What do you think?
Rate this book
When You Can't Do It Alone
It's easy to trust in the Lord when everything's going your way. But what happens when you experience challenges and difficulties that leave you so spiritually exhausted that you can't see God's hand in your life? As a newly called mission president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, author Brent L. Top experienced a severe emotional and spiritual crisis. Desperate for help, he discovered that knowing where to turn is not enough; we must allow the Savior to rescue us. With remarkable candor, this gospel teacher shares a deeply personal story as he describes six essential ways to survive whatever trials we face. With compassion and understanding, he offers practical suggestions on how to say focused on Christ and take hold of His outstreched hand when the storms of life are raging. This insightful and encouraging book is a must for anyone dealing with adversity.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2008
21 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 25, 2008
I got a lot out of this book. Brent Top and his wife were called to serve as Mission President in Illinois. Not too long after being there, with all the pressure, the pace of things and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, he had a breakdown. His wife helped him through it by encouraging him to Focus On Christ! He said he had taught that concept many, many times, but when he needed to do it most, it seemed hard to figure out how...how to apply that to his life. He did it by:
*Thinking on Him (through music, prayer,the Sacrament, positive thoughts that uplift)
*Serve Him (Helps you focus on others and saves you from self-centeredness & distorted fixation on your own problems)
*Thank Him (count your blessings..."It's pretty hard to say "Woe is me" at the same time you are saying "How blessed I am")
*Learn of Him (scriptures, Temple, conference, meditation,)
*Hold on to Him (stayed focused on Him...don't let go)
He teaches that our problems and worries and struggles and sorrows may vary, but our need to focus on Jesus Christ is universal.
This book and its teachings have been a tremendous help to me!
*Thinking on Him (through music, prayer,the Sacrament, positive thoughts that uplift)
*Serve Him (Helps you focus on others and saves you from self-centeredness & distorted fixation on your own problems)
*Thank Him (count your blessings..."It's pretty hard to say "Woe is me" at the same time you are saying "How blessed I am")
*Learn of Him (scriptures, Temple, conference, meditation,)
*Hold on to Him (stayed focused on Him...don't let go)
He teaches that our problems and worries and struggles and sorrows may vary, but our need to focus on Jesus Christ is universal.
This book and its teachings have been a tremendous help to me!
August 21, 2009
I loved reading this book, and I feel that I have learned a lot from it! Especially, knowing that a lot of people suffer from depression, too. I used to think that I have depression, because of lack of faith, but I realize that when I am weak, then I am strong.I just need to take hold of the Master's Hand, and not let go. There was powerful example in this book that impressed me. It was about their 18month toddler, who was scared of the vacuum cleaner. He would scream every time, it was on, or not. But when he would take hold of his Grandpa Top's hand, he would calm down. It is a lot like me! I need to take hold of the Master's Hand to help me through trials! This book is remarkable, and it gives you six steps to follow in the process! So if you are looking for a book, (other than the scriptures), but quotes a lot of scriptures, with powerful life experiences. Then this is a book, that I highly recommend to you!
October 3, 2008
Some quotes I especially liked:
"controlling my thoughts was what the Lord expected of me. It is an essential act of faith in Christ. Dismissing thoughts of self-contempt, self-pity, and self-doubt is just as vital as dismissing immoral thoughts from the stage of my mind."
"Someday even the sun will fail and fade away, but the Lord will never fail us. His promises are sure."
"May you learn to let Him heal you, lift you, carry you, and strengthen you. May you take hold of His outstretched hand and never let go."
"He never tires. He never fails. He never falters. He never gives up on me. He is always reaching out His hand to me and running to my rescue."
"controlling my thoughts was what the Lord expected of me. It is an essential act of faith in Christ. Dismissing thoughts of self-contempt, self-pity, and self-doubt is just as vital as dismissing immoral thoughts from the stage of my mind."
"Someday even the sun will fail and fade away, but the Lord will never fail us. His promises are sure."
"May you learn to let Him heal you, lift you, carry you, and strengthen you. May you take hold of His outstretched hand and never let go."
"He never tires. He never fails. He never falters. He never gives up on me. He is always reaching out His hand to me and running to my rescue."
July 13, 2013
I appreciated the vulnerability of the writer- it's not easy to lay out our flaws for the whole world to see...but in doing so I'm sure those who have read this will understand that life isn't about just getting through one more day- it's changing ourselves and utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help carry us through the trials of life. My testimony of the Savior is strengthen more by reading this and I am glad to have read it...and apply the teachings it offers.
July 2, 2013
This book is great for those times when you look around and think "Why me?!" Overall it was just a solid, good book!
October 11, 2018
Brent L. Top suffered an emotional crisis during the time he served as a mission president. Overwhelmed by the duties that were before him and relying only on himself, he virtually fell apart. This book describes the ways he found that fed his spirit and brought him back to health. Great book for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life.
August 1, 2017
This book was a good reminder of how to deal with overwhelming challenges and trials. It focuses on trusting in the Lord and further developing your relationship with Christ and your dependence on him.
October 5, 2020
Such an amazing powerful book. The title says it all! It is a must read all! I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone that is struggling in life and or just needs some guidance this is the right book to read.
September 11, 2023
This was in my grandma's library. The book basically details the lessons the author learned from having a nervous breakdown as a mission president. It was short and enjoyable, but a bit forgettable for me.
November 16, 2017
Helpful for dealing with anxiety & depression. A beautiful truth that we overcome it, or just endure it, through the Savior.
March 4, 2018
A much needed read at a difficult time for our family.
November 20, 2018
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, feeling of inadequacy, this book is for you. It will help you to know and feel the love of Jesus Christ in your life.
April 25, 2025
As I began this book. I thought perhaps it was too simplistic--not deep enough to hold my interest, but as I continued I saw that simplicity merely emphasized the cure. Great lesson in that.
July 28, 2009
This was a great book. I really appreciated Bro. Top's willingness to open himself up and share very personal experiences in order to hopefully help others who may be going through similar experiences. I especially loved his very frank discussion about depression and the sometimes-need for medication toward the end of the book, that section really clinched the book for me. It also was exactly what I needed in terms of a gentle reminder as to the things I can and need to be doing to let the Savior help me, that being the key that I need him and I need to LET him be a part of my life, else all hope really is lost.
On a personal note, Bro. Top was recently called as the stake president in my home stake and my dad will be serving with him as his stake clerk; having met him in person only deepens my appreciation for him and the message he writes about in this book. Depression and anxiety can be debilitating diseases, which I have personally experienced as well. This will be a highly recommended read to others I come in contact with in the future who are trying to balance the gospel and other methods to combat their emotional struggles. I especially appreciated this book because Pres. Top, like many other men like him, are people are look up to because of their spirituality and stalwart people that they are; but knowing about his struggles with emotional difficulties didn't make me think less of him at all! Completely on the opposite, it truly helped me realize that none of us who struggles with things like this is alone! That even those people who seem to have it all together may be experiencing things such as this and striving to turn to the Savior and keep going, something that is oftentimes easier said than done, especially when you have emotional difficulties.
On a personal note, Bro. Top was recently called as the stake president in my home stake and my dad will be serving with him as his stake clerk; having met him in person only deepens my appreciation for him and the message he writes about in this book. Depression and anxiety can be debilitating diseases, which I have personally experienced as well. This will be a highly recommended read to others I come in contact with in the future who are trying to balance the gospel and other methods to combat their emotional struggles. I especially appreciated this book because Pres. Top, like many other men like him, are people are look up to because of their spirituality and stalwart people that they are; but knowing about his struggles with emotional difficulties didn't make me think less of him at all! Completely on the opposite, it truly helped me realize that none of us who struggles with things like this is alone! That even those people who seem to have it all together may be experiencing things such as this and striving to turn to the Savior and keep going, something that is oftentimes easier said than done, especially when you have emotional difficulties.
January 19, 2009
I give this book five stars,it was amazing. However, personally for me this book was very hard to read. It ranks up there with the Miracle of Forgiveness. During his calling as a mission president, he suffered an emotional and spiritual crisis that left him feeling hopeless. What I learned and am continually learning is this, heavenly father will not give us anything we cannot handle. And if we can't, he is there for us if we will only let him in, let him "answer the door". I'll finish this review with a quote that Brother Top used from Boyd K. Packer in "Let not your heart be troubled":
If you can smile when things go wrong,
And say it doesn't matter,
If you can laugh off cares and woe,
And troubles make you fatter,
If you can keep a cheerful face
When all around are blue,
Then have your head examined, bud,
There's something wrong with you.
For one thing I've arrived at;
There are no ands or buts,
A guy that's always grinning all the time
Must be completely nuts.
If you can smile when things go wrong,
And say it doesn't matter,
If you can laugh off cares and woe,
And troubles make you fatter,
If you can keep a cheerful face
When all around are blue,
Then have your head examined, bud,
There's something wrong with you.
For one thing I've arrived at;
There are no ands or buts,
A guy that's always grinning all the time
Must be completely nuts.
June 20, 2014
I've read about 10 books about death, adversity, trials, etc since my sister's death last month. This was my favorite one. It is not necessarily about death or even grieving, but more about dealing with trials. He was extremely open about some of the trials he has faced in life (depression, anxiety). This was really the only book that had practical suggestions for dealing with the trials we face in life. There seem to be so many platitudes about "laying your grief and trials at the foot of the Savior" etc, but never any explanation how to do that! This book had some more concrete ideas about how to handle your trials/grief (memorizing hymns, listening to uplifting music, keeping a journal of God's tender mercies, offering prayers of gratitude, meditating on the Savior and his different roles and life, etc). I loved it.
June 21, 2011
I really appreciated the author's willingness to share his experiences of an emotional and spiritual breakdown and what he learned from it. This book is an excellent resource for someone like me, who's easily discouraged yet also overwhelmed with feeling like I can't do it all.
This book is definitely not a "fits all" approach. Instead, I would highly recommend this book to anyone battling depression, discouragement, anxiety, fear, debilitating feelings of inadequacy, and other emotional challenges.
This book is definitely not a "fits all" approach. Instead, I would highly recommend this book to anyone battling depression, discouragement, anxiety, fear, debilitating feelings of inadequacy, and other emotional challenges.
April 21, 2011
This is a great little book that will help anyone who suffers from anxiety and depression. I related to a lot of Bro. Top's stories. He has good quotes (most were new to me), and amazing scripture references. I'm going to go back and read it again with my quad and underline the references from the book. There is a very touching story about his grandson who was born without a hand, and calls it his "nub". The whole concept is how to reach out to the Savior, and how by turning to Him, He can help us live peacefully and joyfully. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2013
Love the experience he shared about being hugged in the Celestial room and being told, "I love you" by Elder Uchtdorf and then putting that into practice with his missionaries and how the one who had been a big trial and almost been sent home multiple times broke into tears and said, "Thank you for extending me mercy." Truly that represents how we all feel about the Lord. We mess up repeatedly, but his arms of mercy are always open to us. He then quoted the lyrics to "I Stand all Amazed," a song that is especially dear to me. Great book!
January 24, 2009
I have heard this author speak many times at Education Week, and he was always one of my favorites. This is a very insightful book about turning to the Savior and letting him save us from ourselves. He writes very frankly about his own personal trials dealing with depression, feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, etc. and he gives important advice about how through his trials, he was able to turn to the Savior as the ultimate source of help.
June 14, 2010
The author shares his "struggles with depression, anxiety, inadequacy, self-doubt, and fear" while serving as a mission president. He encourages the reader to take hold of the Savior's outstretched hand and never let go. He also explains that the Latin root for succor means to "run to help" and that the Savior is uniquely qualified to do this for us. Although not everyone struggles with these same challenges, we all have our own set of challenges to which these principles equally apply.
July 31, 2010
Fantastic book. For anyone who ever gets discouraged or feels inadequate at any time in life! The three main things I personally took from this book are to use/memorize/listen to hymns or church songs more, have a gratitude journal, and serve, serve, serve. These things boost the spirit so quickly. And of course, most of all, this books points to the Savior and how we need to always take His hand whether in times of ease or difficulty.
March 21, 2016
The insight is not unique, but is a courageously vulnerable offering from the author and an essential reminder that SO MANY people struggle with depression and anxiety underneath the camouflage of daily living. I appreciated the focus on reaching out for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the honesty that while holding on to the Saviors hand, endurance and not mastery is often the objective and the reality, but the atonement is powerful enough to bear up any pain or sorrow.
May 10, 2020
My mother-in-law gave me this book to read and i loved it. Brother Top shares his battle with depression and how he has fought it and found happiness in his life. He is a great writer and story teller, and i love his vulnerability. At times in the book, i felt like he was in the room with me, telling me his story in person. Gave me some great insights and ideas on how to turn my focus, trust, and life over to God more.
October 12, 2025
I loved his humor throughout the book and his consistent reminders of turning to the Savior, taking hold of His hand and never letting go as we strive to make it through the journey of life. It was nice to read such a personal narrative that I can relate to, and again be reminded that I'm not the only one who struggles and needs help in multiple ways and sources. Most importantly a Savior's help.
December 9, 2008
I have really enjoyed this book. First the author related to me as a person. Life can be hard and difficult and when we turn to the gospel many of the answer can be found. My faith in prayer has grown and I have a deeper appreciation of the scriptures. I do not think the author is saying everything comes up roses, but that we have some small measure in how we smell them.
February 6, 2009
I attended Brent L Top's Education week seminar entitled "Look Up, Reach Out, Hold On: Letting the Lord lift you when you feel you are sinking." and this book is exactly those lectures in one convenient place.
It was a huge turning point for me in my life to really trust in the Lord. I highly recommend it to anyone, struggling or not.
It was a huge turning point for me in my life to really trust in the Lord. I highly recommend it to anyone, struggling or not.
April 27, 2009
This is a great book. I picked it up at Time Out for Women in Orlando, FL. Brent L Top was there and spoke on the trials he has faced and the things he has learned along the way. This book is a refreshing eye opener to the healing power of relying on the arm of Christ, when you feel you can't do it alone.
October 10, 2009
This book is absolutely fantastic. I love that the author has actually lived through depression and anxiety and instead of telling readers to buck up and get over their depression, he gives specific ways to overcome. Maybe not beat or cure depression totally, but how to push through with the Lord's help. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with mental illness.
January 2, 2010
This is an uplifting book for EVERYONE that faces the struggles of living today. Anxiety, depression, feelings of worthlessness...they are real. This author touches on these tough issues by sharing a very personal experience and offers guidance and helpful tips to modivate and lift others. Every person should read this book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews