Surviving the Storms of Life: Finding Hope and Healing When Life Goes Wrong

by H. Norman Wright, Matt Woodley, Julie Woodley

Nearly everyone will experience some sort of trauma during life. Whether they have weathered a large-scale event like hurricane Katrina, 9/11, or the shootings at Columbine or Virginia Tech, or they are dealing with their own personal Ground Zero, trauma victims need a special kind of understanding and help in order to heal and move on in life. Surviving the Storms of Life gives readers that kind of help. Combining the talents and insights of bestselling author and trauma specialist H. Norman Wright with the pastoral and ministry experience of Matt and Julie Woodley, Surviving the Storms of Life offers strength and encouragement in the face of personal tragedy. With positive stories and expert advice, this book shows readers that there is hope for recovery no matter what they have been through.

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

H. Norman Wright is a well-respected Christian counselor who has helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helps couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also reveals insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.hnormanwright.com

Reviews

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving the Storms of Life is subtitled Finding Hope and Healing When Life Goes Wrong. Counselor and therapist H. Norman Wright joined together with pastor Matt Woodley and his wife, trauma counselor Julie Woodley, to write this book in order to give help and hope to those struggling with trauma in their lives. Wright experienced the loss of a child, and the Woodleys, who were in New York City on 9/11, were key players in the provision of counseling and help for survivors of that terrible event.

They begin the book by defining what is trauma, and exploring the emotions of trauma: anger, guilt, fear, depression and grief. Part two talks about recovery and finding healing. They discuss learning how to tell your story, finding God after trauma, embracing your identity in Christ, healing for children, and how your church can become a place of healing.

Since I personally experienced a traumatic event, I was able to apply many of these principles to my own life. I wish this book had been written when I was going through the most painful times. If you are struggling to get through something of your own that has shaken your world and your faith, Surviving the Storms of Life is an excellent resource.

The authors are transparent and vulnerable in their writing. The reader knows that they believe what they are writing about, and have lived it in their own lives. If someone is telling you to get over it or asking isn't it time to move on?, Surviving the Storms of Life can give you the courage to follow your own path through trials. This book should be on every pastor's shelf, as well as in church libraries across the nation. It's a valuable book, filled with the advice and encouragement that everyone who has undergone a trauma in their lives will appreciate and treasure.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book with Christian authors who are ministers or counselors addressing the issue of trauma