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Courage for the Unknown Season: Navigating What's Next with Confidence and Hope
We all face seasonal changes. The passing years take us on journeys of change—whether we want it or not. In Courage for the Unknown Season, Jan Silvious acts as a wise guide for those who find themselves in new seasons of life, offering perspective and practical insights to encourage the soul and offer hope.Anyone facing an unexpected change in life or relationship will be drawn to this book as a guide for walking through the shifting seasons. They can make it through this time with courage, strength, and yes, even joy!“Life is too long to keep doing the things we need to stop and too short to miss the things we want to begin.”
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2017
42 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 25, 2020
Resilience and grief are two words that this book helped me consider. How do we face and make it through huge changes in life or deep griefs? Courage, resilience, grace for yourself, and simple self care all contribute. I've asked my self many times, "how do I learn to carry this grief?" When faced with my own life tragedy and massive loss and change in life circumstances, this has been a gentle reminder that grief is a process and "living is the goal".
May 24, 2024
Seasons aren't a big thing where I'm from. I've lived in Southeast Asia all my life, so it's mainly summer all year-round. We used to predict when the monsoon season would arrive, but with changing weather patterns due to climate change and a lack of proper facilities (in the Philippines), we only know it's here when it starts.
Life's seasons are much the same.
You never really know you're in a new season until you're already in it. So how can you prepare for it?
This book made me realize and take comfort in the idea that most, if not all, of life's seasons may be unknown. The only certainty is that through it all God is with us, fulfilling His purpose for us and working it out for our good. So no matter what season we face, we can find confidence, hope, courage, fulfillment, and even laughter in it.
It is full of practical wisdom, insights, and valuable advice on navigating the different phases of life. I love the author's writing style—it's very comforting and familiar. You can sense that you're listening to (reading from?) someone who has lived through various seasons and knows what she's talking about because she has experienced it. It feels like you're listening to your grandma sharing her life stories and wisdom from the different seasons she has faced.
Life's seasons are much the same.
You never really know you're in a new season until you're already in it. So how can you prepare for it?
This book made me realize and take comfort in the idea that most, if not all, of life's seasons may be unknown. The only certainty is that through it all God is with us, fulfilling His purpose for us and working it out for our good. So no matter what season we face, we can find confidence, hope, courage, fulfillment, and even laughter in it.
It is full of practical wisdom, insights, and valuable advice on navigating the different phases of life. I love the author's writing style—it's very comforting and familiar. You can sense that you're listening to (reading from?) someone who has lived through various seasons and knows what she's talking about because she has experienced it. It feels like you're listening to your grandma sharing her life stories and wisdom from the different seasons she has faced.
December 22, 2024
I liked this book because it has very practical actions people can take to deal with the changes we all are going through. It made me think of things I can do now and in the next season of my life.
January 18, 2018
Review originally posted on the blog.
***
It truly amazes me that even if how many times I delay, there are books that speak to my current situation, and one of those is this. So many times I have to read this book but I happen to finally read it during the season where something unexpected happened. Those were the times when I don't know where to go. What to ask from God - have I done something wrong or there's something I should've done? I am also faced with decisions I have to make. Confusions and disappointment came. But somehow, God used this book to speak to me.
I personally love the story about the tree Jan saw outside the grocery door. It has two stories that inspired and warmed my heart. The tree was skinny, bent over, and broken. It appeared a car had hit it hard but Jan was able to see the tenacity of the tree because it managed to live, and its leaves were "luscious and colorful". There was a clear message she received just by observing the tree and its struggle. I also remembered the trees I've been seeing during meditations in Prayer Mountain and can definitely relate to the message Jan has received. Bent trees but managed to live and grow spoke of life. Despite the storms and earthquakes in our lives, and we may be bent and broken, but as long as our roots are planted firmly, we will not easily fall and give up. We will continue to grow and be strong. And that bent will be our symbol of our success and strength. She also gained a friend because of that tree. If friends or family have inside jokes, she and her new friend have inside story because of the tree saga, and those are one of the little but sweet parts of life. (Please read this book to read the entire story. :))
Seasons change. It is part of our lives. But what if our season suddenly shift without notice and we aren't prepared? That's the time our season becomes unknown. You are faced with shock, stress, discouragement, and sadness. It seems like you don't know how to bounce back. But in this book you will learn how to find courage for unknown seasons and be inspired through the personal and quoted stories Jan Silvious has shared. However at first I cannot relate to the example seasons and stories the author was sharing but later on began liking what I am reading. I began to relate and found myself bookmarking several pages for favorite stories, lines, quotes, even related Bible verses for me to look back whenever I wanted and needed.
Everyone has their own unknown seasons of their lives. I might not know yours but I know this book shall inspire and help you go through with it. Plus: this book isn't just for the unknown seasons, but to all kinds of seasons we go through in life.
***
It truly amazes me that even if how many times I delay, there are books that speak to my current situation, and one of those is this. So many times I have to read this book but I happen to finally read it during the season where something unexpected happened. Those were the times when I don't know where to go. What to ask from God - have I done something wrong or there's something I should've done? I am also faced with decisions I have to make. Confusions and disappointment came. But somehow, God used this book to speak to me.
I personally love the story about the tree Jan saw outside the grocery door. It has two stories that inspired and warmed my heart. The tree was skinny, bent over, and broken. It appeared a car had hit it hard but Jan was able to see the tenacity of the tree because it managed to live, and its leaves were "luscious and colorful". There was a clear message she received just by observing the tree and its struggle. I also remembered the trees I've been seeing during meditations in Prayer Mountain and can definitely relate to the message Jan has received. Bent trees but managed to live and grow spoke of life. Despite the storms and earthquakes in our lives, and we may be bent and broken, but as long as our roots are planted firmly, we will not easily fall and give up. We will continue to grow and be strong. And that bent will be our symbol of our success and strength. She also gained a friend because of that tree. If friends or family have inside jokes, she and her new friend have inside story because of the tree saga, and those are one of the little but sweet parts of life. (Please read this book to read the entire story. :))
Seasons change. It is part of our lives. But what if our season suddenly shift without notice and we aren't prepared? That's the time our season becomes unknown. You are faced with shock, stress, discouragement, and sadness. It seems like you don't know how to bounce back. But in this book you will learn how to find courage for unknown seasons and be inspired through the personal and quoted stories Jan Silvious has shared. However at first I cannot relate to the example seasons and stories the author was sharing but later on began liking what I am reading. I began to relate and found myself bookmarking several pages for favorite stories, lines, quotes, even related Bible verses for me to look back whenever I wanted and needed.
Everyone has their own unknown seasons of their lives. I might not know yours but I know this book shall inspire and help you go through with it. Plus: this book isn't just for the unknown seasons, but to all kinds of seasons we go through in life.
April 5, 2018
I have always considered my life to be like chapters in a book, or seasons if you will. Right now my season is shifting as my boys are becoming teenagers (my oldest turned thirteen a few weeks ago) and I am beginning to prepare myself for a life of an empty nester.
The unknown is always hard but we can always learn from those that have gone before us, which is the motivation behind Courage for the Unknown Season by Jan Silvious.
Each chapter is filled with stories either from the author herself or close friends who have went through whatever season that chapter focuses on which I found very personable and relatable. I do feel like this book is written for those that are a little older than myself, so there was quite a bit that I skimmed over, but there is still a lot of wisdom to be gleamed from this book at this stage of my life. I personally liked the chapters on fighting fear, not forgetting to laugh, and asking yourself, "Why not?" These are helpful reminders no matter what your age is.
Jan Silvious has a wonderful writing style that makes you feel like you're listening to your friend tell stories and the entire book has a wonderful flow to it. I highly recommend this book for those that are a little later on in their lives: those that have grown children and are managing aging parents. I plan on holding onto this book and reading it when I'm a bit older. I have a feeling it will speak to me more than it does now.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
The unknown is always hard but we can always learn from those that have gone before us, which is the motivation behind Courage for the Unknown Season by Jan Silvious.
Each chapter is filled with stories either from the author herself or close friends who have went through whatever season that chapter focuses on which I found very personable and relatable. I do feel like this book is written for those that are a little older than myself, so there was quite a bit that I skimmed over, but there is still a lot of wisdom to be gleamed from this book at this stage of my life. I personally liked the chapters on fighting fear, not forgetting to laugh, and asking yourself, "Why not?" These are helpful reminders no matter what your age is.
Jan Silvious has a wonderful writing style that makes you feel like you're listening to your friend tell stories and the entire book has a wonderful flow to it. I highly recommend this book for those that are a little later on in their lives: those that have grown children and are managing aging parents. I plan on holding onto this book and reading it when I'm a bit older. I have a feeling it will speak to me more than it does now.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2020
Author Jan Silvious offers hope for the journey of life by focusing on the positive. In light of scripture, she helps you view aging—and any other unknown season of life—as an opportunity to learn and grow. After all, God is the God of all seasons.
Her chapter on resilience points out how others have survived hard times. A chapter on fear helps you identify pessimism and instead to focus on gratitude. One chapter reminds you to find humor in life, and another motivates you to change the question “why?” to “why not?”
The author’s writing style is light and conversational. She’s a speaker, professional life coach and grandmother who has authored 11 books. Published by NavPress, the book’s back matter includes notes with resources to dig deeper into chapter topics. The book is endorsed by notables such as Mark Lowry, Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont and Babbie Mason.
Whether you’re facing a major birthday or a major move or loss. Jan Silvious offers hope for the journey. I enjoyed the read and will refer back to it as needed.
Her chapter on resilience points out how others have survived hard times. A chapter on fear helps you identify pessimism and instead to focus on gratitude. One chapter reminds you to find humor in life, and another motivates you to change the question “why?” to “why not?”
The author’s writing style is light and conversational. She’s a speaker, professional life coach and grandmother who has authored 11 books. Published by NavPress, the book’s back matter includes notes with resources to dig deeper into chapter topics. The book is endorsed by notables such as Mark Lowry, Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont and Babbie Mason.
Whether you’re facing a major birthday or a major move or loss. Jan Silvious offers hope for the journey. I enjoyed the read and will refer back to it as needed.
December 4, 2017
Jan Silvious is a wife, mother, grandmother, successful author and life coach. This latest book confirms why she’s such a successful author, writing about a topic that of late has proved to be very popular: putting things in perspective and being kind to yourself. Jan uses anecdotes to help illustrate her points in such a way that readers come away feeling encouraged that wherever they may find themselves at any given moment it is perfectly OK, and that the time spent there is only for a season, and not forever.
Her writing is sensitive, easy to read and provides any reader with a sense of being understood and accepted. It becomes clear what season Jan is talking about throughout the reading of the book, which promotes self-examination and the opportunity for healing. The book consists of ten chapters each dealing with a particular theme, for example, grief and hope. It’s these themes that are seen as the different seasons of life. It’s a very special and thought-provoking book, one which can provide both insight and comfort to its readers. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.
Her writing is sensitive, easy to read and provides any reader with a sense of being understood and accepted. It becomes clear what season Jan is talking about throughout the reading of the book, which promotes self-examination and the opportunity for healing. The book consists of ten chapters each dealing with a particular theme, for example, grief and hope. It’s these themes that are seen as the different seasons of life. It’s a very special and thought-provoking book, one which can provide both insight and comfort to its readers. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.
December 6, 2017
Life changes much the way the seasons flow from one to the other. There is a difference though as the calendar seasons begin and end on a set date. We know what is coming next as they are etched in ink.
But not so with the life seasons. They remain unknown, both in time and extent. In her book, Courage for the Unknown Season, Jan Silvious urges us to navigate the changes in life with courage and hope, as every season serves its purpose.
The book is an easy read as Jan shares her practical wisdom on growing older with a graceful and refreshing perspective. She encourages us to embrace each season with the assurance.
No matter the season or circumstance, we know the key to survival and hope is found in God. God’s hope is will keep us going when life presents challenges.
We can find courage, hope, and beauty wherever we find ourselves today.
** In exchange for my honest review, Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
But not so with the life seasons. They remain unknown, both in time and extent. In her book, Courage for the Unknown Season, Jan Silvious urges us to navigate the changes in life with courage and hope, as every season serves its purpose.
The book is an easy read as Jan shares her practical wisdom on growing older with a graceful and refreshing perspective. She encourages us to embrace each season with the assurance.
No matter the season or circumstance, we know the key to survival and hope is found in God. God’s hope is will keep us going when life presents challenges.
We can find courage, hope, and beauty wherever we find ourselves today.
** In exchange for my honest review, Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
February 10, 2021
I plucked this book from Amazon because I was looking for a faith-based approach to some of the transitions that are occurring in my life. I lost both of my parents after years of caregiving, and now I have begun to transition to focusing on myself. This book provided clarity, affirmation, and practical advice on how to re-establish my sense of self. It feels strange, at times, to feel so self-focused; but after reading this book (and heavily underlining and "starring" about 75% of it) I can now stand up, shake off the detritus, and walk calmly and joyfully into the next season with my God. I look forward to exploring the rest of Jan Silvious' books; her writing feels directed to women of my generation, which I greatly appreciated. I recommend this book to women who are over 50 and have experienced a life-changing event that has left them asking, "what's next?"
November 20, 2017
This book is for anyone who has found themselves in a difficult or unknown season in their life, one they never planner for or wanted and yet here you are. I think that is really most of us, life rarely goes the way we plan or want at times and this book is encouragement for those season.I love how the author is able to bring some principles that apply to such a wide range of situations, even though everyone is different and will face different challenges.
Written with warmth and in a very engaging style this book is sure to resonate with a wide array of readers and leave one encouraged and able to find courage for the unknown.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written with warmth and in a very engaging style this book is sure to resonate with a wide array of readers and leave one encouraged and able to find courage for the unknown.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 31, 2017
This book is awesome. No matter what the season you are going through this book is for you.
God brings us through many times in our lives and the Unknown Season are a part of them But if you continue to seek him. He will show what it is all about.
My favorite Chapter was Letting Go and it talked about terminally ill love ones. It made me think about my dad and all we had been with when he was ill. We lost him in 2015. But, when he was sick the unknown season is what we had to deal with and God brought us through it all.
God brings us through many times in our lives and the Unknown Season are a part of them But if you continue to seek him. He will show what it is all about.
My favorite Chapter was Letting Go and it talked about terminally ill love ones. It made me think about my dad and all we had been with when he was ill. We lost him in 2015. But, when he was sick the unknown season is what we had to deal with and God brought us through it all.
February 26, 2024
A dear friend of mine (90 years old) shared her own copy of this book with me recently. Together we have experienced many seasons of life and are in yet another season right now. This book was insightful to the many generational differences among us and puts an encouraging perspective on getting older. The author gives very practical advice on preparing for our next season, offers hope and encouragement and acknowledges grief and fear in the difficult seasons. I truly was encouraged by this quick read.
August 19, 2024
Took my time with this one, picking it up at various hard times through the year. It’s so very helpful in dealing with unwanted changes, unmet hopes, fear of things not in our control, doubts about God “allowing” things when He is to be protecting us and finally in dealing with grief. There’s helpful scripture, helpful tips and advice, encouragement and much insight from those who’ve been there.
January 19, 2020
Timely and practical! Written specifically for the older generation, but most chapters apply to all, and the even the age-specific chapters give helpful insight to us younger people into the struggles older people face.
August 16, 2024
This book blessed me. It gives sound Biblical inspirations for dealing with the different seasons of your life. As a 70 year old entering the last years of my life, it was spot on it applies to younger adults, mid age adults, and us senior adults...
October 5, 2017
A helpful book.
May 1, 2018
Wonderful book filled with practical spiritual and powerful insights to guide and inspire us in our aging process. Thank you good reads for this wonderful giveaway book. Very refreshing.
October 3, 2020
I liked her candid approach to numerous Life issues. We are the same age so I really related to her perspectives on life. I will keep this handy for my Cancer Ministry as a resourse book.
October 4, 2020
Read it for an online book club. Enjoyable, with some chapters really giving me things to think about as I move forward through the seasons.
October 7, 2020
So many wonderful words of wisdom to ponder as we go through different seasons in our lives...
October 9, 2020
This should be required reading for everyone.
September 1, 2024
Spoke to me in all the right ways. Might be worth buying the hard copy
November 21, 2022
I wish everyone I know could read this book! It is an amazing book to help you deal with the seasons of your life! I've laughed & cried, but through it all, I've learned! I read it with a group of ladies from my church, ages 20-81, and every one of us had something to learn!
March 27, 2018
Isn't it funny how God works, and gives us His messages at the exact perfect time? I had been remarking to a friend that with my youngest turning 5 years old soon and my oldest a teen that I was embarking upon a new season of life and it just felt "strange". That very night I picked a book from the top of my "to read" pile and it was Courage for the Unknown Season by Jan Silvious. It was perfect reading material at the perfect time.
We all have seasons of life and sometimes it can be a little scary navigating the unknown, but this book shows us how to do it with confidence and hope. From just the unknowns to big life changes that we didn't ask for, Silvious shows us that God shines brightest during those times of turmoil.
We all have seasons of life and sometimes it can be a little scary navigating the unknown, but this book shows us how to do it with confidence and hope. From just the unknowns to big life changes that we didn't ask for, Silvious shows us that God shines brightest during those times of turmoil.
January 30, 2018
I would give this book 10 stars, if I could!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews