If we aren't hurting right now, I'm sure the majority of us have in the past. We are not immune to pain and suffering. What Donna Gibbs has done here in these black and white pages is bring to life a way of getting unstuck in that wound that has kept us from living for far too long. That's something we can most likely all relate to.
This isn't just a self-help kind of book. I'm not a fan of those. Ms. Gibbs brings the reader to the Word of God and that is the first key to removing ourselves from the suffering and trusting Him to lead us to a new life. Maybe unexpected, maybe not wanted, but circumstances bring wounds to us like we are in a battle.
Knowing our pain isn't the issue. Asking why isn't the problem. It's remaining paralyzed in that deep gulf of destruction that leads us no where. Resilience. That's what Donna Gibbs offers us. She opens our eyes to developing resilience.
Here are a few headings in chapter two: Stop the Bleeding, Destructive Patterns (Destructive theology, destructive thinking), Poor Coping Skills (Asking the wrong questions, failing to place an appropriate boundary, obsession with injustice, over-analyzing, over-identifying as a victim, prolonged denial, unrealistic expectations, tunnel vision catastrophizing).
But first in chapter one she brings us to ask the question; What's normal about suffering? Here she brings us straight to the heart and truth of the matter. What are the sources of our pain? Our sin, the sin of others, hurting at the hands of God or Satan? These are questions where she doesn't just leave us hanging. She offers us a deep look inside and a beginning on a journey to healing.
With each continuing chapter she gives a victory verse and personal questions to ponder.
I found this profound: "It's easy to become fixated on the unfairness of the prosperity of someone who has wronged us. Often, we put our healing on hold, waiting for justice that may never come. We may find it difficult to move forward when there is unresolved injustice. It's important to remember that the bitterness associated with the obsession with injustice has little impact on the offender, but it is toxic to the person who is stuck."
This book continues on with such profound words that reach deep in the heart. It did for me on many levels. I have a friend who I will gift this book to. This is one of those books no wants to read, but one we all need. I found this book to be a journey. Just reading the words isn't enough. The reader must ponder them and make the choice to live them out.
This book was a gift from Revell for sharing my review with you.
Donna Gibbs is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, a National Certified Counselor, and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor. A member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, she is on the professional referral network for Focus on the Family, Christian Care Network, r3Continuuum, and FINDINGbalance. A Christian counselor since 1998, she is director of A Clear Word Counseling Center and of marriage and support ministries for Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
