Author Faith Doerr has heard her fair share of modern self-help phrases when dealing with struggles in her life. And she knows firsthand “the nails-on-a-chalkboard sound” that resounds in her head every time she hears them. If these phrases don’t offer comfort, is there something that can? In her new book, God’s Encouraging Word: True Comforts When Worldly Advice Fails, Doerr says Scripture offers true comfort and can be beneficial in times of trouble and distress. Doerr’s new book is now available to order from Concordia Publishing House.
“When we are riddled with despair, sadness, grief, anxiety, inadequacy, perfectionism, or shame, we often turn to self-help media,” writes Doerr. “We read books and watch Instagram feeds about how to take back our power. . . . They offer quick tips and little phrases seemingly intended to make us feel worthy. These phrases, so many times, can uplift us for a moment, but they never sustain us. . . .
“Instead, there are words and phrases that do sustain, uplift, and heal: Scripture, which God has provided for us. Certain verses bring us comfort, hope, and joy, and we can call on them and God to truly hold us in moments that feel heavy and overwhelming.”
Readers will look at eight common self-help phrases to see the difference between these sayings and genuinely helpful things to say instead. Then they will turn to the Bible to find real words of comfort they can use in their lives and offer to others. Each chapter includes a “Journal Prompt,” Scripture verses, a prayer, “Gentle Reminders,” and suggested responses for when readers hear these eight phrases. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will learn how to find and offer real comfort and hope through Scripture in God’s Encouraging Word.
“This book will change your approach to the way you face challenges, sorrows, fears, and frustrations,” says Deb Burma, Christian author and speaker. “The words within these pages will guide you straight into the arms of Jesus for real and lasting help and hope—in lieu of the shallow or short-lived kind you’ll find in self-help sayings or cute quotes. With a personal touch, Faith will guide you to the good Word from God that’s incomparably better than even the most popular platitude.”
Visit cph.org for more information. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.
Praise for God’s Encouraging Word
If you are tired of hearing the same empty advice and well-meaning cheer-you-up lines when you are suffering, you need this book. Faith Doerr understands why these words feel meaningless and even make your pain worse. She takes us to God’s Word, where His truth is the only place to find peace, comfort, and identity.
—Jill Levenhagen, editor and founder, LUTHERWOMAN
Where will we turn for wisdom, comfort, or counsel within a culture of catchphrases and self-help sayings that tickle our itching ears? Too often, I’ve fallen for everyday platitudes (and the empty promises they contain) because of their modern-day allure of self-reliance. After all, “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” right? Faith Doerr courageously challenges several touchy topics like this one, uncovering commonly held myths tucked within such sayings and exposing their potential to harm, deceive, or disillusion us. She expertly maneuvers each topic of so-called self-help, skillfully debunking it through engaging stories and insightful truth, squared in Scripture and centered in Christ, our source of strength. This book will change your approach to the way you face challenges, sorrows, fears, and frustrations. The words within these pages will guide you straight into the arms of Jesus for real and lasting help and hope—in lieu of the shallow or short-lived kind you’ll find in self-help sayings or cute quotes. With a personal touch, Faith will guide you to the good Word from God that’s incomparably better than even the most popular platitude. She will lead you to actionable steps through summaries, practical applications, “Gentle Reminders,” and “Journal Prompts.” You’ll likely turn to these pages time and again for powerful reminders of the truth in Christ that sets you free from toxic me-first messages amid a culture saturated with self-help. This brilliant work receives my highest recommendation!
—Deb Burma, Christian author and speaker; CPH author of Joy: A Study of Philippians, Be Still and Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge, and others
God’s Encouraging Word provides a path to finding strength and hope in Jesus in the midst of life’s challenges. Each page reflects the promise of God’s unwavering love and grace paired with intentional and practical tools to bring the reader closer to Him. Whether seeking solace in times of struggle or inspiration for the journey ahead, this book will encourage readers, uplift their spirits, and renew their hearts to look to Jesus in every aspect of their lives.
—Dr. Ashton Popple, chiropractic physician
I just read a book that made me laugh, cry, and nod my head because I felt seen and understood. What’s better is that I get to call the author a friend. Faith uses her life’s struggles to equip her; her past pain and disillusionment make her a wise and compassionate guide. Best of all, Faith points us to Jesus and God’s Word in a way that is genuine and applicable to our everyday lives. Go ahead and order several copies at once! As you read, you’ll think of a dozen friends you want to gift a copy to.
—Lindsay Hausch, Christian author and speaker; CPH author of Take Heart: God’s Comfort for Anxious Thoughts, God’s Provision in a Wilderness World, and others
About the Author
Faith Doerr is married to Preston and is a mama to Lydia and Ezekiel. Faith received her bachelor of elementary education, Lutheran teacher diploma, and master of education in trauma and resilience from Concordia University, Nebraska. Currently, she teaches first grade at Concordia Academy in Omaha, Nebraska. Faith writes a blog, Imperfectly Perfect Living, and runs a Facebook group called “Healthy Mamas.” There, she, with the Holy Spirit working through her, teaches mamas to create a Christ-seeking life and a healthy well-being. Faith has published two mental health journals and speaks at wellness retreats and women’s conferences. She is also the cohost of the podcast Seasoned Mamas: God’s Grace for Every Season of Motherhood. When she’s not teaching or speaking, Faith loves to be outside sipping on her coffee and reading a great book.
