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Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back
Fighting Forward is the empowering anthem you need to take the next small step to a better life.
At the darkest point of a life-altering depression, Hannah Brencher took a silver marker and labeled a composition book "Fight Song." In that little notebook, she poured hope-filled truths and affirmations, knowing that one day, she--and you--would need a reminder to stay in the fight. Drawn from those glow-in-the-dark words, Fighting Forward is your empowering invitation to show up, claim hope, and take back your life one small win at a time.
Popular blogger, viral TED Talk speaker, and founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, Hannah shares personal stories of developing daily rhythms and sustainable faith in a culture of hustle. With a heap of hope for those who long to move from anxiety and fear into action steps, the power-ballad essays in this book will encourage you to savor the milestones you've already reached, root yourself in the next small step, welcome healthy routines into your day, and apply grace like sunscreen in the process of your own becoming.
Fighting Forward champions the truth that each song starts with a single note. With trust and a little time, each note and every small step adds up to a victorious anthem of showing up to this life and staying in the fight to become who God made you to be.
At the darkest point of a life-altering depression, Hannah Brencher took a silver marker and labeled a composition book "Fight Song." In that little notebook, she poured hope-filled truths and affirmations, knowing that one day, she--and you--would need a reminder to stay in the fight. Drawn from those glow-in-the-dark words, Fighting Forward is your empowering invitation to show up, claim hope, and take back your life one small win at a time.
Popular blogger, viral TED Talk speaker, and founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, Hannah shares personal stories of developing daily rhythms and sustainable faith in a culture of hustle. With a heap of hope for those who long to move from anxiety and fear into action steps, the power-ballad essays in this book will encourage you to savor the milestones you've already reached, root yourself in the next small step, welcome healthy routines into your day, and apply grace like sunscreen in the process of your own becoming.
Fighting Forward champions the truth that each song starts with a single note. With trust and a little time, each note and every small step adds up to a victorious anthem of showing up to this life and staying in the fight to become who God made you to be.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
131 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Brencher
7 books494 followersHannah Brencher is the author of four books, the founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, and an online educator who teaches others how to establish important disciplines in their lives.
Her newest book, The Unplugged Hours, is about cultivating a lifestyle of profound presence. It will be released on September 17, 2024.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Lane, and their little girl, Novalee.
Her newest book, The Unplugged Hours, is about cultivating a lifestyle of profound presence. It will be released on September 17, 2024.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Lane, and their little girl, Novalee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
January 26, 2021
Hannah truly has a gift for making people feel seen in her writing. She infuses personal stories and experience with tactical steps towards living a life that is not gripped by fear. The advice she gives is not fluffy. It does not come with promises to fix everything in your life, rather good habits and skills that are useful for correcting your thought patterns & bringing your needs back to God.
Some of my favourite themes from this book were: discipline, building foundation for the future, being a cheerleader, seeking real life over screens
Some of my favourite themes from this book were: discipline, building foundation for the future, being a cheerleader, seeking real life over screens
January 17, 2021
This book struck every chord. I truly believe it will heal me differently reading it again. I have already bought and shipped a copy to a friend. I plan to buy at least 5 more to give to others.
I’ll be processing these words for the next few days to try and add to this review.
I’ll be processing these words for the next few days to try and add to this review.
January 6, 2021
Fighting Forward is the first book I've read in 2021 and it was an amazing collection of personal essays to start with. It is full of hope-filled anthems we all need to cut the noise and have our best year.
If fear, anxiety, stress, and doubt have been holding you back, this book acts as an approachable guide to help you reframe your mindsets around what is true so you can take action with daily habits that support you. After reading, you'll know how to "watch for foxes" and "count your ravens" (which will make more sense when you read the book) along with encouragements to help you trust your instincts and discernment again.
If fear, anxiety, stress, and doubt have been holding you back, this book acts as an approachable guide to help you reframe your mindsets around what is true so you can take action with daily habits that support you. After reading, you'll know how to "watch for foxes" and "count your ravens" (which will make more sense when you read the book) along with encouragements to help you trust your instincts and discernment again.
April 10, 2021
I love Hannah Brencher’s writing. She is a big encourager of people. She tells you what you need to hear and cheers you along the way (as well as not letting excuses wash either). This book is so full of advice, wisdom, love and those reminders to keep going and keep being and show up when it matters. A book to keep returning to. I’ve ended up highlighting as I read which is really unusual for me, but there was just so many nuggets in this I want to keep hold of.
February 1, 2021
First book of 2021 was the BEST CHOICE. my girl @hannahbrencher hit me right in the feels and gave me a swift kick in the pants (in love!!!) with this one— it’s fiery and full of truth and quite honestly was exactly what I needed. i highlighted the heck out of it and already added “watch for foxes” and “count the ravens” pages to my journal (read it to understand!)— her heart and her wisdom are so genuinely GOOD and needed in our world.
So, so grateful for HB. the passage she highlighted and tagged for me made me cry— “Share your tools. Share your gifts. Share what you are learning, and don’t hold back. Help people set little fires everywhere”. 😭 my life goal, for real.
okay I could go on and on but GET THIS BOOK.
So, so grateful for HB. the passage she highlighted and tagged for me made me cry— “Share your tools. Share your gifts. Share what you are learning, and don’t hold back. Help people set little fires everywhere”. 😭 my life goal, for real.
okay I could go on and on but GET THIS BOOK.
August 15, 2023
I ADORE Hannah Brencher's writing. This book only increased that. I could never explain how good this is, so just go read it, mkay?
I love that this book included more practical thoughts on healing, habits, and mindset. It feels like the next step after Come Matter Here, whereas some of that book that is more focused on hope and strength in suffering, this is the "after". After the suffering, how do we rebuild our lives? A beautiful and helpful book, sort of a crossover between a collection of essays and a Christian non-fiction read.
I love that this book included more practical thoughts on healing, habits, and mindset. It feels like the next step after Come Matter Here, whereas some of that book that is more focused on hope and strength in suffering, this is the "after". After the suffering, how do we rebuild our lives? A beautiful and helpful book, sort of a crossover between a collection of essays and a Christian non-fiction read.
January 4, 2021
When I read the words of Hannah Brencher, I find myself thinking "how does she know exactly how I felt and how does she know exactly what I need to hear?" It's as if she's a close friend. Fighting Forward is a beautiful collection of fight songs that will remind you of your worth, tell you to put the phone down, and what steps we can take to start living the lives we actually want to live. Brencher's imagery is crafted carefully and she spins ordinary life into metaphors to teach rhythms and lessons to lean into. She demonstrates the freedom and joy in choosing to give yourself grace, forget the comparisons, and focus on the beauty in the journey to becoming fully and fearlessly you.
Favorite quotes:
"...it meant that the entire foundation I'd built for myself...needed to be smashed to the ground and a new foundation needed to be built, brick by brick" (p.47)
"Once upon a time, anger built a house for you. Resentment helped erect the roof. Bitterness put in the tiles...and then one day, you smartened up and realized that you don't have to live in that house anymore...And you feel like you can maybe breathe again." (p. 94-95)
"The best fires I've learned to build have been quiet and steady" (p.174)
Favorite quotes:
"...it meant that the entire foundation I'd built for myself...needed to be smashed to the ground and a new foundation needed to be built, brick by brick" (p.47)
"Once upon a time, anger built a house for you. Resentment helped erect the roof. Bitterness put in the tiles...and then one day, you smartened up and realized that you don't have to live in that house anymore...And you feel like you can maybe breathe again." (p. 94-95)
"The best fires I've learned to build have been quiet and steady" (p.174)
August 27, 2021
I will never be able to properly express how grateful I am for Hannah Brencher and her words.
The queen of fight songs has published a book of them, and there's no better way to step into the new year than with these anthems in hand. Fighting Forward feels like sitting across from your best friend in a coffee shop and hearing her say "you're going to be okay". Wherever you are right now, there's something in this book for you. Whether you're trying to rebuild or trying to figure out how to stay, in search of rhythm or in search of a fresh start, these words will meet you right where you are.
Hannah's words are filled with truth, faith, and hope, and I think we all need a little more of that these days.
You need this book.
I need this book.
Read it. It's the push that you need, and the reminder that you're going to make it. We all need a fight song. This book will wrap you in them, and teach you how to sing your own.
The queen of fight songs has published a book of them, and there's no better way to step into the new year than with these anthems in hand. Fighting Forward feels like sitting across from your best friend in a coffee shop and hearing her say "you're going to be okay". Wherever you are right now, there's something in this book for you. Whether you're trying to rebuild or trying to figure out how to stay, in search of rhythm or in search of a fresh start, these words will meet you right where you are.
Hannah's words are filled with truth, faith, and hope, and I think we all need a little more of that these days.
You need this book.
I need this book.
Read it. It's the push that you need, and the reminder that you're going to make it. We all need a fight song. This book will wrap you in them, and teach you how to sing your own.
January 31, 2021
Hannah Brencher’s words are everything you thought you might need closing out 2020 and everything you didn’t even know you needed when kicking off 2021. Fighting Forward is the perfect anthem to kick off your New Year!
This is the kind of book where you bend the cover, dog ear the pages and read over, and over again. Hannah Brencher has delivered to us again an incredibly, authentic work that shows us how to stand up, do the work, “switch the script”, “lay the bricks”, and create the life we want. Her realness and insight are inspiring to read, but not in an unattainable way. She writes like she is sitting right next to you, grabbing coffee, and giving you that best friend advice you needed. Fighting Forward gives us a true message on how to create the life we’re meant to live and doesn’t sugar coat it. The way Hannah discusses Fear is so spot on, it’s as if she was inside all of our heads and hearts when we didn’t try that new class, didn’t apply for that position, didn’t try and talk to that new person at work, or didn’t pick up the phone and make that call. You’ll want to take notes, scribble in the margins, use her magic words for mantras and especially, create your own Fight Song after reading Hannah Brencher’s Fighting Forward. I highly recommend getting your hands on this empowering tool to “forge” the 2021 that is meant for you.
This is the kind of book where you bend the cover, dog ear the pages and read over, and over again. Hannah Brencher has delivered to us again an incredibly, authentic work that shows us how to stand up, do the work, “switch the script”, “lay the bricks”, and create the life we want. Her realness and insight are inspiring to read, but not in an unattainable way. She writes like she is sitting right next to you, grabbing coffee, and giving you that best friend advice you needed. Fighting Forward gives us a true message on how to create the life we’re meant to live and doesn’t sugar coat it. The way Hannah discusses Fear is so spot on, it’s as if she was inside all of our heads and hearts when we didn’t try that new class, didn’t apply for that position, didn’t try and talk to that new person at work, or didn’t pick up the phone and make that call. You’ll want to take notes, scribble in the margins, use her magic words for mantras and especially, create your own Fight Song after reading Hannah Brencher’s Fighting Forward. I highly recommend getting your hands on this empowering tool to “forge” the 2021 that is meant for you.
January 6, 2021
Grab a highlighter - you're going to need it.
Like Hannah, I am a “transformation junkie.” I know a lot of people who are the same way - we get really excited about anything that promises to make us the best version of ourselves, as quickly as possible. Our drawers and shelves are crowded with products, books, and programs that promised to deliver this to us. We’re disillusioned and frustrated, but we haven’t given up hope that the next promise WILL deliver the magic potion we’ve been searching for. This is especially exciting on January 1.
Fighting Forward is the “slow down, babe” I needed. It literally stopped me in my tracks and sent me in another direction. My “transformation junkie” self was going into overdrive trying to make up for 2020. I was about to make one thousand resolutions that were going to make me my best self ever. Inevitably, I was going to fail.
But what Hannah offers in Fighting Forward is a grace-filled message that whispers Slow. Steady. Consistent; the reality that there are no quick fixes, and that we are the sum of our small choices over time. This book is full of real, honest wisdom.
This book is practical, relatable, and above all, hopeful. You CAN start at Mile 1 and show up for yourself, consistently - like Hannah says, “Small things on repeat.”
Like Hannah, I am a “transformation junkie.” I know a lot of people who are the same way - we get really excited about anything that promises to make us the best version of ourselves, as quickly as possible. Our drawers and shelves are crowded with products, books, and programs that promised to deliver this to us. We’re disillusioned and frustrated, but we haven’t given up hope that the next promise WILL deliver the magic potion we’ve been searching for. This is especially exciting on January 1.
Fighting Forward is the “slow down, babe” I needed. It literally stopped me in my tracks and sent me in another direction. My “transformation junkie” self was going into overdrive trying to make up for 2020. I was about to make one thousand resolutions that were going to make me my best self ever. Inevitably, I was going to fail.
But what Hannah offers in Fighting Forward is a grace-filled message that whispers Slow. Steady. Consistent; the reality that there are no quick fixes, and that we are the sum of our small choices over time. This book is full of real, honest wisdom.
This book is practical, relatable, and above all, hopeful. You CAN start at Mile 1 and show up for yourself, consistently - like Hannah says, “Small things on repeat.”
March 4, 2021
First, let me start off by saying I am a huge fan of Hannah’s! I have read her book Come Matter Here 3 times so when I heard she had a new book coming out this year, you bet I pre-ordered it!!
And as usual, she delivered. This book is Hannah’s raw and authentic story written as encouragement for you to show up, kick anxiety in the butt, claim hope and take back your life one step at a time.
“What I can do is write fight songs in the night for you, during the hours when I encountered fear in its most crippling state, and remind you to keep putting one foot in front of the other." -HB
As someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression - her words were very much needed. Without a doubt, I will be reading them over time and time again.
And as usual, she delivered. This book is Hannah’s raw and authentic story written as encouragement for you to show up, kick anxiety in the butt, claim hope and take back your life one step at a time.
“What I can do is write fight songs in the night for you, during the hours when I encountered fear in its most crippling state, and remind you to keep putting one foot in front of the other." -HB
As someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression - her words were very much needed. Without a doubt, I will be reading them over time and time again.
January 24, 2021
I will always be a huge fan of Hannah Brencher. Her last book - Come Matter Here - meant a lot to me in a time where I needed it most. When I saw she was releasing this book, I knew I needed to order it ASAP.
This book is a book that you’ll need to read more than once. Hannah does a great job at processing and describing ‘fight songs’ and words that we all want to hear. There were so many parts in this book where I could relate to directly, and I believe that it will resonate with anyone who picks up the book. It’s a great book about resilience and the love of God in all we do. Will definitely keep this one on my bookshelf for all times of my life.
This book is a book that you’ll need to read more than once. Hannah does a great job at processing and describing ‘fight songs’ and words that we all want to hear. There were so many parts in this book where I could relate to directly, and I believe that it will resonate with anyone who picks up the book. It’s a great book about resilience and the love of God in all we do. Will definitely keep this one on my bookshelf for all times of my life.
April 24, 2022
I've been a long time cheerleader of Hannah's and have been extremely blessed by her words, faith, and practical tips and tools. Her style is accessible and relatable yet deep and profound. I really appreciated how she called out fear (my old friend) in this book and the many ways it can show up and hold us back. A couple other themes that really resonated were discipline>motivation and the call to live from a place of abundance not scarcity. I enjoyed the short chapters of personal stories and truth telling from an authentic and beautiful human. Depending on where you're at this book may land differently and there were some parts I wish would have dug a bit deeper for where I'm at.
January 14, 2021
This is the perfect book to start 2021 off with! Hannah writes with a beautifully natural voice, sharing encouraging and convicting information in a way that never feels dry. Her relational writing style is perfect for these wild times, and reading her words feels like you’re having a conversation with a big sister. It truly feels like she’s looking out for you as you read, lifting you up out of the mire and into something new. She isn’t afraid to get real and raw, either, which is such a gift in a book like this. 10/10 recommend! You won’t regret spending time in these words.
December 30, 2020
Every time I start a book by Hannah, I know it's going to be the first of many times I'm going to come back to her words.
I've underlined, both mentally and on the page, so many words of hers over time, and this book is so full of all the things I need to hear. When I'm feeling sorry for myself, she writes words that help me refocus. When I can't find the song I'm supposed to be singing, she proposes an anthem that lasts longer than 3 minutes, something I can take with me into not only my day, but every new year.
I've recommended this book to everyone I know, and there's never been a doubt in my mind that things change in our lives when we commit to fighting forward.
I've underlined, both mentally and on the page, so many words of hers over time, and this book is so full of all the things I need to hear. When I'm feeling sorry for myself, she writes words that help me refocus. When I can't find the song I'm supposed to be singing, she proposes an anthem that lasts longer than 3 minutes, something I can take with me into not only my day, but every new year.
I've recommended this book to everyone I know, and there's never been a doubt in my mind that things change in our lives when we commit to fighting forward.
January 6, 2023
Probably my favorite self-help book I've ever read. I think Hannah and I are actually the same person? Did future me write this under a pseudonym? I wish. Hannah Brencher - you are a gift to this world.
January 18, 2021
So many good nuggets to come back to over and over again. Great reminders to “Keep on going!” Always appreciate Hannah’s words of wisdom.
January 29, 2021
A wonderful book, where each chapter is its own essay, reminding us of the importance of fighting and keeping true to our path. A perfect book for anyone teenager and older.
May 29, 2021
The type of book you have to read again just to make sure it all soaks in 🥲👏🏻
June 2, 2022
I didn’t find anything too deep or profound here, BUT it was an enjoyable read full of great personal stories and encouraging and uplifting advice. Overall glad I read it.
March 4, 2021
Beautiful book! I have so many lines underlined. I can tell that I will be going back through this book in the years to come as the lessons learned sink deeper.
January 11, 2021
If you ever need a powerful, faith-filled, God-oriented, heart-deep pep talk, this is it. Hannah Bencher's latest book is one beautiful chapter of courage after another. Read it, read it again, dig it out later when you don't know how to keep going. I'm grateful for her words in Fighting Forward, for the way she reminds me that we're never fighting alone, and that fighting forward is never futile.
November 19, 2023
Literally have taken this book through the darkest moments of my mental health journey. Reading this book makes you feel not as alone, and honestly really motivates you to make changes and improvements in your life. Exactly what I needed to read during my toughest times.
January 25, 2023
I’m a big fan of Hannah Brencher’s words. She has a way of making you feel seen and loved through her writing, and it’s such a gift.
January 3, 2021
It’s hard to find something Hannah Brencher has written that I haven’t loved...In fact, it’s impossible, because each of her books has brought me gems that I needed to hear in that season and her Monday Club encouraging emails make Monday mornings that much better! Fighting Forward was no exception to my opinion. Reading slowly and writing down quotes that really stuck out in my journal seeped so much wisdom into my heart and soul. It was the perfect first book to read for the new year.
Some of the nuggets that stuck out and challenged me were the following:
The importance of showing up.
“This slow progress could change the world. Turns out, it often does.” – pg. 5
The importance of consistency.
“Consistency is like expresso down the hall: It comes with an aroma that other people can sense and will gravitate towards.” – pg. 7
The importance of our behind-the-scenes time with God.
“Invest in the secret hours.” – pg. 53
The reminder that God is unlimited in what he uses to speak to us.
“God is in the business of using the most unexpected elements to make himself known.” – pg. 91
What it looks like to “hold the light” for people in dark places.
“Sometimes we show up, and someone we love is in the most unimaginable circumstances, and no matter how much we want to rescue them, all we can do is sit with them and find ways to hold them in the light until the darkness starts to face.” – pg. 133
I could keep going on with things that burrowed into my heart, but this book should be bought and poured over, and handed to friends, and read aloud to loved ones. Hannah’s words are crafted in a way that is relatable to the reader but also straight to the heart of truth.
Some of the nuggets that stuck out and challenged me were the following:
The importance of showing up.
“This slow progress could change the world. Turns out, it often does.” – pg. 5
The importance of consistency.
“Consistency is like expresso down the hall: It comes with an aroma that other people can sense and will gravitate towards.” – pg. 7
The importance of our behind-the-scenes time with God.
“Invest in the secret hours.” – pg. 53
The reminder that God is unlimited in what he uses to speak to us.
“God is in the business of using the most unexpected elements to make himself known.” – pg. 91
What it looks like to “hold the light” for people in dark places.
“Sometimes we show up, and someone we love is in the most unimaginable circumstances, and no matter how much we want to rescue them, all we can do is sit with them and find ways to hold them in the light until the darkness starts to face.” – pg. 133
I could keep going on with things that burrowed into my heart, but this book should be bought and poured over, and handed to friends, and read aloud to loved ones. Hannah’s words are crafted in a way that is relatable to the reader but also straight to the heart of truth.
November 22, 2020
Hannah is a great writer who uses wonderful real life illustrations to drive her message home. She's a special artist!
January 24, 2021
I appreciated the idea behind this book and a lot of the topics were thoughtful; however, it felt very disorganized making the topics hard to remember.
January 22, 2021
I can’t remember the last time I marked a book up this much. So instead of trying to sum it, and all of its goodness, up, here are a few of my favorite thoughts. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
“I am still the one who tries frantically to clear the junk away on my own. Like, if God were making house visits, I would be the one piling all the ugly unseen junk into the upstairs closet, thinking to myself, It will be safe and concealed here. I picture God strolling into the house and taking a look around. He doesn’t admire what I want him to admire. He doesn’t survey the sturdiness of the IKEA barstools or drool over the chandelier. He simply says, “Can I see the closet?” I protest. I start to freak out. I panic, thinking, You cannot handle my mess, the things I’ve hidden there. But God in his character is kind and calm as he tells me, “What I will not do is discount your ruins. I want all of you—even the stuff you hid in the guest bedroom closet. I am not throwing away the parts of your story that left you feeling crumbled and defeated. You don’t have to hide those parts. Let’s use them.” And with that, God does exactly what that verse in Jeremiah says. He rebuilds a city on top of what once ruined.”
“here’s the thing about God and pain: He never plans to leave you just as you are. You’re far too precious to him to not upgrade you, to swap out parts of you for a newer model. When you know stories about the dark, you become a light to others. You get to show the way. You get to sit on the floor with people or on the other end of the phone, not saying a word because you know words can’t change the present pain. You get to help others just be, as you decide to just be with them.”
“Whether you see it or not, God is showing up. He is doing things around you—things that may not look the way you wanted them to look. They may not feel the way you wanted them to feel. But there are ravens, circling the sky to bring you provision. Train your eyes to see them. Train your eyes to look for them, and count them daily. Every single day, there will be a new provision.”
“There are very few things in this world we will ever be able to control. We don’t get to pick when seasons end or when people leave us. We don’t get much say over whether a television show is canceled or a report comes back as “cancer-free.” We don’t get to dictate the weather or force people to do things they don’t want to do. We get very little control, but I am adamant in believing there are two things we do get to control: how we show up and how we finish.”
“I am still the one who tries frantically to clear the junk away on my own. Like, if God were making house visits, I would be the one piling all the ugly unseen junk into the upstairs closet, thinking to myself, It will be safe and concealed here. I picture God strolling into the house and taking a look around. He doesn’t admire what I want him to admire. He doesn’t survey the sturdiness of the IKEA barstools or drool over the chandelier. He simply says, “Can I see the closet?” I protest. I start to freak out. I panic, thinking, You cannot handle my mess, the things I’ve hidden there. But God in his character is kind and calm as he tells me, “What I will not do is discount your ruins. I want all of you—even the stuff you hid in the guest bedroom closet. I am not throwing away the parts of your story that left you feeling crumbled and defeated. You don’t have to hide those parts. Let’s use them.” And with that, God does exactly what that verse in Jeremiah says. He rebuilds a city on top of what once ruined.”
“here’s the thing about God and pain: He never plans to leave you just as you are. You’re far too precious to him to not upgrade you, to swap out parts of you for a newer model. When you know stories about the dark, you become a light to others. You get to show the way. You get to sit on the floor with people or on the other end of the phone, not saying a word because you know words can’t change the present pain. You get to help others just be, as you decide to just be with them.”
“Whether you see it or not, God is showing up. He is doing things around you—things that may not look the way you wanted them to look. They may not feel the way you wanted them to feel. But there are ravens, circling the sky to bring you provision. Train your eyes to see them. Train your eyes to look for them, and count them daily. Every single day, there will be a new provision.”
“There are very few things in this world we will ever be able to control. We don’t get to pick when seasons end or when people leave us. We don’t get much say over whether a television show is canceled or a report comes back as “cancer-free.” We don’t get to dictate the weather or force people to do things they don’t want to do. We get very little control, but I am adamant in believing there are two things we do get to control: how we show up and how we finish.”
January 25, 2021
“It may be time for you to just start. To not waste any more moments. To not wait on perfection. But to just get up from the floor, with wobbly knees, and start moving imperfectly into that thing that is always trying to hold you back from.”
When a book starts its first chapter with a message like that, you know you’re going to be in for quite a ride.
There are very few practical, helpful guides to life in your 20’s that legitimately feel like you’re sitting across the table from a friend over coffee, pouring out your hearts to one another.
Hannah Brencher’s “Fighting Forward” is just that.
She walks you through moments she’s already lived through, reminding you that you can too. Most of her books do. But, this one is especially special.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say that 2020 was one of the hardest years to make it through to the other side. Holding Hannah’s book in hand in 2021 feels that much sweeter.
This book is more than just fight songs or mantras for the tough times we inevitably go through. It’s about setting yourself up with disciplines and rhythms so when the tough times do occur, you have a plan and a foundation of where to go, even when you don’t know what’s next. There are also Biblical principles and scripture to hold onto in the midst of rocky seasons.
It’s about showing up, even when it’s painful and even when you don’t want to.
It’s about committing to the first mile before you stress yourself out about everything that comes after that.
It’s about putting your blinders on, ignoring the naysayers and going after that calling that God has placed in your heart. Because there will be people that talk or just flat out don’t understand the dream you’re going after.
It’s watching out for the things that will steal your time, like social media or comparing your life to that of others.
And so so much more.
Hannah gets it. She has been there herself and wants to help equip other young women (and men). But, I don’t think it’s even limited to an age group. This is for anyone who has experienced pain and is literally in the fight of their life trying to make it to the other side.
I have highlighted so many chunks of words and paragraphs in this book. I have a feeling that many of them will be quoted in my journal and will become mottos for me in the days to come. This, along with Hannah's previous works, will be comfort books that I turn to once again and reference in the very near future.
When a book starts its first chapter with a message like that, you know you’re going to be in for quite a ride.
There are very few practical, helpful guides to life in your 20’s that legitimately feel like you’re sitting across the table from a friend over coffee, pouring out your hearts to one another.
Hannah Brencher’s “Fighting Forward” is just that.
She walks you through moments she’s already lived through, reminding you that you can too. Most of her books do. But, this one is especially special.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say that 2020 was one of the hardest years to make it through to the other side. Holding Hannah’s book in hand in 2021 feels that much sweeter.
This book is more than just fight songs or mantras for the tough times we inevitably go through. It’s about setting yourself up with disciplines and rhythms so when the tough times do occur, you have a plan and a foundation of where to go, even when you don’t know what’s next. There are also Biblical principles and scripture to hold onto in the midst of rocky seasons.
It’s about showing up, even when it’s painful and even when you don’t want to.
It’s about committing to the first mile before you stress yourself out about everything that comes after that.
It’s about putting your blinders on, ignoring the naysayers and going after that calling that God has placed in your heart. Because there will be people that talk or just flat out don’t understand the dream you’re going after.
It’s watching out for the things that will steal your time, like social media or comparing your life to that of others.
And so so much more.
Hannah gets it. She has been there herself and wants to help equip other young women (and men). But, I don’t think it’s even limited to an age group. This is for anyone who has experienced pain and is literally in the fight of their life trying to make it to the other side.
I have highlighted so many chunks of words and paragraphs in this book. I have a feeling that many of them will be quoted in my journal and will become mottos for me in the days to come. This, along with Hannah's previous works, will be comfort books that I turn to once again and reference in the very near future.
January 7, 2021
I loved Hannah Brencher’s newest book Fighting Forward. She shares the “fight songs” and anthems that helped her through struggles and dark periods in her life. It’s about fighting forward, despite and because of the lies we latch onto, to find our way back home. Her powerful messages are refreshing and life-giving. They shake you up to a new reality-minus the fears, doubts, and lies that attempt to tether you to places you’ve been stuck or held back.
Hannah Brencher stresses that it’s the incremental steps you take that develops consistency, which is key. This creates a shift and then little by little you’ll eventually see movement. It’s about showing up no matter the cost.
I loved this quote from the book, “It’s not about perfection, it’s about resilience.” As she mentions, everyone has fifteen minutes to take out of their day to take steps toward the vision and calling on your heart.
The author shares Scripture, personal stories and struggles, action steps, and powerful truths to bring her message home. One that we all need to hear. I’ve struggled with doubts and fears that have grabbed hold of me and won’t let go. I have found that fear can be paralyzing, especially when paired with the lies that brought me face to face with my fears-the ones that taunt me over and over.
I love the author’s engaging and down-to-earth approach in her writing as if we were sitting across the table for coffee. I love how she sprinkles humor throughout the pages. She offers hope with her inspiration and bares her soul with authenticity and honesty.
Hannah Brencher addresses our inner-critics, fears, and how we need to embrace our failures and grow and move on from them. There are nuggets of wisdom to be found within the pages of Fighting Forward. Anthem songs to learn when the going gets tough, as it always does. She is a cheerleader and truth-teller and I feel so inspired and encouraged by her powerful book. I think you’ll gain hope, insight, and clarity reading Fighting Forward and be energized to keep on fighting no matter what!
Hannah Brencher stresses that it’s the incremental steps you take that develops consistency, which is key. This creates a shift and then little by little you’ll eventually see movement. It’s about showing up no matter the cost.
I loved this quote from the book, “It’s not about perfection, it’s about resilience.” As she mentions, everyone has fifteen minutes to take out of their day to take steps toward the vision and calling on your heart.
The author shares Scripture, personal stories and struggles, action steps, and powerful truths to bring her message home. One that we all need to hear. I’ve struggled with doubts and fears that have grabbed hold of me and won’t let go. I have found that fear can be paralyzing, especially when paired with the lies that brought me face to face with my fears-the ones that taunt me over and over.
I love the author’s engaging and down-to-earth approach in her writing as if we were sitting across the table for coffee. I love how she sprinkles humor throughout the pages. She offers hope with her inspiration and bares her soul with authenticity and honesty.
Hannah Brencher addresses our inner-critics, fears, and how we need to embrace our failures and grow and move on from them. There are nuggets of wisdom to be found within the pages of Fighting Forward. Anthem songs to learn when the going gets tough, as it always does. She is a cheerleader and truth-teller and I feel so inspired and encouraged by her powerful book. I think you’ll gain hope, insight, and clarity reading Fighting Forward and be energized to keep on fighting no matter what!
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