The Branch and the Vine: How Jesus Gave Me Freedom from Depression

by Stephen D. Edwards

Author Stephen D. Edwards became depressed as an young adult. He suffered insomnia. He lost interest in many pleasures. He was constantly tired and restless. He felt worthless and had many suicidal thoughts. There were many moments when he thought depression had gone away, but that was all circumstantial. With little hope of finding healing or freedom, he reached a crossroads. Then he accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Soon after that he started recovery for an addiction which also plagued him for most of his adult life. After gaining freedom from the addiction, he remained depressed.


Having married five years before that crossroads moment, he wanted to better provide for his family, so he took on a sales job which entailed pitching a product door-to-door. With little success, he found himself thinking he was a failure and made plans to end his life. A few days after this decision, God moved to evict an evil spirit and transformed his thinking into a more positive outlook on life. A year later he found myself free from depression, without psychological counseling or drug therapy.


The Branch and the Vine is a milestone marking the end of darkness with clearer skies ahead. Edwards believes God called him to share his story because of the hope in it, and he believes God wanted him to include some crucial chapters to show how the readers can have the freedom He gave him.


He noticed in his research on the subject of depression and other mental illnesses that while many of the memoirs available tell a personal story of hope that healing is possible, the authors don't explain or illustrate how that healing came about. Edwards believes that highlighting a problem without presenting a solution is a lot like complaining.


The Branch and the Vine is written with a sincere clarity and sets out principles that-if applied-can bring freedom from the darkness that plagues so many people if the desire to put depression into the past is honest, even for non-Christians.


Now there are no guarantees; however, Edwards has had friends say that their depressive states through the application of the principles in this book even in its early draft form.


After gaining freedom and healing, it has the permanence of gold and diamonds.

Genres: Nonfiction

ebook

Published August 26, 2020

Reviews

[Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

This book may help you if you are going through depression or an addiction. Worth reading.

[Shauntae Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful testimony!! This book speaks so much truth about how God works in our lives and without Him hope is lost. The author struggled with depression for a good portion of his life and when he allowed God back in, he was able to find freedom from depression. I think that is true in ALL things. This book doesn't have to be about depression. I'm certainly not a depressed person but I gained a lot of insight on how to keep God present in my life. Many who are suffering from addictions or trials can learn from this book. When you put God first in your life, your life will have joy. It doesn't mean you won't have struggles or go through pain but you will be stronger after going through it because you know God is on your side. We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us! I highly recommend this book for believers and non-believers who are searching for answers to the void in their hearts.

[Sebastian Kentor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book with a fantastic journey of inner discovery while seeking the divine blessing of God.

[Latoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author has took time to put together a well written and informed story about his battle and understanding of depression. I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and the title itself touched my soul and attracted my interest. After I began to read, I felt the need to stop the moment. I felt too tired to continue, because I did not want to miss anything or miss the opportunity to properly comprehend what I was reading. While even away from the book I thought about it and could not wait to get back to reading it where I left off. I enjoy the scriptures quoted, because they relate to the passages and send chills through my body, a good feeling. Feeling connected to the author and his story, I feel blessed to have read this book. It did not only help me understand depression, but also the personality traits and the situations that can most likely contribute to its triggers. I really appreciate getting to know the author during his story to help inspire and inform another of his findings and dealings with depression. This book can also help strengthen someone's faith and is very soothing to read as it is relatable to anyone who is struggling or knows someone who's struggling with depression. There is so many more great things to say about this book, but I'll let you have your own experience. Wishing the Author much success and I know this book can change many lives. #Good Read!

[James Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Man’s True Story of Overcoming Depression
Stephen D. Edwards’ “The Branch and the Vine: How Jesus Gave Me Freedom from Depression” details the author’s thirty-five-year struggle with hopelessness, and how he achieved victory and healing. Written specifically for people dealing with depression and addiction, the book centers on Christ’s words recorded in John 15, “I am the true vine.” Edwards details how he found recovery by staying connected to the “Vine.” Each chapter contains personal testimony, illustrations, Scripture, and ends with a prayer for the reader along with further questions for reflection. The author communicates in a conversational style. Readers will readily identify with his story of the debilitating effects of negative emotions, and they will be blessed by his advice on dealing with depression. Edwards is not a pastor, psychiatrist, or psychologist, but offers a hands-on, user-friendly approach. His book is written with the lay person in mind and includes plenty of practical and effective self-help exercises that readers can use to find freedom. If you are battling depression, you should read this book.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stephen's testimony! I've lived with depression for 15 years (half of my life) and wholeheartedly believe Jesus is the answer. I particularly loved the discussion about replacing depression with joy and will be thinking about this concept long after I've finished the book. This book is organized well, providing a multitude of Bible verses to both encourage and provide support for the topics covered. I appreciated that each chapter ended with a prayer and questions for further reflection. The author also includes a summary of the 12 step program, which is not relevant to me, but I can see being beneficial to those struggling with addiction in addition to depression. I also appreciated the author's openness to be contacted by readers to share their experiences with depression and how they've experienced Jesus in their mental health journeys.

[Eric Heard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very personal read for me because I have experienced some of the challenges that the author faced in their childhood and teen years. The story about joining the Boy Scouts and becoming an Eagle Scout is similar to what I wrote about in my book. The author writes in an honest and elegant way that expresses their story and gives an inviting tone to the reader.

The writer writes about their relationship with the Lord in a way that is practical and easy for me to understand. I found myself asking myself the questions that was posed in the book and looking to how I can develop a better relationship with Jesus. Going forward, I plan to use some of the prayers and questions to become a better believer, husband, and father.

I recommend this book to those that is looking to become stronger in their faith and looking to change those destructive behaviors in their life.