Most of us have learned this, over and over, in our lives. If you read my blog regularly, you know that the last year has been full of challenges. Because of that, I was eager to read Surviving One Bad Year, by author Nancie Carmichael. In this book, she offers seven spiritual strategies to survive and move beyond those trials--but Surviving One Bad Year contains more than those seven strategies.
The book is divided into two parts, which contain emergency tactics (3 chapters) and continuing strategies (7 chapters), respectively. Each chapter concludes with a related Bible reading, questions for personal reflection, and ideas for new beginnings. Throughout the book, the author supplies the reader with encouraging Bible verses, inspirational quotes, practical help, and true stories.
I found this book easy to read, even though I'm overwhelmed and unable to focus well. I believe this format is by design: realizing that people in crisis are often unable to read and absorb long chapters, the author has written this book to be accessible to all. Even when we're only able to take in small bits, we're likely to find an encouraging quote, verse, or piece of advice.
I quoted a passage from Surviving One Bad Year in one of my Thursday posts on finding rest. I'd like to share that passage again, and also share one more passage:
There can be a higher purpose, a deeper meaning in life's twists and turns. We don't have to know all the answers when we stand in the truth that the battle is not ours, but God's. Letting go in the midst of a crisis is completely opposite of what we want to do, but doing so is our only true hope for victory. (page 21)Book information:
Perhaps there is something in your life now that is a struggle for you--even though you know you are where you should be--and you are tempted to give up. ... [The] battle is won not so much in blinding moments of truth as in hanging in there when the going is tough. Don't give up! If you are following the Lord, your path will ultimately lead you to a beautiful place. Meanwhile, keep going. Open your eyes to His presence in the midst of your struggle and stay the course. (page 135)
- Title: Surviving One Bad Year: 7 Spiritual Strategies to Lead You to a New Beginning
- Author: Nancie Carmichael
- Paperback: 199 pages
- Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (October 27, 2009)
- ISBN-13: 978-1439103241
- Publisher price: $14.99 (U.S.)
- Nancie Carmichael website
- Surviving One Bad Year website
- Surviving One Bad Year: 7 Spiritual Strategies to Lead You to a New Beginning
on Amazon.com (affiliate link)
Disclosure: I received this book, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions in this post are my own. Thanks to Bring It On! Communications for the opportunity. This post contains affiliate links: if you click through my Amazon.com link and complete a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my reading habit!
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