BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Themes of hope, grief and mental illness—and their intersection with the Christian life—come into focus in several fall releases from B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources.
The forthcoming titles present authentic representations of what it is to be human and what it means to live in a broken world with broken people. Some feature personal experiences of mental illness and others share about their journey with a loved one or as a counselor. The books guide readers as they experience anxiety, grieve losses and consider how one’s past impacts his or her present. Amid such suffering, the authors describe how one can turn to God and His Word for hope and comfort.
Additionally, these new releases are intended to equip ministers to serve their congregations. According to Lifeway Research, most pastors (54%) say they’ve known at least one church member who’s been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. And 26% of U.S. Protestant pastors say they’ve personally struggled with some type of mental illness.
“At B&H, we believe God’s Word is sufficient for all of life, and that includes the battlefield for the mind,” said Devin Maddox, publisher of B&H Publishing Group. “Our ambition is that God would work through His people to renew every mind according to His Word.”
“Hope, Hurt, and Healing” by Catherine Renfro, available Sept. 2
Author Catherine Renfro offers biblical encouragement to those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide in “Hope, Hurt, and Healing.” Renfro, who serves as the national director for women’s evangelism at the North American Mission Board, points to Christ as the one who stayed with her in the grief that followed her brother’s suicide, bringing healing and hope.
“Made to Tremble” by Blair Linne, available Sept. 16
In her second book, spoken word artist Blair Linne reframes anxiety not as a purely negative experience but as a spiritual turning point. The author’s journey through crippling anxiety and panic attacks led her to a new dependence on God.
“Sometimes we have been made to tremble in our anxiety so that we might more deeply tremble before God as we enjoy a deeper fellowship with Him,” Linne writes.
“Hopeful Sorrow” by Julie Busler, available Oct. 1
Julie Busler shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect and grief, that, when undealt with, led her to a place of hospitalization on the international mission field. In “Hopeful Sorrow,” she encourages the practice of lament, looking at the wounds and sorrows, so one might then move forward with hope in God.
“Lament allows us to bring every dark thought and emotion into the presence of a loving Father,” said Busler.
“Making Friends with Darkness” by Nick Hamilton, available Oct. 16
Nick Hamilton brings his years of experience as a Navy and hospital chaplain to bear in “Making Friends with Darkness.” Anchored in the Psalms and other passages of Scripture, Hamilton offers a scriptural companion to those recovering from trauma and moral injury. This work reflects what Hamilton does in a counseling setting, seeking to help people recover from trauma and remove barriers it causes in their relationship with God.
Additional forthcoming B&H titles that touch on themes of hardship and point to the faithfulness of God and His Word include: “Someone to Believe In” by Courtney Reissig, “Hopeful-ish” by Scarlet Hiltibidal and “Carried Through Cancer” by Kim Harms.
