Tuesday, July 30, 2024


About the Book

Book: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Author: Chris Morris

Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health

Release date: June 11, 2024

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.

In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.

God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.

Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

More from Chris

Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.

Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.

I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.

MY REVIEW 

As a reviewer I always like to let others know if a subject in a book may be a trigger for some. This book does deal with suicide and depression that many are fighting  with right now. It is a timely  book because over the last four years we have seen our world turn upside down. With the crisis in the  medical world we found ourselves in isolation. This journey  has taken people to a place where thoughts of despair started to rise up. I appreciate the author’s openness in his struggle and how God turned his life around. Even teenagers face this crisis due to bullying, home life and news that daily reflects crimes which affect us all. 

I like how the book uses Biblical figures that were struggling and used them in a mighty way. He gave them hope when they felt hopeless and restored their  faith when they were about to give up. The questions at the  end are a good way to dig deeper into your personal experiences. I could relate to him as he said, “ I began to have a church face, where I found myself sometimes (not always) a mess.”  We go to church smiling like we are good but inside we are screaming for help. The body of Christ makes it difficult at times to share your struggle with depression and/or suicidal thoughts. 

As I read the  book it became apparent that I was not alone with my struggles. I have tried to find people to talk to but I have  felt judged  in the body of Christ and in the secular world. There is a stigma about mental hearth that  needs to change. It is an illness that is hard to control at times. For me taking medication is a personal decision and should not be used by others to say we are weak or don’t have enough faith. I do know that at sone point I will find freedom from this illness. Allow God to set you free and not feel condemnation from anyone. “Every time we choose against transparency, we choose to step farther away from the best that God has for us.”

As the author describes his journey he emphasizes how important it is to get Godly counsel. Also be honest with your family and friends so they can pray for you. The enemy loves to isolate us so he can whisper thoughts to cause us to turn away from God. Have a talk with God and share your struggles. He is there to help you. Allow him to show you that you are unconditionally loved. I loved how the author shares his reconciliation with his wife and how they worked together to bring their marriage and trust back. “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

I pray that readers will find freedom if they are struggling and know that there is hope. Every church needs a copy of this book to guide them as they counsel people who struggle with the subjects in this book. I found this book to be very helpful, honest and always directing  us to God. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbd9/resilient-and-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway



6 comments:

  1. This looks like a very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Thank you for the review

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  3. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This sounds very interesting.

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  4. Sounds great, thank you for sharing.

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  5. This sounds very helpful for those who work with troubled people.

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  6. This sounds like a great book very interesting!

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