How to Stay Standing: 3 Essential Practices for Building a Faith That Lasts

by Alli Patterson

Trouble in life is inevitable. Collapse is not.

You want to live a "good life" and be a "good person," but life can shift right under your feet and get messy and unpredictable. How do you stay strong and hopeful when you see cracks forming in your relationships, at work, or even in your own character? Is your faith strong enough to help you stand when life tries to knock you down?

In How to Stay Standing, Alli Patterson will show you how to build a faith that can withstand anything the world throws at it. Drawing insight from the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Alli helps you get honest about the foundation you are building on and offers three simple rhythms revealed from the words of Jesus--come, hear, practice--that will produce a faith that cannot be shaken and a life that stands firm.

You already know the place in your life where something is just not working right now. But the next storm doesn't have to take you down. The waters may be rising, but Jesus left you the wisdom and practical help you need to stay standing.


"Alli Patterson's contagious joy and generous spirit make her a trusted guide through Scripture to help you build a life--and faith--that can stand against anything."--Lisa Harper, speaker, Bible teacher, and bestselling author of Life 100 Day Devotional

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

About the author

Alli Patterson is a teacher, author, wife and mom of four out of Cincinnati, Ohio. She currently serves as a Teaching Pastor at Crossroads Church on the national teaching team. Alli is the leader of Woman Camp and founder of the Ignite Conference out of her passion for equipping women in the Kingdom of God.

As a lifetime learner and lover of scripture with a seminary degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, Alli loves to create ways for others to know and love Jesus through his Word. She has created a fresh approach to Bible study in the release of 'Spirit-Led Bible Study,' coming February 2026. She has written two books, How to Stay Standing and Blueprint for Belonging - both providing practical help translating Biblical principles into real life. Alli speaks at events and conferences and enjoys podcasting. She is a runner and die hard Buckeye football fan who loves Mexican food almost as much as her bratty calico cat.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible encouragement, challenge, and reminder. Alli Patterson is a teaching pastor at my church, and while she is gifted in being able to communicate broadly regardless of gender or stage of life, she also speaks specifically to the women/mothers in the crowd. I am grateful for her honesty and the effort and time she took to write this-- it has kickstarted my butt back in gear of meeting with God daily in the mornings before my kids are up, and there has been so much fruit from that already.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay Standing

Before this book was released, I had been praying for a way to make sure my faith was strong enough for the storms that are bound to come. In 2018-2019, storms took me by surprise and I was tossed under. I didn’t expect the reactions I had to the pain and loss I felt. I’ve grown so much spiritually since then, but I want to ensure I have a steadfast foundation. This book was literally an answer to my prayer. Alli is a teaching pastor at my church and her teaching has changed my life, multiple times. I was hesitant to read her book bc of how much her teaching speak directly to me. I’m so happy I did.

I loved this book. It was a page turner for me. I was up in the middle of the night reading for hours bc I wanted to know more.

She gives great examples of how to complete each step. The pressure is off because with each prompt, God is inviting us to practice following Him. I love how she explained three different ways God speaks to us. It was a concept I had never considered, but it gives me confidence to know it’s God who is speaking to me bc it lines up with His word, and my usual way of responding to him. I’m all in. I’m ready and feel equipped to come, hear, and practice out what God calls me to do.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC digital copy to review via Netgallery. This author was really transparent and gave stories from her own life to advise readers of how to stay standing. This was a great read and I was blessed by reading it. You will laugh, you will feel to pray, you will reflect and hopefully we will all work to implement so we too can stay standing.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Stay Standing
3 Essential Practices for Building a Faith That Lasts
by Alli Patterson
Pub Date 24 Jan 2023
Revell
Christian


I am reviewing a copy of How to Start Standing through Revell and Netgalley:



This book points out that although we want to live a good life and be a "good person, but life can shift right under your feet and get messy and unpredictable. How do you stay strong and hopeful when you see cracks forming in your relationships, at work, or even in your own character? Is your faith strong enough to help you stand when life tries to knock you down?




In How to Stay Standing, Alli Patterson will shows readers how to build a faith that can withstand anything the world throws at it. Drawing insight from the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Alli helps you get honest about the foundation you are building on and offers three simple rhythms revealed from the words of Jesus come, hear, practice that will produce a faith that cannot be shaken and a life that stands firm.



You are aware that you are in the place in your life where something is just not working right now. But the next storm doesn't have to take you down. The waters may be rising, but Jesus left you the wisdom and practical help you need to stay standing.



I give How to Stay Standing five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[Sara Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little book to read! I found out about it through a reading group- otherwise I would have never knew about it!

Honestly, this book is more directed towards those who are new into Christianity or would like to grow deeper in their faith. Those who are already taking the journey to deepen their faith may find this book a little redundant as she goes over a strong foundation over and over. There is a reason for it and I understand that, but for someone who has heard that parable many times before- it just makes it a little harder to read and stay connected to.

I did find with this book though that there are little nuggets of information that I didn’t know or didn’t think about before- little nuggets that will help me grow my faith further! I would say that although there is a lot of redundant information- these little tidbits are worth reading the book for!

Overall, a good read.

[Lauren Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I was gifted this book when it first came out and I gave it away. I tend to steer clear of a lot of Christian books. But I was invited to read it as a part of a group at my church, and I’m glad I said “yes”.

This was a really easy, simple, and encouraging read. It was gentle and kind but also pointed and direct. Most Christian books repeat a lot of the same themes. They are either too theological with no practical application, or too legalistic and tell you how to behave.

This was new and refreshing. Whether you are brand new in your faith or have been walking with Jesus for a long time, this book is a great fit.

4 instead of 5 stars because there are a lot of stories and some didn’t add anything or they were so vague it was hard to connect them to the point.

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. I love reading and thinking on the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock. It always speaks to me loudly and reminds me that I can't control the floods and storms of life but I can build my house on Christ, the rock. So when these seasons come I can stand on Christ, He is my foundation. While I didn't agree with everything Alli said and I enjoyed some chapters better than others overall I really liked this book. I enjoyed Alli's writing and found it easy to read. It pointed to Christ and building relationship with Him, she reminded us not to rely on other things to build on and how easily that can happen. Some great illustrations and practical helps in the book. I will probably revisit this one at a later date.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t too I to it at first but I got more and more into it as I read. I did audiobook, but I kinda wish I’d read the physical book. I felt often that there were points I wanted to remember and practice but didn’t get them down. I also understand there were journal prompts at the back and a place for notes. I may reread at some point and do those. Incredible open and honest book about her self and family. Some really great tips for ways to “come, hear, follow.” Shot and easy read, I would highly recommend to Christian’s.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book! To have a relationship with God, it takes spending time with Him. Alli (one of Caiti’s pastors) gives practical things to do in order to build a faith that lasts. The three things that we need to do is ….. Come, Hear and Practice. Just being in his word is not enough. We need to also listen to what God says to us AND to practice when He calls to do things. These all together help us to build our lives on rock not on sand.

This was an interesting and quick/easy read! HIGHLY recommend it!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book was filled with so much wisdom, vulnerability, scripture reference, and practical teaching. I can't wait to practice the three main concepts in my life. I have always identified with Alli's teaching and I knew that this book wouldn't disappoint. Looking forward to using this book as a refence as I put the book into practice and refer to the MANY highlighted passages. It kind of looks like my highlighter exploded on the pages. :-)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authentically honest, vulnerable, and encouraging. A little repetitive but it lends itself to the theme with the repetition of scripture involving building a house on the rock (not the sand). Definitely a good read in a time of storms in your life or wanting to go deeper with God. I loved the permission to try things or experiment with different ways to connect with God. I am confident anyone’s faith can grow through this book.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I am not typically a fan of self help books but this didn’t feel like one. Alli gets personal with real life struggles we all may have experienced or will experience throughout our walk with Jesus.
If you are looking to grow a closer relationship with Jesus, if you are struggling in any area of your walk, I recommend you read this book. Alli gives you wonderful advice on how to build your faith on the rock and stay standing through the storms.

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been going through a hard time recently and fell through my foundation. This book gave me hope and realigned my priorities. The beginning of the book was a bit redundant, but once I got to the last part of the book it really hit home for me. I wish I would have looked at the back of the book and saw there was an option to take notes and workshop during the book. This is a book I might revisit multiple times in my life when I’m going through a hard time.

[Phil Deschler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book. You learn how to stand strong with Jesus. Jesus will always be with you in your struggles. He will raise you up and plant you on foundation of rock.Jesus will keep you standing and you will stay standing.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content was good. I am conflicted with the work in the back of the book. Fill-in-the-blanks really don't add much but "busy" work. All in all, while the work in the back of the book was interesting, it was not necessary to fully participate in a book study.

[Holley Julnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was part of our book club. I loved it. Alli so raw, real and funny. She not only gives great verses to remember but also breaks them down. I highly recommend this book as one you should read twice and highlight important passages!

[Krissy Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave, honest story with practical wisdom on how to endure through life’s difficulties. Easy, relatable read with deep, evocative probes. Highly recommend!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish there were more stars! Loved the book message, the writing and the author's honest and clear personal reflections.

[Jen Hamilton loving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready to take risks and see God move in your life!

[Lindsey Huhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was an easy read but very thought provoking. The journaling in the back was thought provoking too.

[Jacob Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand!

Genuine, relatable and powerful. Alli Patterson uses her story to break down barriers and help reframe difficulty into growth. Worth it!

[DaShannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We attend Crossroads at Eastside and Alli Patterson is one of our teaching pastors. We've heard many times so it was interesting to see her write a book and then lead a study of it. I read the book and attended the zoom meetings she led when it was published. Filled with many personal stories and discussing the lessons she has learned along the way, Alli uses the book to help us gain a better understanding of what it will take to tackle life and survive what it brings us.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can feel wobbly sometimes, but there is a way to stay standing. Gifted Bible teacher, Alli Patterson, guides us through a practical strategy to keep our feet firm by planting them on the rock that is Jesus. Alli is honest, bright, relatable and authentic. Alli invites the reader into a life of building a firm foundation in Jesus with wit and compassion. Highly recommend to read alone or in a Bible study.

[KateMarie29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice here! A good read for new Christians and old Christians.