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Suffer Strong: How to Survive Anything by Redefining Everything
Is it possible to embrace suffering as a privilege, rather than a punishment? Beloved authors Katherine and Jay Wolf offer readers the bold invitation to trust a known God with an unknown future, as well as practical insights into surviving anything by redefining how we think about everything.
After miraculously surviving a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, as told in their memoir, Hope Heals, life for Katherine and Jay Wolf changed forever - and so did the way they viewed God, the world, and themselves in it. There was no going back to normal after such a tragedy. Yet Katherine and Jay learned that suffering is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new story.
In Suffer Strong, they invite us into this new story as they share universal lessons and helpful practices that will help us to:
Recognize we are being equipped for an uncommon assignment, not cursed by our story.
Transform our unmet expectations into brave anticipations.
Disrupt the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.
Rewrite the narrative of hard circumstances by turning our definitions of suffering into declarations of strength.
And, ultimately, thrive even in the lives we never imagined living.
After miraculously surviving a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, as told in their memoir, Hope Heals, life for Katherine and Jay Wolf changed forever - and so did the way they viewed God, the world, and themselves in it. There was no going back to normal after such a tragedy. Yet Katherine and Jay learned that suffering is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new story.
In Suffer Strong, they invite us into this new story as they share universal lessons and helpful practices that will help us to:
Recognize we are being equipped for an uncommon assignment, not cursed by our story.
Transform our unmet expectations into brave anticipations.
Disrupt the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.
Rewrite the narrative of hard circumstances by turning our definitions of suffering into declarations of strength.
And, ultimately, thrive even in the lives we never imagined living.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2020
471 people are currently reading
2788 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Wolf
7 books180 followersKatherine & Jay Wolf are parents, artists, communicators, and survivors. After meeting in college, they got married and moved to Los Angeles to pursue law school for Jay and the entertainment industry for Katherine. Their son James was born in 2007 and six months later, Katherine’s life nearly ended with a catastrophic stroke. Miraculously, she survived and continues her recovery to this day. Katherine and Jay have shared their journey of whole-hearted living and hope in Christ in many forums since 2008. Katherine, Jay, and their family currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. www.hopeheals.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
April 12, 2020
I have so much admiration and respect for Katherine and Jay. This book wasn’t my favorite on the topic, but it did have some significant takeaways and perspectives that I haven’t gotten from other books on suffering. I wish they had cut out some of the fluff and landed the plane a bit more on where their beliefs are found in scripture, but I am glad I read it when I did. Their optimism and positivity about their suffering is pretty remarkable and made me pause and think a lot about how I view the days of suffering ahead.
August 10, 2022
I was interested in this book because as a Catholic I understand that suffering, even deeply profound and lasting suffering, can be a part of life. And that that suffering can be used for a purpose. And that such suffering does not necessarily mean that the suffering life is not worth living. So I was interested to read a take on suffering from the evangelical community. It was very worth the read. I especially liked Mrs. Wolf's take on her life as being worth living not in spite of her disability, but BECAUSE of her disability. And I liked that while she approaches herself with humor, she does not sugar-coat her difficulties.
I think I would have liked this better had I read her first book prior to reading this one. But I very MUCH appreciated that she and her husband were the narrators of the audiobook, giving you a chance to hear her as you would if you were at one of her events.
I think I would have liked this better had I read her first book prior to reading this one. But I very MUCH appreciated that she and her husband were the narrators of the audiobook, giving you a chance to hear her as you would if you were at one of her events.
February 12, 2020
The Wolfs have done it again. After they shared their story in Hope Heals, they wrote another fantastic resource for people who encounter suffering. That’s everybody! We all need hope. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. His Word to us—the Bible—redefines how we see our difficulties. Learn from the lessons in Suffer Strong. What an encouragement! A challenge to look up to the Author and Perfecter of our faith—and find eternal hope, overflowing joy, and true healing and peace.
March 5, 2020
After Katherine's devastating stroke, she could have wallowed in self-pity and she did for a little while. However, she found a way to reframe and redefine the way she suffered. Her book is all about attitude shifting and finding blessing in life's worst.
February 12, 2020
From Chapter 3 - Joyful Rebellion: Redefining Celebration
"Jay and I no longer celebrate desired outcomes that may or may not happen in the way we envision. But we do celebrate, because if we wait, we just might wait until it's too late to celebrate at all."
Jay and Katherine write this lovely book together. They trade off every other chapter and write from their hearts the lessons they learned since Katherine's stroke. Their book disrupts the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.
Healing from a chronic illness I have seen dark days...days of hopelessness...days of pain and dread...days of wanting to be who I was before I got sick and sometimes missing the things that were right in front of me because my body demanded so much attention. Not only did the sickness beat me up, but my own thoughts of trying to be my old self got the best of me many days. As I continue to heal and as symptoms subside I can look out now and see the world in front of me. It's quite beautiful and the truth is the glue that held me together was my faith....Jesus...the very thing that hold Jay and Katherine together. The chapters redefine limitations, beauty (my favorite chapter), community, calling, hope and so much more. This book is a great tool for any life change. May it bring comfort, encouragement and hope. Jay and Katherine...thank you for championing this message. Your strength and courage shine bright!
"Jay and I no longer celebrate desired outcomes that may or may not happen in the way we envision. But we do celebrate, because if we wait, we just might wait until it's too late to celebrate at all."
Jay and Katherine write this lovely book together. They trade off every other chapter and write from their hearts the lessons they learned since Katherine's stroke. Their book disrupts the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.
Healing from a chronic illness I have seen dark days...days of hopelessness...days of pain and dread...days of wanting to be who I was before I got sick and sometimes missing the things that were right in front of me because my body demanded so much attention. Not only did the sickness beat me up, but my own thoughts of trying to be my old self got the best of me many days. As I continue to heal and as symptoms subside I can look out now and see the world in front of me. It's quite beautiful and the truth is the glue that held me together was my faith....Jesus...the very thing that hold Jay and Katherine together. The chapters redefine limitations, beauty (my favorite chapter), community, calling, hope and so much more. This book is a great tool for any life change. May it bring comfort, encouragement and hope. Jay and Katherine...thank you for championing this message. Your strength and courage shine bright!
October 31, 2020
"Is it possible to embrace suffering as a privilege, rather than a punishment? Beloved authors Katherine and Jay Wolf offer readers the bold invitation to trust a known God with an unknown future, as well as practical insights into surviving anything by redefining how we think about everything."
I had the privilege of attending a Faith Filled Women's Conference where Katherine was the keynote speaker. Her faith and life are an inspiration. You will come away moved from hearing her testimony. We are all broken in some form or another, but there is beauty in the broken, if we allow ourselves to see it. Jay and Katherine Wolf offer candid, profound insight into embracing life no matter how dark it gets, for light grows out of the darkness.
I had the privilege of attending a Faith Filled Women's Conference where Katherine was the keynote speaker. Her faith and life are an inspiration. You will come away moved from hearing her testimony. We are all broken in some form or another, but there is beauty in the broken, if we allow ourselves to see it. Jay and Katherine Wolf offer candid, profound insight into embracing life no matter how dark it gets, for light grows out of the darkness.
March 25, 2025
So good!
February 12, 2020
Wisdom seeps from the pages of Suffer Strong. Whether you read it as a sequel to Hope Heals or as a stand alone - you will be changed in your perspective, perseverance and person. Suffer Strong is an anthem to living life well no matter what has come your way. An inspiring book that addresses the reality of life with limitations through brave, honest, funny story and reflection. The way Katherine and Jay cheer readers on to preserver by re-framing and redefining the curve balls life throws at one, is a message we all need to hear.
March 25, 2023
I don’t really have words for the power and life-altering depth and sweetness of this book. Filled with truth after beautiful truth. I already need to read it again to sit with some of the truths, and I plan on reading it often! Who should read this book? You. You will not be sorry.
June 14, 2020
(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
The Wolfs in their first book Hope Heals share their story. In this follow up volume they share some more of their story but focus on what they have learned.
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
The Wolfs in their first book Hope Heals share their story. In this follow up volume they share some more of their story but focus on what they have learned.
March 1, 2024
DNF at 60%. I can’t understand what this book is even about. Their story is truly inspirational, but this book is ALL over the place with no nuggets to grab onto. It’s a bunch of rambling stories that for the life of me I can’t connect back to God’s word or even grasp the point of. I feel bad saying I couldn’t get through one more minute, but I couldn’t.
March 2, 2020
First sentence: Our stories are glorious. They’re also painful, unfair, scary, and almost always quite different from what we thought they would be. Yet it seems that those parts might be the very means through which the glory is most revealed.
Katherine and Jay Wolf continue to share their story, journey, experiences, lessons learned, encouragement with readers. This is the second book together for this husband and wife.
The theme of the book is redefining perspectives, outlooks, and world views. The chapters are alternating narrators.
Redefining limitations
Redefining the past
Redefining celebration
Redefining trauma
Redefining loss
Redefining failure
Redefining beauty
Redefining commitment
Redefining community
Redefining healing
Redefining hope
Pollyanna is often misunderstood and misapplied by our culture and society. This book isn’t about pasting on a happy face and grinning your way through tough times. The joy, hope, and ultimate strength come from faith in the God of the Bible. This isn’t about finding your inner strength and powering through tough situations by speaking what you want into the universe. The book is grounded in Scripture. We may be weak, but He is strong. We may not have the answers, but we can trust in the One who does. We can rest in the sovereignty of God and rest securely in his love knowing that he is working all things for our ultimate good. Not our comfort in the here and now, mind you. Not according to what we think is our ultimate good. Not according to our desires of the moment. Not according to our time of when we want it. But trusting in God, his wisdom, his goodness, his faithfulness, his grace and mercy.
Quotes:
Knowing you can’t do everything is a harsh reality, but it’s also a sweet gift. You couldn’t do it all on your own anyway, and you don’t have to. (25)
It seems that God does give us more than we can handle—sometimes much more. And yet He does this so He can handle it for us and so we can handle it together. (33)
Every story starts with a memory.... I’m convinced that what happens to us in life actually matters far less than how we remember it. Sometimes our memories—and more specifically, the way we remember them—can draw us to a uniquely inspiring way of looking toward our future. Through this lens, we get to tell a whole new kind of story and remember a new kind of future. (37)
Just because your pain might not be the worst-case scenario doesn’t mean it’s not still pain. None of us need to apologize to anyone, ourselves included, for the stories we’ve been given. There will always be harder stories than ours, and there will always be easier ones. For some reason, we’ve been given the one we’ve been given, and it’s up to us to figure out why and, more importantly, what we are going to do with it. In the big scheme of things, our worst stuff falls under a great umbrella of all the worst stuff. That collective worst stuff was bad enough that God himself died to make it all not so one day. Our personal trauma matters to God, because all the traumas ever felt matter to God. (70)
Katherine and Jay Wolf continue to share their story, journey, experiences, lessons learned, encouragement with readers. This is the second book together for this husband and wife.
The theme of the book is redefining perspectives, outlooks, and world views. The chapters are alternating narrators.
Redefining limitations
Redefining the past
Redefining celebration
Redefining trauma
Redefining loss
Redefining failure
Redefining beauty
Redefining commitment
Redefining community
Redefining healing
Redefining hope
Pollyanna is often misunderstood and misapplied by our culture and society. This book isn’t about pasting on a happy face and grinning your way through tough times. The joy, hope, and ultimate strength come from faith in the God of the Bible. This isn’t about finding your inner strength and powering through tough situations by speaking what you want into the universe. The book is grounded in Scripture. We may be weak, but He is strong. We may not have the answers, but we can trust in the One who does. We can rest in the sovereignty of God and rest securely in his love knowing that he is working all things for our ultimate good. Not our comfort in the here and now, mind you. Not according to what we think is our ultimate good. Not according to our desires of the moment. Not according to our time of when we want it. But trusting in God, his wisdom, his goodness, his faithfulness, his grace and mercy.
Quotes:
Knowing you can’t do everything is a harsh reality, but it’s also a sweet gift. You couldn’t do it all on your own anyway, and you don’t have to. (25)
It seems that God does give us more than we can handle—sometimes much more. And yet He does this so He can handle it for us and so we can handle it together. (33)
Every story starts with a memory.... I’m convinced that what happens to us in life actually matters far less than how we remember it. Sometimes our memories—and more specifically, the way we remember them—can draw us to a uniquely inspiring way of looking toward our future. Through this lens, we get to tell a whole new kind of story and remember a new kind of future. (37)
Just because your pain might not be the worst-case scenario doesn’t mean it’s not still pain. None of us need to apologize to anyone, ourselves included, for the stories we’ve been given. There will always be harder stories than ours, and there will always be easier ones. For some reason, we’ve been given the one we’ve been given, and it’s up to us to figure out why and, more importantly, what we are going to do with it. In the big scheme of things, our worst stuff falls under a great umbrella of all the worst stuff. That collective worst stuff was bad enough that God himself died to make it all not so one day. Our personal trauma matters to God, because all the traumas ever felt matter to God. (70)
May 24, 2024
Wow this book.
If you wonder if there is hope in the midst of hurting, read this book. If you need a light to guide you to believe good things can come even when things are bad, read this book.
The story of Katherine and Jay Wolf is a testimony of God’s goodness and how the parts of our life that can feel devastating can be redefined.
This book will be a multi re-listen to for me. They didn’t shy away from the hard but they told it in such a gentle hope-filled way that just dazzled.
They covered many topics that I’ve wrestled with and gave me many aha moments and gems of wisdom to hold close.
Highly recommend!
If you wonder if there is hope in the midst of hurting, read this book. If you need a light to guide you to believe good things can come even when things are bad, read this book.
The story of Katherine and Jay Wolf is a testimony of God’s goodness and how the parts of our life that can feel devastating can be redefined.
This book will be a multi re-listen to for me. They didn’t shy away from the hard but they told it in such a gentle hope-filled way that just dazzled.
They covered many topics that I’ve wrestled with and gave me many aha moments and gems of wisdom to hold close.
Highly recommend!
July 13, 2021
I'm torn between a 4 and 4.5/5 star rating for this post. Overall, I didn't love it *quite* as much as Katherine's memoir but I did highlight a lot of passages I loved. (85 highlights, to be precise.) There is a lot in this book that is encouraging, convicting and motivating.
That said, a few sections felt weaker to me, and some even just a bit 'off' theologically.
So I think were I end up is generally recommending this book, but also recommending a cautious and thoughtful reading of it.
That said, a few sections felt weaker to me, and some even just a bit 'off' theologically.
So I think were I end up is generally recommending this book, but also recommending a cautious and thoughtful reading of it.
March 12, 2020
A beautiful love story of sorts- featuring husband and wife, through true sickness and health, and the love of Christ which helps them endure hardship and suffering with faith that is unshakable. So inspiring.
Of course, I listened to it on audio, and as an added bonus - it was read by Katherine & her husband. Hearing their voices allowed you to really hear their passion for God, for His Word, & for each other. Katherine giggles sometimes and adds funny comments for audio readers too.
Of course, I listened to it on audio, and as an added bonus - it was read by Katherine & her husband. Hearing their voices allowed you to really hear their passion for God, for His Word, & for each other. Katherine giggles sometimes and adds funny comments for audio readers too.
October 30, 2024
I loved this book so much!! Such a good perspective of suffering with the lord!! It felt like every word was a hug to my heart like this book was written for me! Jesus I love you! Thank you for using people with stories of suffering and pain to encourage me!
April 21, 2020
A must read for anyone grappling with enduring suffering. Full of truth and hope, spoken with honesty and empathy.
February 16, 2022
Katherine and Jay Wolfe are beautiful examples of how to let God define and direct the trajectory of their lives. Throughout reading this book I felt thankful for their commitment to one another and following the calling that is set before them.
Unfortunately, I think I would have rather read “Hope Heals” since this book refers to it so often. While anecdotes offer glimmers of hope and explain how the Wolfs were refined by trials, nothing in this book felt like a revelation of something new. I didn’t find the content to be meaty but think it would inspire newer Christians or someone feeling particularly weighed down.
Unfortunately, I think I would have rather read “Hope Heals” since this book refers to it so often. While anecdotes offer glimmers of hope and explain how the Wolfs were refined by trials, nothing in this book felt like a revelation of something new. I didn’t find the content to be meaty but think it would inspire newer Christians or someone feeling particularly weighed down.
July 24, 2024
Reading this book felt like receiving a big hug
September 20, 2024
Really good book and message, but I felt like some of the stories were recycled from other books.
January 3, 2025
- I was gifted this book after my first brain surgery in 2022, but I didn’t feel ready to read it until a couple days ago. I just ugly cried through the entire book. 😭 so powerful.
July 11, 2025
Honestly started this book 4 years ago so I can't tell you how the first half was but the second half was great!
December 30, 2021
Have you ever walked through hard circumstances that redefined how you viewed brokenness? Then I would love to recommend Suffer Strong by Jay and Katherine Wolf. They share about how Katherine’s life took an unexpected turn in 2008 when a massive stroke nearly ended her life. Thankfully she survived and now, she encourages others to redefine how they view suffering. One of my favorite parts of the book is about kintsugi, a beautiful Japanese art that helped me redefine brokenness. This book is amazing, and I highly recommend it.
If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Katherine on episode 86 on the Depth Podcast. https://jodirosser.com/depth-podcast-...
If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Katherine on episode 86 on the Depth Podcast. https://jodirosser.com/depth-podcast-...
October 7, 2020
Read this one a chapter a day to process the information. Katherine and Jay Wolf share the message and lessons they've learned since Katherine's massive stroke. Yes, it's a message of suffering but also of the joy, love and grace to be found in trusting God.
Many lessons resonated on my own faith journey.
Many lessons resonated on my own faith journey.
July 11, 2020
Amazing story of hope and encouragement.
February 12, 2020
The Wolf’s have done it again! Wisdom seeps from the pages of Suffer Strong. Whether your are familiar with their story or not, you will be blessed by this book! Katherine and Jay bring humor, humility, and hope to a world in need!
November 3, 2022
There aren’t enough stars for this book! As a fellow brain injury survivor (warrior), I am a little bit obsessed with Katherine Wolf. I listened to this on audio book and spoiler alert the woman narrates her own audio book! She gives hope to us all that beauty and purpose CAN come from tragedy. God often uses the most unlikely people. Thank you Katherine and Jay Wolf for giving such profound insights on pain from some people who have truly known pain.
March 1, 2020
A truly rich and incredible read! I’ve underlined so many passages from it that I’ll be writing out in my quote book.
This book has clearly been lovingly and thoughtfully written for everyone interested in hearing about the strength and confidence they’ve developed since Katherine’s stroke. I know it will be one that I will return to over and over again. Definitely worth owning your own copy and sharing with friends!
This book has clearly been lovingly and thoughtfully written for everyone interested in hearing about the strength and confidence they’ve developed since Katherine’s stroke. I know it will be one that I will return to over and over again. Definitely worth owning your own copy and sharing with friends!
February 3, 2023
Gosh this book was so good. If you’ve ever suffered in a significant way and want to find God’s purpose and hope thru it, this will be a huge encouragement to you.
As a 2 time stage-3 cancer survivor, and mom of kids with medical or cognitive issues, so many of what they said in their book was identical to what I said and believed myself a few years ago during my last bout with cancer. It’s so similar to what I struggled and warred with in my own walk with God even tho the circumstances were different from Katherine’s. The book offered compassionate honesty to anyone still in their war on how to reframe their situation and find Jesus no matter how dark things got, offering so many practical tools on how to do that while not shaming or judging someone still feeling like they were in the mud and not there yet.
Absolutely loved it and their brilliant way of conveying things in empathy, with compassion that felt like a friend coming alongside the sufferer. Loved the sections on using their pain and dark times to bring purpose for both themselves and others and how that would not be possible if things were easy or void of their suffering.
Highly highly recommend to someone struggling with a life that doesn’t resemble what they thought it would be, into seeing that their misery can be both theirs and someone else’s miracle. If you’re trying to support someone else in their season of suffering, the Wolfs also had some great resources and guidelines for you to do this well and not unknowingly wound the person in the process.
As a 2 time stage-3 cancer survivor, and mom of kids with medical or cognitive issues, so many of what they said in their book was identical to what I said and believed myself a few years ago during my last bout with cancer. It’s so similar to what I struggled and warred with in my own walk with God even tho the circumstances were different from Katherine’s. The book offered compassionate honesty to anyone still in their war on how to reframe their situation and find Jesus no matter how dark things got, offering so many practical tools on how to do that while not shaming or judging someone still feeling like they were in the mud and not there yet.
Absolutely loved it and their brilliant way of conveying things in empathy, with compassion that felt like a friend coming alongside the sufferer. Loved the sections on using their pain and dark times to bring purpose for both themselves and others and how that would not be possible if things were easy or void of their suffering.
Highly highly recommend to someone struggling with a life that doesn’t resemble what they thought it would be, into seeing that their misery can be both theirs and someone else’s miracle. If you’re trying to support someone else in their season of suffering, the Wolfs also had some great resources and guidelines for you to do this well and not unknowingly wound the person in the process.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews