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About the Book

Book: Courage to Thrive

Author: Robert D. Flanagan

Genre: Christian Living, Depression & Anxiety

Release Date: June 30, 2020

CourageToThrive_Front (1) When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move. When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles. Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan knows all about that—he’s spent two decades combatting mental illness head on.

In his first-person spiritual journal Courage to Thrive, Flanagan takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers—whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life—are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they too can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them.

Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies. Join Flanagan on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

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I enjoyed reading this book and am going to reread the book slowly, I am going to take forty days and read each devotional one day at at a time.

I know as a person that deals with mental illness, depression and suicidal thoughts.-, this book was a good reminder that God is with us and that even Christians are not immune to depression I have felt ashamed to the past because I have this illness, but I am learning to accept it as just something that God can help with and it doesn't mean that it makes me a bad person anymore than someone with cancer is a bad person. It was a help to read another person's account with something I am struggling with. It really does help to know that you are not alone when you are dealing with something that society and the church don't understand and it seems that they don't want to even try. Each chapter includes Biblical Scriptures.

There is a section on medication for depression also. This is also a topic that all don't agreed on. All I will say is let God help you choose the right option for you, let Him guide you as to take or not take medicine if you are struggling with mental illness.

I never thought of myself as courageous, but the author explains how just facing the day by getting out of bed and showing up for your daily job or attending school and etc. when you are struggling is courageous. This fact was a wake up call to me. It is always a good think to focus on the positive when you are struggling with doubt and all the ugliness of depression.

The chapter I identify the most is chapter 7 ,the one that is on saying I’m saying sorry for everything. I really intend to study this one till it really sinks in because I have people tell me not to be saying that. That chapter is me.

I truly understand how it feels to feel unworthy or unimportant and the author talks about this and share that turning our struggles over to God is the answer. I really liked the prayers at the end of each section and yes, once again, I recommend a journal to record your answers to the questions after the prayers.

I recommend this book for all Christians and anyone dealing with mental illness. This book belongs in every church library and every public library and ever pastor should have a copy in their personal library.

There are a few words that I consider curse words and as such feel the author should have chosen different words.

I brought a copy and donated to the public library.

I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

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About the Author

Flanagan Bio Pic Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan has struggled with mental illness and managed to thrive for over twenty years. He holds a doctorate of ministry degree in Christian Spirituality and is an adjunct faculty member at General Theological Seminary in New York City, teaching on Christian spirituality. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His previous book, Growing a Sustainable Soul, won a bronze medal in the Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest. Bob lives with his wife, Lanie, in Bridgewater, Connecticut. They have two grown children.

More from Robert

Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles is a pioneering and beautiful book that will help people feel better about themselves and their mental health struggles. I smile knowing that readers will feel the love of God and God’s healing mercies by spending time journaling about their own challenges.

As a priest who struggled with suicidal ideation during seminary and anxiety and depression at various times in my live, I feel this book is a way to change the conversation about mental health within the Christian community.

Trivia

I was a top athlete during college.

My favorite type of dog is the Newfoundland. While that is the best dog in the world. I only have a cat right now.

I became a Christian when I was five and remember my baptism.

My wife and I are avid gardeners. We have a big garden that includes sunflowers, potatoes, and many herbs that can be used as medicines. Its based on the English physic gardens that pastors grew in the 1700s.