’s grace spelled out in the invisible evil we all face.

This book lived up to the back cover copy yes.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Gordon does it again relating the spiritual side of life to why we struggle with fear and anxiety. He based “The Garden” on two high school students who are struggling with thoughts of depression and suicide, and based the lesson through the lessons of the Garden of Eden. Gordon teaches us how to deal with the factors that cause our fears and anxiety. As a Catholic High School Educator, this book will be on the reading lists of my students for years to come. In this time of COVID and mental health struggles, Jon Gordon teaches us how to deal with these struggles and is a great easy read for all ages.

[Ann Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a quick read and helped to remind me of some core beliefs. Mainly, you are a child of God. Trust God’s plan for your life. Distractions are the enemy of greatness. We have a desire to be great because we are made in the image of God. Believe the best is yet to come. And don’t worry about tomorrow. Just go be great today. Also there is a battle of good vs evil and the devil will try to distort the truth and distract you from what is important-mainly your relationship with God and loving others.